DIY Advent Calendar Ideas to Make Before December 1st

December 1 arrives fast. Make the calendar in the last week of November so the first envelope is ready on the morning you need it.

Keep the surprises small

If every day is a toy, you will be tired by the 4th. Notes and tiny sweets last the month.

Ideas to try

• Envelopes on twine: 24 small envelopes, each with a note, a sticker, or a tiny chocolate.
• Boxes on a string: reuse small boxes. Number them 1 to 24.
• A basket and folded papers: less pretty, faster, and just as exciting at breakfast.
• Activity days mixed with treats: ‘build a snowflake,’ ‘call someone,’ ‘cocoa tonight.’