Even procrastinators like me should start thinking about our annual Advent calendar since, with Thanksgiving falling on the 28th, we’ll still be eating turkey when December begins. Fortunately, there are loads of cool-looking Advent calendars you can order, print, or DIY now. December 1st will be here before you know it. –Christina
1. Colorful modern papers from libelu become a modern advent calendar made of cool-looking triangular packages in which to hide little treats for the kids. ($40.07, ships from Germany)
2. Such adorable laser-cut cherry wood ornaments decorate cotton drawstring bags on Peppersprout’s Woodland Ornament Advent Calendar. A definite splurge, but would make a pretty wall hanging to be hung year after year. And, if you someday decide to no longer use the bags, the ornaments could then be added to your Christmas tree. ($125)
3. Like the traditional “open the door” calendars of my childhood, Ordinarily Aimee’s printable Advent calendar has such a clean, modern look. If you’ve got a steady hand for cutting open all the windows, this should be an easy project to do before the start of the month. ($4)
4. A great idea for all those single baby socks left over in the wash: Turn them into a unique and affordable DIY Advent Calendar, preferably in complementary holiday colors. Such a sweet reminder of those little toes that will be around long after your kids’ feet are bigger then your own. (free, unless you buy new socks)
5. No matter what Christmas colors you prefer, Hey Look’s black and white printable Advent calendar boxes will fit right into your decor. Love that this is a free printable DIY project that won’t take too long to pull together. My kids would rush down the stairs each morning to see what’s hidden in that day’s box. (free printable file)
6. Just buy, fill, and hang this Land of Nod pocket Advent calendar. I especially like the festive gold-color accents, and the different-sized pockets allow for some creativity in what treats you hide inside each one. ($49)
7. Oo la la! Nouveau Designs has added Paris to their series of cities featured in their Advent calendars. But act quickly! Like their Brooklyn and Amsterdam Advent calendars, they’ll only create fifty of this new design. ($20)
8. Admittedly, assembling 24 of these little robots in this handmade DIY Advent Calendar may take me until Christmas to do, but they are just too cute to ignore. Created by Next to Nicx, I’m sure my kids would love this little robot army to hang around waiting for Santa to come. ($1 for printable PDF)
9. If Advent + Calendar = Chocolate, check out the decadent, over-the-top Haut Chocolat Advent Calendar from Vosges. With such flavors as Black-Salt Caramel Chocolates and Red Fire Mini Chocolate Bars tucked inside each drawer, this would make an awesome pre-holiday gift for a special grownup too. Love that each drawer flips around to reveal a holiday picture, and that the keepsake box can be refilled in future years with special holiday assortments to come. Yum! ($135)
