Hi, I’m Juhh!
The holiday season is just around the corner, and nothing brings more joy and anticipation than an Advent calendar. Opening a little door each day and finding a delightful surprise makes the countdown to Christmas even more magical. If you’re looking for creative and thoughtful Advent calendar filler ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you want to make something personal, fun, or useful, I’ve got a wide variety of suggestions for you to consider. Let’s dive into some inspiring ideas to help make your Advent calendar memorable this year.
What is an Advent calendar?
Advent calendars have become a staple in holiday traditions. Originating in Germany, they were used to mark the days leading up to Christmas. Traditionally, each day would have a small door or window that, when opened, revealed something special—whether it’s a sweet treat, a small trinket, or a meaningful message. Today, Advent calendars can be customized in endless ways to reflect personal tastes and the personality of the person you’re gifting it to.
Creating your own Advent calendar gives you the freedom to add more personal touches and turn each day into a delightful experience. So, let’s explore some exciting filler ideas that will bring joy and cheer throughout the season!
Why make your own Advent calendar?
Making your own Advent calendar allows you to tailor it to the person you’re gifting it to, whether it’s your friend, partner, or someone in your family. It’s a way to add a personal touch and show how much thought and care went into curating the calendar. Handmade calendars are perfect if you want to focus on themes such as wellness, beauty, crafts, or fun surprises. Not to mention, it’s a great way to incorporate sustainability by reducing waste and choosing meaningful, long-lasting gifts.
1. Small treats and snacks
One of the simplest yet most popular filler ideas is to include little snacks or sweet treats. Whether you’re adding candies, chocolates, or savory bites, these small edible surprises are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
- Artisanal chocolates – Opt for unique, high-quality chocolates for a more indulgent experience.
- Gourmet cookies – Wrap mini homemade or store-bought cookies for a sweet daily surprise.
- Dried fruit or nuts – Healthier alternatives that still pack a delicious punch.
- Hot chocolate mix – Add a mini packet of hot cocoa mix for a cozy winter treat.
- Tea sachets – Include a different flavor for each day to keep it interesting.
2. Self-care and pampering products
The holiday season can be stressful, so incorporating small self-care items into your Advent calendar will give your loved one something to look forward to each day. These items will help them relax and take time for themselves.
- Mini candles – Include a variety of scents to create a calming and festive atmosphere.
- Face masks – Single-use sheet masks or small jars of face mask products are perfect for a little self-pampering.
- Lip balms – Moisturizing lip balms are especially great during the winter months.
- Hand cream – A small tube of hand cream is practical and luxurious, especially during the colder season.
- Bath bombs – Create a spa-like experience with fun and fragrant bath bombs.
3. Fun and creative activities
For the adventurous or creative soul, consider adding small items that inspire fun and hands-on activities. These fillers can range from DIY crafts to exciting games that the recipient can enjoy alone or with loved ones.
- Mini puzzles – Include small puzzles that take just a few minutes to complete but provide a fun break.
- Coloring pages or small coloring books – A great way to unwind and get creative.
- Stickers – Cute and themed stickers are perfect for those who love to decorate journals, planners, or crafts.
- DIY ornament kits – Provide everything needed to make a new Christmas ornament for the tree.
- Temporary tattoos – Fun and playful, temporary tattoos can add a bit of whimsy to the calendar.
4. Jewelry and accessories
If you want to make your Advent calendar a bit more glamorous, adding small jewelry or accessory pieces can be the way to go. It’s perfect for someone who loves a touch of sparkle or enjoys switching up their daily accessories.
- Earrings – Consider small, festive studs or simple hoops for daily wear.
- Bracelets – Delicate, stackable bracelets make a lovely addition.
- Hair accessories – Clips, pins, or scrunchies are great for styling.
- Necklaces – Choose dainty necklaces that can easily match with any outfit.
- Rings – Midi rings or simple bands are small but thoughtful pieces.
5. Eco-friendly and sustainable fillers
Incorporating eco-friendly items into your Advent calendar not only shows thoughtfulness but also aligns with sustainability. These items can be reused or are made from natural materials that are kind to the environment.
- Reusable makeup remover pads – These washable pads are a sustainable alternative to disposable cotton rounds.
- Beeswax wraps – Great for anyone looking to reduce plastic use in their kitchen.
- Reusable straws – Stainless steel or bamboo straws are practical and eco-friendly.
- Mini plant pots or seeds – Gift seeds that can be planted and nurtured as they grow.
- Sustainable soap bars – Consider handmade or eco-friendly soaps that come in plastic-free packaging.
6. Sentimental and personal notes
Sometimes the simplest gift is the most meaningful. Including personal notes or thoughtful messages throughout the Advent calendar can make it a truly special experience.
- Affirmation cards – Write positive affirmations or inspirational quotes for each day to boost their mood.
- Love notes – Add personal notes expressing gratitude, love, or appreciation.
- Memory reminders – Share small memories or stories that you treasure.
- Coupons for experiences – Offer coupons for experiences such as a movie night, homemade dinner, or a cozy weekend in.
- Photo prints – Include mini photo prints from your favorite moments together.
7. Practical gifts and everyday essentials
Not every Advent filler has to be indulgent or whimsical. Practical gifts are also a great idea, especially when they are useful daily items that your recipient will appreciate.
- Mini notebooks – Perfect for jotting down notes or making holiday to-do lists.
- Pens or markers – A fun set of pens or markers that are practical and cute.
- Travel-sized toiletries – Shampoo, lotion, or hand sanitizer in mini form for on-the-go convenience.
- Keychains – A fun and functional accessory to add to any keyring.
- Cable organizers – Help keep all those charging cables neat and tidy with a compact organizer.
8. Holiday-themed surprises
Since it’s the holiday season, why not fully embrace the Christmas spirit by including themed items that reflect the season? From ornaments to festive socks, these fillers can add an extra touch of holiday cheer.
- Christmas ornaments – A small ornament each day that can be added to the tree.
- Festive socks – Include a pair of cozy, holiday-themed socks to keep warm.
- Holiday cookie cutters – Fun shapes for making Christmas cookies.
- Seasonal spices – A mini jar of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for holiday baking.
- Holiday cards – A set of small Christmas cards to use for sending holiday greetings.
Creating an Advent calendar filled with thoughtful surprises can truly enhance the magic of the holiday season. Whether you opt for snacks, self-care treats, practical items, or personal notes, each day leading up to Christmas will bring joy and excitement. I hope this list of ideas has inspired you to get creative with your own Advent calendar, making it a meaningful and delightful experience for someone special.
Kisses, Juhh!