What to Put in Your Advent Calendar: Best Festive Ideas 

When December arrives and the festive season begins to settle in, there’s nothing quite as magical as starting each morning with a small surprise. Advent calendars make the countdown to Christmas feel special, whether you’re filling them with sweets, handwritten notes, tiny gifts, or thoughtful daily activities. A personalised Advent calendar turns the tradition into something meaningful, with each day offering a little joy chosen especially for the person receiving it.

If you’re wondering what to put in your Advent calendar, this complete guide offers inspiration for all ages, children, partners, family members, and friends. You’ll also find creative DIY calendar structures, budget-friendly gift ideas, and a variety of phrases you can include to make each day feel personal and memorable.

Choose a Blank or DIY Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are now a much-loved tradition in many UK homes. While shop-bought ones are easy to find, choosing a fill-your-own Advent calendar gives you more freedom to add the gifts, notes, or treats you want. It’s a simple way to make each day feel personal and thoughtful during the lead-up to Christmas.

There are lots of styles available, wooden calendars with small drawers, fabric hanging pockets, and decorative designs you can place on a shelf, wall, or mantelpiece. Most of these can be reused every year, so they become a cute and meaningful part of your Christmas decorations.

Customising a blank Advent calendar is very easy: just choose 24 small surprises, place them inside each compartment, and enjoy the countdown.

Kids’ Advent Calendar: 24 Affordable Gift Ideas

Children don’t need expensive surprises to feel excited, small, fun, and creative items can make their December magical. Here are 24 budget-friendly ideas:

Advent Calendar for Men: 24 Inspirational Gift Ideas

A personalised Advent calendar is a thoughtful way to make December more enjoyable. Here are small, practical, seasonal ideas:

Advent Calendar for Women: 24 Gift Ideas to Pamper Her

Whether she loves cosy nights in, self-care, or small sentimental surprises, these ideas feel personal and uplifting:

Phrases for Advent Calendars

Adding a short message to your Advent calendar can make each day feel even more special. Whether you want something festive, heartfelt, inspiring, or playful, the right words can turn a simple surprise into a meaningful moment. Here are a few types of phrases you can include, depending on who the calendar is for.

1. General & Festive Phrases

These are perfect for anyone, family, friends, colleagues, or children, and bring a little Christmas cheer to each day.

• A little festive joy for today.
• Wishing you a cosy December moment.
• May your day be merry and bright.
• Counting down to Christmas magic.
• Warm wishes for the season.

2. Inspirational & Heartfelt Notes

Ideal for someone who appreciates thoughtful words or needs a lift during the busy winter months.

• Take a moment today to breathe and feel grateful.
• Let hope guide your day.
• Small joys make the biggest difference.
• You are stronger than you think.
• Joy grows when we share it.

3. Personal Messages & Affirmations

Perfect for partners, close friends, or family members, these make the calendar feel truly personal.

• You make every day a little brighter.
• I’m proud of you, more than you know.
• A reminder: you are loved every single day.
• Thank you for being you.
• Today’s thought: you matter.

4. Funny & Light-Hearted Phrases

Great for people who enjoy humour and want their Advent calendar to bring smiles as well as surprises.

• This treat pairs well with a lazy evening.
• Official instruction: relax immediately.
• If calories don’t count in December, enjoy freely.
• Warning: festive spirit may increase throughout the day.
• You’re on Santa’s ‘mostly nice’ list.

5. Christmas Film & Pop Culture Quotes

For movie lovers, adding a favourite line from a Christmas classic makes the countdown even more fun.

• The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
• Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings.
• Merry Christmas, ya cheeky rascal!
• Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.
• Christmas doesn’t come from a store.

4 Ideas for a DIY Advent calendar

If you prefer creating something personal instead of buying a ready-made calendar, there are plenty of simple, charming DIY options. These ideas work beautifully in UK homes and can be made with basic craft materials or items you already have.

1. Hanging Advent Calendar

Sew 24 small fabric bags, or use mini metal buckets, and number them from 1 to 24. Hang them along a string, garland, or doorway using clips or hooks. This style looks lovely as part of your Christmas décor and gives you flexibility with the size of the gifts inside.

2. Wooden House Calendar

Choose a reusable wooden Advent calendar with small opening drawers, available from many craft shops in the UK. Decorate it with paint, glitter, ribbons, or festive stickers, then fill each compartment with small treats or notes. It becomes a long-lasting piece you can use every Christmas.

3. Book Advent Calendar

Collect 24 Christmas-themed books, new, pre-loved, or borrowed, wrap each one, and place them in a large basket or box. Open one book each evening throughout December. This is a wonderful idea for families who enjoy bedtime reading.

4. Paper or Box Advent Calendar

Create your own set of small envelopes or use a kit of cardboard boxes. Number each one and arrange them into a festive shape such as a star, wreath, or mini village. This option is easy to customise and works well for lightweight gifts.

Where to Buy an Advent Calendar

If you don’t have the time to craft your own DIY Advent calendar, you can still enjoy the magic of a personalised countdown with a ready-to-fill option. On Aosom.co.uk, you’ll find a selection of beautifully designed wooden Advent calendars with small drawers or compartments, perfect for adding your own gifts, notes and festive surprises.

From traditional house-shaped styles to charming decorative designs, these calendars bring a warm Christmas touch to your home, and make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

If you’re still preparing your home, you can explore Christmas Trees, Christmas Inflatables, LED Christmas Lights, or other Christmas Decorations to match your calendar display.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of the Advent calendar?

An Advent calendar is a special way to count down the days leading up to Christmas, with each day revealing a small window, drawer, or pocket that holds a tiny surprise. Modern versions often include chocolates, toys, or personal messages, creating a daily moment of festive excitement.

2. What is the purpose of Advent?

Advent is the period of preparation before Christmas in many Christian traditions, focusing on themes like hope, peace, joy, and love. For some, it’s a spiritual season leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth; for others, it’s simply a reflective way to ease into the festive mood.

3. What is the difference between Advent and Christmas?

Advent is the build-up to Christmas, spent preparing, reflecting, and counting down. Christmas, on the other hand, is the celebration itself, Advent creates anticipation, while Christmas marks the joyful arrival of the holiday.