DIY Advent Calendar: How to Make Waiting for Christmas Fun
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As Christmas draws closer, the festive spirit fills the air, and one of the best ways to build anticipation is with an Advent calendar. This year, why not take a more sustainable and creative approach by crafting your very own DIY Advent calendar? Whether you’re a seasoned soapmaker or simply enjoy handmade, eco-friendly gifts, a handmade DIY Xmas Advent calendar is the perfect project to count down to Christmas with a personal, thoughtful touch.
Not only does a DIY Advent calendar offer endless possibilities for customization, but it also allows you to prioritize sustainability. Store-bought calendars often come with plastic packaging or low-quality fillers, but with a sustainable Advent calendar, you can reduce waste and make the season even more meaningful. Whether it’s for yourself, friends, family, or even your pets, this handmade Advent calendar idea will leave everyone feeling pampered.
Let’s dive into how you can create your own DIY Advent calendar that suits everyone on your gift list, from adults to dogs—and even beer lovers! I’ll also share sustainable packaging ideas, tips on where to buy high-quality materials, and plenty of inspiration to make your countdown to Christmas truly magical.
Why Create a DIY Soap Advent Calendar?
The beauty of a DIY Advent calendar lies in the control it gives you over every detail. You can tailor each day’s gift to reflect the recipient’s preferences, whether it’s their favorite scent or a personalized design. As someone who runs a small soap-making business, I love the chance to share my passion for natural skincare with others, and a DIY Advent calendar for adults allows me to do just that in a creative way.
A DIY Xmas Advent calendar is also a wonderful opportunity to share eco-conscious gifts. Handmade soaps are not only beautiful but are also better for the environment, especially when compared to mass-produced beauty products that often contain harmful chemicals and excess packaging. By making a sustainable Advent calendar, you’ll be contributing to a greener holiday season and reducing your environmental footprint.
For soapmakers, this is also a great way to use up soap scraps, leftover batches, or experiment with new designs, colors, and scents. Plus, there’s something so rewarding about seeing your handmade creations in a beautiful DIY Advent calendar display.
Materials You’ll Need
Creating a DIY Advent calendar doesn’t require too many supplies, but it’s important to gather the right materials to ensure your project is both beautiful and sustainable. Here’s a basic list to get you started:
Handmade soaps: You’ll need 24 small bars of soap—one for each day leading up to Christmas. You can either make them yourself or source from local artisans or eco-friendly online shops like Etsy, for example.
Eco-friendly wrapping materials: Consider using recycled paper, compostable fabric bags, or even reusable containers to package each soap. Boobalou offers great sustainable wrapping options.
Numbered labels or tags: Make sure to mark each day with a number, either using recyclable stickers, stamps, or hand-drawn tags on recyclable card stock.
Display options: Choose a reusable Advent calendar structure, such as a wooden box or fabric wall hanging. Not on the High Street has a range of beautiful, handmade calendar displays that can be used year after year.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a DIY Soap Advent Calendar
Once you’ve gathered all your materials, it’s time to get crafting! Here’s how to put together your DIY Advent calendar:
Make or buy your soap bars: Start by deciding what kind of soaps you’d like to include. You could stick with a holiday theme and create bars scented with festive aromas like cinnamon, peppermint, or pine. You could even incorporate decorative elements like dried flowers or eco-friendly glitter to give the soaps a special holiday feel.
Wrap each soap: Take care to wrap each soap bar in sustainable packaging, whether that’s recycled wrapping paper or cloth. Add a number to each gift, so the recipient knows which day it’s for. If you’re using fabric bags, tie them off with a piece of twine for a rustic look.
Create a display: Now, arrange your soaps in a display that will make the countdown to Christmas even more exciting. You could use a wooden display with individual drawers, or simply place the wrapped soaps in a reusable basket. For a minimalist approach, hang each soap-filled fabric bag on a piece of driftwood or twine using wooden clothespins.
DIY Advent Calendar Ideas for Everyone
One of the great things about a DIY Advent calendar is that it’s easy to tailor to any recipient. Here are a few fun ideas to inspire you:
DIY Advent Calendar for Adults
The DIY Advent calendar for adults can be as luxurious and indulgent as you like. Fill it with mini soap bars in soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood, or create a mix of skincare items like lip balms, solid lotions, and bath bombs. You could even include a surprise self-care tip with each day’s gift, encouraging the recipient to take time for themselves during the busy holiday season.
For an extra touch of personalization, consider creating themed soaps. For example, one day could feature a festive snowflake-shaped soap, while another could have a bar with exfoliating coffee grounds for a refreshing morning scrub. The possibilities are endless!
Where to buy supplies: If you’re short on time or prefer to buy ready-made soaps, check out The Soap Kitchen or Naturallythinking for high-quality, ethical ingredients. Both offer a wide range of natural soap bases and essential oils. Check other EU- and UK-based online shops for buying soapmaking supplies.
DIY Advent Calendar for Dogs
Why leave your furry friends out of the fun? A DIY Advent calendar for dogs is the perfect way to spoil your pet during the holiday season. You can fill each day with a small, pet-safe soap that’s specially formulated for dogs, or even include homemade treats or eco-friendly toys. This year, I'll be making a DIY advent calendar for my pup Frøya and I'll share the progress! Spoiler alert-it will include a lot of healthy tasty treats and some fun toys! I'm also considering crafting some dog soap for her, as she is not the biggest fan of commercial shampoos and scratches a lot after showering.
When making soap for dogs, it’s important to use ingredients that are safe for pets. Avoid essential oils, as these can sometimes irritate a dog’s sensitive skin. Instead, opt for gentle ingredients like oatmeal or coconut oil, which are great for soothing dry winter skin.
Where to buy supplies: You can check out Lily’s Kitchen for dog-friendly products to include in your Advent calendar.
DIY Beer Advent Calendar
For the beer enthusiast in your life, why not create a DIY beer advent calendar? This fun and unique twist combines handmade soap with craft beer. Each day could feature a different beer-themed soap, perhaps using beer as one of the main ingredients. Beer soap is known for its rich lather and moisturizing properties, making it a perfect addition to a winter skincare routine.
Alternatively, you could mix things up by including small bottles or cans of craft beer alongside your soaps. Choose local, organic brews to keep things sustainable, and make the experience even more special.
Where to buy supplies: Beer52 is a fantastic online store offering craft beer from independent brewers across Europe.
DIY Advent Calendar Made Easy: A Simplified Approach
If you’re short on time but still want to create something special, an easy DIY Advent calendar version is the way to go. Instead of wrapping each soap individually, simply place them all in a reusable cloth bag or wooden box. Each day, the recipient can pull out a new soap bar, making the countdown simple and stress-free.
This minimalist approach still allows for plenty of creativity. You can experiment with different soap shapes, colors, and textures to keep things interesting. For example, use silicone molds to create soaps in festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Add natural colorants like spirulina for a green hue or beetroot powder for a rosy tint.
Where to buy supplies: For high-quality, natural soap-making supplies, visit Soaposh or The Soapery, both UK-based companies with a commitment to ethical, eco-friendly ingredients.
Sustainable Advent Calendar Packaging
One of the best ways to make your DIY Advent calendar eco-friendly is by using sustainable packaging. Rather than single-use plastic or traditional wrapping paper, opt for reusable fabric bags made from organic cotton or linen. These can be used year after year, making them a fantastic investment for future Christmases.
These materials are biodegradable, renewable, and gentle on the environment. By investing in high-quality fabric bags, you ensure that your DIY Advent calendar can be reused year after year, reducing the need for single-use wrapping. For an extra personal touch, you can even sew your own fabric pouches or repurpose old textiles, such as scarves or kitchen towels, into charming, eco-friendly gift wraps.
If fabric bags aren’t your style, consider upcycling household materials you might already have on hand. Old mason jars, tin cans, or small glass containers can be creatively transformed into festive packaging. Add some natural embellishments, like dried orange slices, sprigs of rosemary, or twine made from jute, to give your jars a rustic, holiday vibe. These containers not only look beautiful but also keep your soaps fresh and can be reused for storage after the calendar is finished.
Another fun, eco-friendly option is using recycled paper or newspaper to wrap your soap gifts. With a little creativity, even the most basic paper can be turned into an elegant, rustic wrapper. You can decorate it with hand-drawn festive patterns, stamps, or biodegradable glitter for a festive touch. Using recyclable paper ensures that your packaging is not only stylish but also easy on the planet.
For those looking to go plastic-free, avoid conventional tapes and adhesives by opting for washi tape or compostable packing tape. Both are available in a variety of designs and are fully biodegradable, making them ideal for a sustainable Advent calendar. These small adjustments in packaging choices contribute to a more thoughtful and eco-conscious gift-giving experience.
You can also upcycle materials from around the house. For example, old glass jars, wooden boxes, or even newspaper can all be transformed into beautiful and sustainable packaging options. Get creative and think outside the box, the options are both diverse and creative.
Where to buy supplies: If you need extra packaging materials, check out Etsy for a wide selection of eco-friendly options.
Making a DIY Soap Advent Calendar for Everyone
Ultimately, a DIY Advent calendar is about making the countdown to Christmas extra special for your loved ones. By choosing handmade soaps and focusing on sustainability, you’re not only giving a thoughtful gift but also contributing to a greener, more eco-friendly holiday season.
Whether it’s a DIY Advent calendar for adults, a pet-themed version for dogs, or even a quirky DIY Advent calendar beer for the craft beer lover, there’s no limit to how you can customize and personalize this festive project. So gather your supplies, let your creativity shine, and enjoy the process of crafting a unique, handmade countdown to Christmas.
Happy crafting! And if you’re looking for more ideas on natural soap-making or sustainable gift-giving, be sure to check out our other eco-friendly gift guides. Merry Christmas!
This article was all about how to make your own DIY Advent calendar that is full of eco-friendly small gifts to excite you for Christmas. Whether you're crafting a DIY Advent calendar for adults, dogs, or even a beer-themed version, the possibilities are endless. By focusing on sustainability, handmade products, and thoughtful details, you’re not only reducing waste but also giving gifts that are personal, unique, and long-lasting. A DIY Xmas Advent calendar is the perfect way to add joy to the holiday season while supporting eco-friendly practices. So, gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy the magic of a sustainable Christmas countdown!