How to make a simple advent calendar using take-out containers and bags. Every year I try and come up with a simple {DIY} Advent Calendar. The one I made for this year took very little time and just a few supplies from the backyard and a trip to Michaels. The only tricky part is trying to find 24 tiny gifts. It was a lot easier when my kids were younger. A piece of candy, a holiday book….now the expectations (mostly mine) are so much higher, but it’s still fun at all ages.
The Supplies You’ll Need to Make this Advent Calendar
How to Make a Simple Advent Calendar Using Take-Out Containers and Mini Paper Bags
- A combination of small white paper bags and take-out boxes
- A gold Sharpie
- Twine
- Foraged branches
- A Heavy glass vase or container to hold the branches
- Twinkle Lights
How We Made it:
The supplies started with having my husband cut a few branches from a tree and then I spray painted them gold. My theme was simple, gold and white, but bare branches would be pretty too if you don’t want to spray paint.
I wrote numbers one through 24 on each bag or container with a gold Sharpie and hung them with white twine. Jute would work too! I added a strand of white twinkle lights because you can never have too many twinkle lights.
Another option would be to use numerals or even stenciling numbers on the bags and containers.
Ideas to Fill Each Little Advent Calendar Box
Of course this depends on age and how much you want to spend. I think it’s a great idea to start by adding small notes of activities that you can do as a family during the holiday season.
- Drive around looking at Christmas lights
- Decorate the tree
- Make homemade cookies
- Make ornaments
- Make gifts for friends and family Like these that could easily be assembled by young children with your help.
You may also like this driftwood advent calendar.
Is it already that time of year again?! Your Advent Calendar is here! Looks great!
omgosh annie this is so dang perfect. it’s light and airy and yet warm too with the twinkle lights. i’m working on making that little stump table as i type this. you are so creative! x
Love it! Advent is here!
as always…..creative beyond belief. Just so pretty and simple and artistic
wish i was and focused as you
and as talented and crafty ; 0))))
xo kelley
I love this Annie!
Annie, Wonderful! Just catching up on your blog and always love your advent calendars! I think this is very cute and love the branches spray painted and lights. I think I could actually do this! Happy Holidays! x Kim
This is so cute, Annie. I love the clean look with white bags and boxes and clear lights. Your Christmas decorations are so pretty and they don’t give me anxiety (haha!) like some that are loaded with wreaths, knickknacks and too much stuff. You know I love your style 🙂
This is very cool! What kind of goodies will you put in the bags?
Beautiful! I love the simplicity and of course, the WHITE 🙂
You are such a fun mom!
You make Advent extra joyous with your creative calendars each year!
Agree! Advent Calendars and a wonderful reminder that Christmas is coming for all ages!
oh! i have *just* discovered this post and LOVE this idea!
too late for this year, but will absolutely get on board next year!
merry christmas!
xx