Create a Simple Advent Calendar From Target’s Dollar Section

To create a simple advent calendar inspired by Target’s Dollar section was just the inspiration I needed. I have created an advent calendar for the last six years. I almost didn’t make one this year because Madeline is away, my kids are big kids, and I thought I was out of fresh ideas. Then I happened to take a pass through the dollar section at Target and was immediately inspired to not only make one for my kids, but to make another one to send to a friend.

A house that’s mostly black and white lends itself well to decorations: Like this simple advent calendar from Target’s Dollar section

Finding a Place to Display the Advent Calendar Every Year is half the fun!

I loved how the little red and white gingham checked bags looked against the white walls and the black bannister. Nothing says holiday like mixing in a little red!

I’ve displayed our advent calendar all over the house, but this year the red and white checked bags on the black and white stairway with a few sprigs of fresh boxwood was just too easy to pass up. I recently “met” Amanda (@smallacornsamanda) who started the hashtag #botanicalforagersunitedsocietyinc  -She uses foraged botanicals all over her house and her shop. Did I mention her shop is is New Zealand?  I’m dying to visit Small Acorns, but for now I’ll just be inspired by Amanda. Even though our seasons are complete opposites. She’s currently enjoying peonies while I have Juniper and boxwood.

This sweet little painting is an original by Kiki and Polly called “Winter Coats.” I just checked and it’s available as a print! It’s so charming. I refresh the little sprig of juniper every week or so all winter! I carry a small clippers on my walks and snip snip when I see something I like. I love how the blue in the juniper berries picks up the color of the coat. The boxwood is from right outside my door.

Send one as a Gift

The Supplies You’ll Need to Create This Simple Advent Calendar from Target’s Dollar Section

• 24 bags (These were from the Dollar Section at Target)

Other options for small bags:

• Floral bags
• Burlap gift bags
• Traditional holiday/Christmas bags

• Clips (something to hang the bags)
• Twine
• White Sharpie to make each clip (For this I use an oil-based white Sharpie)-I often use a wide tip water-based Sharpie on my glass front door. An oil-based Sharpie is permanent, so be careful when using).
• A small box to carefully arrange the items to send to a friend! I spray painted the inside of the box gold, put in 24 bags, 24 clips, and some twine!

I used small cloth bags in red and white check, (these would work too), a spool of twine and packages of chalkboard clothespins.  It was just too simple to pass up and since everything was in the Dollar Section at my local TARGET store, the price was right.  I also packaged one up in a box that I spray painted the inside gold and will be sending this to a dear friend.  Are you making one this year?

What to Put Inside Each Little Bag

It’s easy when the kids are little. A small toy, a book or a new Christmas toothbrush are all things you can easily find just about anywhere.

Ideas for what to put into the bags when the kids are a little older:

• A Starbucks gift card
• Gift cards for yogurt shop, or other local favorites
• Candy

You might like this advent calendar using branches or this one where I used drift wood.