Around here we’re definitely starting to get into the festive spirit. We’ve already put up the tree, hung some decorations, are having some friends round for Christmas drinks at the weekend and – better late than never – I’ve finally finished making Jan’s advent calendar.

This year I decided to make one from scratch. Ages ago, I’d seen some wooden stackable cubes in a similar shape and thought it would be great to have a go at making an advent calendar made out of similar shaped, interlocking and stackable boxes.
And because it’s the season of giving, we’re sharing the template with you, too.

Admittedly it’s probably just a bit late to start making an advent calendar now, but you could always pin it and save it for next year.
If you fancy making your own DIY advent calendar, this is what you’ll need:
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- Template for the numbers (you can download it here)
- Paper (heavyweight paper is best)
- Scissors and/or craft knife
- Ruler
- Glue or double-sided tape

How to make the DIY advent calendar:
1. Start by downloading and printing the template onto some A4 paper. we opted for brown paper, but you could print on any colour paper you’d like.
2. Cut out your templates with scissors or – like us – with a craft knife.

3. To achieve nice and straight edges, carefully score along the dashed lines before folding the flaps.
4. Glue your box together. Remember to leave one side open so that you can insert and remove your gifts and then add your number.

5. Print, cut, fold, repeat – honestly it’s kind of mass production, but the more you make, the quicker it gets.
The boxes are a bit fiddly to assemble, but the neater you cut and cleaner you fold, the easier it is.

Then it’s just a matter of filling your little boxes with treats. They are relatively small but are just the right size for a few sweets or a voucher.
Do you already have your Christmas decorations and tree up? Do you have an advent calendar?
If you like this project, you will love these ones, too!
leigh says
What a cute and genius idea thank you so much for sharing the idea and the templates
Christine says
Thanks, Leigh! It does take a bit time to cut everything out but I think it’s totally worth it.
Cx
Kim Brown says
I think this is cute and want to use, Cannot find the template? PLEASE help
Jan says
Hi Kim,
the links for the templates are in the “this is what you’ll need” section of the post.
Hope it helps
Jan