7 speedy, last-minute ideas for Advent calendars
22.11.2022
Translation: Katherine Martin
So, you’ve rustled up your 24 pre-Christmas surprises, but are drawing a blank on how to present them? Here’s some inspiration for quick, easy Advent calendars.
Although she wasn’t usually one for arts and crafts, my mum once pulled an all-nighter to make us a felt Advent calendar. I can still picture it in front of me in exact detail: a Christmas tree decorated with golden rings and white candles, set against a dark blue background. She used the rings to hang up the gifts, which she’d wrapped in tissue paper. They looked like brightly coloured candies.
When it comes to Advent calendar creations, I’ve made things much easier for myself. I just hang my own kids’ 24 surprises on a decorative wooden ladder. Admittedly, it isn’t the most imaginative way of doing it, but it’s easy. And it still looks good with the help of a couple of tricks. Time to reveal what those are, as well as six other quickly made Advent calendars.
1. The ladder look
Source: Katja Fischer
Ta-dah! Here’s our Advent calendar – the same one we used last time round. Swapping out the wrapping paper and using new decorations make it look a little different every year. This time, I wrapped it with a string of fairy lights and some gold tinsel.
2. Coat hangers
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It would never have occurred to me to string the gifts up on a coat hanger. Once you spruce up an old hanger with decorations, however, it immediately starts looking like a festive Advent calendar. You can do it in a flash, and it doesn’t take up much room.
3. Branching out
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The next time you’re taking a stroll through the forest, find yourself a nice, old branch (or stay on the sofa and order one from our shop). Decorate it or leave it as is, tie the gifts to it with twine and hang the whole thing up using two cords. Et voilà, you’ve got an Advent calendar.
4. Basket or box
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Decorative raffia baskets and wooden boxes are ideally suited to being bedecked with little surprises. Once Christmas is over, they can be used for storing knick-knacks. Win-win.
5. Shelve it
Shelves are normally home to photos, vases, candles or other decorative accessories. At Christmas, however, they can also play host to some Advent gifts.
6. Hanging organiser
Take the organiser that usually keeps your bathroom items in order and repurpose it into an Advent calendar. You might need several organisers side by side to get 24 compartments. With a few lights and baubles, the hanger cuts a fine figure in its new role, too.
7. Washing line
If this is all still too much work for you, there is a way to make it a touch easier: use a string or washing line. After all, it’s something everyone has at home. Just add a couple of clothes pegs to hang up the presents. That’s basically all you need for an Advent calendar.
Thread + yarn
Quantity discount
CHF13.30 per piece for 2 units CHF0.13/1m
Creativ Company Seaweed
110 m
If you’re still on the hunt for ways to fill your child’s Advent calendar, you can find 24 suggestions here:
Header image: Shutterstock
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.
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