Creating your own advent calendar is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to the holiday season. Instead of buying a generic, store-bought calendar, why not craft something unique and tailored to the tastes of your loved ones? In this article, we'll explore how you can create a DIY advent calendar using products from DM (Drogerie Markt), a popular drugstore chain. This guide will provide you with creative ideas, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make your advent calendar truly special. So, let's dive in and discover how to bring some extra joy to the countdown to Christmas!

Why Make Your Own Advent Calendar?

Before we jump into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Why should you invest the time and effort into making your own advent calendar when you can easily buy one? Well, there are several compelling reasons:

• Personalization: A DIY advent calendar allows you to customize the contents to perfectly match the recipient's interests and preferences. Instead of generic chocolates or trinkets, you can include small gifts, handwritten notes, or personalized items that hold special meaning.
• Creativity: Making your own advent calendar is a fun and creative project that allows you to express your artistic side. You can choose the design, materials, and overall theme to create a calendar that is as unique as the person receiving it.
• Cost-Effective: While the initial investment in materials may seem higher, a DIY advent calendar can often be more cost-effective than buying a high-end, pre-made one. Plus, you have control over the budget and can choose items that fit your price range.
• Sentimental Value: A handmade advent calendar carries a sentimental value that a store-bought one simply cannot match. The time and effort you put into creating it will be appreciated and cherished by the recipient for years to come.
• Sustainability: By making your own advent calendar, you can choose sustainable and eco-friendly materials, reducing your environmental impact. You can also refill and reuse the calendar year after year, making it a sustainable tradition.

Getting Started: Planning Your DIY Advent Calendar

Before you head to DM or any other store, it's essential to plan your advent calendar. Here are some key considerations:

1. Choose a Theme: Decide on a theme for your advent calendar. This could be anything from beauty products and snacks to small toys and experiences. Consider the recipient's interests and hobbies to guide your theme selection.
2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on the project. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Remember to factor in the cost of the calendar base, decorations, and fillings.
3. Gather Ideas: Brainstorm a list of 24 small items or activities that fit your chosen theme and budget. Think about things that the recipient would genuinely enjoy and appreciate. This step might involve a bit of detective work, especially if the calendar is for someone else!
4. Select a Calendar Style: Decide on the style of your advent calendar. Will it be a traditional box-style calendar, a hanging calendar with pockets, or something more creative? Consider the space you have available and the overall aesthetic you're going for.
5. Make a Shopping List: Once you have a clear idea of what you need, create a detailed shopping list. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget anything important.

DM Advent Calendar Ideas: What to Include

DM is a treasure trove of affordable and exciting items that are perfect for filling your DIY advent calendar. Here are some ideas based on different themes:

Beauty & Skincare

For the beauty enthusiast, DM offers a wide range of mini skincare products, makeup samples, and beauty accessories. Consider including:

• Miniature hand creams
• Lip balms
• Face masks
• Small makeup brushes
• Nail polish samples
• Travel-sized shampoos and conditioners
• Bath bombs
• Hair accessories (hair ties, clips)

Snacks & Treats

If the recipient has a sweet tooth, fill the calendar with delicious treats from DM's confectionery section:

• Mini chocolate bars
• Individually wrapped candies
• Gourmet cookies
• Small bags of nuts or dried fruit
• Tea bags or instant coffee sachets
• Small jars of honey or jam
• Spices for winter baking

Wellness & Self-Care

Promote relaxation and self-care with small wellness items:

• Essential oil samples
• Miniature aromatherapy candles
• Relaxing bath salts
• Herbal tea bags
• Small notebooks and pens for journaling
• Affirmation cards
• Eye masks
• Stress balls

For Kids

For the little ones, DM has a great selection of toys, stickers, and fun accessories:

• Small toys (e.g., figurines, cars)
• Stickers
• Temporary tattoos
• Coloring pencils or crayons
• Erasers
• Small puzzles
• Bouncy balls
• Hair accessories

Experiences & Activities

Think beyond physical items and include small notes with ideas for activities or experiences:

• "Go for a walk in the park"
• "Read a Christmas story"
• "Watch a festive movie"
• "Bake cookies"
• "Write a letter to Santa"
• "Have a family game night"

DIY Advent Calendar Tutorials: Step-by-Step Guides

Now that you have your theme and fillings sorted, let's look at some tutorials for creating different types of advent calendars:

1. Box-Style Advent Calendar

Materials:

• Cardboard box (large enough to hold 24 small items)
• Craft paper or wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Number stickers or a marker
• Your chosen fillings

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Box: Cover the cardboard box with craft paper or wrapping paper. Secure the edges with glue or tape.
2. Create Compartments: Use cardboard scraps to create 24 small compartments inside the box. You can adjust the size of the compartments to fit your fillings.
3. Number the Compartments: Attach number stickers to each compartment, or use a marker to write the numbers 1 through 24.
4. Fill the Compartments: Place one item in each compartment.
5. Seal the Box: Cut out 24 small doors on the front of the box, one for each compartment. Use a craft knife or scissors to carefully cut along three sides of each door, leaving one side attached to act as a hinge.
6. Decorate: Decorate the box with festive embellishments, such as ribbons, stickers, or glitter.

2. Hanging Advent Calendar with Pockets

Materials:

• Fabric (felt, cotton, or burlap)
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Number stickers or fabric markers
• String or ribbon
• Your chosen fillings

Instructions:

1. Cut the Fabric: Cut out a large rectangle of fabric for the base of the calendar. Then, cut out 48 smaller squares or rectangles for the pockets (two for each pocket).
2. Create the Pockets: Sew two squares or rectangles together on three sides to create a pocket. Repeat this process to make 24 pockets.
3. Attach the Pockets: Arrange the pockets on the base fabric in a grid pattern. Pin the pockets in place and then sew them onto the base.
4. Number the Pockets: Attach number stickers to each pocket, or use fabric markers to write the numbers 1 through 24.
5. Add a Hanging Loop: Sew a loop of string or ribbon to the top of the calendar for hanging.
6. Fill the Pockets: Place one item in each pocket.

3. Advent Calendar with Paper Bags

Materials:

• 24 small paper bags
• Markers, stamps, or stickers for decorating
• Twine or ribbon
• Small clothespins or clips
• A branch, string, or wire for hanging
• Your chosen fillings

Instructions:

1. Decorate the Bags: Decorate each paper bag with festive designs, numbers, or stickers.
2. Fill the Bags: Place one item in each bag.
3. Close the Bags: Fold over the top of each bag and secure it with a clothespin or clip.
4. Attach to Hanging Structure: Hang the bags from a branch, string, or wire using the clothespins or clips. Arrange them in a visually appealing way.

Tips for a Successful DIY Advent Calendar

• Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to start your DIY advent calendar. Give yourself plenty of time to plan, shop, and assemble the calendar.
• Involve Others: Make it a family activity! Get your kids or other family members involved in the process. This can be a fun and bonding experience.
• Be Creative: Don't be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with your design and fillings. The more unique and personalized your calendar is, the more special it will be.
• Consider Dietary Restrictions: If the recipient has any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to choose fillings that are safe for them.
• Presentation Matters: Pay attention to the presentation of your advent calendar. A beautifully crafted and well-presented calendar will make a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

Creating a DIY advent calendar using products from DM is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and create a personalized gift that will be treasured for years to come. By following these tips and ideas, you can craft a unique and memorable advent calendar that perfectly reflects the recipient's personality and interests. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and get ready to make this holiday season extra special! This project will not only save you money, but it will allow you to give a personalized gift. You can head to DM (Drogerie Markt) to gather the supplies you need to make the best advent calendar ever! Have fun creating it and enjoy the entire process, as it will show on the final product. The most important thing about a gift is the love and thought that was put into creating it.