DIY Christmas Advent Calendar with DIY STAR LiviaBivia!
Make a DIY Christmas advent calendar with numbered pockets and a decorative paper star topper, then fill pockets with small surprises for each day.
About this activity
Make a DIY Christmas advent calendar with numbered pockets and a decorative paper star topper, then fill pockets with small surprises for each day.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Lay your large cardboard or poster board flat on the table.
- 2
Step 2
Decide how many pockets you want for your advent calendar (for example 24) and choose a rows by columns layout.
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Step 3
Use your ruler and pencil to lightly mark the positions for each pocket on the cardboard.
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Step 4
Cut a paper rectangle for each pocket from colored paper about 10 cm by 7 cm (4 in by 3 in).
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Step 5
Fold each rectangle up about one third from the bottom to make a pocket flap.
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Step 6
Apply glue to the back of the folded flap on each pocket piece.
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Step 7
Press each pocket onto its marked spot on the board and hold for a few seconds so it sticks.
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Step 8
Write numbers on the pockets from 1 to your chosen number using a marker or add number stickers.
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Step 9
Cut a large star shape from colored paper to make your decorative star topper.
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Step 10
Decorate the star with coloring materials and stickers to make it shine.
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Step 11
Attach the decorated star to the top of your cardboard using glue or tape.
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Step 12
Tie string or ribbon to the top of the board so you can hang the calendar if you want to.
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Step 13
Fill each numbered pocket with a small surprise like a note sticker or tiny toy.
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Step 14
Share a photo of your finished DIY Christmas advent calendar with the star topper on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a DIY Christmas advent calendar with numbered pockets and a decorative paper star topper?
Start by planning a layout (wall pocket board, hanging string, or wreath). Cut 24 small pockets from cardstock, envelopes, or folded paper and number them 1–24. Decorate each pocket with stickers, glitter, or stamps. Make the paper star topper by cutting a star template from decorative paper, folding for dimension, and layering or securing with glue. Attach the star to the top of your display. Fill pockets with small surprises and supervise scissors and hot-glue use.
What materials do I need to make a DIY Christmas advent calendar with a DIY star topper?
Materials: cardstock or patterned scrapbooking paper, 24 small envelopes or paper for folded pockets, scissors, craft glue or double-sided tape, markers or number stickers, pencil and ruler, decorative paper for the star topper, sequins/ribbon/stickers for embellishment, string/clothespins or a backing board for display, and small surprises (candy, stickers, notes, tiny toys). Optional: hole punch, hot glue (adult use), laminator for durability, adhesive foam squares for dimension.
What ages is this pocket advent calendar activity suitable for?
This craft suits ages 3–12 with different supervision levels. Ages 3–5 need close adult help with cutting, gluing, and handling small surprises. Ages 6–8 can fold pockets, number them, and decorate independently with some supervision. Ages 9–12 can design complex star toppers and assemble displays. Teens and adults can create elaborate versions. Always supervise small items and glue guns and check for choking hazards with younger children.
What are the benefits of making a DIY Christmas advent calendar with kids?
Making an advent calendar builds fine motor skills through cutting, folding, and decorating, and reinforces counting and sequencing when numbering pockets. It encourages creativity and planning as kids design the star topper and choose surprises. The activity fosters anticipation and family bonding—fill pockets together and use the countdown to create daily rituals. It’s reusable and customizable each year, teaching resourcefulness and helping establish holiday traditions.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have large cardboard, colored paper, or glue listed in the instructions?
Use a flattened cereal box or shoebox cardboard for the board, color plain printer paper with crayons to make the 10 cm × 7 cm pocket rectangles, and substitute tape or a glue stick in place of white glue when attaching pockets.
My pockets keep coming off the board—what step am I doing wrong and how can I fix it?
Make sure you fold each rectangle up about one third from the bottom, apply glue to the back of the folded flap (or use double-sided tape), press each pocket onto its penciled mark on the board and hold for several seconds so it sticks firmly.
How can I adapt this advent calendar activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers have an adult pre-cut the 10×7 cm pockets and let them decorate the star and stick number stickers, for elementary kids let them measure, cut, fold and write numbers, and for older kids let them design the rows×columns layout and add personalized small gifts or notes to each pocket.
What are simple ways to enhance or personalize the finished calendar beyond the basic instructions?
Make some pockets larger for tiny toys, line pockets with patterned paper or fabric, decorate the star with glitter and a battery tea light behind it for a glow, and fill pockets with mini activity notes before sharing your photo on DIY.org.