An advent calendar turns December 1–24 into a daily countdown full of tiny surprises. These 75 advent calendar ideas include small fillers for kids, adults and couples, non-candy ideas, activities and DIY calendar designs. Advent calendars for 2026 usually start on Tuesday, December 1.
Advent calendar fillers for kids
- Mini chocolates or a single candy cane.
- Stickers and temporary tattoos.
- Small toy cars or figurines.
- Hair clips and scrunchies.
- Crayons or gel pens.
- Mini play dough tubs.
- Puzzle pieces — complete the puzzle by Christmas Eve.
- Bath bombs or bath crayons.
- Jokes printed on cards.
- LEGO minifigures.
- Glow sticks.
- Bouncy balls.
- Christmas ornament to hang that day.
- Coloring page and a new crayon.
- A coupon for “stay up 15 minutes later.”
Non-candy advent calendar ideas
- Holiday socks.
- Book pages or a chapter-a-day storybook.
- Seed packets for spring.
- Mini notebooks.
- Craft kits.
- Toothbrush with a fun design.
- Kid-friendly lip balm.
- Small Christmas-tree ornaments.
- Bookmarks.
- Bracelet beads to build a bracelet over time.
Activity advent calendar ideas
- Watch a Christmas movie (see our best Christmas movies).
- Bake Christmas cookies.
- Drive around to see Christmas lights.
- Make paper snowflakes.
- Write a letter to Santa.
- Build a gingerbread house.
- Have a hot chocolate night.
- Sing carols.
- Have a family game night with Christmas trivia.
- Read the Christmas story together.
Kindness advent calendar ideas
- Donate a toy.
- Make a card for a neighbor.
- Thank a teacher or bus driver.
- Leave snacks for delivery drivers.
- Call a grandparent.
- Bake cookies for a firehouse.
- Donate food to a food bank.
- Help someone with a chore.
- Give three compliments.
- Share books with a library or shelter.
Advent calendar ideas for adults
- Gourmet tea or coffee pods.
- Mini skincare samples.
- Nail polish shades.
- Small candles.
- Specialty chocolates.
- Lottery scratch cards (where legal).
- Hot sauce samplers.
- Puzzle or crossword booklets.
- Inspirational quote cards.
- Small plant cuttings.
Advent calendar ideas for couples
- Date-night ideas on cards.
- Love notes and memories.
- A song to dance to together.
- Recipe to cook together.
- Questions to ask each other.
- Coupon for a massage.
- Photo from a favorite trip.
- Movie and popcorn night.
- Board game challenge.
- Sunrise or stargazing date.
DIY advent calendar ideas
- Paper bag calendar on a string.
- Matchbox calendar with tiny surprises.
- Envelope wall with numbers.
- Mini stockings on a garland.
- Toilet-roll tubes wrapped as gifts.
- Mason-jar calendar with notes.
- Book advent: 24 wrapped books.
- Tree-shaped pocket calendar from felt.
- Muffin-tin calendar with paper covers.
- Drawer organizer with numbered drawers.
Tips for a stress-free advent calendar
- Fill all 24 spots in one evening at the end of November.
- Mix small treats with free activities to save money.
- Put bigger surprises on weekends.
- Pair the calendar with our Elf on the Shelf ideas if your elf visits.
FAQ
When do advent calendars start in 2026?
Most start on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 and end on December 24.
What can I put in an advent calendar besides candy?
Stickers, small toys, socks, books, craft kits, ornaments and daily activity cards.
What is a good advent calendar for adults?
Coffee or tea, mini skincare, candles, specialty chocolates and inspirational quote cards.
