Advent Calendar Ideas and Free Activity Card Printables

The most magical season of the year!

The charm of December lies in the anticipation, and this playful and intentional advent calendar captures the joy perfectly. I added a lush garland and softly lit by fairy lights, the calendar's canvas pockets are the perfect side and easy to fill with small items and the activity cards. Each day brings something new—mini paints, festive trinkets, yummy treats, creating a countdown that’s as much about the experience as the gifts themselves. Because I love a good aesthetic, our advent calendar makes it not just an activity but a centerpiece of holiday cheer.

We have this beautiful advent calendar from gathre. The one we used before had such tiny pockets, I wasn’t really able to fit much besides paper in there — having the pocket space is a game changer!

This advent calendar isn't just about treats; it's about creating moments. Whether it's a family craft night inspired by the cards in the pockets or a chance to slow down with hot cocoa, each day offers something special. From "bake cookies together" to "have a pajama movie night," the included advent ideas spark joy and connection. It’s a reminder that the holiday season is best celebrated with creativity, laughter, and love—a gift that truly keeps on giving.

Dowlonad the advent cards I made here - these printables are for personal use only

When I’m filling the advent, I usually go through a calendar and add the more involved activities to the weekend dates (I still always check in the morning before the kids pull them to see what it is and adjust if needed).

I’ll still add in a few little treats and a couple of ornaments here and there along with the activities, but I think this is a really nice way to establish sweet daily memories.

Cute things to put in your advent calendar

link for the advent calendar

1. Printable advent calendar activities - The activities I designed are always really fun for us, it’s a nice way to check all those bucket list items off your list too!

2. Candy - I’m gonna put a couple little festive candies inside but keep it limited! there are so many fun christmas themed candies arlo would go nuts for (i linked to reeses shaped like nutcrackers above!! WHAT. lol)

3. Snacks - I also got a bag of cashews because he loves nuts haha. any little bags of their favorite snacks would be perfect!

4. Inexpensive Toys - I was able to find some random cute little things my kids would like at our local Barnes and Noble, Lush, target dollar spot.

5. Ornaments - I got a few ornaments that I knew my kids would love, so I decided to include them in the advent calendar versus presenting them when we first decorated our tree! They can also use their ornaments on their playroom tree.

6. Stickers - I filled a lot of days last year with a couple of stickers on the days I didn’t have anything else.

7. Arts and Craft Supplies - A little watercolor palette, new markers, new crayons, all perfect things to include!

8. Temporary tattoos - easy and cute

9. Holiday Crafts - I always love to grab a few craft kits for the holidays so now that i have large pockets i can stick them in here!

10. Bath Boms and Bubble Bath Wands - They are practival but make even a mundane bath a litte more fun!

11. Cars or Mini Stuffed Animals - anything they’re into but make it fesitve

12. Band-aids - fun AND useful. I included some cute welly ones but you could also just get a pack of mickey or bluey or paw patrol or whoever they love.

13. Dollhouse Accessories - If you have a dollhouse this is the perfect excuse to add some new accessories!

I hope these ideas helped! Enjoy this magical season with your loved ones!

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