Guest Picks: Fun and Unique Advent Calendars
— Laura from JourneyChic
My best friend's 4-year-old child and her 30-something brother are expert LEGO builders and big Star Wars fans. This advent calendar is perfect for the secret (or not so secret) nerd in all of us.
My day job is a place filled with crazy-smart engineer/mathematician types who would be as pleased as Pythagoras to get this abacus advent calendar. I'd prefer a calculator.
This traditional calendar reminds me of the one that I had as a child, but the Santa and reindeer are a definite step up. I have the perfect spot in my dining room for it.
This string of mittens makes me think of the tiny ones that belong to my toddler — they always go missing! Mittens without mates and some extra yarn could be used to fashion something similar.
Burlap, twine and clothespins come together for a rustic and cute way to count down to Santa's arrival. I think it would look perfect with a simple mantelscape of twigs and red berries.
Your little archeologist will enjoy these paper pyramids, which hide secret treasures just like Egypt's giant stone versions.
Made from mini match boxes, this calendar is perfect for the pyro in your family (like my cousin who once set his mom's lawn ablaze with fireworks that I helped him buy — oops).
The sweet patterned fabric in this advent calendar reminds me of tea towels, so I would hang it up in the kitchen.
I love the modern patterns that adorn simple white envelopes in this garland-style advent calendar. Add pieces of paper with sweet notes or activities for the season.
Your office supply superstore has everything you need to make this advent garland. I'd skip the Smarties and stuff the envelopes with something chocolatey.
Perfect for your friend who always bakes up a storm for the holidays, this muffin tin calendar hides little presents behind cardstock flaps. When Christmas is done, ask her to make you some New Year's muffins in the tin.
Wall decals are a great way to decorate in rental units without putting your security deposit in jeopardy. This sticky modern calendar allows you to decorate a tree without the mess of pine needles.
I just adore this set of little origami pouches made with sheet music. It's pretty and perfect for your budding violinist.
My grandma would have loved this garland that counts down to Christmas with different teabags. Pair it with a pretty teacup and saucer for a fun gift.
Are you part of "The 99%"? Then this take on an advent calendar is for you. Instead of presents or fattening treats, pull out a happy thought each day.
Leftover wedding favor boxes and rubber stamps make this calendar easy to make. Add a little glitter for extra flair.
If it takes a village to raise a child, it stands to reason that it could take a village to prepare a child for Christmas. This advent calendar is made of individual houses to hang on a traditional tree or a modern, twiggy version like the one shown.
Snow cones take on new meaning with this advent calendar featuring paper cones to fill with treats. I love the bright blue paper, which makes it more interesting than the traditional Christmas red and green.
These lace pouches remind me of my grandma's doily collection. They're perfect for a shabby chic living room or for your mom who loves exploring antique stores and rummage sales.Next: More decorations for the holidays
The sweet Swiss-style printable calendar lets you personalize the background with the paper of your choice. Try cutting out bits of your kid's artwork for a fun surprise behind the doors.
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