Advent calendar filler ideas: 72 ideas for kids and adults
By Vidmantas Markevičius
Updated
A DIY advent calendar is more personal than any shop-bought one. The hard part isn't the money: it's finding 24 good ideas. Here are 72.
The rule of thumb for 24 doors
| Type | How many | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Treats | 8–10 | chocolate, favourite snack bar, nuts, tea |
| Small things | 6–8 | stickers, hand cream, socks, a mini game |
| Time together (vouchers) | 4–6 | bake cookies, movie night, ice skating |
| Special days | 4 | 6 Dec, Advent Sundays, 24 Dec |
Vouchers are the secret: they cost almost nothing, children often love them most, and they don't add clutter.
Advent calendar ideas for kids (24)
Small things: stickers, erasers, mini play-dough, bubbles, small figures, hair clips, glitter pens, a mini puzzle, a glow bracelet, a finger puppet, a bath bomb, a small colouring book
Treats: chocolate coins, a gingerbread heart, mini gummy bears, a clementine with a drawn-on face
Time vouchers:
- "You choose dinner tonight"
- "One extra bedtime story"
- "Bake cookies with Mum or Dad"
- "Hot chocolate and a Christmas film"
- "Ice skating or sledging"
- "Stay up 30 minutes later"
- "Go and see the Christmas lights"
- "Your choice of weekend activity"
Non-candy advent calendar: swap the treats for more vouchers and small things. Many parents prefer it.
For siblings: same number of doors and similar value, because kids compare.
Advent calendar ideas for her (16)
Mini hand cream, lip balm, a sheet mask, bath salts, a small scented candle, different teas, good chocolate, silk scrunchies, nail polish, a bookmark, a postcard with a quote, a mini bottle of prosecco, voucher "breakfast in bed", voucher "a free afternoon just for you", voucher "massage", a cinema ticket
Advent calendar ideas for him (16)
Craft beer, a small whisky or gin sample, hot sauce, beef jerky, nuts, specialty coffee, socks, a multitool keyring, a cable organiser, a phone stand, a scratch card, a card game, voucher "I'll do the dishes tonight", voucher "sleep in this weekend", voucher "barbecue night", match tickets (as the big one on the 24th)
Advent calendar for couples (16)
Time together is the main gift:
- cook a new recipe together
- game night with a new card game
- Christmas market evening (mulled wine voucher)
- film night with popcorn
- breakfast at a café
- spa evening at home
- 20 questions you've never asked each other
- look through this year's photos together
- dance in the living room (playlist inside the door)
- write a letter to your future selves
- plan a short trip (guidebook inside)
- ice skating
- bake together
- massage voucher
- concert or theatre tickets
- on the 24th: a small piece of jewellery or a favourite perfume
Cheap advent calendar fillers
- Split big packs: tea bags, chocolate and bath salts in small portions.
- Use vouchers: time together costs almost nothing.
- Make things: cookies, bath bombs, candied nuts.
- Mini products from drugstores and discount shops appear from October.
- Set a budget per door (e.g. €2) and four "big" days at €5–10.
A 24-door plan you can copy
1 Treat 9 Small thing 17 Voucher 2 Small thing 10 Treat 18 Treat 3 Voucher 11 Small thing 19 Small thing 4 Treat 12 Voucher 20 ★ 4th Advent 5 Small thing 13 ★ 3rd Advent* 21 Treat 6 ★ St Nicholas 14 Treat 22 Small thing 7 Treat 15 Small thing 23 Voucher 8 Voucher 16 Treat 24 ★ Christmas Eve
Advent Sundays move every year (2026: 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec).
Several people filling one calendar?
When grandparents, godparents and parents share one calendar, the same toy easily appears three times. Make a short shared list of the 24 doors, and let each person reserve the doors they'll fill. More on coordinating: how to make a family Christmas list.
More budget ideas: gift ideas under €20, €30 and €50
FAQ
What do you put in an advent calendar?
A mix of small treats, useful little things and vouchers for time together, plus four special days with slightly bigger surprises.
How much does a DIY advent calendar cost?
Usually €40–80, so about €1–5 per door, with a few bigger days.
What are good non-candy advent calendar ideas for kids?
Stickers, small toys, art supplies, bath toys, and vouchers like "bake cookies together" or "an extra bedtime story".
What can I put in an advent calendar for a man?
Snacks, craft beer or small spirit samples, socks, practical little things, and vouchers for time or experiences.
When does an advent calendar start?
On 1 December, with the last door on 24 December. Fill it by 30 November.
Fill an advent calendar together — make a list in 3 minutes, free.
By Vidmantas Markevičius, founder of Claim A Gift. Updated November 2026.