Make your own Advent calendar: 24 ideas for more than just sweets
You love being creative. Making your own Advent calendar is more than just crafting for you—it's an act of love. You want to package 24 little treats that come from the heart. But then the big question arises: What should I fill them with? Just chocolate and little dust collectors again?
The search for 24 original, small gifts can quickly become overwhelming. What if your homemade Advent calendar not only sweetens the pre-Christmas season this year, but also invites you to experience something truly special?
Giving is a gesture of connection. A homemade Advent calendar is a wonderful way to show that you've taken the time and thought to care for someone.
The challenge: 24 times joy without kitsch
Filling an Advent calendar for men, women, or your best friend is an art. You want to create something personal that won't be forgotten after a week. Instead of relying on disposable items, you can use ideas that will truly stick in people's minds.
The ingenious filling: An invitation to adventure
Instead of thinking of 24 individual things, you can use one central, meaningful idea as a highlight: our Action Cards . This card game is the perfect filling because it invites the recipient to participate and discover every day. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Three creative ways to use the cards
With Action Cards as the centerpiece, your homemade Advent calendar will be an unforgettable experience. Here are three ideas:
Idea 1: The daily impulse
Distribute the 35 cards among the 24 doors. On some days, the recipient will find a card, on others a small treat. Each card thus becomes a daily prompt—a question to ponder, a small task to enrich the day. An original idea, especially for a homemade Advent calendar for men or women who already have everything.
Idea 2: The grand finale on Christmas Eve
Fill the first 23 doors with little clues, personal words, or treats. The big highlight awaits behind the 24th door: the complete card game as an invitation to shared experiences in the new year.
Idea 3: The "Values" theme calendar
Make values the theme of your calendar. Each card represents a value like "courage," "curiosity," or "gratitude." You can design each bag to match the card. This isn't just a Christmas craft idea, but a deeply personal gift that shows what really matters. The psychological impact of such experiential gifts is also beautifully described in the article "The Power of Gifting" (external link).
We develop such tools that put values into practice with passion and with great partners like The Art of Embodying Change GmbH .
Make your Advent calendar unique .
This year, give more than just things. Give inspiration, conversations, and unforgettable moments.
