Cosy DIY Advent calendar: 24 ideas to fill it with

A cosy DIY Advent calendar promises 24 little moments of comfort in the run-up to Christmas: a tea to savour, a candle to light, a pair of fluffy socks to slip on. More personal than a ready-made calendar, it can be put together in one evening and is as much fun to give as to receive. Here's how to make one, plus 24 ideas to fill it with.

Make your Advent calendar in one evening

The container

No need to buy a special stand. A few easy ideas:

• Fabric pouches or small cotton bags, hung on a string with clothes pegs.
• Kraft paper bags numbered with a stamp or marker, lined up in a wooden crate.
• Matchboxes covered in paper, perfect for the tiniest treats.
• Glass jars, which you can keep for the kitchen afterwards.

Think reusable: a fabric calendar will come out every year and soon become a family tradition.

The golden rule: mix it up

A good calendar alternates three types of window: treats (to drink or nibble), pampering touches and "vouchers" for moments to enjoy together. This rhythm keeps things fresh and makes you look forward to the next day.

Setting the scene

Put the calendar somewhere you pass every morning: on a decorative ladder in the hallway, above the sofa or on a windowsill. Add fairy lights, a few fir branches and card tags, and the calendar becomes a decoration in its own right, while opening each window turns into a little morning ritual.

24 cosy ideas to fill your calendar

Treats to drink and nibble

1. A sachet of spiced Christmas tea.
2. An evening infusion, camomile or verbena.
3. Hot chocolate powder to make in a big mug.
4. A few marshmallows to melt into it.
5. A small bag of homemade cinnamon biscuits.
6. A bar of chocolate from a local chocolatier.

Little ways to pamper yourself

7. A winter lip balm.
8. A small hand cream.
9. A fabric eye mask for Sunday naps.
10. A satin scrunchie or hair clip.
11. A pair of soft ribbed socks.
12. A small bag of bath salts for a warm soak.

Cosy moments to share

13. A voucher for a film night under the throw, with the film already chosen.
14. A scented candle with woody notes.
15. A bookmark and the title of a novel to read by the fire.
16. A winter playlist, written on a little card.
17. A voucher for breakfast in bed.
18. A pocket puzzle or a pack of cards for evenings for two.

Small touches that make all the difference

19. A handwritten card with a shared memory.
20. A recipe for mulled wine or spiced hot chocolate to try together.
21. A handmade tree decoration.
22. A printed photo of a lovely moment from the year.
23. A voucher for a woodland walk followed by a hot drink.
24. A clue leading to the surprise on the 24th.

And for the 24th: a pair of slippers

The last day deserves something more generous. A pair of slippers is the ultimate cosy gift, the one you put on first thing on Christmas morning:

• The Merano slippers (€34.99), with a wide faux-fur cuff and a cosy lining that gives slightly to mould to the foot. They come in black, pink, brown, camel, beige and grey.
• The lined Bormio clog (€39.99), our newest style, with faux-fur lining right up to the collar and a treaded cork-effect sole so you can pop outside without changing.
• The Alba slipper boots (€39.99), with embroidered trim and a treaded platform sole, to wear indoors and out.

All are made from soft vegan suede, with no animal materials. And if the size isn't right, size exchanges are free.

Our tips for a great calendar

• Do it all in one go: buy, wrap and number everything in one evening, with a cup of tea and a good playlist.
• Keep the budget sensible: most windows can be homemade or almost free; it's the thought that counts.
• Make it personal: a calendar for a friend who's always cold won't contain the same things as one for a couple. For someone who always feels the chill, take inspiration from our tips for cold feet at home.
• Cut down on plastic: kraft paper, fabric, string and card tags are all you need.

Frequently asked questions

What should I put in an Advent calendar for adults?

Little treats (tea, chocolate), pampering touches (lip balm, soft socks), vouchers for moments to share and, for the last day, a more generous gift such as a pair of slippers.

When should I start making my Advent calendar?

Ideally in mid-November, so you have time to gather the little gifts and wrap everything calmly before 1 December.

How can I make an Advent calendar on a budget?

Go for homemade treats (biscuits, cards, vouchers) and upcycled containers such as matchboxes or jars. Save your budget for the 24th.

Read also

• A cosy night in: our ideas for the perfect atmosphere at home
• Hygge: the Danish art of living for a gentler winter
• What to give someone who always feels the cold

Lined slippers, clogs and booties for a December full of comfort: discover our faux-fur lined boots, booties and slippers.