
When temperatures start to drop, anticipation fills the air. Children of all ages eagerly await the holiday season, with each day bringing them closer to the best day of the year. One delightful way to encourage holiday excitement and keep track of time is with the Advent calendar. If you’re looking for a new twist on this cherished tradition, instead of purchasing a pre-made one, why not create a unique, eco-friendly calendar using recyclable materials? In this post, we’ll explore some creative ideas, focusing on the versatile egg carton as a primary building material. Let’s get crafty this holiday season!
Why Create an Advent Calendar?
Advent calendars are a classic for good reason. They’re fun and festive and serve as an interactive countdown to Christmas. Each day reveals a small treat, activity, or surprise, offering a fun way to engage with family traditions while fostering creativity and values of sustainability. According to the BBC, it is estimated that more than 16 million Advent calendars and about nine million selection boxes were sold in the UK alone in 2019, and almost every one contained some non-recyclable plastic. By using eco-friendly materials for your calendar, you help reduce single-use plastics and make a positive impact on the environment. Plus, crafting your own calendar allows you to customize it to your family's interests. The calendar is your canvas; have a good time and make it yours!
Materials You'll Need
- Moulded Fiber Egg Cartons: These are the star of the show! They come in various sizes, and each compartment can hold small surprises.
- Recyclable Paper: Old wrapping paper, magazines, or newspapers can be used for decoration.
- Paint or Markers: These are used to add some colour and personalization.
- Glue and Scissors: To assemble your calendar.
- Small Treats and Trinkets: Think candies, notes for activities, or tiny toys.
- String or Ribbon: To hang your calendar, if desired.
Crafting Your Advent Calendar
Option 1. The Egg Carton Countdown
What You’ll Need: An empty moulded fibre egg carton (12 or 18 count), paint or markers, and small treats.
First, decorate the egg carton. Use paint or markers to brighten each compartment. You can create festive designs, numbers for each day, or even a winter scene on the top.
Then, fill the compartments. Place a treat or note inside each section. This could be a piece of candy, a small toy, or a fun holiday activity (like “Watch a Christmas movie together!”).
Seal It Up! Cover the compartments with cut-out squares of wrapping paper or small envelopes taped over each hole if you want to keep the surprises a secret.
Option 2. Mini Gift Boxes from Recyclable Paper
What You’ll Need: Old wrapping paper or magazines, scissors, and tape.
First, create small boxes. Cut squares of paper and fold them into mini boxes. Secure with tape.
Next, decorate and personalize. Use stamps, stickers, or drawings to make each box unique.
Fill and Number! Place a small gift or note inside, and number each box for the countdown.
Option 3. Jar of Surprises
What You’ll Need: A glass jar or any reusable container, paper, and string.
First, prepare your notes. Write down 24 activities, quotes, or treats on small pieces of paper.
Next, decorate the jar. Use old ribbons or fabric scraps to embellish the jar.
Enjoy daily surprises! Each day, pull out a note and enjoy the surprise!
Option 4. Cardboard Tube Calendar
What You’ll Need: Empty toilet paper rolls, paint, string, and small treats.
First, paint the tubes. Make each roll festive with paint or colourful paper.
Then, stuff the rolls. Fill each tube with a treat and seal one end with paper or tape.
Hang Them Up! Use string to suspend the tubes from a branch or a line in your home, and label each with a number.
Some Tips for Personalization
- Tailor your Advent calendar to reflect your family’s interests, such as favourite holiday activities, shared hobbies, or themes like “Acts of Kindness.”
- Incorporate elements that encourage family participation, like scavenger hunts or DIY crafts to do together.
- As an alternative to treats or sweets, consider including notes with positive affirmations, holiday traditions, or acts of charity to perform as a family.
Creating an Advent calendar from recyclable materials is not only an enjoyable craft but also a fantastic way to incorporate sustainability into your holiday celebrations. Whether you choose to use moulded fibre egg cartons, paper, or other recyclable materials, your handmade calendar will bring joy and excitement to your family throughout December. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and let the countdown to Christmas begin! Happy crafting - here’s to a plastic-free holiday season!
Share your creations with us using #ditchplasticpackaging on social media.