Reach for the stars: Unique Advent calendar ideas As the festive season twinkles on the horizon, families and star-gazers alike begin a magical countdown. An Advent calendar is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it's a sprinkle of joy, a constellation of surprises that brighten the chilly December days. And who says Advent calendars have to be traditional? Let's reach for the stars and explore some unique Advent calendar ideas that will make your countdown to Christmas even more exciting! Let's dream... 01. What is an Advent calendar? 02. DIY Advent calendars 03. Filling your Advent calendar with unique gifts 04. Above the sky surprises: Stocking fillers with a celestial twist What is an Advent calendar? An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. Since its origin in the 19th century, it has taken on various forms, but the essence remains the same—a fun, interactive way to count down to December 25th. The traditional format features a large card with 24 doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve. Behind each door, typically, there's a small piece of chocolate or a picture related to the holiday season. However, creativity knows no bounds with modern Advent calendars. Some families opt for a string of small gift bags or socks, each adorned with a number and a small present inside, which are hung decoratively on a ribbon across the mantelpiece or along a staircase. Others prefer a more minimalist approach, with Advent calendars that reveal a gift only on each of the four Sundays during Advent. From the simple pleasures of sweet treats to the curated selection of small toys, beauty samples, or even books, Advent calendars have evolved to cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences, making each December morning a moment of delightful anticipation. DIY Advent calendars Why buy an Advent calendar when you can make one yourself? Whether it’s a 4-day Advent calendar celebrating every Advent Sunday or the traditional calendar from the 1st of December to Christmas Eve, DIY Advent calendars are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your holiday countdown. Plus, they're a great way to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Here are two DIY Advent calendar ideas that you can try: Paper bag Advent calendar All you need for this project are some paper bags, number stickers, and a ribbon - we’ve made it easy and gathered all the elements here. Simply fill each bag with a treat, stick a number on it, and hang it on a string. It's that easy! And why not add a magical string light for extra stardust? You can also get creative with the bags. Try using different sizes and colours, or decorate them with drawings or glitter. The possibilities are endless! Advent gift boxes - candy edition If you have a candy lover in your family, this is the perfect idea for them. Get our Advent gift boxes and fill them with our Christmas candy or chocolate. Each day, your sweet candy lover gets to open a little box and discover some delicious treats. This is a great way to get in the Christmas mood one day at a time. You can choose books that suit the recipient's age and interests. @johanna.aagren Filling your Advent calendar with unique gifts As we tick off the days until Christmas, let's fill each one with a touch of enchantment straight from a fairy-tale realm. Picture this: behind each unique calendar gift lies a portal, a small slice of a world where blue dragons soar and sweet unicorns trot. Combine the celestial and the mystical; think of our flying dragon, a miniature marvel that promises to spread its wings and bring fantasy to life in the palm of your hand. Or perhaps the shooting unicorns, enchanting creatures that promise to gallop right into the heart of your festive celebrations. These are not just gifts; they're keys to a kingdom where imagination reigns supreme, and every day is a new chapter in a holiday storybook. We've sprinkled a pinch of stardust on our collection, ensuring there's a unique gift for all For the musician For the creative For the warrior Above the sky surprises: Stocking fillers with a celestial twist But why stop at the calendar? Stocking fillers can also twinkle with a celestial twist. Now, what fits in a giant Christmas sock, you ask? And how do we ensure they’re not eclipsed by the grandeur of the Advent calendar itself? Easy! By infusing them with a touch of the celestial. Why not consider a kaleidoscope? Something that whispers of lunar mysteries or hums with the energy of the cosmos. These are not mere gifts; these are fragments of fantasy, ready to transform a cold winter's morning into an encounter with the extraordinary. And, for the little astronomers in the making, let's not forget the educational spin—perhaps a game or IQ cube that unveils the wonders of the universe. So there you have it, some unique Advent calendar ideas to make your countdown to Christmas exciting and meaningful. Remember, the best Advent calendar is the one that brings you joy, so don't be afraid to think outside the box and create an Advent calendar with surprises that truly reflect you and the ones you love. Happy holidays! Sign up for our newsletter Don't miss a twinkle! Sign up for our newsletter and let the latest magical deals and celestial surprises land directly in your orbit. Sign up here Photo credits to @dreamingrin88