Original Advent Calendar | Design & Fill It

When you're really looking forward to Christmas , there's only one solution: treat yourself or someone else to an original Advent calendar . Originally designed for children to keep them entertained while they wait to open their presents, the phenomenon has spread like wildfire to adults. Many people excited by this magical time can count on different types of calendars in specialist shops: with chocolates, tea, beauty products, perfume, etc. A sure bet, during these end-of-year celebrations and well understood by some, offering original Advent calendars at a golden price. Ta, ta, ta! At i-Perles.fr , we know that you have a knack for DIY and that you don't need any magic powder to believe in beautiful stories. Making an inexpensive, designer and customizable Advent calendar is so much more exciting. This DIY Advent calendar is something you're going to make, or perhaps you've already made. To create it in a surprising way, stay with us, and to fill it with exceptional products, stay with us too!

Team “Maria Carey” or Team “Tino Rossi”?

Come on, we're being so nice: we'll let you choose your music to better immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit! There you go, do you have it? :)

Let's get started on creating an original Advent calendar with great value for money. It's never been easier to create your own limited edition. Because you don't need to be a major brand to create a calendar in a retail format, with a unique design and result.

But, actually?

Advent calendar or advent calendar?

The word "advent" comes from the Latin "adventus", itself derived from "advenire" (to arrive), and Team Tino Rossi knows this well: it is not the "before Christmas" calendar, but the calendar that announces the "coming" of Jesus Christ and therefore "advent"!

Come on, Team Tino, it's your turn:

The divine child was born
Play oboes, resound musettes
The divine child was born
Let us all sing of his coming .

Where can you find the Advent calendar of your dreams?

"The joy of giving, the joy of receiving." Do you really want to buy an Advent calendar when you already know what's inside? At i-Perles, we have no shortage of ideas for our readers, and this year, we really wanted to offer you a fun little Advent game in a creative sales format. Think about it... Who is close to you and knows you better than anyone?

Advent calendar for men, women or children: to spice up the game

The child we've always been inside loves to marvel day after day, and then when we open presents. However, "wonder" means "astonishment." So, if you want the surprise to be complete with each box opened, choose a calendar partner:

• for an advent calendar for men or women ;
• for a calendar between lovers ;
• for a child-parent calendar ;
• for a grandchildren/grandparents calendar ;
• for a calendar between friends or girlfriends ...

So, we take a notebook and set up this little challenge by agreeing on a total amount not to be exceeded.

With your child, it can be close to €0, using treats already in the cupboard, riddles and sweet notes.

For an adult advent calendar, both of you agree on the style of products to place inside the pockets (perfume sample, chocolates, makeup, skincare, useful gadget, beads and Bohemian crystal pendants i-Perles.fr , etc.) And why not put a little bit of everything?

This way, you can each design a new, original calendar each year and exchange them when the time comes. Saves money and guarantees a surprise effect for everyone involved! A great way to spice up the pre-Christmas game and surprise each other in a unique way.

But enough chatter. December is approaching, and it's time to get down to business. Some people are eager to design and fill their original Advent calendar to kick off the countdown to Christmas !

Which Original Advent Calendar should you choose?

Yours, of course. Because if you think the concept is brilliant but don't dare to take the plunge, don't stress: this article is for you too. Don't worry, there's no need for a technical sheet, because there are plenty of ideas available to everyone, even beginners.

However, to create a designer day-to-day calendar worthy of the magic of Christmas , you will first need to find a support to arrange all your boxes, from the first to the twenty-fourth.

Cheap & Customizable Advent Calendar: Get Started!

Ideas for an “organic” Advent Calendar

Rummage through your pantry, your storage room, your garage, the attic or Grandma's barn (a safe bet), and collect anything that's in good condition and that inspires you:

• cardboard of a certain thickness;
• board or piece of polystyrene;
• rope , wire, etc.

Walk in the woods, walk along the water, on the beach and collect:

• a pretty branch ;
• pieces of wood ;
• string ...

Let them dry and depending on their appearance, leave them in their natural state or cover them:

• colored paper , tissue paper…
• plain or patterned fabric ...
• white, green or gold paint with a brush or spray can (practical and effective)...

Christmas Calendar Container Ideas

Obviously, your 24 containers or boxes will depend on the choice of support and can be glued or hung indifferently. We are thinking of miniature boxes (be careful, 24 boxes is not nothing), small velvet effect bags , fabric or paper pouches . The key is to make sure that all these containers fit well on the base of your advent calendar.

You can also use your containers as a stand. What does that mean? Let's say you found some small square boxes. You could easily glue them together in a pyramid shape, suggesting a fir tree shape.

DIY Calendar Materials

To do this, you may need some small tools. Products for your homemade calendar available on the site such as: glue for jewelry and fabric , soft or curved needles , all kinds of stainless steel pliers * (cutting, round or flat), including a pouch containing a 7-piece tool kit. Ideal for beginner creators.

*Stainless steel is an extraordinary material that's the source of some magnificent DIY creations. If you're interested in this topic, you can also check out our article on " Stainless Steel Hoop Earrings ." These are timeless earrings to wear in any season.

For an Original Advent Calendar: fill it with I-Beads!

NOW,

1. that you have the Christmas melody in your head,
2. that you know why we say advent,
3. that you have chosen an Advent partner,
4. and that you have assembled from scratch, without technical specifications, a magnificent calendar holder with 24 pockets...

You can fill it with i-Perles, but not only that. Because it takes all sorts to make a world and all sorts to create the surprise effects without which your DIY calendar wouldn't have the same flavor. So, to break with the usual sales formats: we alternate the pleasures.

To achieve your goals of an original and inexpensive calendar, there's nothing like starting with the most important surprises and key dates. We're obviously thinking of the first surprise corresponding to December ^1st , the one halfway through around December 15th and the last one before Advent, on December 24th .

December ^1st and first surprise

This very first opening should suggest a tantalizing sequel . This is where we come in.

The pouch could contain:

• A metal chain with a classic or more original link , gold or 925 silver finish...
• A bracelet to customize in silver-plated metal , rose gold-plated brass or leather strap...
• A barrette or a bookmark to crimp , a brooch or a hair comb…
• A waxed cotton thread, a leather cord or a natural silk ribbon ...
• A stainless steel jewel , cabochon ring, earrings to customize...
• A piece of jewelry to be set with Bohemian or Austrian crystals : necklace, bracelet or ring...
• A 925 silver or gold plated primer , etc.

By offering a jewel base, it is obvious that the owner of the calendar will suspect that a sequel is coming. He will thus eagerly open each box, going from surprise to surprise, while impatiently waiting to be able to complete this unfinished jewel.

December 15th to follow up on the first surprise

Already on December 15th and against all expectations, the time has come to continue this gem with:

• A gemstone pendant or cabochon , faceted gemstones ;
• Toho and Miyuki Rocailles beads ;
• Bohemian glass and faceted beads ;
• Pearls and pendants made from mother-of-pearl shells ;
• White, pink, gray, purple, coffee or chocolate colored freshwater pearls;
• Half-drilled beads and shamballa style pendants ;
• Charms: bracelet clasps , bails , knot cover tips , etc.

Then, the surprises follow one another until the gifts are opened, but each one is different. The secret to an original Advent calendar is to always be there where you least expect it.

December 24: The last and most beautiful surprise

The ultimate pleasure and consecration, we're not kidding about this last box. December 24th should be a crowning moment, a magical moment in your DIY Advent calendar . To this end, you should be able to find what you need among our other magnificent collections.

• 100% Italian craftsmanship , from a long tradition of glassmaking in the Venice region. Sumptuous colors mixed with extremely pure glass, encrusted with glitter or 24-carat gold leaf and 925 silver, these are the famous Murano glass beads .
• 100% Czech craftsmanship , the result of hard work to achieve lead-free crystal with magnificent reflections. They are among the most sought-after and best-known crystal beads in Europe: Bohemian Crystal Beads from Preciosa .
• 100% Austrian craftsmanship , these crystals are not far behind in rivaling the previous ones in brilliance and sparkle. Find a multitude of incredible crystals in the form of original pendants and Crystal & BeCharmed Beads from Austria .

And for those who are looking for a nice idea for these gentlemen, you can always go and consult our article dedicated to bracelets for men .

The most beautiful Advent calendars are DIY

So, we've reached the end of this article and we hope we've given you enough ideas to get you started. We hope you have fun every day and enjoy unforgettable DIY moments alone—or in pairs.

Furthermore, please note that we attach great importance to presenting new products to you: a sure value to stimulate your creativity and, moreover, satisfy your desires for an original advent calendar!

To make sure you don't miss anything, don't hesitate to regularly consult our New Products page .

Did you know?

The latest trend that's all the rage : it's the after-the-day calendar ! This time, there's no mystery surrounding this word since it simply takes up the concept of the advent calendar and its surprises, but after "the advent of the divine child", and until the New Year. A fun idea from certain brands and for you the opportunity to create a calendar of barely 5 boxes (in case the previous 24 had scared you)! Then, with all due respect to those who love surprises and unless it's their birthday: they'll just have to wait for the King's cake to console themselves.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and are making gift cards available to the less adventurous among you, starting at €20 .

Happy holidays to all and see you soon for the next article!