Advent is a special time of year that fills many people with anticipation and festive spirit. Instead of a traditional chocolate Advent calendar, there are many creative alternatives that are both personal and unique. Here are ten ideas for an alternative Advent calendar that will surprise and delight your loved ones.
Key findings
- DIY chocolate allows you to get creative and give personalized treats.
- Homemade candles are not only decorative but also functional and can be made in different scents.
- Personalized tea bags are a loving gesture for tea lovers and can be filled with different types of tea.
- Mini plants are a sustainable and long-lasting gift idea that brings joy to any home.
- Handwritten letters offer a personal touch and can express special memories and feelings.
1. DIY chocolate
Homemade chocolate is a wonderful way to fill an Advent calendar. The variety of flavors and shapes is almost unlimited. You can add different ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit or spices to make each chocolate unique.
Steps to make DIY chocolate
- Melt high-quality chocolate in a water bath.
- Add your desired ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into small molds.
- Allow the chocolate to cool and set.
A homemade Advent calendar with chocolate shows how much effort and love you put into the preparation. It is a personal and delicious surprise for every day of Advent.
2. Homemade candles
Homemade candles are a wonderful way to brighten up the Advent season and be creative at the same time. You can design the candles however you like and experiment with different colors, scents and shapes.
Materials
- Wax (beeswax, soy wax or paraffin)
- Wicks
- Essential oils for fragrance
- Dyes
- Candle molds or old glasses
Instructions
- Melt wax in a water bath.
- Place the wick in the middle of the mold.
- Carefully pour melted wax into the mold.
- Add essential oils and colorants.
- Allow the wax to cool and remove the candle from the mold.
Arrange the candles on a plate together with Christmas balls, bells and fir branches or winter greenery to create a pretty Advent arrangement.
Homemade candles are not only a great gift, but also a beautiful decoration for your home. Let your creativity run wild and make unique candles for the Christmas season.
3. Personalized tea bags
Personalized tea bags are a wonderful way to personalize your Advent calendar with love. With a little creativity and skill, you can add personal messages or names to tea bags.
Materials
- Empty tea bags
- Different types of tea
- Small tags or labels
- Pens or stickers
- cord
Instructions
- Choose different types of tea that you want to fill into the empty tea bags.
- Fill the tea bags and close them carefully.
- Design the small tags or labels with personal messages, names or small drawings.
- Attach the tags to the tea bags with a string.
Personalized tea bags are not only a great gift, but also a nice way to make someone happy and sweeten the Advent season.
4. Handmade soaps
Handmade soaps are a wonderful way to bring a touch of luxury into everyday life. They are not only practical, but also a real eye-catcher.
Benefits of handmade soaps
- Natural ingredients
- Individual design options
- Environmentally friendly
How to make handmade soaps
- Choose a basic soap (e.g. glycerin or olive oil soap).
- Carefully melt the base soap in a water bath.
- Add essential oils, colors and other additives.
- Pour the mixture into molds and let it harden.
Handmade soaps are not only a great gift, but also a nice way to treat yourself.
5. Mini plants
Mini plants are a wonderful way to bring some greenery into the Advent season. They are easy to care for and fit perfectly on any desk or shelf. Succulents and small cacti are particularly ideal as they require little water and still look pretty.
- Choose different types of mini plants to create variety.
- Use small pots or even creative containers like teacups or mason jars.
- Add small decorations like moss or colorful stones to make the plants even more attractive.
Mini plants are not only decorative, but also a great gift that will bring joy for a long time.
With these ideas and instructions, you can make your own individual Advent calendar in no time at all, which is guaranteed to be well received.
6. Photo puzzle
A photo puzzle is a wonderful way to preserve memories in a creative way. A photo puzzle is a must at any wedding reception. In no time at all, you can create a personal photo gift that can be used not only as a party game, but also as a guest book or cash gift.
Steps to create a photo puzzle
- Choose a meaningful photo.
- Upload the photo to a photo puzzle website.
- Determine the number of parts.
- Order the puzzle and wait for delivery.
A photo puzzle is not only a gift, but also an activity that promotes joy and togetherness.
7. Spice mixtures
An Advent calendar with homemade spice mixes is a wonderful way to increase the anticipation of Christmas. Discovering a new mix every day brings variety to the kitchen and inspires new recipes.
Ideas for spice mixes
- Italian herb mix
- Oriental spice mix
- Indian Curry
- Mexican chili spice
- French herbs of Provence
How it works
- Choose your favorite spices.
- Mix the spices in small quantities.
- Fill the mixtures into small jars or bags.
- Label the containers with the name of the mixture and possibly a recipe suggestion.
A homemade spice advent calendar is not only personal, but also practical and sustainable. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking and wants to discover new flavors.
8. Handwritten letters
Handwritten letters are a wonderful way to spread joy during the Advent season. A personal letter can mean a lot and shows that you have taken the time to make someone happy.
Imagine opening a lovingly written letter every day, perhaps containing a short story, a poem or simply good wishes.
- 24 ideas for the Christmas elf and elf letters to print
- Stationery and postcards for the Christmas elf
- Craft sheet for the secret arrival of the elf
A handwritten letter can put a smile on the recipient’s face and increase the anticipation of Christmas.
9. Homemade jam
Homemade jam is a wonderful way to fill the Advent calendar with something personal and delicious. With a little effort and creativity, you can make delicious jams that not only taste good but also look pretty.
Ingredients and materials
- Fresh fruits (e.g. strawberries, raspberries, apricots)
- Gelling sugar
- Lemon juice
- Clean jars with lids
- Labels and decorative ribbon
Step-by-step instructions
- Wash the fruit, remove the seeds and cut into small pieces.
- Mix the fruit with the gelling sugar and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for about 4 minutes.
- Do a gelling test: put a teaspoon of the hot jam on a cold plate. If the jam solidifies, it is ready.
- Pour the hot jam into the prepared jars, close immediately and turn upside down to create a vacuum.
- Allow the glasses to cool and decorate with labels and decorative ribbon as desired.
Homemade jam is not only a pleasure, but also a loving gift that comes from the heart.
10. Small books
An Advent calendar with little books is a wonderful way to enrich the pre-Christmas period. Discovering a new book every day not only brings joy, but also a little break from everyday life.
Variety of books
The selection of books can be very diverse. From short stories to poems to inspirational quotes - there are countless ways to fill the doors. Also particularly popular are the Mini-Me Drawing School Advent Calendars by Mrs. Annika , which are filled with lovely inspiration and ideas.
Personal touch
Such an Advent calendar can also have a personal touch. You can choose books that are specifically tailored to the interests and preferences of the recipient. This makes the calendar not only a beautiful gift, but also a very personal one.
An Advent calendar with small books is a wonderful way to enrich the pre-Christmas period and enjoy a little break from everyday life every day.
Conclusion
An alternative Advent calendar offers a wonderful opportunity to spend the pre-Christmas period in a creative and personal way. Whether through shared activities, sustainable gifts or special experiences - the ideas are varied and can be individually adapted. This way, every day of Advent becomes a little highlight that makes the anticipation of Christmas even greater. Let your imagination run wild and design an Advent calendar that brings joy not only to you, but also to your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alternative Advent calendar?
An alternative Advent calendar is a creative and often homemade version of the traditional Advent calendar. Instead of buying chocolate or small gifts, you can use various DIY ideas to offer something special every day of Advent.
How can I make DIY chocolate for the Advent calendar?
Making DIY chocolate is easy. Melt chocolate of your choice, pour it into small molds and add nuts, dried fruit or spices as desired. Let the chocolate cool and then package it in small bags or boxes.
What materials do I need for homemade candles?
To make homemade candles, you will need wax (beeswax or soy wax), wicks, essential oils for fragrance, and molds or jars to pour the wax into. You can also add dyes to make the candles colorful.
How can I create personalized tea bags?
To create personalized tea bags, you will need empty tea bags, your favorite teas, and small labels. Fill the tea bags with the teas and write personal messages or names on the labels.
How long do handmade soaps last?
Handmade soaps typically have a shelf life of about a year when stored properly. Keep them in a dry and cool place to maintain their quality.
Can I give away mini plants in an Advent calendar?
Yes, mini plants are a great idea for an advent calendar. You can use small succulents or cacti in small pots. Make sure the plants are well packed to avoid damage.