DIY paper advent calendar with a minimalist look

I’m so excited to share my latest DIY advent calendar with you.  If you’re a regular here you’ll know that I make an advent calendar each year and they are the most popular posts on this blog.  So I hope you like this years one too.

In the past I’ve done quite a few versions of Christmas tree advent calendars so I wanted to do something completely different this year.  After trying a few ideas I went with this minimalist DIY paper advent calendar in a pyramid shape.  It’s a lovely 3D shape that also looks like an abstract tree which is what drew me to it.  I also love how simple this idea is and that it can be made in an afternoon, probably with supplies you already have.  And this advent calendar is ageless – you can make it for kids and adults alike.

I made this advent calendar in a small size because I will be putting in a mix of activities, treats and little gifts but if you want to give something bigger, you can simply make a bigger version – details below.  You can also use different wrapping paper but I like my minimalist, neutral looks the best!

DIY paper advent calendar

materials:
good quality wrapping paper
ruler and pencil
sharp craft knife
glue stick
washi tape
white number stickers (or you can handwrite the numbers – my handwriting isn’t up to the job!)

1. measure and cut your wrapping paper to size.  I made A6 sized packets (4.13 x 5.3 inches / 105 x 148 mm). These are pretty small but will comfortably fit a small treat or a note with an advent activity.  See note below about different sizes.
2. Once cut to size, glue the shorter edges of the paper together to form a cylinder shape. Don’t flatten the cylinder.
3. gently fold over one end of the paper and glue to seal the base of the packet.  You can also add a bit of glue to join the ends first.
4. now add your little gift/treat in the packet and fold the top twice over in the opposite direction to the base fold.
5. seal the top with some washi tape and add your number sticker or handwrite the numbers.

Advent Calendar sizing note:
You can go bigger – I’ve tried up to 8.25 x 11.75 inches (210 x 297 mm)  and it works well.  Or you can do a mix of sizes if you have a range of gifts.  Just keep the approximate proportions of the rectangular paper roughly the same.

Here’s a short video of the how to make this advent calendar:

There are lots of ways you can display this advent calendar.  You can stick on string at the back and hang them from some hooks.  You can place them all in a wooden box or a tall glass jar.  Or you can lay them out on a table or on a mantle.  These are just a few ways but I’m sure you can think of many more.

I can also think of so many more uses for these pyramid shaped packets so once opened don’t throw them away. I’ll be sharing some more ideas on where I’m using these in a few weeks time.

So, what do you think?  Do you like this modern, minimal take on this advent calendar?

If you don’t have any time to make your own advent calendar, take a look at this ‘done for you’ super cute printable advent calendar.  It’s perfect for kids and includes a number countdown version as well as an activity version.  But it’s only available for a short time so once it’s gone, it’s gone!