Carrying on with our advent theme (we just can't get enough of it), we are delighted to share another Advent guest post from one of our Lilypad friends.

Advent calendars signal the beginning of Christmas festivities. It’s a sign to our children that they are merely days away from a shed load of presents. It’s difficult to pinpoint whether it’s the chocolates or the opening of the windows that triggers the most excitement.

What we do know, however, is that advent calendars are an integral part of every kid’s Christmas. Sometimes an adult’s as well *cough cough*  They’re not going anywhere anytime soon, so why not mix things up a little for the kids by creating their very own handmade advent calendars.

Below are 5 of the best handmade advent calendars that are sure to give a little inspiration to all who choose the crafty Christmas option. 

Once you’ve finished the hard work, simply sit back and enjoy watching the kids open their advents. Then demand a back massage from the husband for all your endeavours.

1. Blitzen’s Buckets

25 miniature buckets, a set of numbered stickers or stencils, 25 hooks and a large chalkboard or reinforced cardboard are all that’s needed to make advent a little unique.

It offers the option to fill the buckets with less than conventional goodies for the little ones.

Because chocolates are so 2011.

2. The Elf’s Envelopes

This one is simple but very different. 25 envelopes, 25 pegs and a piece of string are all that’s needed to create this.

You have the option to fill each envelope with something different. Perhaps one different figurine each day to complete a whole set by the 25^th day?

3. Merry Matchboxes

This one is pretty cool. To make it, all you’ll need is 25 matchboxes, some glue, a spare piece of wrapping paper cut to size and a pen. The rest is up to you. 

It’s definitely something different that Susan up the road wouldn’t have thought of. The matchboxes are just the right size to slip in a chocolate coin or a sweety.

4. Jingle Jars

What a neat idea this is – again using matchboxes. Each of the 25 matchboxes is decorated in wrapping paper, filled with a small gift, numbered then placed into any kind of glass jar. A big brandy glass would probably do the job as well. 

It’s almost like a lucky dip as the kids rummage around looking for the right numbered matchbox. Great fun to make and equally great fun for the kids.

5. Tiny Tim’s Tree

This is a little different. Using either a stripped back plant or one that’s already lost its leaves, simply hang decorative paper tags from the branches.

Instead of attaching chocolates or other gifts to the tags (because of the weight), write a note on the back of each one which contains a clue as to where they will find a treat in the house.

There are some brilliantly unique ideas there, but if you’ve got any other ideas we’d love you to share them in the comments box below.

Hopefully together we can come up with enough ideas for every advent until a time when our kids have outgrown them. If you’re anything like me though, that won’t be anytime soon!