Small Gift Ideas to Fit Perfectly into Your DIY Advent Calendar 

Advent calendars aren’t just for kids, or for famous chocolate brands. Making your own advent calendar is a great way to count down to Christmas with more meaning and creativity. Whether it’s a gift for your partner, your kids, a friend, or even just for you, a DIY version lets you pack each day with something special, one small surprise at a time. 

At Spreadshirt, we’re all about adding personal touches to everyday things. So we’ve pulled together some great small gift ideas (including a few from our own customizable lineup) that are perfect for a handmade advent calendar. Plus, if you don’t already have a calendar, we’ll show you how to make one, you don’t need to be a crafting pro! 

No advent calendar? No problem 

If you don’t have a calendar yet, don’t worry, you can easily make one using simple materials you probably already have at home. 

Try stringing up little fabric pouches on a piece of twine or ribbon (we also have customizable gift bags in our assortment!). Hang them across a fireplace, shelf, or wall, and number each one with a small tag or sticker. You can also use small paper envelopes pinned to a corkboard or taped to a wall in a tree shape. Mini boxes arranged in a basket or stacked like a pyramid work just as well and can be wrapped for an extra festive touch. 

It’s that simple! You can really go about it any way you like; the key is to have 24 compartments, each big enough to hold one small surprise. 

What could I put inside a DIY advent calendar?

The best advent gifts are small but thoughtful. A good mix of fun, useful, personal, and sweet keeps the calendar interesting all month long. And don’t worry, these gifts don’t need to be expensive. Many of the best ideas are inexpensive or even free, as long as they’re meaningful. 

Customized gifts that feel special 

Looking for something that feels a little more personalized? Spreadshirt has a range of small items you can customize to make your calendar truly one of a kind. 

• Magnets: Small, colorful, and full of personality. Add a photo, inside joke, or quote for a tiny burst of joy. 

• Stickers: Great for kids and adults alike, create designs that reflect the recipient’s style, mood, or sense of humor. 

• Bag tags: Add a name, initials, or fun message to a custom luggage tag or keychain. 

• Coasters: Compact, useful, and perfect for a cozy cup of cocoa moment. 

• Buttons: Tiny but expressive, pin-on buttons are perfect for sharing a laugh or showing off a favorite design. 

• Holiday ornaments: Custom ornaments make Day 24 feel extra festive. Personalize them with names, photos, or quotes to create a keepsake they’ll hang year after year. 

• Reusable gift bags: Wrap your advent goodies sustainably with a custom-printed reusable bag that doubles as part of the gift. 

• Dog bandanas: Don’t forget your furry friends! A personalized dog bandana makes a fun surprise for the pet lover’s calendar – or your pup’s own countdown to Christmas. 

Tasty little treats for your advent calendar 

Food and drink always hit the mark. Mini chocolates, single-serve cocoa packets, candy canes, or even homemade cookies are easy wins. You can also add tea bags in festive flavors, coffee pods, or small jars of honey or jam. For an extra personal touch, tuck a sweet treat into one of our customizable reusable gift bags for a surprise that’s both thoughtful and sustainable. 

Fun surprises for kids and grown ups

For little ones, mix in mini toys, colorful erasers, or puzzle pieces that come together on the final day. For grown-ups, custom magnets, button pins, or a witty dog bandana can add a smile. These small tokens don’t have to be big to feel special, the joy is in the discovery. 

Craft supplies & creative tools 

Perfect for crafty friends or anyone who loves a DIY moment. Fill the calendar with washi tape, mini notebooks, or colorful pens, and pair them with a personalized Spreadshirt button or sticker set for that handmade feel. 

Thoughtful touches that don’t cost a thing 

Mix physical gifts with small acts of kindness or personal notes. Write a message for each day: something funny, sweet, or nostalgic. Include a QR code to a playlist, video message, or photo album for an unexpected digital surprise. 

A few tips to pull it all together 

Once you’ve got your gifts ready, spend a little time planning the order. Mix up treats, customized goodies, and heartfelt messages so every day feels fresh. Keep your theme in mind – whether it’s self-care, creativity, or festive fun – and end the countdown with something meaningful, like a custom holiday ornament or a heartfelt note. 

Make the holidays more personal 

The magic of a DIY advent calendar lies in the thought behind it. It’s not just about the gifts; it’s about making every day leading up to Christmas a moment to smile. Whether it’s a magnet with a memory, a reusable gift bag filled with treats, or a cute dog bandana for your furry friend, Spreadshirt has everything you need to make your advent calendar personal, creative, and full of holiday spirit. 

So go ahead: fill your calendar, share the joy, and let the countdown begin!