As advent time is getting closer, I figured it's time for my yearly project: Making an advent calendar for a loved one.
I have been doing this nearly every year for at least 5 years. I have made one for friends and my boyfriend and always try to make it a surprise. Cause who doesn't like surprises??
I certainly do and planning one is often even more fun!
Planning an advent calendar is something right up my street...
I can go shopping and get into a Christmas mood early, find pretty wrapping papers and ribbons, craft a little and make someone happy.
I have taken you with me on every step and can hopefully give you new ideas on what to put into the little presents, but also how to decorate it and make it look nice.
First of all: Shopping!
I usually walk around town and try to find small unique pieces. I can recommend Flying Tiger, Home Bargains and TK Maxx. But also drug stores and supermarkets are always great for small bits and pieces.
It totally depends on who the calendar is for and what your budget is. Maybe you also want to think of a special category you would like to stick with, like cooking/baking, chocolate, drinks etc.
This year I chose my boyfriend to be the lucky one again and I didn't want to focus on a special theme. I like to get whatever I walk by and I think he would love.
I started off in TK Maxx this year and got really lucky with my findings. I found Harissa and Chilli Sauce, Chilli Oil and Caramel Syrup, a Jar of Sweets, Caramel Popcorn and Trivia (perfect for Christmas Day!).
Afterwards I went to Home Bargains next door and got a huge amount of sweet treats.
I got a little carried away but was pretty happy with the things I bought so far. I knew that I wanted to go to boots as well, to get his favourite shower gel, shampoo and deodorant.
On my shopping trip, I also found stunning wrapping paper I definitely wanted to use.
I tried to pick some that would go well together but weren't too traditional at the same time. Of course I had to get some matching ribbons but I was lucky enough to have a few more at home already.
Another thing I already had at home was some golden cardboard and a black pen.
I figured they would work perfectly to make little number tags. If you don't feel like making them yourself, have a look in town. You should be able to find number tags in numerous places.
My next step was to lay out all the small presents in the order I wanted them to be for the calendar. I tried to mix it up as much as possible, so for me this worked best.
Another idea I used last year was putting a little note with every present to make it even more personal.
Once you're happy with the layout, the wrapping can begin. This can take a little longer than you might expect but an alternative could be to buy small sacks and just put the presents inside.
I punched a whole into the number tags and used the ribbon to then tie them onto each little package.
Last but not least: The arrangement.
I have used different arrangements in previous years, like hanging them on the staircase (which is also very decorative). What worked nicely for me last year though, was buying a wooden wine box from our next door farmers market and putting the presents inside.
Wine boxes can be really cheap or even for free, if you're really lucky. They also don't take up too much space and have a nice rustic look to them.
I added some small fairy lights to make it look even more Christmassy and placed into an empty corner in our living room.
Thank you for reading!
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