Advent calendars are a cherished tradition that adds an extra layer of excitement to the holiday season. But once you’ve got the calendar itself sorted, the next step is filling it with surprises! Whether you’re creating an advent calendar for kids or adults, finding the right fillers can be both fun and a bit challenging. Here’s a comprehensive list of advent calendar filler ideas to suit every age and interest, ensuring each day leading up to Christmas is filled with joy! Don’t forget to look at our list of best DIY advent calendar ideas.
Table of Contents
1. Candy and Snacks
Candy and snacks are the quintessential advent calendar fillers, perfect for satisfying a daily sweet tooth. Think beyond the classic chocolate and include an assortment of gourmet treats like truffles, flavored popcorn, or holiday-themed gummies. Consider homemade goodies such as bite-sized cookies or fudge, individually wrapped for freshness. You can also mix it up with savory snacks, like miniature packs of pretzels or nuts, adding variety to the daily treats.
2. Christmas Ornaments
For a festive touch, fill the calendar with miniature ornaments that can be added to the Christmas tree each day. You might choose a variety of styles, from elegant glass baubles to cute, felt snowmen. Personalized ornaments are a lovely way to make the calendar even more special, like including an initial or a small photo. For crafty types, DIY ornament kits with beads, string, and tiny decorations provide both a fun activity and a beautiful tree embellishment. Check out our DIY Christmas Ornaments ideas!
3. Art Supplies and Stationery
Art supplies are perfect fillers for anyone who loves to draw, paint, or write. Imagine the excitement of discovering a new colored pen, a set of stickers, or a small notepad each morning. Include items that inspire creativity, such as mini watercolor sets, decorative washi tape, or quirky erasers. A few high-quality supplies sprinkled throughout the month, like fine-line markers or small paintbrushes, can keep the creative spirit alive during the holiday season.
4. Collectables
We all have something that we like to collect. Crystals, scarfs, teas, comic books, pins,… Make sure that you include the special interests for the person you prepare the surprises.
5. Jokes
Inject some humor into the countdown with daily jokes or riddles. Write or print short, festive jokes on small pieces of paper to include in each slot. Not only does this bring a smile to the recipient’s face, but it also provides a fun and light-hearted way to start the day. For families, these jokes can spark a bit of laughter and conversation, setting a joyful tone for the holiday season.
6. Make-up
For beauty lovers, an advent calendar filled with make-up products is not only a lovely surprise, it is also something that is useful as the products are going to be used up. Include sample-sized items like lip balms, nail polishes, eyeshadows, or mini lipsticks in a range of festive colors. You can also add skincare treats, such as sheet masks or tiny pots of moisturizer, to bring some extra self-care into the hectic holiday period.
7. Perfume Samples
Perfume samples are a luxurious yet compact option for an advent calendar. Include a variety of scents, from floral to woody, allowing the recipient to explore different fragrances each day. It’s a wonderful way to discover new favorites without committing to a full-sized bottle. The addition of a few scented candles or small sachets of bath salts can also enhance this daily indulgence.
8. Toys
For children (or the young at heart!), small toys make for thrilling advent calendar fillers. Consider tiny cars, mini action figures, or building blocks, which can be added to a larger play set. The joy of discovering a new piece each day will build anticipation and excitement. You can even include pieces of a puzzle or parts of a model that gradually come together, offering a fun and rewarding project to complete by Christmas Eve.
9. Accessories
Accessories like jewelry, hair clips, or keychains are both practical and fun advent calendar fillers. For kids, you might include colorful bracelets, cute rings, or themed hair accessories. For adults, elegant earrings, chic scarves, or small charms make delightful surprises. The key is to select items that align with the recipient’s personal style, adding a touch of everyday luxury to their December.
10. Activities and Experiences
Advent calendars don’t have to be all about physical gifts; they can also be filled with experiences. Include little notes suggesting activities such as “hot cocoa night,” “movie marathon,” or “baking cookies together.” These experiences bring people together and create lasting memories, making the countdown to Christmas truly special. You could even add craft supplies for specific activities, like materials for making homemade ornaments or decorating holiday cards, ensuring each day is filled with both joy and creativity.
These filler ideas not only make the advent calendar more personalized but also help set a festive mood for the season. Whether it’s a sweet treat, a beauty surprise, or a shared experience, each daily discovery brings a bit of magic to the holiday countdown.
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