I knew as soon as Christmas ended, Annabel would start asking me, “How many days until my birthday?” This year, I was ready for her. I put together an advent calendar to help her countdown the days until her birthday (and we’ll use it for James in May!), plus each number is a little pocket that can hold things. I originally thought I’d hang it lower on the wall, but since a certain little boy was a liiiiiittle too curious, I put it above our mantle. I am so pleased with how it turned out!
Card stock or construction paper
Scissors (regular or decorative)
Hole punch
String
Glue
Tape
Wall hooks
Sharpie (optional)
Start by folding up the bottom edges of a sheet of paper so they meet in the middle.
Cut a rounded edge from one end of the crease to the other. The advantage of using fancy-cutting scissors is you can’t tell if you cut unevenly, hahaha.
Form the paper so it makes a cone that’s round in the front and flat in the back.
Tape the flat flaps together.
Punch holes in the back (this is for hanging the cone on the wall – you could also use a clothespin!).
For the numbers, you can either use a sharpie to write them on, or cut out numbers and glue them on.
I made the cone that represents the big day extra-special.
Finally, string up the cones and hang them on the wall!
I hung the numbers going backwards, countdown-style, so Annabel can always figure out how many days it is until she turns SIX. How is she almost six??
Since Annabel definitely doesn’t need any more toys (plus she just got some a couple weeks ago, and she’s about to get more in 16 days), we filled each day with notes and messages to her.
Plus, you know, there might be some pieces of candy in there. We’re not monsters.
If you have questions, let me know!
DefendUSA says:
This is really an awesome idea! I may do this for my niece. Happy New Year!
Becca says:
I love this idea! I was just talking with a friend not too long ago about why we don’t use advent calendars to mark other events. They’re so fun! I want to do this for my wife’s birthday.. unfortunately her bday isn’t until November. Boo.
Vanessa says:
that is such a great idea!!! love it
Danielle says:
What a cute way to count down the days! In the past, I have made a construction paper chain for my son, but this is definitely more fun
Glenda says:
Love this idea! You’re so creative!
Kandi Ann Brewer says:
Does she take one down each day? I love your creativity.
Heather says:
That was my original plan! But since it’s up high to prevent James from messing with it, Mike just reaches into the pocket each day to give her the note.
Emily says:
Hi Heather,
Long time reader and big fan.
Not to nitpick, but I’m not sure why you’re calling this an “advent” calendar. Advent refers to the Christian countdown to the birth of Christ. It is not synonymous with any countdown.
Heather says:
Hi Emily! While Advent is most commonly used in relation to the birth of Christ, it’s technical definition is “The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/advent
Steph says:
So I learned something today. I thought it only applied to the “Advent” season of Christmas. The internet is educational:)
Val says:
LOL “Not to nitpick” but I’m totally gonna nitpick.
Jordan says:
exactly what I was thinking Val. Not to nitpick, but I’m gonna comment and nitpick anyway! if you don’t like something why comment at all?
a season of advent is a season of anticipation– just like anticipating a birthday like annie is. Advent (capital letter!) is the specific advent season surrounding the birth of Christ.
Martha says:
This is really cute, and I like that it is reusable. How do you mark the days that have elapsed? Colorful paper clips come to mind.
Heather says:
My original idea was to take the days down as they pass, but since the calendar is up high so James can’t mess with it it’s too hard to remove a number every day. So now I use a clothespin to mark what day it is!
miriam says:
You are so creative, seriously! I assume you pinned this??
Toni says:
So fun!
Anna says:
I may have to make one of these to countdown to my due date in May! I have a feeling I’ll really be counting down the days by then, lol!
Stephanie says:
I want one of these for my 27th birthday.
Anna says:
So cute! You could also use party hats if you didn’t want to make the cones – they just wouldn’t be flat on the back.