What to Put in a Family Advent Calendar

A family advent calendar works best when the surprises fit your everyday life. One evening might have room for baking; another may only have time for a favourite story. Mixing small activities with a few little treats makes the countdown easier to organise.

If you are filling a reusable pocket calendar, start with the pocket measurements before buying anything. Folded activity notes are a useful option when a gift is too large to fit: the note can tell everyone where to find it or what you have planned.

Check what will fit in the pockets

On our Personalised Family Advent Calendar, the individual pockets are approximately 7.5cm by 6.5cm. They taper towards the top, where the depth is approximately 1.5cm. That makes a small folded slip of paper a practical starting point. Test one pocket before preparing the whole countdown, and avoid forcing bulky fillers into it.

The calendar can be personalised with two lines of up to 20 characters each. Line one appears in title case; line two appears as entered. Choose a family name or short wording that will still make sense when you use it again next Christmas.

24 family advent calendar ideas

For a 24-day countdown, choose one idea for each day. Move the longer activities to days when you have more time, and swap any suggestion that does not suit your family.

1. Choose a Christmas story to read together.
2. Draw a decoration for the fridge.
3. Let someone pick a song for a festive playlist.
4. Write a kind note for another family member.
5. Look through a favourite family photograph.
6. Make a paper snowflake.
7. Choose a film for a cosy evening.
8. Design a homemade Christmas card.
9. Take a walk to look at nearby decorations.
10. Tell everyone a favourite Christmas memory.
11. Pick a simple game to play together.
12. Make a bookmark for a favourite book.
13. Choose a recipe to make on a free afternoon.
14. Call or video-call someone you miss.
15. Draw a picture of your ideal snowy day.
16. Choose a decoration to put on the tree.
17. Write down something you are thankful for.
18. Invent a name for a Christmas reindeer.
19. Invent and tell a Christmas joke.
20. Make a little paper gift tag.
21. Let someone choose the next family activity.
22. Make up a short festive story together.
23. Take a family photograph for next year's memories.
24. Leave a Christmas Eve note for someone you love.

Make the countdown manageable

You do not need 24 purchased presents. A note promising ten minutes together can be just as personal. Prepare the paper slips first, then add a few small extras if you want to. Keep a couple of easy replacement activities ready for evenings when plans change.

If a surprise is shared, make that clear on the note. You can rotate who chooses the activity, so the calendar feels like a family tradition rather than a daily competition over a gift.

Use and store your calendar thoughtfully

This calendar is not a toy. The supplier states that it is not suitable for children under 36 months without adult supervision, and looped cords must be kept out of children's reach. Choose any fillers separately for the age and needs of the person receiving them.

After Christmas, remove any remaining fillers before putting the calendar away. Keep favourite activity notes if you would like to reuse those ideas next year.

Choose a calendar for your own tradition

Explore the Personalised Family Advent Calendar for the full product and personalisation details. For other ideas, browse our Christmas gifts or Christmas gifts under £20. Check our shipping and delivery information before ordering for a particular date.