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CHRISTMAS CALENDAR What is behind today's door?

Inspiration & Tips/Gift guides/Make an advent calendar

Make your own Advent calendar - creative ideas to fill an Advent calendar this Christmas

Looking for ideas to fill an Advent calendar this year? Create a magical December with a DIY Advent calendar filled with thoughtful design gifts, festive treats and creative surprises for everyone you love.
Updated Monday 3rd November 2025
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How to make your own advent calendar

Christmas is a season of anticipation, warmth and joy – and an advent calendar makes the countdown to Christmas even more special. Whether you already have an advent calendar that needs filling or plan to create your own, small, thoughtful gifts are a wonderful way to bring a little happiness every day in December.

In this guide, you’ll find creative ideas to fill an advent calendar for adults – from design-inspired gifts to relaxing treats and cosy experiences. You’ll also discover a selection of stylish advent calendars ready to be filled, so you can enjoy a stress-free start to the festive season.

Discover our Advent calendars here: Advent calendars

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADVENT CALENDARS

    Ideas to fill your advent calendar

    Once you’ve chosen your advent calendar, the fun part begins – filling each little bag or box with something special. Finding 24 unique gifts can be a challenge, but with a bit of creativity, you can make every day feel meaningful. Here are some ideas to fill an advent calendar for the different personalities in your life:

    • For the master chef: spice grinders, kitchen utensils, or a beautifully patterned kitchen towel
    • For the design lover: a mini vase, candleholder, mug, or bowl from one of our classic design brands
    • For the fan of Christmas: a glowing Christmas star, mulled wine mug, or charming tree decoration
    • For the host: linen napkins, elegant cutlery, a corkscrew, or stylish napkin rings
    • For the one who loves to treat themselves: create a mini spa kit with hand cream, scented sticks, and candles
    • For the baker: a new recipe, measuring set, or spatula for festive baking

    If a gift is too large to fit inside the advent calendar, include a small note with a clue to where it’s hidden – or mark the package with the right date and place it beneath the calendar.

    Top tip: not every day needs a physical gift. Add notes for cosy experiences like a winter walk, baking night, or Christmas movie marathon. These small gestures make the countdown feel even more personal and joyful.

    FOR THE MASTER CHEF

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      FOR THE DESIGN LOVER

        FOR THE CHRISTMAS FANATIC

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          FOR THE ONE WHO LOVES TO HOST

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            Use the Christmas countdown Christmas calendar from ferm LIVING and fill your advent calendar with the Marimekko vase, Kähler vase or Rörstrand mulled mug.

            Classics such as a mini vase from Hammershøi or the Swedish Grace are perfect gifts for an advent calendar.

            Use the Christmas countdown Christmas calendar from ferm LIVING and fill your advent calendar with a note for an activity such as ice skating.

            Tip: Fill your advent calendar with a note for an activity such as ice skating or a trip somewhere new.

            Use the Christmas countdown Christmas calendar from ferm LIVING and fill your own advent calendar with mini spice grinders, Christmas pendant or small mug.

            Fill the advent calendar with things that you think the person will appreciate and use. Why not add mini spice grinders, mulled wine mugs or lovely Christmas pendants to your advent calendar?

            FOR THE ONE WHO LOVES TO TREAT THEMSELVES

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              FOR THE DESIGN LOVER

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                We hope you have been inspired with lots of lovely ideas to help you fill your advent calendar and show your appreciation to the ones you love. Merry Christmas from us to you!

                Photo: Elof Martinsson, ferm Living

                Styling: Anna Magnusson, Angeliqa Daldorph

                Linnéa Axelson
                Author

                More small gift ideas for your advent calendar

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