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Toilet Roll DIY Advent Calendar: Let’s Get Crafty for the Holidays!

You know how the holidays just sneak up on you? One minute it’s Halloween candy, and the next, you’re scrambling for gifts. Well, here’s a fun and easy way to get into the festive spirit and even count down the days until Christmas – a toilet roll DIY advent calendar!
What Do You Mean by a Toilet Roll DIY Advent Calendar?
Basically, it’s an advent calendar you make yourself using empty toilet paper rolls. Instead of those store-bought cardboard ones with tiny chocolates, this is a chance to get creative and personalize the countdown to Christmas. You collect those empty rolls (and maybe some kitchen towel rolls cut in half), decorate them, and fill them with little treats or activities. Each day leading up to Christmas, someone gets to open one of the rolls and enjoy the surprise inside.
How Do You Actually Make One?
It’s simpler than you might think! Here’s a basic rundown:
1. Gather Your Supplies: Start collecting those empty toilet paper rolls. You’ll probably need around 24 for a traditional advent calendar. You’ll also want things like colorful paper, paint, markers, glitter (if you’re feeling sparkly!), glue, scissors, and some string or ribbon.
2. Decorate the Rolls: This is where the fun begins! You can wrap each roll in different colored paper, paint them with festive designs (think snowmen, trees, or stars), or even get fancy with washi tape. Number each roll from 1 to 24.
3. Fill ‘Em Up: Decide what little surprises you want to put inside. This could be small candies, tiny toys, little notes with festive activities (like “sing a Christmas carol” or “bake some cookies”), or even clues for a mini scavenger hunt.
4. Seal One End: You’ll need to close one end of each roll to keep the surprise inside. You can do this by folding the ends over and taping them, or by gluing on a small circle of paper.
5. Assemble Your Calendar: Now you need to decide how you want to display your creation. You could:
What is Known About DIY Advent Calendars?
DIY advent calendars have become increasingly popular for a few reasons. They’re a fantastic way to:
Be Budget-Friendly: You’re using materials you likely already have or can get cheaply.
While the exact origins of using toilet rolls for advent calendars aren’t formally documented (it’s more of a modern, resourceful craft idea!), the tradition of advent calendars themselves dates back to the 19th century in Germany. Families would mark the days leading up to Christmas in various ways, eventually evolving into the calendars we know today. The DIY twist is a natural progression, encouraging creativity and sustainability.
The Solution: A Fun, Sustainable, and Personalized Countdown
A toilet roll DIY advent calendar offers a fantastic solution for those looking for a more personal, budget-conscious, and environmentally friendly way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas. It transforms something as simple as an empty toilet roll into a source of daily joy and anticipation. Plus, the process of making it can be a fun activity in itself, bringing people together during the festive season.
More Information and Ideas to Spark Your Creativity
Want to take your toilet roll advent calendar to the next level? Here are a few more ideas:
Add extra embellishments: Think buttons, beads, small pom-poms, or even dried natural elements like twigs or small pinecones.
In Conclusion
A toilet roll DIY advent calendar is more than just a craft project; it’s a way to build anticipation and create lasting memories during the holiday season. It’s a testament to how simple, everyday items can be transformed into something special and meaningful. So, start saving those toilet rolls and get ready for some festive crafting fun!
FAQs After The Conclusion
1. How many toilet rolls do I need for a standard advent calendar? You’ll typically need 24 toilet rolls to represent the 24 days leading up to Christmas.
2. What kind of glue works best for assembling a toilet roll advent calendar? Most general-purpose craft glues or even a hot glue gun (with adult supervision) will work well for attaching paper and decorations to the cardboard rolls.
3. Besides candy, what else can I put inside the toilet rolls? Think small toys, stickers, temporary tattoos, handwritten notes with activities, riddles, or even small puzzle pieces that can be assembled over the month.
4. How can I make my toilet roll advent calendar more durable so I can reuse it next year? Using thicker decorative paper or fabric to cover the rolls and securing the ends well with strong tape or glue will help it last longer. Store it carefully after the holidays.
5. Is it okay to start collecting toilet rolls early in the year for this project? Absolutely! The earlier you start, the less you’ll have to scramble closer to the holiday season. Just make sure to store them in a clean and dry place.