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DIY Magnetic Advent Calendar

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Make the countdown to Christmas even more magical with this DIY Magnetic Calendar. Made in just minutes, this advent calendar can be used year after year!

Here are a few more Advent ideas we think you’ll love – chocolate advent, stocking advent countdown, and 15 Creative Advent Calendars.

magnetic advent calendar using metal tins

The countdown to Christmas officially begins on December 1st, and what better way to pass the time than with a small treat or activity?

This darling magnetic advent calendar is made with just a few simple supplies, and everything (besides the treats) can be used year after year!

And if you’re not big on candies and small treats, have no fear! We love filling our advent with a small activity or service we can do together each day. Things like:

  • read a Christmas book
  • drive around and look at Christmas lights
  • bake a Christmas treat for a neighbor
  • send a Christmas card to a far-away friend
  • decorate the Christmas tree

….etc!

(All of our ideas are included in the printable pack. Download it below!)

christmas tree advent calendar on a fridge

I love the simplicity of the design, and how functional it is – I hang mine on my fridge, but you can use a cute magnetic board as well! And we’ve got 2 sets of color options, so this is a project that will work for everyone!

Here’s how to make your own-

supplies needed to make an advent calendar

How to Make a Magnetic Advent Calendar

SUPPLIES –

  • advent calendar printables (download below)
  • 2″ circle punch, optional, but makes life so much easier
  • scissors
  • magnet strip or small magnets – I used the adhesive magnet strips to make this project super simple, but you could use any magnet and attach with hot glue
  • round tins
  • candies and/or other fillers
small magnet on the back of a round tin

DIRECTIONS –

  1. Print off your advent circles and cut or punch them out.
  2. Cut your magnet into strips and stick it to the back of each tin.
  3. Place a circle in each lid, fill it with candies, small toys, or add an advent activity. NOTE: You don’t need to glue or tape your circles into the lids as long as you make sure to fill the tin with something – the bulk of the candies or toys will be enough to keep it flush against the clear plastic.
  4. Close the tin and hang it on your fridge or magnet board.
candy and slips of paper in small tins

You can put your tins in a cute tree shape or place them in lines and start counting down to Christmas!

small round tins with advent activities

These would make a cute gift to give a friend, family member, or neighbor! With a little time and not much money, you’ve got a super cute magnetic advent calendar to enjoy the whole season!

holding a metal round tin

Christmas Advent Printables

I can’t decide which colors I like more – the retro teal and pink set or the classic red and green set! Grab the whole set by adding your name and email address to the form below:

collage of images showing a magnetic advent calendar

About Stephanie

I'm Stephanie Dulgarian, founder of Somewhat Simple. I have a soft spot for minimalism and a strong love for projects, travel adventures, shopping, and Sunday naps. I enjoy cooking favorite family recipes and decorating my home, but spending time with my husband and five kids is what makes my heart the happiest.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  7. Susan says

    I just love that. I have an advent calendar but I don't like it much. this might be the year to make one!

  9. Amy says

    I have been looking for a great way to count down the days until Christmas and this may just be the winner! Thanks for the great ideas!

  10. Sandra says

    So many cute advent ideas this year…mine is similar to yours but I used a cookie sheet and match boxes to hold activities and family traditions. Fun stuff!

  11. Sheri says

    Right up my alley! Simple, cute, and effective. I've posted a link on childmade.com. I'll be watching for more fun stuff!

  12. Gretta says

    I made one of these today for my family! Note: It is much less cute and much more simpler decor because I didn't have a lot of scrapbooking stuff on hand so I just made do with what I had. But my kids are super excited to unveil a square a night & find out what we will be doing. I will try to post pictures on my blog of it this weekend. Thanks for a GREAT & easy idea!

  13. Alysha says

    I just discovered your blog last week and even the flu couldn't keep me from checking here everyday!!! LOVE the advent idea…I've been searching for a cool advent idea and I think this is peeerfecto.

  16. Lisa@Pickles and Cheese says

    Wow…this is so cute! And you did such a nice job! I have seen something like this but it didn't seem re-usable….I like how you used magnets instead of sticky labels. Thanks for showing us how you did yours!

  19. Gina @ MoneywiseMoms says

    This is a great frugal alternative to the expensive advent calendars I've seen. Great job!

  23. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    This is adorable. I love the idea to have a different activity every night. What a wonderful memory-maker.

    Thanks for joining the blog party. I hope you can meet a few new bloggers in the process, =)

  28. i says

    i've been looking for an easy, practical advent for a while! and now i've found one!!! thanks! 🙂

  30. laceylady says

    I'm in the process of making one of these. I love that I can just use the mini muffin tin I already have and that when I pack everything up in january, all I have to store w/ the christmas stuff is the #'s.
    Thanks for the tutorial

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“It is the sweet and simple things of life which are the real things after all.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder