There are so many great reasons for making the switch to reusable advent calendars. Not only does it help you stop buying single-use calendars each year, which are often full of plastic, but it can become the start of a wonderful Christmas tradition that will be passed down through generations. 

Festive Friends advent calendar, £14.95

Bonus: they’re also a gorgeous item of festive decor!

Red House wooden advent calendar, £39.95 

A reusable advent calendar really gives you the opportunity to have fun picking out little fun and thoughtful gifts. Coming up with 24 ideas to fill all those drawers can be tricky, so here’s a few to get you started!

Sweets

Just because you’re ditching the chocolate advent calendar this year, doesn’t mean there have to be no sweet treats at all! Fill a few drawers with a wrapped sweet or chocolate coin. 

Carol Singers wooden advent calendar, £39.95

Notes

A reusable advent calendar is a great opportunity to let someone know how much you care. Including a thoughtful note, funny joke or sweet message in a few of the drawers will also help teach your kids the importance of non-material gifts. 

Memo pads (set of 6) - Rainbow, £2.95 - perfect for writing little notes!

Stickers

Who doesn’t love a sticker! Buy a sheet of stickers and cut out a few to include in some drawers.

3D stickers - Adorable Bears, £2.95

Toys

Little toys and games add an unexpected dose of fun to an advent calendar. 

Mini wooden puzzles (assorted - SINGLE), £3.95

Accessories

Here are a few little accessories that will fit into the little drawers of an advent calendar (once packaging is removed!)

Iron on patch - Ice lolly, £1.95
 

Fairies in the Garden glitter rings, £2.95

Mini hair claw clips (set of 2) - Party dogs, £3.95

Christmas glitter hairbands (set of 4), £3.95

Little keepsakes

A small keepsake with some meaning is a beautiful addition to any advent calendar. This could be a piece of memorabilia, such as a Polaroid or ticket stub, or a any memento that brings back a happy memory. Alternatively, these handmade Guatemalan worry dolls make a thoughtful gift, helping to keep your loved one’s anxieties away.

Mini worry dolls (assorted), £1.50

Bits and bobs for the home

A gift for the home is always welcome and appreciated. Here are a few suggestions that are small enough to fit in an advent calendar (once the packaging has been removed, of course!), but lovely enough to really brighten up a space.

Mini music magnets (set of 4), £3.95

Ceramic drawer knob - Cream, £2.95

We hope you have fun shopping for treats to fill your advent calendar this year! For even more inspiration to get Christmas-ready, explore our Christmas Shop for festive decorations, thoughtful gifts, stocking fillers, and everything you need to make the most of the season.

Christmas tree wooden advent calendar, £29.95