Advent is just around the corner and many people are looking forward to the daily surprise from the Advent calendar. But these calendars are often not environmentally friendly. In this article, we'll show you how you can design a sustainable Advent calendar yourself. From DIY ideas to environmentally friendly fillings to zero-waste packaging - here you'll find lots of ideas for enjoying the pre-Christmas period sustainably.
Key findings
- Use natural materials such as pine cones, branches and leaves to design your Advent calendar.
- Use old household items to transform them into new, creative calendars.
- Fill the Advent calendar with homemade treats, environmentally friendly cosmetics or vouchers for shared activities.
- Wrap the gifts in reusable cloth bags or recycled paper to avoid waste.
- Create an Advent calendar for children with educational toys, books or nature experiences.
Creative DIY ideas for a sustainable Advent calendar
Use natural materials
A sustainable Advent calendar can be made from many natural materials . Pine cones, twigs and dried flowers are not only environmentally friendly but also beautiful. These materials are easy to collect and process to create a unique calendar.
Upcycling of everyday objects
Why not reuse old items? With a little creativity, empty jars, cans or fabric scraps can be turned into great Advent calendars. Upcycling everyday objects not only saves money, but also protects the environment.
Personal messages and experiences
An Advent calendar doesn't always have to be made of chocolate. Personal messages and small experiences can bring just as much joy. Write little letters, poems or vouchers for activities together and fill the doors with them. This will make every day in the run-up to Christmas special.
A homemade Advent calendar shows how much love and effort you have invested. It is not only sustainable, but also personal and unique.
Sustainable fillings for the Advent calendar
Homemade treats
Homemade treats are a wonderful way to fill the Advent calendar. Whether cookies, chocolates or jams - everything can be lovingly wrapped and placed in the little doors. This way, every day in December becomes a sweet surprise.
Environmentally friendly cosmetic products
Environmentally friendly cosmetic products are a great alternative to conventional products. They are not only good for the skin, but also for the environment. From handmade soaps to sustainable lip balms, there are many ways to make the Advent calendar environmentally friendly.
Vouchers for joint activities
Vouchers for activities together are a great idea for spending time together. Whether it's going to the movies, eating together or going for a walk in nature - the possibilities are endless. These types of gifts create memories that last long after December.
A sustainable Advent calendar can not only bring joy, but also raise awareness for the environment and community.
Zero-waste packaging for the Advent calendar
Reusable cloth bags
A great way to avoid waste is to use reusable fabric bags. These can be used every year and are available in many beautiful designs. You can also sew them yourself and make them completely individual.
Recycled wrapping paper
Use recycled wrapping paper to wrap your Advent calendar gifts. There are many beautiful versions made from old newspapers or magazines. This way you can not only avoid waste, but also get creative.
Natural decorations
Use natural decorations such as pine cones, dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks to decorate your Advent calendar. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also give your calendar a special charm.
With a little creativity and the right materials, you can create a beautiful and sustainable Advent calendar that protects the environment and brings joy at the same time.
Sustainable Advent calendars for children
Educational toys
A sustainable Advent calendar can not only bring joy to children, but also promote their education. Toys that impart knowledge are a great way to combine learning and fun. These include, for example, small experiments, puzzles or flashcards.
Books and stories
Books are always a good idea, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Discovering a new story every day can stimulate children's imagination and improve their reading skills. Short stories or poems fit perfectly into the little doors of an Advent calendar.
Nature experiences and excursions
Experiences in nature are not only exciting, but also educational. A voucher for a trip to the forest or a visit to the natural history museum can be a great Advent calendar gift. These activities promote environmental awareness and are a lot of fun at the same time.
A sustainable Advent calendar for children can wonderfully combine education, fun and environmental awareness.
Advent calendar for a conscious diet
Organic snacks and fair trade products
A sustainable Advent calendar can be filled with organic snacks and fair trade products . These treats are not only healthy, but also support fair working conditions and environmentally friendly farming methods.
- Nuts and dried fruits
- Organic chocolate
- Fair trade coffee or tea
Recipes for healthy snacks
Why not put homemade, healthy treats in your Advent calendar? Here are some simple and delicious recipes:
- Energy balls made from dates and nuts
- Homemade granola bars
- Oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate
Homemade snacks are not only delicious, but also a great way to spend time with family.
Tea and spice samples
Another great idea is tea and spice samples. These little surprises bring variety to the kitchen and invite you to try out new recipes.
- Different types of tea such as green tea, herbal tea or fruit tea
- Spice samples such as cinnamon, turmeric or paprika
A conscious Advent calendar can not only bring joy, but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Joint craft sessions for the Advent season
Crafting with recycled materials
A wonderful way to enjoy the Advent season is to spend time crafting together . Recycled materials such as old newspapers, cardboard boxes or glass bottles can be used. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also inexpensive.
Collecting and processing natural materials
A walk in the forest can be inspiring. Collect pine cones, twigs and leaves to make beautiful decorations. These natural materials not only bring nature into your home, but are also biodegradable.
Creative workshops for the whole family
Organize creative workshops that the whole family can take part in. Whether it's making reindeer, folding stars or wax paper stars - there are countless possibilities. The 5th, 6th and 8th graders spent two hours crafting together and had a lot of fun. Such activities not only promote creativity, but also family cohesion.
The Advent season is the perfect opportunity to be creative together and to implement sustainable craft projects. Use the time to create beautiful memories and protect the environment at the same time.
Sustainable Advent calendars for adults
A sustainable Advent calendar for adults can be filled with wellness and relaxation products . These can help reduce the stress of the pre-Christmas period and ensure greater well-being.
- Bath additives made from natural ingredients
- Handmade soaps
- Scented candles made from soy wax
Fashion accessories that have been produced sustainably are a great idea for the Advent calendar. They are not only environmentally friendly, but also stylish and practical.
- Fair trade jewelry
- Scarves made from organic cotton
- Reusable shopping bags
Experiences and workshops are perfect gifts for the Advent calendar. They create memories while promoting sustainable lifestyles.
- Cooking classes for vegan dishes
- Workshops for upcycling projects
- Tickets for nature parks
A sustainable Advent calendar for adults can not only bring joy, but also inspire a more conscious lifestyle.
Conclusion
A sustainable Advent calendar is a wonderful way to make the pre-Christmas period more environmentally friendly. With a little creativity and planning, we can all help protect the environment while preserving the joy and magic of the Christmas season. Whether through homemade gifts, reusable materials or environmentally friendly packaging - every little change counts. Let's experience the Advent season more consciously together and think about our environment. This will make the anticipation of Christmas even more beautiful and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sustainable Advent calendar?
A sustainable Advent calendar is a calendar that is designed to be environmentally friendly. For example, it contains reusable or recycled materials and environmentally friendly gifts.
What materials can I use for a DIY Advent calendar?
You can use natural materials like pine cones or twigs. Old jars, cans or scraps of fabric are also good options.
What can I put in a sustainable Advent calendar?
You can fill it with homemade treats, environmentally friendly cosmetic products or vouchers for shared activities.
How can I package the Advent calendar in an environmentally friendly way?
Use reusable cloth bags, recycled wrapping paper or natural decorations like dried orange slices.
Are there sustainable Advent calendars for children?
Yes, you can add educational toys, books or vouchers for nature experiences and excursions.
What ideas are there for sustainable Advent calendars for adults?
For adults, wellness and relaxation products, sustainable fashion accessories or vouchers for experiences and workshops are suitable.