150+ DIY Advent Calendar Fillers for the Whole Family in 2025

Advent Calendar Fillers for Boys (Under 10)

Younger boys love surprises they can play with, collect, or snack on. Think small toys, puzzles, stickers, or craft bits that spark creativity. Keep things light-hearted and varied — a mix of toys one day and treats the next keeps the excitement going all the way up to Christmas.

• Mini toy cars
• LEGO minifigures
• Bouncy ball
• Stickers or tattoos
• Trading cards
• Candy canes or chocolates
• Fun erasers or pencils
• Glow sticks
• Small puzzle piece (build daily)
• Superhero keychain
• Mini flashlight
• Silly putty or slime
• Character socks
• Hot cocoa sachet
• Whistle or yo-yo
• Joke or riddle card
• Jigsaw puzzle piece set
• Mini dinosaur or animal figure
• Craft supplies (pipe cleaners, pom poms)
• Pop-it toy
• Mini fidget spinner
• Holiday ornament to decorate
• Pencil topper
• Collectible figurine
• Stick-on mustache or disguise kit

Advent Calendar Fillers for Girls (Under 10)

For younger girls, aim for colorful, creative, and fun. Items like stationery, crafts, or sparkly accessories work perfectly. Little touches, such as friendship bracelet kits or mini plush toys, make each day feel like a new discovery. Don’t worry if you repeat a few favorites — it just adds to the anticipation.

• Hair ties or clips
• Mini lip balm
• Nail stickers or polish
• Charm bracelet pieces
• Stickers or washi tape
• Cute erasers or pens
• Glitter glue
• Scented markers
• Friendship bracelet kit bits
• Keychain or bag charm
• Chocolates or sweets
• Mini diary or notebook
• Temporary tattoos
• Scrunchie or headband
• Small plush toy
• Christmas ornament to decorate
• Fun socks
• Puzzle or game piece
• Motivational or joke card
• Mini gel pen set
• Bead bracelet craft
• Magnetic bookmark
• Cute pencil sharpener
• Glitter stickers
• Holiday lip gloss

Advent Calendar Fillers for Tween & Teen Boys (Ages 10–18)

This age group loves things that feel cool, practical, or snack-worthy. Look for small gadgets, sporty accessories, and tech-friendly items that fit their interests. A mix of edible treats, small surprises, and even a few “experience” coupons (like movie night picks) keep it personal and age appropriate.

• Mini deodorant or body spray
• Cool socks (fun or sporty designs)
• LED keychain or mini flashlight
• Snack-size jerky or protein bar
• Pop socket or phone stand
• Gaming or meme stickers
• Keychain or carabiner
• Hot chocolate sachet
• Trading cards (sports, Pokémon, etc.)
• Hair styling gel or wax
• Puzzle cube or mini brain teaser
• Reusable straw or bottle sticker
• Mini screwdriver or pocket tool
• Playing cards or UNO mini pack
• Bluetooth cable clip or cord holder
• Stress ball or fidget toy
• Movie quote or joke card
• Beanie or wristband
• Favorite candy bar
• Phone cleaning wipes
• Small notebook or sketchpad
• Sports keyring or badge
• Christmas ornament (fun or gamer-themed)
• $5 fast food or app store gift card
• Motivational note or “coupon” for something fun (movie night, pizza, etc.)

Advent Calendar Fillers for Tween & Teen Girls (Ages 10–18)

For tweens and teens, focus on trendy and thoughtful. Skincare minis, cute stationery, or small accessories always go down well. Combine self-care with fun — mix in candy, inspirational quotes, or small gift cards for their favorite shop. A touch of personalization makes even simple items feel special.

• Lip gloss or tinted balm
• Hair scrunchies or clips
• Mini candle or tealight
• Nail polish mini or press-ons
• Face mask or skincare sample
• Small jewelry item (studs, bracelet, ring)
• Stickers for laptop or water bottle
• Mini perfume spray or roller
• Hot chocolate sachet or tea bag
• Mini notebook or quote cards
• Phone charm or pop socket
• Earbuds or cord clip
• Keychain charm or lanyard
• Temporary tattoo or henna sticker
• Friendship bracelet or bead kit
• Mini pen or pastel highlighter
• Reusable straw or collapsible cup
• Candy or chocolate treat
• Cute socks
• Nail file, buffer, or mini polish remover wipes
• Makeup brush or beauty sponge
• Inspirational or affirmation card
• A Christmas ornament to decorate
• $5 coffee shop or app store gift card
• Handwritten note or “coupon” (e.g., “Movie night pick,” “Sleep-in day”)

Don’t want to make your own DIY calendar? We suggest all the best tween & teen pre-filled advent calendars here, plus we share more ideas to use advent fillers and stocking stuffers for teenage girls

Advent Calendar Fillers for Men

Think small, useful, and maybe a little indulgent. Men often appreciate gifts they’ll actually use — like mini grooming products, gadgets, or favorite snacks. A mix of practical items and light-hearted treats works best. Don’t forget to sneak in a few personal notes or inside jokes for a smile each morning.

• Mini hot sauce bottles
• Coffee pods or instant sachets
• Fun socks or boxers
• Beard oil or grooming sample
• Pocket multitool
• Whiskey or rum mini bottle
• Car air freshener
• Keychain gadget (torch, bottle opener, etc.)
• Chocolate truffles
• Scratch-off lottery ticket
• Mini screwdriver set
• Sports team pin or badge
• Packet of nuts or jerky
• Travel-size cologne
• Phone cable or clip
• Golf tees or ball markers
• Puzzle or brain teaser toy
• Favorite snack bar
• Reusable coffee cup sleeve
• Hand cream or lip balm
• Mini note from kids
• Tea infuser or coffee stirrer
• Magnetic bottle opener
• Small photo keychain
• Coupon for breakfast in bed or a foot rub

Advent Calendar Fillers for Women

When filling an Advent calendar for her, think cozy, relaxing, and thoughtful. A blend of small self-care items, little luxuries, and heartfelt touches — like handwritten notes or tokens of appreciation — go a long way. Choose items that spark joy without taking up space, from teas and candles to cute accessories and festive treats.

• Lip balm or gloss
• Mini nail polish
• Tea sachets or coffee pods
• Scented candle votive
• Bath salts or fizzers
• Skincare samples
• Hair clips or scrunchies
• Jewelry (earrings, charm)
• Essential oil roller
• Hand cream
• Cute pen or notepad
• Sweet treat or artisan chocolate
• Cozy socks
• Mini perfume
• Keyring charm
• Inspirational quote card
• Bookmark
• Seed packet for spring planting
• Compact mirror
• Homemade “coupon” for something special
• Lip scrub or face mask
• Satin sleep scrunchie
• Crystal or gemstone
• Mini travel candle
• Pair of festive earrings

Tips for Creating Your Own DIY Advent Calendar

• Shop early: Start collecting small gifts in October/November to spread out the cost and avoid last-minute stress
• Mix it up: Not every day needs to be a “thing.” Include small notes, jokes, or experiences (like a family movie night – we have loads more ‘experiences’ you could add to your DIY Advent calendar over here).
• Keep it simple: Many fillers can overlap between family members — don’t overthink making each calendar completely unique.
• Repeat what works: It’s fine to include similar items, especially consumables or things they love.
• Get creative with presentation: Use reusable Advent calendars — fabric pockets, mini envelopes, paper bags, or wooden drawers all work beautifully (we have a post coming soon on some more DIY presentation ideas)
• Stay organized: Label each item and keep extras handy in case something doesn’t fit or needs swapping.

Creating your own Advent calendar is a little more work than store-bought, but the smiles each morning make it completely worthwhile. With a bit of planning and creativity, you’ll turn December into a month-long celebration of thoughtfulness and joy.

For more Advent inspiration and Christmas gifting ideas, explore our latest festive guides and printable holiday resources on Little Party Pixie.

Love these countdown ideas? You may also enjoy some of our fun and cheeky Christmas Letterboard ideas for December! Fun holiday quotes and ‘Christmas is coming’ puns and memes that will give the whole family a daily giggle!