For two years now, I’ve wanted to make a muffin tin Advent calendar. I saw one on Etsy and just KNEW I could make one just as cute. After all, I make pretty good scrapbook pages…and it’s a little pricey to buy one.

I was especially confident that, now that I’m staying home, I would get it done. Unfortunately, the procrastinating perfectionist in me has prevented this from happening.

[Side note: Only now, as I'm writing this, do I see that you can buy a kit for a muffin tin Advent calendar. If I'd known, I would have bought one, because I think that's a great compromise between completely handmade and just getting it done. So, maybe next year!]

Since I didn’t get around to creating one – despite it being on my to-do list for the past month – I realized I needed to come up with an alternative.

Thankfully, the Internet has about a million amazing ideas!

In the end, I decided to go with a calendar using mini takeout boxes. Here’s what I did:

1. Buy boxes: I waited entirely too late to begin this process, so while you can find mini takeout boxes at Hobby Lobby, JoAnn or Michael’s, I had to resort to Amazon (because the craft stores didn’t have the right size and color, and I didn’t have time to wait for them to get some in). Thankfully, I found a vendor who sells white mini boxes in lots of 25 for a great price (and shipped super fast, which really worked for me and my procrastination).

2. Buy or collect Christmas scrapbook paper: I could have just used what I have, since I admittedly have a paper problem, but what fun is that? Instead, I bought a holiday pack at half price at Hobby Lobby!

3. Buy or collect other supplies: You’ll need scissors and/or paper cutter, a pencil, cardstock in colors that complement your paper, white or cream cardstock, adhesive (I used a glue stick and a tape runner), circle punch or stencil, number stamps or stickers, and ink. You don’t need the ink if you’re using number stickers, though.

4. Make 25 decorative squares: Trace the front side of the box onto a piece of paper; then use that as a template for the other 24 squares. Punch or cut circle in complementary color cardstock. Cut smaller circle in white (or cream) to larger circle. Stamp numbers 1 through 25 (or use stickers) on the circles.

5. Assemble: I found it was easiest to adhere the square to the box and the circles to each other. Next, stamp or stick the numbers on the circles. Then, after they’re dry, stick the numbered circles to the boxes.

6. Hang ‘em up! I originally planned to hang my boxes on a ribbon with mini clothespins. However, when it came time to put it up, I realized that a) I didn’t have enough clothespins and b) I didn’t have anywhere to attach the ribbon. So, I placed {fake} pine garland over my blinds and hooked the boxes on the branches. (I did find a use for the clothespins, though, clipping the garland in place, because the boxes pulled it down otherwise.)

7. Come up with 25 Advent treats: I think this is the hardest part! So far, the boxes have held Hershey’s kisses, a new ornament and a suggestion to watch a {new} Christmas movie. I made a list of ideas, but I have a feeling that I’ll be scrambling to get something into the box more than once!

Annalyn LOVES opening a box every day. And because I teased her about not peeking in the boxes when she was “helping” me make the calendar, she giggles so hard that she shakes when she reminds me not to peek! It really is adorable.

Even more adorable than my tiny takeout boxes of holiday cheer. And that’s saying a lot, because I’m kind of in love with this little project!

Do you use an Advent calendar in your family?

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