Fab countdown calendars to buy and make
Last year I posted about the Christmas countdown calendar I made for our family eons ago and in October, I created a countdown to Halloween one. I not only like the idea of calendars as a decorative element, but as a way to bring families together.
A countdown calendar could be used for any big event from a Bar Mizvah to a 50th wedding anniversary. Each can be personalized in a way to make it a meaningful, fun gift too.
Take a look at these and maybe they’ll inspire you as they do me. If you’re not into DIY, many can be purchased.
1. This countdown chain from Evelyn Kate, is not only clever but can be used year after year because it’s made from fabric. I’d never thought of a paper chain count down, but why not? That’s something you still have time to make before December starts.
2. How can you resist this cute bird? And using the dates like a clock is brilliant. Printed on cardstock from I am Magpie. Other designs (just as fun) are available.
3. Santa’s Bab of Laughs, is actually a game, not an official countdown calendar, but I like the idea of it and I could see how you could play the game along with a countdown calendar so I’ve included it here to get your brain churning. And besides, any item that is meant to invoke laughter is a great one in my book. It’s from T and M Handmade.
4. This wooden spool thread holder countdown calendar gets my highest marks for clever use of materials. Just love the look and I can see kids falling under its spell. Queenvanna Creations came up with a great idea for reuse.
5. Chelsy Anne’s clean, modern looking countdown calendar appeals to me and I can picture it fitting perfectly on the fridge in a city loft. It could be customized to fit your decor and the pieces arranged into a Christmas tree shape too. And of course, the pictures and items inside could be changed out for counting down to various occasions increasing its usefulness. Finding these containers used could be difficult, but if it becomes a family heirloom, you could be forgiven for purchasing.
6. Apologies to the others, but this “stick” countdown calendar takes top prize for simplicity and cleverness. I’m mad for it and absolutely will have to make one. I found it at Bodie and Fou. The dates are marked by a “bracelet” of beads on elastic that moves down the stick daily. You could make it any size. What a playful, yet sophisticated idea!
7. Love this bright, red pennant with pockets from Peppermint Pinwheels. It feels festive without going over the top and would make a fun addition to a mantel.
8. A “cone-iferous” countdown calendar made from recycled paper is one kids will get a kick out of making. Even though it’s paper, it can be reused for many years if carefully put away. Hide an activity idea under each tree or an organic candy treat or treasure if you prefer. Another great idea from Family Fun.
Have you made a countdown calendar you’d like to share? Let us know in the comment section.
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.
