Easy 2-in-1 DIY Dog Advent Calendar (with Free Printable)

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

There are always so many beautiful advent calendars floating around the internet this time of year, that it inspired me to create a pretty DIY dog advent calendar for Soda.

Just like my reverse advent calendar for charity, it’s definitely a non-traditional take on a classic advent calendar, with a concept that’s just as heartfelt.

The inspiration behind my 2-in-1 homemade dog advent calendar? Spending quality time with your best friend at Christmas. Because that’s all dog mums like us really want, right?

With a simple and meaningful activity designated for each day of the countdown, this DIY dog advent calendar is designed to make sure you and your pup happily enjoy every day of the holidays together.

Because as I’m sure you know all too well, Christmas can be hectic. So it’s nice to create these special little moments to remind your fur baby just how loved they are.

But that’s not all…another thing I love is this dog advent calendar can also be used to decorate your Christmas tree! The sparkly cards and ribbon make the perfect DIY Christmas tree ornaments.

Yes, it’s basically two festive essentials in one! And making it couldn’t be easier.

RELATED: 5 Easy & Delicious Dog Treat Recipes for Christmas

How to Make a DIY Dog Advent Calendar

YOU’LL NEED:

• Free printable dog advent calendar (download the template here!)
• 4 x A4 sheets of card stock
• 4 x A4 sheets of glitter cardboard (or one big sheet)
• 3 x Sheets of tissue paper
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Glue
• Ribbon, twine or ornament hooks

** I used silver & gold for my DIY dog advent calendar, but choose your cardboard and tissue paper in whatever colours you like!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Print your DIY dog advent calendar on card stock and cut each numbered circle out.
2. Glue each circle face side up onto your glitter cardboard. Cut out each circle.
3. Hole punch one hole in each circle near the top.
4. To make the fringing, take one sheet of tissue paper and fold once lengthwise, then once widthwise and again fold widthwise. 
5. Cut your fringing about 1cm apart, leaving about 2 inches near the top uncut. Unfold completely and cut once widthwise. 
6. Roll each piece of fringing and twist in the middle then cut in half. Each sheet of tissue paper will make 8 individual pieces of fringing.
7. Take your fringing and thread through the hole punched in your advent ‘ornament’. Affix the end with a little glue or double sided tape. Repeat this for all 24.
8. Attach ribbon, twine or an ornament hook to your completed ‘ornaments’ and hang on the Christmas tree!

How to use your 2-in-1 dog advent calendar

Starting December 1st, search your Christmas tree for the corresponding number and discover the fun activity for the day from ‘A Trip to the Park’ to ’10 Minutes of Cuddles’ and ‘Treat Time!’ (if you need ideas, check out our healthy homemade dog treat recipes!)

Each activity is quick, easy and a fun exercise to include your furry family member in the holiday spirit.

Have fun and happy holidays!