Advent calendar fillers for adults

Christmas magic isn’t just for the kids! Create Christmas anticipation with these advent calendar fillers for adults.

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Advent calendars have come a long way since religious families made a chalk line for every day in December up to Christmas Eve (source).

I still remember the advent calendars of my childhood. We were worlds away from chocolate-filled treats back then – the thought of seeing what picture was hiding between the thin cardboard door was enough to see us sprinting for our calendars in the morning.

Oh, such simple times.

Christmas is 90% anticipation and 10% reality.

That’s why as adults we often don’t feel the same degree of excitement (especially once our kids are grown) as anticipation is replaced with long lists of Christmas to-dos. We enjoy the day, but if we’re honest, the lead up can be more exhausting than exciting.

But fear not, because there is one simple way you can get that Christmas anticipation back through using the humble advent calendar – but not one that’s focused on pictures or chocolates but advent calendar fillers for adults.

Creating your own advent calendar can become a fun new tradition for you and your spouse.

Now if you like the sound of this, BUT if you’re wondering what to put in an advent calendar designed for adults, then here are some fun and creative ideas.

Each of them are either selected to build excitement or to be gifts in and of themselves related to a theme. They are also perfect if your partner’s love language is gifts.

They also double as great stocking-stuffers!

(Consider attaching one of these Christmas love quotes to each gift).

Jigsaw puzzle advent calendar filler

This is a super fun idea for what to put in an advent calendar, and it’s perfect if your man likes puzzles.

For this to work well, I would select a 500 piece to 1000 piece puzzle. The lower number is going to work the best, however if you really want the challenge of more pieces, then make sure there’s a lot going on in the puzzle so your advent calendar recipient doesn’t simply get frustrated.

You’ll need:

• a 500 piece puzzle OR
• a 1000 piece puzzle
• organza bags
• wooden number tags

Separate out the edge pieces, and then divide all the puzzle pieces up so you have the same amount for every day.

Put them into the organza bags. 

Affix the number tags to each of the bags, starting with the edge pieces.

Now every day, give your husband one of the bags.

Have fun making your Christmas advent puzzle!

Sports advent calendar filler

If your husband is anything like mine, he loves his sports.

You can capitalize on this love of games when coming up with advent calendar ideas.

For example, related to his sport of choice you could use:

• magazines
• sports biographies
• technical manuals
• merchandise
• equipment
• tickets

There’s as many ideas as there are sports!

Running advent calendar fillers

You could also consider getting items related to a fitness goal like running.

For example, let’s say one of your husband’s New Year’s resolutions is to do a marathon.

You could gift as part of your advent calendar

• earbuds
• Fitbit
• hydration belt
• running socks
• sneakers
• energy gels
• running shorts
• top
• entry to an event

There’s so many purposeful and functional gifts for runners that will make your advent calendar a hit.

Sexy advent calendar filler

How about making your advent calendar all around some sexy time?

For this idea, purchase this six pack of Christmas stockings and have one gift per stocking.

Six is enough to have up at any one time without it starting to look like a hot mess, and once he opens one gift, swap out the number tag on the Christmas stocking for the next date).

Fun advent calendar ideas focused on intimacy include:

• lubricant (you’ll love this masculine one)
• massage oil
• sexy underwear (for you to wear but that’s a win for him, right?)
• blindfold
• handcuffs
• toys
• board games designed especially for the bedroom
• love coupons for him
• sexy music
• erotic material

These advent calendar fillers for adults are the gifts that really do keep giving!

Recipe advent calendar filler

Does your loved one like to create in the kitchen?

Consider finding a recipe you know they’ll love that has a number of ingredients.

You could even have a selection of recipes as part of your advent calendar (consider sweet treats like Christmas cookies, fudge and other deliciousness) – whatever you need to take you to Christmas Day.

Get the ingredients and package them up, starting with the dry ingredients, using plastic containers to minimize the mess. You’ll gift one ingredient a day so they can try figure out what the recipe is going to be!

You might want to add fillers in the form of cooking utensils, bakeware or items for decorating their creation.

On the last day of ingredients, include a copy of the recipe.

Travel advent calendar filler

If you’re after ideas that are next level special, then consider this travel-focused theme to your advent calendar.

For each day have a small item that relates to a travel destination. At 18 inches long and 5 inches wide, the stockings I mention above will work for most small gifts, but you may have to get inventive.

These could include

• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• travel toiletries
• sunglasses
• beach towel (these ones don’t shed lint like crazy)
• bathing suit
• packing cubes

Finish off with your Christmas present being tickets to your sun-filled destination – the perfect way to top off your advent calendar and escape the winter chill!

If you’ve been wondering what to put in an advent calendar that will surprise and delight your husband, then try some of these advent calendar filler ideas for adults.

You might also like: Christmas questions to ask your spouse.

Enjoy the magic of Christmas.