A DIY advent calendar comes down to two things: 24 or 25 little containers and a set of numbers to put on them. The containers can be anything (paper bags, small boxes, envelopes, socks on a line). These advent calendar number tags handle the second part. They’re scalloped round tags with a hole for twine and a chunky number that you cut in a second color and glue on top.
The set covers 1 to 25, so it works whether your calendar ends on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. There are two sizes: 2 in tags with all 25 on one 12 x 12 mat, and 3 in tags split across three sheets for bigger bags and boxes. There’s also a blank tag and a gold star tag for day 25.
| File | Size | Material | Layers | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advent tags 1-25 (2 in, one 12x12 mat) | 11 × 11 in | Cardstock | 2 layers | ✓ Cut-checked |
| Advent tags 1-9 (3 in) | 9.62 × 9.62 in | Cardstock | 2 layers | ✓ Cut-checked |
| Advent tags 10-18 (3 in) | 9.62 × 9.62 in | Cardstock | 2 layers | ✓ Cut-checked |
| Advent tags 19-25 (3 in) | 9.62 × 9.62 in | Cardstock | 2 layers | ✓ Cut-checked |
| Blank advent tag (2 in) | 2.12 × 2.12 in | Cardstock | 1 layer | ✓ Cut-checked |
| Star tag for day 25 (3.2 in) | 3 × 2.88 in | Cardstock | 2 layers | ✓ Cut-checked |
What’s in the download
| File | Sheet size | Tags |
|---|---|---|
| Tags 1 to 25, small | 11 x 11 in | 25 tags, 2 in across, numbers 0.8 in tall |
| Tags 1 to 9, large | 9.62 x 9.62 in | 9 tags, 3 in across, numbers 1.2 in tall |
| Tags 10 to 18, large | 9.62 x 9.62 in | 9 tags, 3 in across |
| Tags 19 to 25, large | 9.62 x 9.62 in | 7 tags, 3 in across |
| Blank tag | 2.12 x 2.12 in | 1 tag to duplicate, for your own numbers or names |
| Star tag for day 25 | 3 x 2.88 in | A star with a 25 to glue on |
Every sheet has two layers: Tags and Numbers. Each number sits exactly where it belongs on its tag in the file, so when you cut the two layers in two colors, the numbers come off the mat in the same order as the tags. Glue number 7 onto tag 7 and so on down the grid.
The numbers are set in a heavy, rounded block typeface, wide enough that the inside of a 6, 8 or 9 stays open at 2 in and none of the strokes are thin. Each tag has a 0.2 in hole near the top, set clear of the scalloped edge so it won’t tear when you pull twine through. Every file passed our cut check for cardstock at the listed size.
What you need
- Cutting machine and a light or standard grip mat (12 x 12 for the small-tag sheet)
- Cardstock in two colors: one for the tags (red, green, kraft) and a light one for the numbers (cream, white, gold)
- A glue pen or fine-tip liquid glue
- Twine, thin ribbon or mini clothespins
- 24 or 25 bags, boxes or envelopes
How to make the tags
- Upload one sheet. In Design Space, click Upload, then Browse, and choose a sheet. Our upload guide walks through it. The sheet comes in with two colors, one for the tags and one for the numbers.
- Leave the size alone. The small-tag sheet should read about 11 x 11 in. It’s sized to fill a 12 x 12 mat; scaling it down shrinks the numbers along with the tags.
- Set your colors. Change the two layer colors to match your cardstock if you like. When you click Make It, Design Space puts each color on its own mat: one mat of tags, one of numbers.
- Cut both mats. Choose the cardstock setting that fits your paper for each mat.
- Keep the numbers in order. Peel the mat away from the paper, not the paper off the mat, and lift the numbers off in rows. They come off in the same grid as the tags.
- Glue each number to its tag. A few dots of glue on the back of the number are enough. Center it in the space below the hole.
- Add twine. Thread a short length through each hole and tie it to a bag handle, or clip the tag to the bag with a mini clothespin.
Lay all 25 tags out on the table before gluing. It’s much easier to spot a 6 that’s turned upside down as a 9 when they’re all in a row.
Choosing a size
The 2 in tags suit small bags (about 3 x 5 in), matchboxes, envelopes and a hanging line of tiny pouches. Since all 25 come off one mat, they’re the quickest set to make. The 3 in tags read from across a room and suit lunch-size paper bags, small boxes and stockings. They take three sheets, but each sheet fits a standard 12 x 12 mat with room to spare.
You can mix sizes: small tags on days 1 to 24 and the star on day 25 makes the last day stand out. You can also enlarge the tags as much as you like. Shrinking is where it goes wrong. Below the small-tag size, the gap inside the 8 and the 0 starts to get too narrow for cardstock.
Ideas for the calendar itself
A paper bag line. Fill 24 small kraft bags, fold the tops over, punch a hole and peg them to a length of twine across a mantel or window with clothespins, a numbered tag on each.
A tree of boxes. Our gift box template folds into small tuck boxes with score lines. Cut a stack, tie a tag on each and stack them into a tree shape on a tray.
Envelopes on a wall. For a calendar of notes, activities or small flat treats, use envelopes and stick the tag on the front with a glue dot instead of twine.
An activity calendar. Write a family activity on the back of each tag (bake cookies, watch a Christmas movie, make a card for a neighbor). Hang the tags face out and flip one over each day.
The blank tag is there for anything else: a name tag for a stocking, a gift tag, or a second set of numbers in your own font. For more tag shapes, see our Christmas gift tags.
If something goes wrong
If the scalloped edges come out ragged, the blade may be dull, or the cardstock may be shifting on a mat that’s lost its grip. If the holes cut as dents rather than clean holes, the paper is heavier than the setting expects, so pick the next heavier cardstock setting. Numbers that tear at the corners usually come from pulling the paper up off the mat; flip the mat and peel it away instead.
Questions
How many numbers do I need for an advent calendar?
Most advent calendars run from December 1 to 24. Some include Christmas Day and go to 25. This set has tags for 1 to 25, so you can use either.
What size should advent calendar numbers be?
About 2 in tags with 0.8 in numbers suit small bags and envelopes. For lunch-size bags or boxes, 3 in tags with 1.2 in numbers are easier to read from a distance.
Can I cut the numbers in vinyl instead of cardstock?
The files are drawn and checked for cardstock. You can cut the number layer in adhesive vinyl and stick it on the tags, but the tags themselves should stay cardstock so they hold their shape.
