How to Make a Wooden Advent Calendar With a Laser Cutter

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A wooden advent calendar is one of those projects that pays you back for years. You cut it once, and every December you only have to fill it. Kids love it, and adults secretly love it too.

Here is how to plan it, make it and fill it, without stress. You still have time, but start this week.

Step 1: Choose a style

There are three common styles, and each has its own feeling.

• Box or drawer calendars. Twenty-four little boxes in a frame. The most "wow" style, but the most work.
• Countdown tags. Numbered tags you hang on a string, branch or wall. Fast and cheap.
• Village or tree calendars. The calendar is also a decoration, for example a little village where each house has a door to open.

If it is your first time, start with tags or a simple frame. You can always make a bigger one next year.

Christmas Laser Cut, Countdown Gift Tags

Christmas Laser Cut, Countdown Gift Tags is an advent calendar or countdown design. You cut it once and reuse it every year, you only change what goes inside.

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Christmas Advent Calendar Laser Bundle (Design 2)

Christmas Advent Calendar Laser Bundle (Design 2) is an advent calendar or countdown design. You cut it once and reuse it every year, you only change what goes inside.

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Christmas Advent Countdown Gift Tag Set

Christmas Advent Countdown Gift Tag Set is an advent calendar or countdown design. You cut it once and reuse it every year, you only change what goes inside.

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Christmas Advent Calendar Countdown Tags

Christmas Advent Calendar Countdown Tags is an advent calendar or countdown design. You cut it once and reuse it every year, you only change what goes inside.

Download

Step 2: Read the product page

Open the file page and check three things: the size of the finished calendar, the thickness of the material it needs and the file types included. Compare the size with the work area of your machine. If it is too big, look for a smaller design or one that is made from separate parts.

Step 3: Think about what goes inside

This matters more than people think. Look at the size of each box or pocket. Chocolate coins fit in some, but not all. Small candies, stickers, notes with little tasks, a tiny ornament or a puzzle piece also work well.

Many makers also like a note-only calendar. Each day has a short message or a family task, like "bake cookies" or "watch a movie". It costs nothing and it is often what kids remember.

Step 4: Cut a test piece

Before you cut the whole thing, cut one small part, like a single box side or a tag. Check how pieces fit. If the slot is too loose or too tight, change your settings or the file scale a little. Writing down your settings for each material saves time later.

Step 5: Cut and clean

Cut all the parts, then lift them out carefully. Wood can leave soot on the surface. Wipe it with a slightly damp cloth, or lightly sand the edges. Let it dry fully before gluing.

Step 6: Assemble

Dry-fit everything first without glue. Then use wood glue, and wipe extra glue right away, because it shows up after staining. Small clamps or rubber bands help hold the parts while the glue sets.

Step 7: Add the numbers

Many files already include numbers as cut or engraved parts. If yours does not, you can use stickers, a paint pen or stamps. Mix up the order of numbers, so kids have to search for the right day. It makes it more fun.

Step 8: Finish

A thin coat of clear spray protects the wood. You can also stain it or paint it in white, green or red. Keep it simple. Wood on its own looks warm.

Safety notes

• Use LED lights or battery tea lights if you add light to a village calendar.
• Small parts and candy are a choking risk for very young children. Use age-appropriate contents.
• Never leave a laser running alone.

A simple schedule

If you start now, a calendar is easy to finish before December 1.

1. This week: choose the file and buy your material.
2. Next weekend: cut and clean the parts.
3. Following days: glue, dry and finish.
4. Before December 1: fill it and hang it up.

For more Christmas projects, see our list of 50 laser cut Christmas ideas.