Count Down to Easter With a DIY Advent Calendar

Put those plastic eggs and basket to use in the 12 days leading up to the Easter Bunny’s arrival with this easy project that’ll help kids count down to Easter morning.

Photo by: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Follow H. on:

Materials Needed

  • dozen plastic eggs
  • basket (that you'll ultimately use as the child's Easter basket)
  • scrapbook numeral stickers
  • shredded paper or wood excelsior (for filler)
  • preserved moss
  • small assorted foil-wrapped chocolates
  • jelly beans
  • pom-pom chicks or bunnies
  • small toys, erasers or stickers

Prep Basket

Add a layer of Easter grass, shredded paper or wood excelsior to fill the bottom of the basket (Image 1). Top with a decorative layer of preserved moss (Image 2).

Prep Eggs

Add numeral stickers, 1-12, to the top half of each plastic egg, leaving the hinged area uncovered so the egg can freely open.

Photo by: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Fill Eggs

Add an assortment of surprises (Image 1), like candy and small toys (Image 2) to the numbered eggs – one for each of the 12 days.

Fill Basket

Place filled eggs in basket, lining them up from day 1 to day 12 (Images 1 and 2). Note: For our basket, 4 rows of 3 fit perfectly but create a layout to best suit your basket (Image 3).

Have Fun

Each day, let kids open that day’s egg. Make it a game, having them guess what might be inside.

Easter Morning

Repurpose the countdown basket to serve as an Easter basket, swapping out the now-empty plastic eggs for assorted goodies.

Photo by: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Next Up

DIY Easter Games for the Whole Family

Hunting for eggs isn't the only Easter activity. This year, keep the candy coming and the games going with some clever ideas for celebrating the season.

Carrot Crispy Rice Treats Recipe

With only three ingredients, you can make these tasty treats last minute.

Pink Bourbon Cocktail

Not nearly as sweet as it looks, this bourbon cocktail is packed with complex personality and sophisticated spirits that are sure to change everyone's perception of pink fruity cocktails.

Coconut Almond Bunny Tails Recipe

These no-bake coconut almond candies are easy to make, and both kids and adults will love them.

Deconstructed Falafel Salad

A vibrant spin on a Middle Eastern classic, this falafel salad is reimagined with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables that make it a unique yet light meal perfect for any afternoon get together.

Grilled Peach and Brandy Popsicle

By freezing brandy punch into a spherical mold, any glass of chilled wine instantly becomes a whimsical cocktail.

Chocolate Coconut Candy Recipe

These white and dark chocolate covered coconut balls, filled with a raspberry surprise, are the perfect spring treat or addition to any Easter basket.

Cherry Marshmallow Cocktail Recipe

An unexpected take on dessert cocktail, this creamy beverage is garnished with your favorite Easter treat.

Speckled Egg Petit Fours Recipe

These colorful speckled egg cakes make a cute addition to Easter baskets or spring dessert buffet tables.

Lemon-Scented Cupcakes With Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Use this dressed-up vanilla cupcake recipe as the base for special-occasion decorated treats. Just add food coloring and embellishments for endless possibilities.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.