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The countdown to Christmas just got a whole lot more exciting—especially if you’ve got an ice hockey fan in your life! Advent calendars are always a fun way to celebrate the season, and with this DIY project, you can customize the fun with your favorite theme. I created an Ice Hockey Advent Calendar using simple materials and filled it with small hockey-themed trinkets to enjoy each day leading up to Christmas. This project is super easy, budget-friendly, and completely customizable for any sport, hobby, or interest.

Materials Needed
- Hanging pocket organizer with 24 clear pockets (like a shoe organizer)
- Tissue paper in holiday colors
- 24 slips of paper (numbered 1 through 24)
- Small gifts or trinkets (see my hockey-themed list below for inspiration!)

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set Up Your Organizer
Start by hanging your clear pocket organizer on a door or wall. The clear pockets make it easy to fit small wrapped gifts while keeping them visible and organized. You can also lay the organizer flat on a table or on the ground and fill it that way. - Wrap the Gifts
Gather your hockey-themed trinkets (or other theme-related goodies). Wrap each item individually using tissue paper. This adds a fun surprise element when the gift is unwrapped each day. - Number the Pockets
Write numbers 1 through 24 on slips of paper and tuck one slip into each pocket. The numbers correspond to the days in December, with the first pocket (1) opened on December 1. - Fill the Pockets
Place one wrapped gift in each pocket. Try to mix up the gifts so there’s a fun variety throughout the month.

Hockey Gift Ideas
Here’s what I included in my hockey-themed calendar (some items had multiples that I spread out throughout the month):
- Stick wax
- Pucks
- Hockey tape
- Hockey trading cards
- Mouthguards
- Skate laces
- Hockey-themed stickers
- Skate blade sharpener tool
- Deodorant
- Protein bars
- Hockey-themed socks
- Powder packets of hydration drinks
- Candy
- Helmet repair kit
- Green biscuit puck
- Lace tightener tool
- Gear drying strap
- Deodorizer balls
- Gift cards (to hockey shops, rink snack bar, rink, etc!)
- Street hockey balls
- Beef jerky
- Team apparel or swag from player’s team or fave NHL team
Feel free to add in your own favorite small items, or swap out for non-hockey items if creating a different theme.
Customize Your Theme
The beauty of this advent calendar is how easy it is to adapt. If hockey isn’t your thing, no problem! You can create an advent calendar for:
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Dance
- Horseback riding
- Camping
- Crafting
- Gaming
- And on and on!
Simply swap out the trinkets to match your theme. For example, a dance-themed calendar could include hair ties, toe pads, or themed water bottles, while a camping-themed calendar might include fire starters, trail mix, or mini flashlights.
When to Start
The fun kicks off on December 1, when the first pocket is opened. From there, enjoy unwrapping one surprise each day until Christmas Eve. It’s a great way to keep the holiday spirit alive all month long!
This DIY Ice Hockey Advent Calendar is perfect for players, fans, or anyone who loves a little excitement leading up to Christmas. The project is quick to assemble and easy to customize, making it a thoughtful gift or a fun family activity. I can’t wait to hear how you make yours—share your theme ideas in the comments!
If you’re looking for more hockey ideas – I have a bunch!
