When I was a kid, my mom put together an advent calendar for my brother and me every December. It was 24 tiny gifts tied to little rings on a framed advent calendar that she embroidered herself. I loved it so much that I somehow convinced her to keep doing it for me well into adulthood. She finally cut me off around age 32… which was fair. But the tradition had become so important to me that I’ve carried it on myself ever since.
Now that I’m a knitter (aka a yarn hoarder), I think advent calendars for knitters are basically the ultimate holiday joy. Whether you splurge on a full indie-dyed yarn set or cobble together your own from grab bags and mini notions, it’s a tradition that sparks delight every single morning in December.
Here are some of my favorite options I’ve found, plus ideas on how to DIY your own if the pre-made ones feel a little too pricey – because this isn’t an idea you you need break the bank on. Some years we had leftover Halloween candy wrapped up on the advent calendar, and it really didn’t matter. The fun part is just the anticipation of opening a little surprise gift!
Indie Yarn Advent Calendars
If you have some favorite indie dyers, check if they’re offering an advent calendar.. Many do, but you almost always need to preorder in early fall. (Hence why I’m writing this post for you in September).
Some dyers just do the 12 Days of Christmas style calendar, while others do a full 24 or 25 days. I’m fond of the month-long unwrapping, but you could always get a 12-day one and supplement it with some other goodies like tea, chocolates, or stitch markers.
I just pre-ordered my indie yarn advent calendar by PK Yarn in Logan, Utah. (My home state!) I was planning to assemble my own collection of advent goodies this year, but when I saw the mid-century modern Christmas color scheme on this one, I couldn’t resist… I mean, I used to have a pink tinsel Christmas Tree in my bachelorette days. I think I need that vibe back in my life in 2025. (BTW, on this and many yarn advents, you don’t get to see the yarn ahead of time because that would ruin the fun! But there are usually mood boards in the listing.)
Another gorgeous option is from GemStateYarns in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I picked this one to share with you because I love the flexibility in options. You can choose your preferred yarn weight (or do a mix!), and control the price point by selecting 12 or 24/25 days and opting whether you just want mini skeins or if you want to throw in some full skeins too. The variety of options makes it easy to tailor to your budget and project plans. The colors in the 2025 kit are classic Christmas shades.
If you’re on a budget but still want the daily mini skein surprise?, check out the Scrappy Sock Yarn Christmas Advent Calendar. It’s not cheap, but it’s cheaper that the two above. This one is curated from a mix of dyers, so you’ll get a fun variety at a lower price point. There isn’t a color theme on this one, but you can tell the seller what colors you like and they’ll keep that in mind when pulling the yarns. Take a moment to enjoy this yummy yarn photo:
Stitch Marker Advent Calenders
Yarn isn’t the only option. Last year, I ordered a stitch marker advent calendar and it was really fun. Mine was a collection of coordinating markers all by the same maker, but this stitch marker advent calendar is customized: you answer a few questions, and the seller picks the markers to match your preferences. There is a huge variety. The packaging is really sweet too.
DIY Your Advent Calendar!
If the splurge factor is just too much, you can still make a knitting advent without draining your wallet. Here’s how:
- Grab bags of notions. Something like this mystery bag of stitch markers gives you plenty of little treasures. I also love this variety pack of vinyl knitting stickers on Amazon. (Throw in some candy or tea and you can get a full advent for under $15!)
- Mini skeins. Ask your favorite indie dyer if they sell mini skein sets, or check for budget-friendly acrylic minis like Caron Little Crafties or Lion Brand Bon Bons (big box craft stores usually have them, or you can buy on Amazon). These are especially fun if you like making toys or colorful accessories.
- Destash sales. Search Etsy or eBay for “yarn destash.” You’ll often find bundles of partial skeins at great prices. Just remember to ask about the previous owner’s storage practices if you’re sensitive to pets or smoke.
- Assemble with love. Use gift wrap, drawstring bags, mini stockings, or little envelopes with numbers written on them to set up your advent. I highly recommend having a friend do the packing for you to keep everything a surprise.
Why I Keep This Tradition Alive
For me, the advent calendar is less about what’s inside and more about the ritual. It’s a little spark of joy during the darkest days of the year. Some mornings it’s yarn, other mornings it’s a silly stitch marker or even a sticker, but the magic is the same.
If you’ve never had a knitting advent before, I hope this roundup inspires you to try one, whether you splurge, DIY, or mix the two. Trust me: December is better with a little surprise waiting for you every day.
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