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lukas_fischer DE 🔍 Enthusiast 💬 37 answers ⚑

I like checking out local artisans for that - soap makers, small chocolate producers, stuff like that - they often sell individual products you can use to put together your own calendar, and that stuff is usually way more sustainable than mass-produced stuff. Alternatively, there are also more and more shops offering special sustainable advent calendars these days, just ask at bio shops or plastic-free stores near you. Online you can also find small makers on Etsy who do that kind of thing individually - might cost a bit more, but then at least you know what's in it and that you're not generating tons of waste.

WO wolf95 DE 📗 Student 💬 19 answers ⚑

For sustainable advent calendars, I'd also look into secondhand options - you often find nice old wooden calendars or fabric pouches on flea markets or in online groups that you can refill yourself. That's actually the most sustainable solution because nothing new has to be produced. A lot of people have these things lying around in their basements and are happy to give them away.

If you want to fill it yourself, it also makes sense to think about whether you can cut down on packaging waste - so go for loose nuts, dried fruits, small homemade treats instead of individually wrapped candy. Some people also fill them with smaller useful things like candles, oils, or teas - stuff the person actually needs rather than pure consumer stuff.

Do you already have an idea of how much the calendar should cost, or is it more about minimal waste?

wind_jurgen CH 🛠️ Specialist 💬 59 answers ⚑

My favorite is still a handmade calendar made from paper, which you fill with dried mushrooms, tea, or nuts - I know it sounds weird, but I did that last year and the people who received it were really happy because it was personal and you could compost the whole packaging afterward. You can also just get 24 small paper bags, they're cheap and biodegradable, and then fill them with local or homemade stuff depending on your budget. What's great about it is that you know exactly what's inside and how much waste you end up with - usually none.

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