Create a festive photo advent calendar with instax™

We’d be lying if we said Christmas wasn’t a big deal around here. At instax™ HQ, our Christmas countdown kicks off long before crackers appear on supermarket shelves or tinsel goes up on the tree. By mid-October, most of us have developed an unhealthy obsession with gingerbread lattes, and we’ve usually already been caught belting out that Mariah song in the office (sorry, not sorry). 

Round here, we have zero shame in starting our celebrations early. And when the 1st of December hits, we like to have our advent calendars ready and waiting to make every day feel like a mini celebration. 

Why not share some countdown love by gifting a calendar to your bestie this year? 

No – we’re not talking bland or basic. We’re talking handcrafted and completely unique. With an instax™ instant camera or printer, you can create an ultra-aesthetic personalised instax™ advent calendar filled with memories from 2024, just like the one in the video below. It’s giving ‘main character’ Christmas and ‘bestie appreciation’ all in one, and we are SO here for it.

Bring your BFF a daily dose of instax™ joy

Let’s be real, there’s nothing better than surprising your bestie with a gift that actually means something. And nothing says ‘I care’ like a handmade instax™ photo advent calendar packed full of their fav snaps. Make every day in December a mood by adding iconic images that transport them back to wild nights, spontaneous road trips, or epic ‘laugh-til-you-cry’ moments.   

Never made an advent calendar before? Honestly – it’s super simple. With just some instax™ film prints, an old picture frame, and a bit of imagination, you can craft an iconic calendar that celebrates your friendship and gives them all the festive feels. 

Your advent calendar essentials

Before we get to the crafting bit, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to create your festive photo calendar:

• An empty picture frame 
• Some colourful string or ribbon
• A selection of small pegs or clips
• A variety of instax mini film™ prints
• A pack of stick-on numbers 
• Colourful, glittery, or patterned card 
• A pack of drawing pins

Want to make your calendar feel even more festive? Try this: For an extra festive touch, add some twinkling LEDs to your calendar. Wrap them round your string before clipping them onto your photos. It’ll help your snaps to stand out and sparkle.

Time to get your craft on

Let’s transform your instax™ memories into a festive masterpiece.

Step 1: Frame it up

Place your photo frame on a soft, clean surface. Then, pick it up and carefully remove the back and glass. 

Step 2: Nail your print placement 

Next, cut multiple lengths of string or ribbon, ensuring they fit neatly across your frame in rows. You’ll need to secure them in place at each end of the frame using your drawing pins, making sure the string or ribbon is tight enough to hold your prints without drooping.

Step 3: Clip on your instax™ prints

Now for the fun part: picking out your prints. Use your instax mini Link 3™ smartphone printer to bring fun shots from your phone to life, or delve into your collection of instant camera snaps. Once you’ve selected your all-time favourite prints, clip them onto the string or ribbon with your pegs. 

A festive upgrade they’ll love: Own an instax WIDE 400™ camera or instax Link WIDE printer™? On day 25, feature an even bigger photo of you and your BFF behind the card. It’ll be a full-sized bestie tribute to wrap up the countdown in style.

Step 4: Hide away those secret snaps 

Next, grab your card and cut it into 25 small squares or circles, before adding your sticky numbers. Place each card in front of its corresponding instax print, clipping it on to keep the photo hidden until it's ready to be revealed.

Step 5: Wrap it up with a personal touch

After you’ve admired your handywork, you’ll want to get your calendar wrapped and ready for gifting. Don’t forget to match your gift wrap to the vibe of your recipient. For the bestie who loves vibrant colours and cheerful aesthetics, go for dreamy pastel wrapping paper or holographic foil to give your gift that extra sparkle. 

Gifting to a friend who prefers a more minimal aesthetic? Opt for sleek, neutral-toned kraft paper or a chic monochrome design that’ll let your calendar shine through.

Oh, and don’t skip the finishing touch: add a handwritten note to let your bestie know just how much each memory means to you. It’s a small detail, but it’ll make your gift feel extra thoughtful.

Optional upgrade: Wanna go all out to impress? Check out our 5 quick and easy instax™ craft projects blog to find out how to make your very own elegant photo gift tags. They take less than 15 minutes to make and will leave you with a gift that’s even more memorable.

Fun festive themes for your instax™ photo calendar 

Fancy adding some *serious* festive flair to your photo calendar? Get creative with one of these themes: 

Festive Throwback: Lucky enough to spend every December with your bestie? Fill your advent calendar with photos from Christmases past. Think: all the awkward Christmas jumper snaps, throwback hairstyles, and iconic moments by the tree. It might make you cringe, but it’ll definitely give your BFF a giggle.

Bestie Bucket List: Wish you had more festive memories with your bestie? Add in all the things you two have to do together this December. Snap a photo of ice skating boots to suggest hitting the rink, capture a festive Christmas cocktail to mark a date for drinks, or grab a shot of some popcorn to hint at a midnight Christmas movie marathon. With your plans set, you can spend more precious time together and make the most of the season. 

Pampered pets: Do you and your day one have a shared obsession with animals? Bring together all the cute, festive snaps you have of their pets and give your bestie a daily reminder of their fav furry friends. 

12 Days of Dining: Gifting to a friend who’s a bit of a foodie? Give your calendar a culinary twist by including images of their go-to festive snacks or meals, along with mini recipes or treat ideas. You could even clip some small sweets or savoury bites to your calendar. It’ll be a tasty countdown that pairs perfectly with your photo memories.

Bring your Christmas memories alive with instax™

Once you’ve had a go at creating this ultra-aesthetic instax™ photo advent calendar, don’t forget to keep snapping. Whether you’re celebrating friendsmas this year or want to feel all the festive vibes with your main bestie, our instax™ cameras are there to bring all your magical winter moments to life.

Our Christmas mantra is: don’t just count down the days; capture them. And with your instax™ instant camera and some instax™ instax™ mini Colour Film, it couldn’t be easier.