How to Make a “North Pole Pharmacy” DIY Christmas Advent Calendar (Free Printables!)
Counting down the days until Christmas is one of the most magical parts of the holiday season, but finding a fresh, unexpected twist can be tough. If you love unique, whimsical holiday decor that makes people smile, this DIY Christmas advent calendar is for you! Introducing the North Pole Pharmacy: a clever countdown filled with “prescriptions” for sweeter days, brighter spirits, and happier hearts. Best of all, we’re sharing free printables for both the individual pill bottle labels and the matching pharmacy sign! If you’re looking for even more ways to add handmade magic to your holiday season, you can also grab our reader-favorite Free Christmas Gift Book Printable!
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Supplies Needed:
- Pill Bottles: You can save and thoroughly clean your own empty prescription pill bottles, or you can easily purchase a bulk pack of brand new empty pill bottles on Amazon.
- The Printables: Download your free North Pole Pharmacy Sign and 24 Day Pill Bottle Labels right here!
- Treats to Fill Them: Small candies, M&Ms, jelly beans, gum, or tiny notes and jokes.
- The Display Riser: You can upcycle old cardboard boxes covered in rustic wrapping paper or kraft paper to build a tiered display rack, or you can order these simple wooden display racks from Amazon.
- Scissors and Adhesive: Double-sided tape or sticker paper to attach your labels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Pill Bottles
If you are using upcycled prescription bottles, make sure to wash them thoroughly with warm, soapy water and peel off any original pharmacy labels (a little bit of rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone works wonders for stubborn adhesive residue!). If you prefer a uniform look, brand-new empty amber pill bottles work wonderfully too.
Step 2: Print and Apply the Labels
Download your free printable label set. Print them out on standard paper using double-sided tape, or print directly onto full-sheet sticker paper for an easy peel-and-stick application. Wrap each label around a bottle, featuring festive names like “Holiday Joy,” “Reindeer Fuel,” and “Yuletide Calm”!
Step 3: Fill with Treats
Fill each of the 24 numbered bottles with your favorite small holiday candies, colorful chocolates, or sweet notes. Pop the caps back on tightly.
Step 4: Build or Set Up Your Display Riser
Arrange your pharmacy bottles on a tiered display. You can easily craft a custom riser using stacked cardboard boxes wrapped in brown kraft paper for a rustic look, or set them up on a multi-tier wooden shelf.
Step 5: Style with Your North Pole Pharmacy Sign
Frame your free printable North Pole Pharmacy sign and place it next to your collection. It’s the ultimate conversation starter for your mantel, entryway, or holiday kitchen display!
⚠️ Important Safety Warning:
If you are using real, upcycled prescription bottles that previously held medication, please ensure they are washed exceptionally well. Because this advent calendar uses medicine bottles and looks like real medication, please use caution if you have small children or pets in the home to ensure they do not mistake the festive candy containers for actual medicine.
Looking for More Holiday Fun? If you love easy, whimsical holiday crafts, be sure to check out our popular Free Christmas Gift Book Printable—it’s another fun, budget-friendly way to make the season extra special!
