How To Make A Diy Advent Calendar Using Old Video Game Boxes Creatively

Advent calendars don’t need plastic trays or mass-produced kits to deliver joy. In fact, the most memorable ones often carry history—scuffed corners, faded logos, and stories whispered in pixelated nostalgia. Old video game boxes—whether from Nintendo 64 cartridges, PlayStation discs, Sega Genesis cartridges, or even early PC CD-ROMs—offer more than cardboard: they’re tactile time capsules with built-in personality, structural integrity, and unexpected design potential. Repurposing them into an advent calendar merges sustainability with sentimentality, transforming clutter into a centerpiece that sparks conversation, evokes childhood wonder, and invites daily ritual. This isn’t craft-as-decoration; it’s craft-as-continuity—honoring what was while building something meaningful for now.

Why Video Game Boxes Are Ideal Advent Calendar Materials

Most crafters reach for cereal boxes or shoeboxes when building DIY calendars—but vintage game packaging offers distinct advantages few consider. First, dimensional consistency: NES and SNES cartridge boxes, for example, average 5.5\" × 4.5\" × 1\", creating uniform, stackable units ideal for modular assembly. Second, inherent visual appeal: embossed logos, foil-stamped titles, and era-specific typography eliminate the need for heavy embellishment. Third, structural resilience: unlike thin corrugated cardboard, many game boxes use rigid, double-walled chipboard—especially those housing CD-based games like Final Fantasy VII or Chrono Cross—which withstand repeated opening and hanging without warping.

Crucially, these boxes already carry emotional resonance. A Zelda box doesn’t just hold a treat—it holds memory. That subtle psychological layer deepens engagement far beyond generic countdowns. As Dr. Lena Torres, curator of the Digital Games Archive at MIT, observes:

“Physical game packaging served as a threshold between the real world and immersive play. Reusing it for ritual objects like advent calendars reactivates that liminal power—not as nostalgia bait, but as intentional continuity.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Digital Material Culture Researcher

This isn’t about hoarding relics—it’s about honoring material intelligence. Each box was engineered for shelf presence, protection, and quick recognition. Leveraging those qualities makes your calendar not just functional, but conceptually grounded.

Gathering & Preparing Your Game Box Collection

Start with intention—not accumulation. Avoid scavenging boxes solely for size or brand. Instead, curate around themes, eras, or personal significance. A cohesive 1990s console calendar (SNES, Genesis, PlayStation) reads differently than a retro-computer series (Commodore 64, Amiga, early DOS boxes). Prioritize boxes in stable condition: minor scuffs are charming; water damage, warped flaps, or detached spines compromise usability.

Clean gently—no soaking or abrasive scrubbing. Use a dry microfiber cloth for dust, followed by a barely damp cotton swab for stubborn grime along seams. Never use alcohol or solvents: they’ll lift ink, dull laminates, and degrade adhesives. For sticker residue, apply gentle pressure with a rubber eraser—no solvents required.

Tip: Keep original inserts (manuals, maps, or fold-out posters) intact—they can become surprise “Day 12” gifts or layered display elements behind transparent acrylic panels.

Sort boxes by internal depth and flap configuration. Cartridge boxes typically have front-flap closures ideal for magnetic or Velcro seals; CD cases often feature hinged lids perfect for ribbon pulls. Note which boxes open left-to-right versus top-down—you’ll match closure mechanics to your daily reveal logic later.

Structural Design & Assembly Options

Your calendar’s architecture determines both aesthetics and longevity. Below are three proven configurations, ranked by complexity and spatial flexibility:

Design Type	Best For	Assembly Time	Key Consideration
Wall Grid (24 boxes mounted in 4×6 grid)	Small spaces, high-visibility walls, minimal floor footprint	3–4 hours	Use acid-free mounting squares or removable wall strips—never nails or tape that damage paint or box surfaces
Staggered Shelf Tower (Boxes stacked diagonally on floating shelves)	Living rooms, bookshelves, multi-tiered display	5–6 hours	Ensure each shelf supports 1.5× the weight of filled boxes—add hidden plywood braces if needed
Hanging Mobile (Boxes suspended from a stained wood dowel with braided cord)	Foyers, stairwells, event backdrops	6–8 hours	Balance weight distribution: place heavier boxes (e.g., thick CD cases) near center; lighter cartridges toward ends

For all designs, reinforce stress points. Apply a thin line of PVA glue (like Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue) along interior flap creases before sealing—this prevents hinge fatigue after 24 openings. Let dry overnight. Never use hot glue: its brittleness causes cracking under repeated flex.

Step-by-Step Construction: The Wall Grid Method

The wall grid is the most accessible starting point—scalable, repairable, and visually striking. Follow this sequence precisely for clean alignment and long-term stability:

1. Measure & Mark: Using a laser level, mark a 48\" × 72\" rectangle on your wall. Divide into 24 equal cells (4 rows × 6 columns = 12\" × 12\" per cell).
2. Prepare Boxes: Trim excess flaps so each box fits flush within its 12\" square. Retain at least 1/2\" of original flap for secure closure.
3. Install Mounting Anchors: Affix two removable adhesive squares (e.g., Command™ Picture Hanging Strips, large size) vertically centered on the *back* of each box—positioned 1\" from top and bottom edges.
4. Add Daily Indicators: Before mounting, label each box discreetly: use archival-quality number stickers (not permanent marker, which bleeds through cardboard) on the *top edge*, visible only when viewed straight-on.
5. Mount Sequentially: Begin with Box 1 (top-left). Press firmly for 30 seconds. Continue left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Wait 1 hour before filling—adhesive needs time to cure.
6. Fill Strategically: Place heavier items (miniature figurines, wrapped chocolates) in lower-row boxes to lower the center of gravity. Lighter items (handwritten notes, origami, seed packets) go in upper rows.

Pro tip: Leave Box 24 slightly larger or distinct—a special edition box (e.g., limited-run Super Mario Bros. anniversary edition) signals culmination. Its visual weight anchors the entire grid.

Creative Personalization & Thematic Variations

Personalization transforms utility into heirloom. Go beyond numbers—embed narrative. A “Retro RPG Quest” calendar might assign each box a character class (Box 3 = “Healer,” containing herbal tea; Box 17 = “Blacksmith,” holding a custom keychain). Or build a “Console Generations” timeline: Rows represent decades (1985–1994, 1995–2004, etc.), with boxes arranged chronologically left-to-right.

For tactile richness, integrate textures thoughtfully:

• Velvet-lined interiors: Cut scraps from thrifted blazers or upholstery samples—glue with fabric glue, not spray adhesive (which yellows over time).
• Custom flap seals: Replace factory staples with brass brads or miniature gaming tokens (NES controller buttons, Tetris blocks) secured with epoxy.
• Back-panel storytelling: Mount translucent vellum behind each box’s rear panel, printed with QR codes linking to YouTube gameplay clips or developer interviews.

A real-world example illustrates the impact: When educator Marcus Chen rebuilt his classroom’s holiday calendar using donated SNES boxes from students’ families, he themed it “Pixel Pilgrimage”—each day revealed a historical fact about game development alongside a small puzzle. Students tracked progress on a physical map drawn across the wall grid. Attendance rose 18% during December; more importantly, students began bringing in boxes from their own collections, turning curation into collaborative archaeology.

Do’s and Don’ts of Long-Term Preservation

Your calendar shouldn’t be disposable. With thoughtful choices, it can last decades—and even evolve. Here’s how to protect both the boxes and the experience:

Action	Do	Don’t
Labeling	Use acid-free, lignin-free number stickers applied to box spines	Write directly on artwork with ballpoint pens or permanent markers
Storage (off-season)	Stack flat in archival cardboard boxes with silica gel packs; store in climate-controlled closet	Leave mounted on walls year-round or pile loosely in plastic bins
Refilling	Rotate contents annually—swap chocolates for local honey sticks, notes for pressed flowers	Reuse identical treats every year without refreshing context or presentation
Repair	Mend tears with Japanese tissue paper and wheat starch paste (reversible, pH-neutral)	Use duct tape, packing tape, or superglue for quick fixes

Remember: the goal isn’t museum-grade conservation—it’s respectful adaptation. A faint pencil sketch on a Pokémon Red box flap becomes part of its story, not a flaw to erase.

FAQ

Can I use modern game boxes (e.g., PS5 or Switch)?

Yes—but with caveats. Modern boxes prioritize minimalism and recyclability, often using thinner cardboard and matte finishes prone to smudging. Reinforce interior corners with linen tape before assembly, and avoid direct sunlight exposure, which fades uncoated inks faster than vintage glossy stock.

What if I only have 12 boxes—not 24?

Embrace asymmetry. Build a “Half-Advent” calendar: label boxes 1–12, then add mirrored duplicates (e.g., “1a” and “1b”) filled with complementary items—one practical (warm socks), one poetic (a haiku about winter light). Or pair each box with a corresponding digital “unlock” (a Spotify playlist, a curated GIF set) to extend the experience beyond physical limits.

How do I prevent kids from opening boxes early?

Design intentional friction—not punishment. Use magnetic closures instead of Velcro (requires deliberate pull), or thread ribbons through numbered wooden beads that must be slid off in sequence. Better yet: involve children in filling boxes. Ownership reduces temptation far more effectively than locks ever could.

Conclusion

A video game box advent calendar is never really about the countdown. It’s about reclaiming agency over consumption—choosing meaning over mass production, memory over marketing. It’s the quiet satisfaction of running your thumb over embossed “Nintendo” lettering while placing a sprig of rosemary inside a Star Fox box. It’s the way a child pauses, not just to open Day 7, but to trace the pixel-art logo and ask, “What did this game feel like?” That question—that bridge between tactile object and lived experience—is where true magic lives.

You don’t need rare collectibles or perfect boxes. You need curiosity, a glue stick, and willingness to see potential in what others discard. Start small: rescue three boxes this week. Clean them. Feel their weight. Imagine what they could hold—not just for December, but for years to come. Your calendar won’t just mark days. It will hold time.

💬 Share your first box transformation with us—what game did you choose, and what did you put inside Day 1? Tag #GameBoxAdvent on social or drop your story in the comments below. Let’s build a library of joyful reuse—together.