crochet,  knitting

Budget-Friendly Yarn Advent Calendars

If you saw our 12 Days of Yarn Advent Calendars, you probably marveled at the beautiful colorways and coordinating goodies that indie dyers planned to delight us through the month of December. Realistically, though, you might have also balked at the prices. Spending hundreds on yarn in a single purchase isn’t a luxury all of us can afford, especially as we enter the holiday season. As soon as I wrote it, I realized I needed a list of budget-friendly yarn advent calendars!

Here are my strategies for snagging surprise holiday squish… on a budget!

Yarn Advent Calendars | Budget-Friendly Yarn Advent Calendars


Mini Skeins

Advent calendars of mini skeins are considerably less expensive than full skeins. Even though the yardage is considerably shorter, you can still unbox a skein of yarn daily.

Mini skeins vary, but most weigh about 10 grams. This shakes out to about 40 yards for most fingering-weight yarns. Some dyers also offer “half skeins,” which are around 50 grams or 200 yards in fingering-weight yarns.

My favorite use for mini skeins is to combine them into a larger project, particularly if they’re already color-coordinated in a set. Mini skeins can also be used in amigurumi or to add interest to larger projects, such as a single stripe.

Mini skeins are also an excellent way to sample yarn for potential future purchases.

12-Day Advent Calendars

Most yarn advent calendars offer 24 or 25 days of skeins. Some dyers are beginning to realize that this amount of yarn (and the cost associated) doesn’t work for everyone. They’ve since begun to offer 12-day yarn advent calendars, celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas.

Yarn advent calendars with 12 skeins typically cost about half of the price!

Purchase a 12-day advent calendar of mini skeins and you’ll reduce the price even further.

Advent Boxes

Advent boxes are the least expensive option in yarn advent calendars. These single boxes can include full-sized skeins, mini skeins, notions, other goodies, or some combination of all of these.

While advent boxes are specific to Christmas, several dyers offer single-month boxes throughout the year. If this is something that piques your interest, check with your favorite dyer to see what is offered year-round.

Gift Cards

Yarn advent calendars sell out quickly. If you don’t have the cash to purchase one now, there’s a good chance you’re going to miss it.

Don’t fret, though! If you miss a chance to scoop up the one you wanted this year, set your sights on next year. Etsy offers gift cards and many dyers do, too. Set aside $10 each month in Etsy gift cards and you’ll be ready when the 2022 calendars drop next fall!

Budget Yarn Advent Calendars

Try out your budget tips on these yarn boxes and advent calendars!


Coastal Christmas by Gem State Yarns

Coastal Christmas | Gem State Yarns | $80.00 and up + free shipping

Gem State Yarns offers yarn advent calendars in 12-day and 25-day sets in your choice of weight.

You can further reduce the overall cost by selecting mini skeins over full skeins!

Colors in this set are inspired by beach life, mixing semi-solid shades with variegated skeins and ombres. The set is coordinated for ease in combining colorways.

I love that this set is offered in non-traditional Christmas colors so it can still be useful for someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas. Gem State Yarns customers report that the yarn is beautiful and high quality.


Hygge for the Holidays by Smash Knits

Hygge for the Holidays [Sold Out] | Smash Knits | $29.68 and up + $20.61 shipping

Smash Knits offers several yarn advent gift boxes for a variety of prices, but signing up for the Smash Knits newsletter saves you 15% on the purchase of your choice!

I love that Smash Knits pairs with other small businesses. In this case, you can “plus up” your box to include candles and project bags.


Hygge Winter Sock Box by Tudor Rose Craft Studio

The Hygge Winter Sock Box [Sold Out] | Tudor Rose Craft Studio | $43.16 + $25.90 shipping

This sock box by Tudor Rose Craft Studio is considered a seasonal box rather than an advent box, but its fixed price and theming landed it on this list.

I love that this box includes a sparkly yarn option. Tudor Rose Craft Studio customers praise the gifts that are included with each bundle purchase.


Winter Yarn Bundle by Sherwood Fiber Arts

Winter 2021 Yarn Bundle [Sold Out] | Sherwood Fiber Arts | $45.00 + $5.00 shipping

Sherwood Fiber Arts crafted this gift bundle to include 1 full-sized skein of sock yarn, 1 mini skein, 1 progress keeper, 1 seasonal tea, and 1 secret family recipe. There are no options for weight or multiple days, which keeps the ordering process straightforward and makes calculating overall cost simple.

I love that this set includes personal touches, even if they aren’t yarn. Customers of Sherwood Fiber Arts rave about the richness of color and specialty teas.

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