Chinaberry has a couple of wood heirloom advent calendars that look fun; I bought a couple of really nice wood pieces from them a couple of years back, but not the advent calendars. This papercraft one is not expensive and looks cute.
http://www.chinaberry.com/p/Eric-Carles-Dream-Snow-Advent...
I did make one once for a sister (still haven't made one for myself). It was a hanging felt creation, with a felt tree and a pocket for each day. There was an ornament in each one the kids could hang on a tree. We also did one for another sister who lived far away, and instead of a gift, we (big extended family) each wrote her a love note, inspirational quote, etc., and these paper messages went in each sock (the actual calendar we purchased; it sounds like the one described below).
Last, we have friends who wrapped up all their christmas books (a few new, and many from years prior = 24 books) and their kids got to open a story each night, and they read it as a family. Have fun at this exciting time!