Hey there, fellow parents and gift-givers! The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you’re looking for a fantastic way to build excitement and sprinkle a little magic into your child’s December, then an advent calendar is definitely the way to go. Forget those simple chocolate calendars (though we love them too!); today’s best advent calendar for kids offers a daily dose of fun, creativity, and discovery.
These calendars aren’t just about counting down; they’re about daily surprises, sparking imagination, and creating lasting memories. Whether your little one is into superheroes, science, construction, or crafts, there’s an advent calendar out there designed to make their eyes light up each morning. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most exciting and unique options to help you choose the perfect fit for your special kiddo. Let’s dive in and find the best advent calendar for kids for your family!
1. CAT Construction Toys, Little Machines Advent Calendar
Get ready to build up the excitement with the CAT Construction Toys Advent Calendar! This isn’t just a countdown; it’s a full-on construction site experience. Little builders will absolutely love peeling open each door to reveal a new piece of equipment, from mini vehicles to obstacles, and even some magic Insta-Dirt that grows 15 times its size with just a splash of water! The calendar box even transforms into a cool play space, ensuring hours of imaginative construction fun throughout the holiday season.
Key Features:
– Includes 24 peelable cutouts with CAT toys inside, like 10 Little Machines vehicles, boulders, signs, and more.
– Magic Insta-Dirt that grows 15 times its size when wet.
– Advent calendar box panel converts into a play space for interactive fun.
– Durable, quality toys built to last, suitable for indoor and outdoor play.
– Encourages engaging, imaginative play for aspiring builders.
Pros:
– Offers a wide variety of construction-themed toys.
– Interactive Insta-Dirt adds an element of surprise and science.
– Calendar box doubles as a playmat, enhancing value.
– Durable toys ensure long-lasting play.
– Great alternative to traditional advent calendars for kids who love trucks and building.
Cons:
– Best suited for kids interested in construction; may not appeal to all.
– Insta-Dirt can be a bit messy, requiring supervision.
User Impressions:
Parents rave about how this calendar kept their little ones entertained daily, with the Insta-Dirt being a particular highlight. Many found it to be a refreshing change from typical toy calendars, offering genuine play value.
2. LEGO Marvel Spider-Man Advent Calendar 2024 for Kids
For the web-slinging, superhero-loving kid in your life, the LEGO Marvel Spider-Man Advent Calendar is an absolute must-have! This 246-piece set delivers daily LEGO surprises, featuring iconic minifigures like Spider-Man, Green Goblin, Miles Morales, and Venom, alongside mini-builds inspired by New York City street scenes. It’s the perfect way for kids aged 7 and up to count down to Christmas while building their own Super Hero adventures.
Key Features:
– 24 daily surprises including 5 LEGO Marvel minifigures: Spider-Man, Green Goblin, Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider, and Venom.
– Small buildable models like a snow Spider-Ham, a hot-dog cart, Electro’s winter tree, and Sandman’s catapult.
– Inspired by New York City street scenes from Spider-Man movies.
– Gifts are compatible with other LEGO Marvel sets for expanded play.
– Inspires imaginative role-play and creative storytelling.
Pros:
– Features popular Marvel characters, appealing to a wide audience.
– Combines the excitement of an advent calendar with the joy of LEGO building.
– Offers a good mix of minifigures and small, thematic builds.
– Encourages creativity and imaginative play.
– LEGO quality means durable and collectible items.
Cons:
– Small pieces may not be suitable for very young children.
– Primarily appeals to Marvel fans, so may not be a hit with everyone.
User Impressions:
Fans of Spider-Man and LEGO alike praise this calendar for its fun daily reveals and the quality of the minifigures. Kids especially loved recreating movie scenes and inventing new adventures.
3. Play-Doh Advent Calendar Toy for Kids 3 Years and Up
Unleash their creativity this holiday season with the Play-Doh Advent Calendar! Designed for kids aged 3 and up, this calendar offers 24 days of colorful surprises, including individual cans of Play-Doh compound and fun surprise tools. What’s even cooler? The box itself transforms into tear-off playmats, allowing your child to create snowy snowman and gingerbread scenes as they open each door. It’s a hands-on, imaginative way to count down to Christmas!
Key Features:
– 24 perforated doors hiding a Play-Doh can and fun surprise tools each day.
– Box features tear-off playmats with snowman and gingerbread scenes.
– Includes 24 one-ounce cans of various colors, plus a 2-ounce can of Play-Doh Sparkle compound.
– Creation cards provide ideas for festive arts and crafts activities.
– Great for stimulating imagination and fine motor skills.
Pros:
– Encourages creative and sensory play daily.
– Includes a good variety of Play-Doh colors and unique tools.
– Playmats built into the box add extra play value.
– Safe and non-toxic for young children.
– Provides daily activities, keeping kids engaged.
Cons:
– Play-Doh can dry out if not stored properly.
– Can be a bit messy, requiring a dedicated play space.
User Impressions:
Parents frequently mention how much their kids loved the daily Play-Doh surprises and the festive themes. The tear-off playmats were a big hit, offering a guided creative experience.
4. LEGO Disney Advent Calendar 2024 for Kids – Christmas
Bring the magic of Disney to your Christmas countdown with the LEGO Disney Advent Calendar 2024! Perfect for kids aged 5 and up, this 253-piece calendar is packed with 24 days of beloved characters, festive builds, and enchanting surprises. From Elsa and Ariel micro-dolls to a mini boat for Moana, each door reveals a new piece of the Disney world. Plus, the calendar box even turns into a game board for up to five players, extending the fun well beyond Christmas Eve!
Key Features:
– 24 days of buildable toys, characters, and activities.
– Includes 8 characters: Elsa, Tiana, Ariel, Mirabel, Moana micro-doll figures, plus Pua, Snowgie, and Sven.
– Many doors reveal buildable activities like a seesaw, Ariel’s undersea palace, and Elsa’s ice palace.
– The Advent calendar box transforms into a game board for added play.
– Compatible with other LEGO Disney and LEGO sets for expanded creative options.
Pros:
– Features popular Disney princesses and characters.
– Combines the fun of LEGO building with an Advent countdown.
– Calendar box doubles as a game board, offering extended play.
– Encourages imaginative storytelling and role-play.
– High-quality LEGO bricks for durable and reusable fun.
Cons:
– Focuses on specific Disney characters, which might not appeal to all children.
– Smaller pieces mean it’s not suitable for very young toddlers.
User Impressions:
Reviewers highlight the joy their children found in discovering a new Disney character or build each day. The game board feature was also praised for adding an interactive element to the calendar.
5. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Kit & Rock Collection Advent Calendar
Spark curiosity and foster a love for learning with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Kit & Rock Collection Advent Calendar! This unique calendar offers 24 days of scientific discovery, alternating between exciting science experiments and stunning gemstone specimens. Kids will love conducting 13 different experiments, like growing a colorful crystal tree or making a test tube glow, and adding 11 beautiful rocks to their collection, including tiger’s eye and amethyst. On the final day, they even get to dig out a special pyrite (fool’s gold) specimen!
Key Features:
– 24 days of science experiments and gemstone specimens.
– Includes 13 fun experiments from National Geographic’s science kits.
– Collect 11 stunning polished gemstone specimens, with a storage pouch included.
– Final day features a mini dig brick to unearth a pyrite (fool’s gold) specimen.
– Award-winning product designed to foster education, imagination, and creativity.
Pros:
– Educational and engaging for children interested in science and geology.
– Offers a good balance of hands-on experiments and collectible items.
– Real gemstone specimens are exciting and foster a sense of discovery.
– Encourages scientific thinking and curiosity.
– Provides a lasting collection of rocks and minerals.
Cons:
– Some experiments may require adult supervision.
– Might be less appealing to children solely interested in toys.
User Impressions:
Parents were impressed with the quality and variety of the experiments and gemstones. Many noted that their children looked forward to opening each door, eager to discover the next scientific surprise.
6. Princess Advent Calendar 2025 Girls, Princess Deformation
For the little princess in your life, the Princess Advent Calendar 2025 offers a truly enchanting countdown to Christmas! This calendar isn’t just about revealing a new toy; it’s about daily transformation and creative play. Inside, girls will find 12 unique princesses and 12 pieces of clothing, allowing each princess to change into various captivating looks. It’s a thrilling and magical way to explore self-expression and stylistic exploration throughout December.
Key Features:
– 24 doors with daily surprises from December 1st to Christmas Day.
– Includes 12 princess figures and 12 pieces of clothing for creative mix-and-match.
– Made from high-quality, safe, and easy-to-clean plastic.
– Encourages imaginative play and stylistic exploration.
– Ideal gift for any child who loves princesses and dressing up.
Pros:
– Offers a unique “deformation” or dress-up play experience daily.
– High-quality and safe materials for peace of mind.
– Encourages creativity and imaginative storytelling.
– Provides a full collection of princesses and outfits by Christmas.
– Appeals strongly to children who love dolls and fashion.
Cons:
– Less appeal for children not interested in princesses or dress-up.
– The concept of “deformation” might be slightly misconstrued, it refers to changing clothes.
User Impressions:
Girls absolutely adore the daily reveal of a new princess or outfit, finding joy in creating different looks. Parents appreciate the quality of the figures and the imaginative play it encourages.
7. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar – 2025
Calling all budding geologists and jewelry makers! The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar is here to make your countdown sparklingly special. Each day in December, kids can unearth a gorgeous new polished gemstone to add to their collection, complete with a collector’s pouch. But the real gem? This 2025 calendar also includes five jewelry settings, allowing kids to create their own unique gemstone jewelry. On the final day, they get to dig out a stunning rose quartz from a mini dig brick!
Key Features:
– 24 daily gemstone reveals, each a new polished specimen.
– Collect 24 stunning gems including agate, aventurine, hematite, sodalite, and more.
– Includes a collector’s pouch to keep all gems safe.
– Final day features a mini dig brick to unearth a rose quartz crystal.
– Comes with five jewelry settings for kids to create their own gemstone jewelry.
Pros:
– Educational and exciting, teaching about different gemstones.
– Encourages a love for geology and collecting.
– Includes jewelry-making components for creative craft time.
– Real, polished gemstones offer a high-quality collectible.
– Provides a sense of accomplishment by digging out the final crystal.
Cons:
– Digging for the final crystal can be a bit messy.
– May not appeal as much to children who prefer action-oriented toys.
User Impressions:
Customers highlight the excitement of discovering a new, beautiful gem each day. The added jewelry-making aspect was a huge hit, turning the collection into wearable art.
8. Christmas Advent Calendar Bracelets 2025 for Girls 24 Days
Get ready for some festive bling with the Christmas Advent Calendar Bracelets 2025! This is a super creative and personal way for girls to count down to Christmas. Each of the 24 doors reveals a new charm bead or a bracelet chain, allowing them to craft not one, but two unique Christmas-themed bracelets! With adorable charms like Santa, Christmas trees, snowflakes, and more, none duplicated, it’s a delightful daily arts & crafts activity that culminates in beautiful, wearable jewelry for the big day.
Key Features:
– Includes 22 unique Christmas-themed charm beads and 2 bracelet chains.
– Charms feature iconic Christmas symbols like Santa, trees, snowflakes, and more.
– Bracelet chains feature a barrel charm clasp and innovative threading system for easy DIY.
– Made from non-toxic plastic and environmental alloy, safe for kids.
– Provides a daily arts & crafts activity leading up to Christmas.
Pros:
– Encourages creativity and fine motor skills through jewelry making.
– Results in two personalized, wearable Christmas bracelets.
– Charms are festive and varied, with no duplicates.
– Safe and durable materials.
– A fantastic alternative to candy-filled calendars for craft-loving kids.
Cons:
– Primarily appeals to girls interested in jewelry and crafting.
– The bracelet length might be specific and not adjustable for all wrist sizes.
User Impressions:
Girls absolutely loved the daily surprise of a new charm and the joy of creating their own Christmas jewelry. Parents appreciated it as a non-candy, engaging activity that kept their children excited.
9. Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU Mini Brands Limited Edition
Unbox the magic of Disney every day with the Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU Mini Brands! This limited edition calendar is the ultimate unboxing experience for any Disney fan, big or small. Behind each of the 24 doors, your child will discover an iconic Disney mini replica from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse & Friends, and Disney Princesses. Each mini is incredibly detailed, offering a daily dose of nostalgic joy and building a fantastic collection of beloved characters.
Key Features:
– 24 iconic Disney mini replicas to unbox throughout December.
– Features minis from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse & Friends, and Disney Princesses.
– Each mini is a perfect, detailed replica of favorite Disney Store characters.
– The ultimate unboxing experience for Disney fans.
– Builds excitement and a fun collection of collectibles.
Pros:
– Wide appeal across different Disney franchises (Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Princess).
– High level of detail in each mini replica.
– The unboxing experience is exciting and satisfying daily.
– Creates a fun, collectible set by Christmas.
– Great for kids who enjoy collecting and surprises.
Cons:
– The minis are primarily for display or light play, not action figures.
– Some children might prefer more interactive toys.
User Impressions:
Buyers were thrilled with the quality and detail of the mini replicas, and kids loved the daily surprise element. It’s often described as a perfect gift for any child who loves Disney.
10. Slime Advent Calendar 2025, Christmas Countdown Calendar 24
Get ready for squishy, stretchy fun with the Slime Advent Calendar 2025! This calendar is a dream come true for sensory play enthusiasts, offering 24 days of different slime surprises. Kids can explore 12 butter cloud fluffy slimes and then customize them with 12 DIY resin accessories and 12 soft slices. It’s a safe, non-toxic, and reusable way to encourage hands-on skills, creativity, and imagination as they count down to Christmas.
Key Features:
– 24 doors revealing different slime surprises daily.
– Includes 12 butter cloud fluffy slimes.
– Comes with 12 DIY resin accessories and 12 soft slices for customization.
– Safe, non-toxic, stretchy, and reusable slime.
– Encourages hands-on skills, creativity, and imagination.
Pros:
– Offers a wide variety of slime types and customization options.
– Engages sensory play and creativity.
– Slime is non-toxic and reusable.
– Provides a fun, hands-on activity each day.
– Great for kids who love tactile and squishy toys.
Cons:
– Slime can be messy, requiring a dedicated play area.
– May not appeal to kids who dislike the texture of slime.
User Impressions:
Kids were absolutely thrilled with the variety of slime and the accessories, spending hours customizing their creations. Parents appreciated the non-toxic nature and the engaging daily activity.
Choosing the Best Advent Calendar for Your Child
When selecting the best advent calendar for kids, think about your child’s interests and age. Do they love building? A LEGO calendar might be perfect. Are they fascinated by the world around them? Science or gemstone calendars could be a hit. Do they enjoy creative, hands-on activities? Play-Doh or the bracelet-making calendar would be ideal. The goal is to find something that brings genuine joy and excitement to their daily countdown, making the wait for the holidays even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly is an advent calendar for kids?
A1: An advent calendar for kids is a special calendar used to count down the days from December 1st until Christmas Eve (December 24th). Instead of just dates, each day usually has a small door or window that, when opened, reveals a small toy, a piece of chocolate, a craft item, or a mini surprise, building excitement for the holiday.
Q2: How do I choose the right advent calendar for my child?
A2: Consider your child’s age, interests, and developmental stage. Does your child love a specific character or franchise like Spider-Man or Disney? Are they into science, building, or creative crafts? Also, check the recommended age range on the packaging to ensure the contents are appropriate and safe.
Q3: What are the benefits of advent calendars for children?
A3: Advent calendars offer numerous benefits! They build anticipation and excitement for the holidays, teach patience, encourage daily discovery, and can spark creativity and imaginative play, depending on the contents. They also create a special daily ritual and lasting memories.
Q4: Are advent calendars just for Christmas?
A4: Traditionally, yes, advent calendars count down to Christmas. However, the concept of a “countdown calendar” has expanded, and you can now find similar calendars for other special events or birthdays, offering daily surprises.
Q5: What age group are advent calendars suitable for?
A5: Advent calendars are available for almost all age groups, from toddlers (with larger, simpler items) to older children and even adults. Always check the specific age recommendation on the product packaging, especially for calendars with small parts.
Q6: Are there non-toy advent calendars for kids?
A6: Absolutely! While toy calendars are very popular, you can find many other types. Examples include book advent calendars, craft supply calendars (like the Play-Doh or Bracelet ones we reviewed), science experiment calendars, gemstone collection calendars, and even experience-based calendars where each door reveals an activity to do together.
Q7: How can I make an advent calendar more special?
A7: Beyond the calendar itself, you can make the experience more special by creating a daily ritual around opening the door, perhaps at breakfast or before bed. You could also pair it with a festive story or song, or simply take a moment to discuss the surprise and what it means for the upcoming holiday.