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The Best Advent Calendars for Kids (and Parents) Counting Down to Christmas
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Choose from Lego, Barbie, puzzles, hot chocolate, wine, and skincare gifts that revel in anticipation.
The holiday season can be a busy one, whether you’re shopping, wrapping gifts, or blending new family customs with old traditions. But for anyone looking to sprinkle in just a little more manufactured magic in the countdown to their favorite holiday event, enter advent calendars.
Whether you’re looking for a simple advent calendar that can be reused year after year or one that will delight the heart of your favorite Bluey fan, there’s something for everyone on our list here—even for grown-ups, because we deserve a little magic too! And with prices ranging from around $20 to over $100, we have something for every budget too.
Through the hustle and bustle of the season, advent calendars help families connect and get excited about the holidays together. “Advent calendars provide an opportunity for families to engage in play together,” notes Lisa Lohiser, EdD, manager of early childhood development research at the Fisher-Price Play Lab. “It’s a time that families can look forward to as they count down the days to the holidays.”
Mattel Barbie Cutie Reveal Advent Calendar & Doll
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Nordstrom.com
The Barbie enthusiast in your life will be delighted to discover a Barbie doll on the first day of the calendar and then winter-themed surprises all month long. Among the 24 gifts are two mini-pets, a silver sparkle deer costume, and many accessories to go with it.
Price at time of publication: $34
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
No force is needed (OK, maybe a tiny bit of Force) to uncover daily Star Wars toys from this Lego set for ages 5 and up. It has 24 gifts, including Lego buildables, characters like Emperor Palpatine and Princess Leia, and accessories. Buy this early, because Lego calendars tend to sell out fast.
Price at time of publication: $41
IglooBooks Disney 100 Advent Calendar A Storybook Collection
Buy at Amazon.com
What’s better than getting a book as a gift? Getting 24 books! This Disney and Pixar-themed advent calendar includes 24 mini paperbacks, each individually wrapped to make every morning a holiday.
Price at time of publication: $29
Play-Doh Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
For parents who don’t mind picking up Play-Doh pieces—or for adults who just want to give the dough to others—this advent calendar features Play-Doh cans and surprise tools for 24 days of giving. Plus, the calendar itself can be used to create holiday-themed scenes with Play-Doh creations.
Price at time of publication: $22
Mattel Hot Wheels 2023 Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Faoschwarz.com
Speaking of using the calendar box for some added fun, the Hot Wheels version includes a playmat track for kids to put their eight new Hot Wheels cars and 16 accessories to good use. This advent calendar is suitable for ages 3 and up.
Price at time of publication: $21
American Girl Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Americangirl.com
You don’t need an American Girl doll to enjoy all of the goodies in this holiday cookie-themed advent calendar—adults and kids alike will delight in the 24 miniature goodies to be uncovered each day. Some of the gifts include faux cookies, tiny baking supplies, and doll-sized hot coca.
Price at time of publication: $50
Funko Pop ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
The Pocket Pop figures from the Five Nights at Freddy’s collection may be only 2 inches tall, but they’re still packed with plenty of fun. Open the door for a new figure every day. Just be aware that since the horror movie and the video game it’s based on aren’t generally considered appropriate for kids under the age of 13, you probably don’t want to give this calendar to younger children either.
Price at time of publication: $42
The Elf on the Shelf Sweet Spinners Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
If you’re among the families who love Elf on the Shelf, you can keep the magic going with some additional “scout” Elves and Elf pets ready to “race” to the holiday finish line. This calendar comes with 24 playable figures suitable for ages 3 and up.
Price at time of publication: $33
Playmobil 2023 Advent Calendar – Christmas Sleigh Ride
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Playmobil is one of our favorite creators of all things miniature and kid-friendly. This Horses of Waterfall set includes rider Isabella, Andalusian mare Buttercup, her foal, a Bernese mountain dog, a sled, woodland creatures, and additional decorations for a beautiful winter scene.
Price at time of publication: $30
Jurassic World 30th Anniversary Advent Calendar
Buy at Target.com
With this gift exclusive from Target, kids can “release” nine mini dinosaurs, a human wrangler, and even the classic Jurrasic Park gates to form an entire playset over the course of 24 days. There are 30 total parts in this calendar, which is suitable for dino lovers ages 3 and up.
Price at time of publication: $33
LEGO City Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
Lego City fans will get a kick out of unboxing holiday-themed figures like Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a snowman, as well as mini builds that can all be used on the fold-down play scene from this advent calendar recommended for ages 5 and up.
Price at time of publication: $32
Bluey’s Classic Christmas Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Amazon’s exclusive Bluey advent calendar gets the whole Heeler family together for new surprises every day. Kids ages 3 and up will get a kick out of discovering their favorite characters, including Bluey, Bingo, and Bartleby, as well as additional accessories and an entire Christmas tree to assemble.
Price at time of publication: $25
LEGO Marvel Avengers Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
Avengers, assemble! Bit by bit, advent-style, of course. With a total of 243 pieces, this calendar for ages 7 and up includes characters like Okoye, Doctor Strange, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wong, Iron Man, and Black Widow, and plenty of mini-builds to keep kids busy.
Price at time of publication: $41
LEGO Friends Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
Lego Friends and animal lovers alike with love this pet-themed Lego advent calendar. Every day, kids will open up a new animal, mini figurine, or accessory that can all come together to build a festive playground. Once it’s complete, they’ll be able to play make-believe games on the playground, around the Christmas tree, or on the Christmas train.
Price at time of publication: $32
Related: The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds That They’ll Actually Play With
Best Advent Calendars for AdultsVinebox 12 Nights of Wine
Buy at Getvinebox.com
Combine Vinebox’s Cozy Collection box, featuring 12 different 100 mL red wine samples, with its Chill Collection box, full of white wine samples, for a full 24-night advent calendar that sets the scene for sipping by the fire.
Price at time of publication: $130
Pukka 2023 Herbal Tea Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
If you have a tea lover in your life—or someone who might be ready to steep and sip—a beautifully designed advent calendar with 24 different organic blend herbal tea flavors to try can be just the ticket.
Price at time of publication: $20
Related: The 52 Best Christmas Gifts for the Moms in Your Life
The Body Shop The Advent of Change Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Thebodyshop.com
The Body Shop is keeping the exact contents of its advent calendar under wraps (get it?), but the beauty brand does note that recipients may find fruity shower gels, Body Butter, hand balms and more among the 24 gifts inside.
Price at time of publication: $89
Self-Care Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
This isn’t the box of spa days and bath products you might expect. Promising to be more than just a book, this self-care-focused journal delivers 24 days of uplifting sentiments and writing exercises meant to nurture one’s inner self. It has daily mindfulness practices, quotes, affirmations, and journaling prompts for reflection during this time of the year.
Price at time of publication: $12
Sephora Collection Advent Calendar
Buy at Sephora.com
As one might expect from a Sephora advent calendar, this option is jam-packed with beauty items, from makeup to skincare to accessories, which the retailer claims is actually worth $93. It’s 24 days of beauty!
Price at time of publication: $49
HomeWorx 12 Days of Scents Advent Calendar
Buy at Nordstromrack.com
Buy at Ulta.com
Candle lovers will delight in lighting up their space with daily 1.3-ounce votive candle gifts, each capable of burning for up to six hours. Some of its 12 festive scents include Spiced Snowflakes, Christmas Garland, and Winter White Balsam.
Price at time of publication: $45
Jakks Holiday A Christmas Story Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Can’t put your arms down? That’s no problem. Your arms will be busy opening a new window to reveal Christmas Story figurines every single day. While this may not be a calendar for the serious-minded, anyone who knows and loves Ralphie will appreciate it.
Price at time of publication: $40
Uncommon Goods Advent Shower Steamer Set
Buy at Uncommongoods.com
For those of us without a bathtub to soak in—or just anyone who prefers to bathe in an upright position— these steamers bring the luxurious aroma of a bath straight into the shower. This calendar’s 24 individually wrapped steamers are handmade in Austin, Texas, and contain exfoliating salts that can be used as a scrub or dissolved in a scented steam.
Price at time of publication: $98
Best Advent Calendars for FamiliesMerry Makings Advent Calendar Chew for Dogs
Buy at Petco.com
Bring the family dog into the holiday fun with a pup-focused calendar that features festive, chewy doggo treats like bones, rawhide, and a munchy gingerbread man.
Price at time of publication: $15
Michael Storrings 12 Days of Christmas Advent Puzzle Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Count down to Christmas by opening a new 80-piece puzzle every day. Each of the 12 puzzles measures 5 x 7″ and includes its own illustrated insert. Whether you decide to assemble them on the day they’re opened or save them for later is up to you.
Price at time of publication: $25
KiwiCo Winter Wonderland Advent Calendar
Buy at Kiwico.com
Families that build together, get festive together! Luckily, that’s an easy goal to achieve with this crafty countdown calendar. Every day, the family can unwrap a new project to engineer and put together. The final winter wonderland includes a motorized sled hill and even an ice rink. Plus, when you’re done, the buildings double as storage so you can pack everything away to display as holiday decor next year.
Price at time of publication: $90
Crate and Barrel Santa & Friends Felt Kids Christmas Advent Calendar
Buy at Crateandbarrel.com
Families who want a customizable and reusable advent calendar can choose Crate and Barrel’s felt Christmas calendar. You can personalize it with the family name or even pick one up for each individual child, then fill the 25 pockets with your own treats and refill them for years to come.
Price at time of publication: $79
Godiva Chocolate Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Forget the snow, this is the type of holiday gift we’ve been dreaming of. This calendar features 24 holiday-themed milk, dark, and white chocolates to share with the family or keep to yourself.
Price at time of publication: $45
Thoughtfully Gourmet 12 Days of Christmas Hot Chocolate Gift Set
Buy at Amazon.com
Whether you live in a cold climate or just like to pretend you do, hot chocolate is one of the best parts of winter. Each of the 12 boxes in this set has enough for one serving of hot chocolate, so it’s a nice treat but not a huge, important gift. Still, interesting flavors ranging from rocky road to caramelized bacon will make every cup a cozy adventure.
Price at time of publication: $20
Bonne Maman Limited Edition Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Bonnemaman.us
Spread the holiday joy with miniature jars of tasty Bonne Maman spreads, including varieties like cinnamon caramel, raspberry chocolate, pineapple with ginger, and even a honey jar. Unveil a new flavor every day. We know people who buy this one every year and love it each time.
Price at time of publication: $45
The Purple Cow Family Games Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Target.com
Bring on the family fun by unwrapping one new game that can be enjoyed by every member of the family through the holiday season and beyond. It includes classics like dominoes, card games, and pick-up sticks, plus some outdoor games with which to enjoy the fresh and festive air.
Price at time of publication: $30
Related: The Best Family Board Games That Will Make Kids Forget All About Their Screens
Frieet Jigsaw Puzzles Advent Calendar
Buy at Amazon.com
Work together as a family to assemble the ultimate Christmas puzzle! Every day, the calendar holds a puzzle gift of 42 new pieces that the entire family can assemble sequentially as you count down to Christmas. By Christmas morning, you will have an entire holiday scene ready to display and enjoy.
Price at time of publication: $24
Our Review Process
We reviewed and researched the top-rated advent calendars available while considering price, quality, and a variety of gift categories. We also had input from the following experts:
Lisa Lohiser, EdD, manager of early childhood development research at the Fisher-Price Play Lab
Reena B. Patel, LEP, BCBA, parenting expert, positive psychologist, and licensed educational board-certified behavior analyst
Tess Bell, founder and creator of the Sharing Kindness advent calendar
Hannah Bartlett, blogger and co-founder of Jolly Festive
Factors to Consider When Buying Advent Calendars
Themes: Patel notes that there are advent calendar themes that range from teaching children specific skills—like STEAM or puzzle-building—to focusing on virtues or even family time together. “It’s a great way to have a group activity that everyone can be a part of and look forward to all month long,” Patel says.
Recommended Age: “There really are advent calendars available for every age,” Bartlett points out. “The benefits will vary of course as the child grows.” That being said, Bartlett also adds that starting an advent calendar tradition around the age of 4 can be “a tremendously useful tool to help your child visualize the time before Christmas arrives and give a focal point during this time.”
Interests: Know a child obsessed with Legos, Bluey, or Marvel? There’s an advent calendar for that! Advent calendars can be a great way to cater to someone’s specific interests, and instead of giving just one gift, they get 24 gifts in one!
Educational Value: A recent trend for advent calendars is that they’re also a valuable learning experience. “In addition to providing kids a fun way to countdown to Christmas, advent calendars provide a new opportunity for discovery for children,” Lohiser explains. “They also enhance attributes such as curiosity as they wonder what will be in the window today, and patience as they learn to wait for ‘today’s turn’ at opening the advent calendar.”
Dietary Restrictions: While many advent calendars have traditionally included small treats, there’s no need to restrict calendars to edible gifts only. “I didn’t like my kids eating chocolates or sweets every day for 25 days, some days before breakfast, other days after they had brushed their teeth,” says Bell, who created her own Sharing Kindness advent calendar, which focuses on encouraging kindness, confidence, and resilience. Other advent calendars can include non-food items like small toys, puzzles, or even beauty gifts for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Budget: Advent calendars can be purchased at dollar stores and grocery for a few dollars. But families looking to create a luxury experience or pass down a family heirloom can also spend upwards of over $100.
Your Questions, AnsweredAre advent calendars good for kids?
Advent calendars can be a wonderful way to bring families together during the holiday season, says Bartlet. They also offer practical benefits to children, such as number recognition, modeling patience, visualization of time passing, and in some situations, skills to put together the surprises inside.
Do you start with 1 or 24 on an advent calendar?
“Traditionally, you start with 1 on December 1 and continue to open each door or box, counting down to the 24th on Christmas Eve or 25th on Christmas Day,” explains Bell. “This builds excitement and anticipation as you approach the holiday.”
Can you reuse advent calendars?
Some advent calendars are designed to be reused, but others are single-season only with features like punch-through openings and edible surprises inside.
Who We Are
Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, is a nurse turned writer as well as a mom of five. She grew up with a reusable Christmas countdown calendar, and her kids enjoy the same tradition. They also have their beloved affordable Aldi chocolate advent calendars because well, five kids.
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