Kids of all ages will enjoy counting down the days until Santa arrives with an advent calendar, but some are specifically designed for younger children, such as toddlers or preschoolers, while others are more universal. Consider the different types of advent calendars, themes, price, and age recommendations when deciding which calendar may be best for your family. We carefully considered design, value, themes, types, and material when reviewing products. Here are the best advent calendars for kids. The LEGO advent calendar also includes seven mini figures, like The Chosen One himself, Sirius Black, Neville Longbottom, Lord Voldemort, Moaning Myrtle, and more. Once you reach the last box, the advent calendar doubles as a board game, so it can be used for the years to come. The advent calendar is recommended for wizards or Muggles ages 7 years old and up, and combines with other LEGO Harry Potter sets for endless play possibilities. Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $80 Keep in mind the drawers are too small for the average toy, so it may take some creative thinking to come up with unique ideas for each day. Price at time of publication: $85 It even has a holiday poem on the back that encourages the family to get into the festive spirit as a read-aloud ritual. This is a fun hands-on advent calendar suggested for kids ages 4 and up. Price at time of publication: $39 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $50 There are 287 LEGO pieces included with this advent calendar, all of which create exciting mini builds, like a piano and a Christmas tree to spruce up the city for the holiday. Plus, this advent calendar comes with characters from the “LEGO City Adventures” TV series: Mr. Produce, Billy, Maddy, Raze, Tippy, and a Santa minifigure. Building instructions are included should kiddos need a hand. Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $32 Price at time of publication: $35 The set is recommended for children ages 6 and up, and can be used even after the holidays are over. Plus, LEGO includes detailed building instructions to make it easier on kiddos (and helping adults). Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $65 In addition to the pop-up tree and ornaments, children receive adorable trinkets of beloved “Star Wars” characters, like Chewbacca, Han Solo, and more. The advent calendar is reusable and comes with a 28-page booklet commemorating Life Day. Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $25 The advent calendar includes 312 pieces and is recommended for children ages 6 and up. It’ll get plenty of use well beyond Christmas, and you can even add to the collection thanks to dozens of other fun LEGO options from the Friends collection. Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $32 Price at time of publication: $32 Not only is this an advent calendar, but you can help foster a love of geology in kids while teaching them about fossils, rocks, and more. Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $19 If you have smaller children, check out calendars made from durable plastic, wood, or fabric, like the Wee Gallery Festive Friends Advent Calendar, that can be refilled and reused year after year. Good-quality reusable advent calendars can also be passed down to the next generation and become family keepsakes, so you may want to keep that in mind, too.
Themes
Breaking out the advent calendar on December 1 is a cherished Christmas tradition that has evolved over time—from paper calendars filled with chocolate to trendy options that fit today’s modern decor. The original advent calendar was a simple cardboard design filled with candy. Fast forward decades later and some families opt for tiny toys and mini gifts over sweets. While there are still many traditional advent calendars that feature sweets for each day during the month of December, there are endless options that won’t cause a sugar rush. Depending on your child’s age and your family’s traditions, you may opt for a trendy theme advent calendar, like the Funko Pocket Pop! 2022 Marvel Advent Calendar, or a traditional and customizable one like the gorgeous West Elm Wooden Tree.
Price
A kids’ advent calendar is like another Christmas gift, so factor that into your holiday budget. Advent calendars made of reusable materials, like the Pottery Barn Merry & Bright Advent Calendar, which is made of 100 percent wool, may cost you more upfront but will save you money for years to come, so the higher price tag may be justified.
Age Recommendations
Before purchasing an advent calendar, be sure to check the age recommendation. This will depend on the materials and the type of daily surprise. Older children may be thrilled to create LEGO mini builds, while younger children may prefer a fidget toy instead. But for small children, you’ll want to make sure the toys (or treats) are not choking hazards.
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Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer who focuses on family, lifestyle, and commerce. She regularly tests and researches products for young children and parenthood and stays up to date with the latest technology for the home.
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Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son.
