Imagine the excitement of a child’s face as they pull open a tiny door each day leading up to Christmas. That magical countdown is what makes Advent calendars so special! But as the holidays approach, parents often find themselves staring at shelves packed with options, wondering which one will spark the most joy without causing a holiday meltdown.
Choosing the perfect Advent calendar can feel like a quest. You want something fun, engaging, and age-appropriate. But where do you start? Do you go for toys, treats, crafts, or something educational? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer variety and the pressure to pick the “best” one.
This post is here to help! We’ll explore a variety of fantastic Advent calendars designed just for kids. You’ll discover ideas that cater to different interests and budgets, making your holiday shopping a little easier. Get ready to find the perfect countdown companion that will make this Christmas season even more memorable.
Our Top 5 Advent Calendars For Kids Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Advent Calendars For Kids Detailed Reviews
1. Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for a whole lot of fun with the Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle! This bundle is packed with exciting stories and activities that your little Bluey fans will adore. It’s a fantastic way to count down to special occasions, making every day an adventure. Each book brings the beloved characters of Bluey to life, offering engaging tales and playful moments. This bundle is designed to spark imagination and keep kids entertained throughout the holiday season and beyond.
What We Like:
- The bundle offers a variety of engaging stories featuring Bluey and her family.
- It provides a fun and interactive way for children to count down to holidays or special events.
- The books are designed to encourage imaginative play and creativity in young readers.
- This bundle is a great value, offering multiple books for a reasonable price.
- It’s perfect for little Bluey enthusiasts who love the show.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some of the activities might be too simple for older children in the target age range.
- More variety in activity types across the books could be a nice addition.
This Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle truly delivers on fun and imagination. It’s a wonderful gift that will be cherished by any young fan.
2. MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Advent Calendar 34-Piece Magnetic Construction Set
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for a festive building adventure with the MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Advent Calendar! This special 34-piece magnetic construction set brings the magic of the holidays to life with new, exciting pieces. It’s the perfect way to count down to the big day while sparking creativity and learning.
What We Like:
- The set includes 34 unique holiday-themed MAGNA-TILES, like a Santa and a Conductor figure, plus a cool microChassis.
- It’s the first-ever MAGNA-TILES Advent Calendar, featuring 10 decorated square microMAGS and 3 decorated isosceles triangles.
- The microChassis actually rides on a track built into the back cover of the package, adding an interactive element.
- This toy encourages learning through play, helping kids understand cause and effect and other logic skills.
- It really helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as children build.
- It makes an awesome gift for energetic kids ages 3 and up.
- You can expand the fun by adding other MAGNA-TILES Classic Tiles or microMAGS to build even bigger holiday scenes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The microMAGS are quite small, so younger children might need closer supervision to prevent accidental swallowing.
- While the track on the back cover is a fun idea, it’s a bit limited in scope and doesn’t offer extensive play options on its own.
This MAGNA-TILES Advent Calendar offers a fantastic way to combine holiday excitement with educational play. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, fostering creativity and learning throughout the festive season.
3. LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025 Building Toy – Kids Holiday Countdown Set for Boys & Girls
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for a festive adventure with the LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025! This exciting set is designed to bring the joy of Minecraft and the magic of the holidays right to your home. With 24 daily surprises, it’s the perfect way for kids aged 7 and up to count down to Christmas.
What We Like:
- It offers 24 buildable surprises, keeping the excitement high each day.
- You get 8 cool LEGO Minecraft minifigures, including Alex, Steve, a Creeper, and even a Santa villager!
- The buildable items can be combined to create a fun Minecraft winter village for endless pretend play.
- It’s a fantastic gift for any young Minecraft fan who loves gaming and building.
- The set encourages creative storytelling and imaginative adventures.
- You can easily connect these builds with other LEGO Minecraft sets for even bigger fun.
- The included fold-out playmat adds an extra layer to the gaming experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some younger builders might need a little help with certain steps.
- Once all the surprises are revealed, the ongoing play value might depend on existing LEGO collections.
This LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar promises a month of creative building and imaginative play. It’s a fantastic way for gamers to celebrate the holidays with their favorite blocky world.
4. Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack. Open the Packaging To Find A Bluey Surprise Each Day For 24 days Including Exclusive Figures!
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for a very merry Bluey Christmas with this Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack! This special Amazon exclusive brings the magic of the Heelers’ Aussie Christmas right into your home. For 24 exciting days, your little ones can open a new window to discover a surprise, building anticipation for Christmas morning.
What We Like:
- It includes exclusive Bluey, Bingo, and Bartlebee toy figures.
- Bluey and Bingo are wearing adorable Christmas jumpers, perfect for the festive theme.
- There are 16 fun accessories to discover, adding lots of play possibilities.
- Kids will love finding the mini Christmas tree and placing the included gifts underneath it.
- The calendar is a fantastic way to make the entire month of December exciting for fans.
- It provides 24 unique surprises, keeping the fun going all month long.
What Could Be Improved:
- Once all the surprises are revealed, the calendar’s play value might decrease for some children.
- The “exclusive” nature means it might be harder to find outside of Amazon.
This Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack is a delightful way to count down to Christmas. It offers a wonderful blend of collectible figures, fun accessories, and festive play that will surely bring smiles throughout December.
5. Advent Calendar 2025 – Christmas Countdown Calendars – 24 Days of Surprises with Mini Axolotl Plush Toys – Stuffed Animals Xmas Gifts for Kids Teens Girls Boys Toddler Party Favors
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for the cutest Christmas ever with the Advent Calendar 2025! This amazing calendar brings you 24 days of pure joy, filled with mini axolotl plush toys. It’s the perfect way to count down to Santa’s arrival, making every day in December a little more special. These aren’t just any plushies; they’re super soft and come in a rainbow of colors, adding a burst of adorable charm to your holiday season.
What We Like:
- The countdown to Christmas is incredibly cute and fun with 24 different colorful axolotl plushies.
- Each mini axolotl is perfectly sized at 2.5″ H x 3.7″ D, making them ideal prizes for claw machines.
- Every axolotl has a handy loop, so you can easily attach them to backpacks, keys, or even hang them on your Christmas tree.
- This calendar makes a fantastic Christmas countdown gift for kids, teens, and anyone who loves axolotls or collecting cute stuffed animals.
- It’s also a great idea for toddler party favors or as a fun surprise for collectors.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the plushies are adorable, the set only contains axolotls, so if you’re looking for a variety of plush toys, this might not be the best fit.
- The description doesn’t mention if the plush toys are machine washable, which could be a concern for parents with younger children.
This Advent Calendar is a delightful way to make the holiday season extra special. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, bringing smiles and cuddles throughout December and beyond.
The Ultimate Advent Calendar Buying Guide for Kids
Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. Kids get excited each morning when they open a new door or compartment. Choosing the right one makes the holiday season even more magical.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an advent calendar, keep these important features in mind.
- Theme: Many calendars have themes. Popular themes include superheroes, princesses, LEGO, Paw Patrol, or even popular movie characters. A theme that your child loves makes the calendar extra special.
- Contents: What’s inside each day? This is a big one! Some calendars have small toys, stickers, temporary tattoos, or craft supplies. Others have chocolates or small treats. Think about what your child would enjoy most.
- Durability: Kids can be rough. A sturdy calendar made from good materials will last through the entire countdown. Look for thick cardboard or well-made plastic.
- Age Appropriateness: Always check the age recommendation on the packaging. This ensures the contents are safe and engaging for your child’s age group.
- Educational Value: Some calendars offer more than just fun. You might find calendars with puzzles, science experiments, or facts about Christmas traditions. These can add a learning element to the countdown.
Important Materials
The materials used in an advent calendar affect its quality and safety.
- Cardboard: Most advent calendars are made of thick, sturdy cardboard. This is a common and safe material.
- Plastic: Some calendars, especially those with small toys, might use plastic for the toys themselves or for individual compartments. Make sure any plastic is BPA-free and safe for children.
- Paper: Smaller parts like stickers or paper crafts will be made of paper.
- Chocolate/Candy: If the calendar contains treats, ensure they are from reputable brands and are individually wrapped for freshness and hygiene.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make an advent calendar great or not so great.
- Improve Quality:
- Detailed Artwork: A calendar with colorful and detailed pictures on the outside is more appealing.
- Well-Secured Compartments: Doors or drawers that open easily but close securely prevent accidental reveals.
- High-Quality Contents: Toys that are well-made and not flimsy, or chocolates that taste good, make a big difference.
- Clear Numbering: Easy-to-read numbers on each door or compartment help kids track the days.
- Reduce Quality:
- Flimsy Cardboard: A calendar that bends or tears easily won’t hold up.
- Poorly Made Toys: Small toys that break quickly are disappointing.
- Stale or Melted Candy: This is a common issue with treat-filled calendars if not stored properly.
- Difficult-to-Open Compartments: Frustrating for kids and adults!
User Experience and Use Cases
How do families use and enjoy advent calendars?
- Morning Ritual: The most common use is as a special morning activity. A child opens one door each day. This creates a consistent and exciting start to their day.
- Family Time: Some families make opening the calendar a group activity. Everyone gathers to see what’s inside. This builds anticipation and shared excitement.
- Creative Play: Calendars with craft supplies or building toys encourage imaginative play. Kids can use the daily items to create something new.
- Stocking Stuffers: A small advent calendar can be a great early Christmas gift or a unique addition to a stocking.
- Travel: A smaller, lighter advent calendar can be a fun item to bring along on holiday trips, keeping kids entertained during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a kids’ advent calendar?
A: The key features include a fun theme, exciting contents, sturdy construction, age appropriateness, and sometimes educational value.
Q: What are the most important materials used in advent calendars?
A: Common materials are thick cardboard, safe plastic for toys, paper for smaller items, and food-grade materials for chocolates or candy.
Q: What factors can improve the quality of an advent calendar?
A: High-quality artwork, secure compartments, well-made toys, and good-tasting treats improve quality.
Q: What factors can reduce the quality of an advent calendar?
A: Flimsy materials, easily breakable toys, stale candy, and hard-to-open compartments reduce quality.
Q: How do families typically use advent calendars?
A: Families use them for daily morning surprises, as a family activity, and to encourage creative play.
Q: Are there advent calendars with educational elements?
A: Yes, some calendars include puzzles, science facts, or learning activities.
Q: Should I worry about the safety of the contents?
A: Always check the age recommendations and look for calendars made with safe, non-toxic materials, especially if they contain small toys or candy.
Q: How do I choose a theme that my child will love?
A: Consider your child’s favorite characters, movies, hobbies, or interests when selecting a theme.
Q: Can advent calendars be used for more than just counting down to Christmas?
A: Yes, they can also be used as a fun way to introduce holiday traditions or as a source of daily entertainment during the holiday season.
Q: What’s the best way to store an advent calendar before use?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep the contents, especially candy, in good condition.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Clark Lubowitz is a parenting expert with over 10 years of experience in toddler care and child development. Holding a degree in Early Childhood Education, he specializes in blending modern technology with parenting, offering expert advice on the best toddler gadgets. Through his work on ToddlerAwesome.com, Clark provides valuable insights to help parents make informed decisions for their little ones.