Key takeaways
- Mini toys, erasers, stickers and hair accessories
- Activity cards: bake cookies, make a card for a neighbor, family movie night
- Puzzle pieces that come together on Christmas Eve
- Small ornaments for the child’s own tree
- Coupons for a later bedtime or choosing dinner
An advent calendar turns December into a countdown kids look forward to every morning. The options have expanded far beyond chocolate: toy and building-set calendars, craft calendars, books, puzzles and reusable wooden calendars you fill yourself. The best choice depends on the child’s age, how much you want to spend each year, and whether you want a calendar that becomes part of the family tradition. Here is how the main types compare.
Types of advent calendars for kids
| Type | Best age | What’s inside | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate or candy | All ages | One treat per day | Cheap, familiar | Sugar every morning; quickly forgotten |
| Toy and building-set calendars | 5 to 12 | Mini figures or build pieces | Ends with a usable set | Small parts; choking hazard for toddlers |
| Craft or activity calendars | 4 to 10 | A small project each day | Screen-free time together | Needs adult help and space |
| Book or story calendars | 2 to 8 | Mini books or a story per day | Builds a bedtime routine | Less exciting for older kids |
| Reusable fill-your-own (wood or fabric) | All ages | Whatever you choose | Lasts for years, fully customizable | You have to fill it every year |
Matching the calendar to the age
Toddlers (2 to 4): avoid small parts completely. Book calendars, large-piece puzzles, stickers and fabric pocket calendars with simple treats work best. Early school age (5 to 8): toy calendars with themed figures, craft calendars and story calendars are a hit. Older kids (9 to 12): building-set calendars, science or slime kits, puzzle calendars and small collectibles keep their interest. Always check the age rating on the box; toy calendars often say 6+ or 8+ because of small pieces.
Toy and building calendars
These are the most popular calendars for kids because each day adds to a set they keep playing with after Christmas. Themed sets based on popular franchises sell out early, often by late November, so buy in October or early November. The main drawback is cost compared with a chocolate calendar, and the fact that siblings usually each want their own. Browse toy advent calendars for kids by age and theme.
Reusable calendars: best long-term value
A wooden house with numbered drawers or a fabric hanging calendar with pockets becomes a decoration you bring out every year. You decide what goes inside: small toys, notes, activity ideas (“make hot cocoa”, “watch a Christmas movie”), stickers or treats. Over several years it costs less than buying a new calendar each December, and many families find the activity-note version creates better memories than candy. Look for drawers large enough for real items, not just a single chocolate. See reusable wooden advent calendars with drawers.
Ideas for filling a reusable calendar
- Mini toys, erasers, stickers and hair accessories
- Activity cards: bake cookies, make a card for a neighbor, family movie night
- Puzzle pieces that come together on Christmas Eve
- Small ornaments for the child’s own tree
- Coupons for a later bedtime or choosing dinner
Tips for families with several kids
Either buy one calendar per child or choose a shared calendar where kids take turns opening days. Shared activity calendars avoid arguments about who got the better toy. If each child has their own, matching themes in different colors keep things fair.
FAQ
When should I buy an advent calendar?
Popular toy calendars often sell out by late November, so October and early November are safer.
Do advent calendars have 24 or 25 days?
Most have 24 days, from December 1 to Christmas Eve; some include a 25th door for Christmas Day.
Are toy advent calendars safe for toddlers?
Many contain small parts. Check the age rating and choose book, puzzle or large-piece calendars for young children.
What is a good non-candy advent calendar?
Craft, book, puzzle and fill-your-own activity calendars are popular alternatives to chocolate.
