17 Kids’ Advent Calendars to Count Down Christmas

The countdown to Christmas is almost as fun as the holiday itself, and with every passing day, your kid’s excitement will only escalate as Santa’s arrival nears. Fun, interactive kids’ advent calendars help you make the most of this special time—but with so many styles and brands to choose from, it’ll be hard to pick only one toy advent calendar from the bunch. Check out a few of our favorites below.

Character Fan Favorites

If you have a toddler at home, it’s a safe to say Nick Jr. and Disney Junior are often streaming. Get your kids to hit pause for a while with these kids’ advent calendars that incorporate their favorite characters.

Peppa Pig Santa’s Workshop

The two-sided advent calendar lets eager kiddos open a new window every day. Each tab features a Christmas-themed surprise gift. When kids make it to the final day, they’ll have a ton of tiny toys to create Peppa-themed holiday scenes.

Buy it: Peppa Pig Santa’s Workshop Advent Calendar, $40, Amazon.com

Paw Patrol

Enlist your kids’ favorite pups to help them gear up for the holidays. With a new surprise awaiting them every day, little ones will unbox holiday-themed collectibles to help them create Adventure Bay right in their own home.

Buy it: Paw Patrol Advent Calendar, $25, Amazon.com

Star Wars Micro Force

The whole gang can get behind this family favorite. Take turns popping the advent calendar windows open to reveal a tiny, Micro Force figure. For added fun, fold down the box to reveal a galactical backdrop so kids can play with their figures and stickers.

Buy it: Star Wars Micro Force Advent Calendar, $30, Amazon.com

Playtime Extended

Keeping kids busy on cold, December days isn’t always easy. Luckily, the perfect toy advent calendar can get the job done. Inspired by popular preschool toy brands you and your family know and love, these kids’ advent calendars have a play value a step above the rest.

Go! Go! Smart Wheels

Kids can create a snowy scene day by day with this super-fun toddler advent calendar. The wintery setting on the front of the box doubles as a playmat, complete with SmartPoints for kids to use when they open the SmartPoint Sleigh hidden inside. When toddlers roll the sleigh over these sensored locations, they’ll be enchanted by the sounds and phrases it makes.

Buy it: VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Advent Calendar, $22, Amazon.com

Little People

With this toy advent calendar, kids can peep behind a new door every day to reveal a fun surprise. Each window holds a Little People friend or a holiday accessory to add to their playtime story.

Buy it: Little People Advent Calendar, $35, Amazon.com

Farm World

Perfect for little animal lovers, this toy advent calendar lets kids create a winter wonderland farm scene complete with a horse, rooster, pig and more barn animals. Each figure has tiny life-like details, making them favorites for playtime long after the holiday pases.

Buy it: Schleich Farm World 2018 Advent Calendar, $35, Amazon.com

Santa’s Workshop

Get kids pumped for Santa’s visit by bringing his workshop home. This toy advent calendar reveals Santa, elves, reindeer and, of course, lots of toys.

Buy it: Playmobil Advent Calendar—Santa’s Workshop, $25, Amazon.com

Artsy Advent Calendars

Designed with creative kids in mind, these advent calendars double as perfect crafts projects. The activity-based countdowns inspire kids to channel their imaginations all month long.

Play-Doh

A playtime staple is now more festive than ever before. With this Play-Doh toddler advent calendar, kids can mesh and mold their way to Christmas day as they sculpt festive designs. The kit comes with a playmat and all kinds of surprises, including two shimmery Play-Doh molds.

Buy it: Play-Doh Advent Calendar, $30, Amazon.com

Christmas Countdown

When it comes to Crayola products, creativity is king—and this toy advent calendar is no exception. The colorful countdown comes with everything kids need to make ornaments, finger puppets, decorations and more. Best yet, it’ll keep little ones busy so you can prep for the holidays distraction-free (or close to it).

Buy it: Crayola Christmas Countdown Activity Advent Calendar, $20, Amazon.com

Festive Ink Stamps

Give your kids a unique advent calendar they can build on all month long. The set features more than 20 different stamps and ink pads in bright Christmas colors. Have kids start out with a blank sheet of paper and then add a new design every day using the hidden surprise.

Buy it: Meri Meri Festive Ink Stamp Advent Calendar, $35, Amazon.com

LEGO City Advent Calendar

This toy advent calendar will keep little builders busy with 24 different buildable presents to unwrap. From a Christmas tree to a space shuttle, the unique advent calendar will add a fun twist to a classic family tradition.

Buy it: LEGO City Advent Calendar, $30, Amazon.com

Classic Calendars

If you don’t like to stray from tradition, these kids’ advent calendars are right up your alley. Based on holiday customs and classic designs, the calendars will introduce your little one to seasonal staples you hold near and dear.

Dream Snow Pop-Up Advent Calendar

Turn your daily family countdown into storytime. Based on the popular Christmas story Dream Snow by Eric Carle, this pop-up advent calendar reveals a surprise behind each window. As the month progresses, kids will have a fully decorated scene to put on display.

Buy it: The World of Eric Carle Eric Carle’s Dream Snow Pop-Up Advent Calendar, $13, Amazon.com

Gingerbread House

This classic wooden advent calendar gives kids a gingerbread house, without all the messy crumbs (you’re welcome, mama!). The house has 24 compartments to open and close, and parents get to fill it with a sweet piece of candy or tiny collectible toy. The best part about having to fill it with your own treats is you can use the set for many years to come.

Buy it: KidKraft Wooden Advent Calendar, $48, Amazon.com

Wooden Advent Calendar

You and your kids can decorate this miniature magnetic tree and discover a new ornament every day. The reusable wooden advent calendar will create a fun family tradition to look forward to year after year.

Buy it: Melissa & Doug Wooden Advent Calendar—Magnetic Christmas Tree, $20, Amazon.com

Free and Fun

While December is the most wonderful time of the year, it also tends to be the most expensive. If you’re looking for a toy advent calendar to inspire play but keep your budget in check, these free printable kids’ advent calendars are just the ticket.

Christmas Tree

This countdown calendar lets you customize the message for each day to fit your family’s personality. You can write whatever you want in the blank spaces, like random acts of kindness or fun winter bucket list activities.

Get it. Free Printable Advent Calendar, DeliaCreates.com

Festive Fun

This kids’ advent calendar helps create unforgettable family memories through daily activities, which encourage you to read Christmas stories together or enjoy a tasty mug of hot cocoa. It’ll also teach your little one what the holiday season is all about, with certain tasks encouraging her to pay it forward.

Get it: Advent Calendar for Kids, iMom.com

Coloring Advent Calendar

There aren’t any gimmicks with this classic children’s advent calendar. Kids can kick off their excitement every day by coloring a new box. By the end of the month, they’ll have a vibrant refrigerator-worthy holiday masterpiece.

Get it. Printable Advent Calendar, LoveToKnow.com

Published November 2018

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best DIY Advent Calendars to Make with Your Kids

12 Days of Christmas Cookies: Holiday Treats for Kids (And Grown-Ups Too!)

The 22 Best Family Christmas Movies