A little boy opening an advent calendar (Tatyana Soares/Shutterstock)
Christmas is the most magical time of the year, but waiting for the big day can feel like an eternity – especially for kids. That’s where advent calendars come in, turning the countdown into a daily celebration. Packed with tiny surprises like toys, candies, or even fun activities, these calendars make each day of December feel like a mini holiday. Whether your kids love classic chocolates or themed calendars featuring their favorite characters, there’s an advent calendar to make the wait for Christmas even more exciting. Which one will light up your child’s face the most? We’ve rounded up the best advent calendars for kids from seven trusted websites to make Christmas a month-long event. Do you have a favorite we missed? Share it with us in the comments!
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Top 5 Best Advent Calendars for Kids
1. LEGO Star Wars
The LEGO Star Wars 2024 Christmas Advent Calendar is a must-have for fans of the galaxy far, far away. But that’s just the beginning – there are so many LEGO advent calendars out there, that it’s hard to keep track! Each one is packed with mini-builds that’ll thrill kids and adults. As E! News puts it, these calendars are the perfect way to add some intergalactic fun to your holiday countdown.
Each door reveals mini-builds like an X-Wing, the Millennium Falcon, and even Darth Vader’s Castle. Plus, CNET says you’ll find festive versions of Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and more to add some holiday flair. Kids (and kids at heart) can kick off each day by creating a new piece for the fold-out Star Wars holiday scene.
You better grab it while it’s still available, though. HuffPost says this calendar is sure to sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance!
2. LEGO Disney Advent Calendar
Make the countdown to Christmas magical with this Disney-themed LEGO advent calendar for kids ages three and up! According to CNET, fans can build iconic movie moments from scenes like Elsa’s ice palace and Moana’s boat. With 253 pieces, it delivers 24 days of characters and surprises!
As Yahoo highlights, this advent calendar lets you build charming scenes like Ariel’s undersea palace. You can then flip the box for a built-in board game the whole family can enjoy. Disney magic delivered daily!
Niños and Nature calls this the ultimate pick for little builders with big imaginations! With each day bringing new surprises, kids can create magical scenes while reenacting their favorite Disney adventures. It also makes for a great distraction while parents get other holiday prep done.
3. National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar
If you’re looking for an advent calendar that’s both fun and educational, this is the one! HuffPost says the National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar lets kids uncover a new gemstone each day, ending with an epic brick dig finale. With a collector’s pouch and jewelry settings included, it’s sure to be a hit!
Niños and Nature and E! Online agree this calendar is great for little explorers! Each day reveals a stunning gemstone like tiger’s eye or amethyst, with a grand finale excavation of rose quartz. It’s a hands-on way to bring the wonders of geology and Christmas magic into your home!
4. Play-Doh Advent Calendar Playset
Who doesn’t love Play-Doh? It’s a classic for kids! As Today highlights, this hands-on advent calendar is packed with over 24 surprises, including Play-Doh, molds, stick-on accessories, and step-by-step guides to create festive shapes like snowmen and reindeer. It will keep your kids busy long after the holiday season, too.
This calendar has everything you and your child need to create a winter wonderland. Yahoo says it is perfect for budding sculptors. Be sure to keep the caps on so the Play-Doh doesn’t dry out, though.
Niños and Nature calls this calendar a creativity booster, where the only limit is your child’s imagination! Each day reveals surprise tools to help craft a magical snowy scene. It’s the perfect way to keep kids entertained while you tackle holiday prep!
5. Bluey’s Book Pack Advent Calendar
Last but not least, Yahoo loves the Bluey Book Pack. It comes with 24 mini-books full of short stories, coloring pages, and fun activities. Bluey, Bingo, and friends lead readers on two dozen adventures perfect for the holiday countdown. It’s a festive treat for kids (and adults) to enjoy before Christmas!
With stories like “The Beach” and “Grannies,” plus coloring books and more fun surprises, this advent calendar will keep the kids busy for hours. E! Online says the books can even be put back so you can reuse them the following year.
If your child isn’t as much of a reader, Today reviewers think Bluey’s Classic Christmas Surprise Pack is all that and a bag of chips! It delivers 24 surprises, from action figures to stickers. Think presents, a tree, and all the holiday magic!
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
