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The Advent calendar has evolved over the years, from simple printed versions to the over-the-top ones you can find today (see the $112,000 Tiffany diamond calendar). We’re also not sure the original creators of Advent calendars planned for them to keep someone tipsy for 24 straight days like the now-popular boozy versions.
But we’ve found a fun array of Advent calendars, in a reasonable price range, that will please and surprise everyone from tykes to gourmands while counting down the days until Christmas.
1. Best For Chocoholics
Madelaine Chocolate Company offers a Countdown to Christmas calendar ($11.88) where doors and windows on a house open to reveal 24 individual milk-chocolate squares wrapped like tiny presents. A short saying on each flap adds to the merriment.
One of the best things about the Clever Creations Advent Calendar ($37.99) is that the adorable wooden sled filled with 24 doors will look great among classic Christmas decor. You can reuse this one year after year by filling the drawers with tiny surprises!
Thomas the Tank Engine fanatics will want to choo-choo-choose this Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Minis Advent Calendar ($32.18) over any other. How adorable is it that each day you unwrap a new mini train engine and can slowly hook together a long locomotive to wind around your home by Christmas Day? Each car is holiday-themed as well.
Warm yourself up each day of Advent with the David’s Tea 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar ($40). The individual tea bags include wintery flavors like Alpine Punch, Caramel Shortbread, Maple Syrup Oolong and Satsuma Spice Cake.
The Crayola Christmas Countdown Activity Advent Calendar ($17.99) is crafted for daily creativity. Each slot contains supplies to go with an activity book so you and your little artists can work on 24 different mini-projects, including finger puppets, ornaments, modeling clay and coloring.
Though it comes in a book (not calendar) format, the Advent Calendar Colouring Book ($6.71) includes 24 pages of coloring sheets for you to enjoy on the countdown to Christmas at a great price. Both children and adults will enjoy this one, and you might want to share because reviewers say the pages are fairly detailed and can take some time to complete.
We’re jammin’ for the Bonne Maman 2019 Limited Edition Advent Calendar($63.88), with 24 different 1-ounce mini jars of tasty French fruit spreads and honey in seasonal flavors like Raspberry & Lychee, Strawberry & Verbena, and Pineapple & Passion Fruit and including the elusive Mirabelle Plum preserves. This is even better than that membership to the Jelly-of-the-Month Club!
Little ones will enjoy opening each day of the Play-Doh Advent Calendar ($29.99), which includes many little cutters, stamps, molds, and accessories along with a play mat and five mini tubs of Play-Doh.
If you’re looking for a more traditional fabric calendar for your kids, the Pockets of Learning Merry Christmas Tree Advent Calendar ($38.95) is a great option. Each velcro fabric piece comes out of pockets on the bottom to dress up the tree. Bonus: if you lose pieces, the company will replace them!
Take a step into the past and enjoy the artwork of Norman Rockwell with the Metropolitan Musem of Art’s Norman Rockwell Advent Calendar ($23.12). The pop-up scene centers around Rockwell’s “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas” and has 24 windows and doors to open, each with a different Christmas illustration by the famous painter.
The gorgeous Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar ($89.94) lets you build the Nativity scene day by day. The painted wooden figures stored in wooden drawers around the central image stick magnetically to the central scene. It’s a bit pricey, but this one can be reused year after year.
Marvel fans will love collecting their comic book heroes in the Funko Advent Calendar ($46.99). Each day reveals another adorable Funko mini figure, including favorites like Iron Man and Spawn.Amazon
18. Best For Multiple Kids
The Step2 My First Advent Calendar ($50)is perfect for the littlest elves since each mini bin and the entire house is made of durable plastic. Each day’s storage container is big enough that parents can pick a range of items to put into them. Have more than one child? You can fit multiple mini treasures in each slot. Warning though: assembly is required for this one.
If you’re looking for something with a book theme to it, the Disney: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar ($18.18) includes 24 mini paperbacks adapted from Disney movies. Along with old classics, recent Disney releases like “Moana,” “The Incredibles 2,” “Toy Story 4” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet” are included.
The Hot Wheels Advent Calendar ($34.99) will rev up your car-loving kid’s energy level this holiday season. There are eight cars and 16 accessories included, like a snowman and Christmas tree, plus a play mat with a track to drag-race your cars on.
If you’re looking for a wooden Advent calendar with an Etsy vibe, the Juegoal Countdown to Christmas Calendar ($19.99) is an affordable option. Fill the drawers with small treats and surprises.
Playmobil also has a non-Christmas themed Horse Farm Advent Calendar ($17.49) with 24 pieces you can slowly open to create your own equine paradise, if that’s more up your kid’s alley.
Anna Weaver is a writer and multimedia journalist born, raised, and living back in her home state of Hawaii. Her two young kids keep her on her toes and hooked on online shopping. Learn More.
