The days leading up to Christmas can feel endless for kids. A toy Advent calendar turns that waiting into a daily dose of excitement, with a small surprise to open every morning from December 1 until the big day.
Today’s Advent calendars go far beyond a piece of chocolate behind each door. We rounded up the best toy Advent calendars for every kind of kid, from science experiments and magic tricks to favorite characters, crafts and learning toys, so you can pick one that matches their interests perfectly.
How to Choose a Toy Advent Calendar
- Check the age range: Many calendars include small pieces that are not safe for toddlers under three.
- Match their interests: Pick a favorite character, hobby or activity so every door feels exciting.
- Think about long-term play: Figures, building sets and books keep being used after Christmas.
- Consider mess: Slime and craft calendars are fun but need a little more supervision and cleanup.
- Look for reusable options: Wooden calendars can become a family tradition for years.
16 Best Toy Advent Calendars for Kids
1. National Geographic Science Advent Calendar
For Little Scientists
This calendar mixes hands-on experiments with real rock and mineral specimens for a countdown that is both fun and educational. Kids can make instant snow, dig for gold and grow their own crystals across the month. Along the way they also collect a set of gemstones to start or add to a rock collection. It is a great pick for curious kids who love asking how things work.
2. hand2mind Numberblocks MathLink Cubes Advent Calendar
For Early Math Learners
Based on the popular Numberblocks show, this calendar reveals colorful MathLink cubes and activities behind each door. Kids snap the cubes together to build numbers and characters, which makes counting and early math feel like play. The pieces are durable and work with other MathLink sets. It is an easy way to sneak learning into the holiday countdown for preschool and early elementary kids.
3. Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendar
For Building a Library
This calendar contains 24 individually wrapped mini paperback books featuring favorite Disney stories and characters. Opening one each day makes bedtime reading part of the holiday countdown. The small books fit perfectly in little hands and on a child’s bookshelf. Pack them away with the decorations and they will feel brand new again next December.
4. Jazwares Pokemon Holiday Advent Calendar
For Pokemon Fans
This 24-day calendar is packed with 16 small Pokemon figures and eight festive accessories. Each figure is about two inches tall, which is perfect for play, display and trading. It is designed for kids ages four and up. Young trainers will love finding out which character is hiding behind each door.
5. Jazwares Hello Kitty and Friends Holiday Advent Calendar
For Hello Kitty Fans
Fans of Sanrio characters can unbox a new holiday surprise every day with this calendar. It includes collectible figures of Hello Kitty and friends along with mix-and-match accessories. Many figures hold festive items like presents, candy canes and gingerbread treats. The finished collection looks adorable on a shelf all season long.
6. Bluey 24 Days of Surprises
For Bluey Fans
This calendar brings Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life with 24 small figures and accessories. Kids can use the pieces to recreate scenes from the show, including a mini Christmas tree. Some accessories nod to Australian summer holidays, which adds a fun twist. It is an affordable pick that preschoolers will enjoy long after December.
7. The Purple Cow Amazing Magic Advent Calendar
For Budding Magicians
Each door of this calendar reveals a new close-up magic trick, with 24 in total. Simple instructions help kids master each illusion and perform it for family and friends. The tricks are playful and silly, which keeps the mood light and fun. By Christmas, your child will have a full magic show ready for holiday gatherings.
8. Worldwide Buddies Around the World Advent Calendar
For Little Explorers
This calendar takes kids on a trip around the globe, introducing a new country and holiday tradition each day. Behind every window is a collectible buddy that doubles as a tree ornament. A matching card offers a craft, challenge or activity tied to that culture. It is festive, budget-friendly and a gentle way to learn about the world.
9. Grarain Fidget Advent Calendar
For Fidget Fans
This calendar is packed with dozens of small fidget toys, including squishy balls, stretchy strings and pop tubes. It gives restless hands something to do during the busy holiday season. Many toys come in festive shapes and colors. It is an inexpensive option that works well for classroom countdowns or sharing between siblings.
10. Insight Editions The Nightmare Before Christmas Advent Calendar
For Halloween-Meets-Christmas Fans
This calendar is a fun pick for families who love both spooky season and the holidays. It follows Jack Skellington’s story across the countdown with surprises tucked inside. It also folds out into a board book that encourages reading together. It is often on sale, which makes it a great value.
11. Playmobil Santa’s Workshop Advent Calendar
For Pretend Play
Playmobil’s calendar builds a cheerful holiday scene piece by piece over 24 days. Kids collect figures, decorations and accessories to set up a festive winter world. The pieces are sturdy and sized for small hands. Once complete, the set offers hours of imaginative play through the rest of the season.
12. Mattel Barbie Mermaid and Fairy Advent Calendar
For Barbie Fans
This calendar includes a Barbie doll plus 23 doors filled with fairy wings, a mermaid tail, outfits and accessories. Kids can mix and match pieces to create magical new looks every day. Everything joins their Barbie collection after the holidays. It is a great choice for kids who love fashion, fantasy and dress-up play.
13. OuMuaMua Christmas Advent Calendar Bracelets
For Little Fashionistas
Each day reveals a new holiday charm that kids can add to their own bracelets. By Christmas, they will have designed two charm bracelets to wear or give as gifts. It is a fun craft activity that builds creativity and fine motor skills. At a very low price, it also works well as a stocking stuffer or class gift.
14. Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar
A Reusable Classic
This wooden tree has 24 little doors, each holding a magnetic wooden ornament to place on the tree. Kids get to decorate their own Christmas tree a little more each day. Because it is made of sturdy wood, it can be reused year after year as a family tradition. It is a lovely screen-free option for toddlers and preschoolers.
15. Cardfun Alloy Construction Vehicle Toy Advent Calendar
For Vehicle Lovers
Kids who love diggers, dump trucks and cranes will find a new construction vehicle or road sign behind each door. The die-cast vehicles feel solid and are made for real play. A large play mat is included so they can build their own construction site. It is a hit with toddlers and young kids in the vehicle-obsessed stage.
16. Joyin Christmas Advent Calendar with DIY Slime
For Sensory Play
This calendar lets kids build their own custom slime with new add-ins revealed each day. It includes slime containers plus glitter, beads and other mix-ins for colorful creations. The squishy texture makes it great for sensory play. Set up a protected play area, because the fun can get a little messy.
Tips for Making the Most of an Advent Calendar
- Buy early, because popular character calendars often sell out by mid-November.
- Set the calendar out on November 30 so it is ready for the first morning.
- Make opening the door part of a daily routine, like breakfast or bedtime.
- For siblings, buy one calendar each or take turns opening doors to avoid arguments.
- Keep a small box nearby to store the pieces so nothing gets lost before Christmas.
Final Thoughts
A toy Advent calendar is one of the easiest ways to make the holiday countdown feel magical for kids. Curious minds will love the science and magic sets, young readers will enjoy the storybook calendars, and character fans can choose from Bluey, Pokemon, Hello Kitty and Barbie. Pick the one that fits your child best and enjoy watching their excitement grow every morning until Christmas.
