Advent calendars are such a fun and interactive way to engage your children in the excitement building up to Christmas.
I remember so clearly the beautiful German-made cardboard house that I had as child. The illustrated house had pop out windows and doors, each hiding a special chocolate coin or treat.
Today, my family has an advent calendar that not only gives a small gift to my daughters, but also gives them ideas each day of how they can help or give back during this special season.
An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count or celebrate the days in anticipation of Christmas. Like many others aspects of modern Christmas practices, the Advent calendar is of German origin. From the early nineteenth century, families began to mark the days of Advent either by burning a candle for the day or marking walls or doors with a line of chalk each day.
Looking to start an advent calendar tradition? We’ve perused the stores and internet and found for you some of the very best and most creative advent calendars for children.
Buy early, because some of these will sell out long before December 1!
Fisher Price Little People Advent Calendar
AGES: 1-5
There is a holiday party and everyone is invited! Each day, your little one can open this calendar to reveal a new character that will be at the party. The beloved Little People you unveil will surely be used year-round.
Hot Wheels Advent Calendar
AGES: 3+
Got boys? Then ‘race’ to check out this advent calendar that includes its own race track! Priced less than $35, this calendar includes eight decorated Hot Wheels vehicles and sixteen accessories for every day leading up to the holiday.
Emoji jewelry Advent Calendar (D-FantiX)
AGES: 3+ (must have pierce ears)
The company that makes this particular set is a manufacturer of 20+ other jewelry advent calendars. Every girl loves a little bling, right? This is hands-down my favorite, though….which actually means it is approved by both my 10 and 8 year old daughters. The jewelry advent calendar includes a bracelet, eight emoji earring sets and 15 emoji beads to add to the bracelet.
LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2019
AGES: 7+
LEGO leads the way on this category of toys for kids and each year holds us in suspense as to what the releases will be. This year, four new LEGO calendars were introduced and are available for sale beginning September 1. These LEGO calendars typically sell out and our prediction is the Harry Potter will go first! Both Shendra and I have some dedicated Potterheads in our house, so this has been on our shopping list for awhile.
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2019
AGES: 6+
Who wouldn’t love Chewbacca decorating a Christmas tree? Star Wars fans will be clamoring to pick up this year’s release of the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar which comes complete with 24 different pieces. Like the other LEGO advent calendars, this is available starting September 1. We recommend not waiting for a sale as these will typically sell out before December 1.
LEGO City Advent Calendar 2019
AGES: 5+
For the more traditional LEGO fans, check out this year’s release of the LEGO City Advent Calendar that includes an adorable snow scene with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with 22 other presents to reveal throughout the month. Last year’s City Advent Calendar was one of our favorites and is still available online for purchase.
The Story of Christmas: Story Book Set and Advent Calendar
AGES: All
There are several wonderful bible-based advent calendars for your children and family to enjoy and focus on the true reason for the season. I was disappointed though that so many were just a page or a small verse. This particular version, though offers children the ability to open up a different board book each day. 24 books are included, all beautifully illustrated and well made to use with your little ones year after year.
My First Advent Calendar by Step2
AGES: 3+
The perfect way to introduce an advent calendar to small children is with this interactive Step2 Advent Calendar that includes large plastic bins for each day of the month you can fill with small toys or treats. A Christmas Day surprise hides behind a decorated door and includes a gold bin that can hold a special gift for the big day.
Fortnite Advent Calendar 2019
AGES: 6+
Fortnite….I just don’t get the obsession and as a mom of three girls I have not been fully immersed into the game. I do know, though, that any Fortnite fan will oogle for this Fortnite Advent calendar from Funko! The calendar includes 24 mini figurines of all the Fortnite hero characters. This will be a limited edition release and you must preorder. The calendar will be officially released October 1, 2019.
Schleich Wild Life Advent Calendar
AGES: 3+
I am a huge fan of anything that toy manufacturer Schleich makes. Our family loves to learn about animals and their products are so well made and life-like. When I learned that they offered an advent calendar, I knew it had to make our top 10 list! We love the Wilde Life version, but there is also a Family Life to consider for your little ones.
Looking for an advent calendar that YOU can fill? Check out some of these beautiful Christmas Gal approved pieces!
Burlap Banner Christmas Countdown Calendar with gift pouches 
Kurt Adler Wind-Up Music Box Advent Calendar 
24″ Wooden Train Advent Calendar 
Shooting Star Snowy Village Advent Calendar
-Maureen, Christmas Gal
