I loved putting this post together last year and finding a good calendar to share with my kids every year has been a very fun task. I love spreading the joy of Christmas through the whole month and they love having a new toy to discover every day.
I have also created a post with DIY Advent Calendar ideas that is timeless so despite it saying 2023, it actually can be done every year. I will try to create another one with more ideas and hopefully an advent calendar post for adults too.
Let’s start with this year’s options!
What I look for in Toy Advent Calendars
This is what I look for in Advent Calendars:
- Price VS what you get – I look for advent Calendars around £20 ideally but this year all calendars have gone up in price, therefore I’ve done what I could with making the list with the choices available.
- Variety of items included – I don’t like calendars that have 5 of the same items in different colours, especially if they cannot be used independently.
- Daily play-ability of the items – Kids want to play each day with the item they get. If alone they amount to nothing, or can’t be played on its own or with other things we already own, it gets boring quickly. Especially for younger kids.
- Overall quality of the items – If half of the “toys” are cardboard accessories, unless all the toys are made of cardboard, I’m not personally interested in it.
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What I got my kids last year and why I loved them
Play-Doh Advent Calendar – Get it here
I’ll start with the one I got for my 3-year-old last year and I must say this Play-Doh Calendar is a brilliant calendar. It has a tool or cutter every day and a small tub of Play-Doh for each day too. It truly was worth the money and it was playable every day. I got a little cardboard shoebox to add each item each day and she still plays with all the items every time she gets her full Play-Doh kit out to play. We even still have some of the tubs unopened as she didn’t get through all the tubs so far.
If you have a 2-4 year old in the house, this is an absolute winner.
LEGO 60381 City Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
This is the one I got my eldest last year, and I was pretty surprised at how entertaining it actually was! It did surprise me that my kid was so entertained by it every day. I was quite selective as I wanted the maximum number of builds throughout the days and this LEGO City delivered it. And he was also quite interested in the minifigures too which was great. Personally I loved getting a Mrs Claus and a little Santa too.
If you choose one of the two above, you’ll make good choices.
Let’s start this year’s list.
(please note that some of these calendars are the same as last year’s as there aren’t new versions available and they can still be purchased)
Best Advent Calendars for Toddlers
Playmobil 70297 Advent Calendar: 1.2.3 Snowy Christmas – Get it here
Playmobil 1.2.3 is also called Playmobil Junior and this year has a new calendar with a Christmas scene and Winter animals, which is really adorable.
PLAYMOBIL 71086 1.2.3 AQUA Bath Time Fun Advent Calendar – Get it here
I love bath toys. I loved Playmobil as a kid and their toddler toys are adorable. It is on the pricier side of my list, but honestly, looks really good value for money and allows for all-year-long play.
Happyland Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
These toys are very cute. We don’t own any of them yet, but the youngest has played with it in a couple of playgroups and loves it. I think it’s a good option for a kid who is into play pretend.
Fisher-Price Little People Barbie Advent Calendar – Get it here
This Little People Barbie themed advent calendar looks really cute!
Best Calendars for Animal Lovers
Peter Rabbit Advent Calendar – Get it here
If your child or you love Peter Rabbit, this advent calendar is such a winner in my books. Wooden toys that can either be played with or used as room decor.
schleich 2024 Advent Calendar Horse Club 99092 – Get it here
I love how they have a new Horse Club calendar every year. I have included below the previous years’ ones as they are still available, as I find their little details adorable. If you collect them you end up with a very complete Horse set with plenty of the tools used to care for horses which is great for pretend play.
schleich 2023 Horse Club 98982 – Get it here
schleich 2022 Horse Club 98642 – Get it here
Schleich 2023 Dinosaurs 98984 – Get it here
This Dinosaur set is a really good one with plenty of little dinosaurs. Considering the price of individual schleich pieces, I think it’s quite worth it. In case you like the 2022 version more, I’ve listed it below, but it’s not as good in my opinion.
Schleich 2022 Dinosaurs 98644 – Get it here
Schleich 2022 Farm World 98643 – Get it here
There’s also a Farm version, and I prefer this 2022 version to the one this year’s one as the animals are less common. The 2023 is also cute and I’ve listed it below but this is my favourite out of the two.
Schleich 2023 Farm World 98983 – Get it here
Schleich 2022 Advent Calendar Wildlife 98272 – Get it here
This version focuses on African wildlife which is always a great choice especially if you’re starting your kids’ Schleich collection or if you’re looking to add more items to it.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Dinosaur Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
This year’s NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Dinosaur advent calendar looks very complete and super interesting. Considering their usual quality, I am in no doubt that if you have a Dinosaur fan at home, this is probably the best option you can get, and I definitely recommend it.
My Little Pony Snow Party Countdown – Get it here
My Little Pony is such an adorable toy. I loved mine when I was little. If the official version isn’t available I have included a couple more “copies” that look good below.
Unicorn/Pony Advent Calendar 1 – Get it here
Unicorn/Pony Advent Calendar 2 – Get it here
Zoo Animals Advent Calendar – Get it here
f you don’t own any animals yet, this also looks like a brilliant option at a cheaper pricetag. This is going to the top of my list for next year for my youngest. Of course, the trees and stones are not as exciting, but there’s a lot of animals to compensate and as an overall “toy” to play with at the end, it looks very complete.
Animal World Advent Calendar – Get it here
Toy Rubber “Ducks” Advent Calendar – Get it here
This bath toy is just for a bit of fun and looks really good with positive reviews. And apparently looks like a fun calendar for older kids (adults) too. If you have a Rubber Duck collection it’s a great option due to the variety of items.
Dinosaur Advent Calendar – Get it here
If your kid is into dinosaurs, this one looks like and acceptable one at a very decent price. It feels like a good ratio of accessories and actual-themed toys, and the dinosaurs have a decent look to them.
Playmobil Wiltopia 71006 DIY Advent Calendar – Get it here
I never knew about this Wiltopia Playmobil collection, but it looks really good. You have to put it together (probably to save on the package), so you can probably decide on which order you want the animals to be taken out each day, and the animals are really cute.
Hape Pony Barn Advent Calendar E3410 – Get it here
I’m so sad that Hape isn’t selling their Wooden Rollercoaster Advent Calendar in the UK (not even in Amazon.com) and their past year’s train station is brilliant (we had it 2 years ago), but this is the only option at the moment. It is cute.
Best Calendars for Vehicles Loving Kids
BRIO World 2023 Christmas Advent Calendar – Get it here
If you’re more into Brio, this is their calendar. To be very frank, I find the Hape version more value for money than this one because there’s a complete track at the end, but if you like and already own Brio, this will be a good addition to your current sets.
MDINGTD Kids Advent Calendar Vehicles 2023 – Get it here
Really Cute Advent Calendar with great reviews. These vehicles look quite good, to be honest, and it looks like a lasting toy. I know that my son would love this one so I’m hoping there’s a similar one for next year.
Thomas & Friends MINIS Advent Calendar – Get it here
If your kid is into Thomas the Train Engine, this is a great option. These will be the mini ones (I’m assuming they’re the same size as the magazine ones) so they will not fit most train tracks (whether Thomas or wooden) but my kids play with the small magazine ones as well and doesn’t complain about them not fitting perfectly, so I think it’s a great option.
Hot Wheels Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
Look, I’m not too mad about the Hot Wheels calendars… I don’t think their calendars have enough cars or fun accessories. That being said, out of the 3 options I found, this is the year’s seems to be the best. They have two versions and one is cheaper than the other. If your kid wants the accessories it might be worth it, but I prefer to buy the random car here and there to add to his collection.
Hot Wheels Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
Hot Wheels Advent Calendar Version 2 – Get it here
Diecast Vehicles 2024 Christmas Advent Calendar – Get it here
The first calendar I got my son 3 years ago, was a plastic vehicle one. At the time there weren’t any diecast ones in which there was a good number of vehicles. This option seems to be quite popular and quite decent. I love the variety of vehicles in this set and if they are proper diecast, it seems to be a great option for the vehicle lovers.
LEGO Advent Calendars
LEGO 60436 CITY Holiday Countdown 2024 – Get it here
My son love last year’s version. This is a great option.
LEGO 10976 DUPLO Santa’s Gingerbread House – Get it here
This is last year’s one and there are some “other buying options” available. I’m suggesting it still as there doesn’t seem to be a 2024 option for Duplo and I think it’s great for smaller kids.
LEGO 75395 Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
Not a Star Wars expert here so I don’t know if previous years were better or worse. But if your kid is into Star Wars, I think this feels like a great ratio between cool characters and build.
LEGO 75366 Star Wars Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
LEGO 76438 Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
As someone who read all the books and loved the storyline, I’d get this advent calendar for the figures alone. Maybe that kind of contradicts what I’m saying about daily build, but I find the ratio build/mini figures quite good on this one. On some themes and some ages, minifigures will probably matter more than the builds. If my kid was into Harry Potter I’d definitely get this one.
LEGO 76418 Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
LEGO 76404 Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2022 – Get it here
LEGO 42637 Friends Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
I love LEGO Friends in general, but I feel slightly disappointed with their Advent Calendars. I feel LEGO should develop these more. They’re not bad, but they don’t impress me. But if you have a child that is into the Friends Collection, they might have a different opinion to mine.
LEGO 41758 Friends Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
LEGO 41706 Friends Advent Calendar 2022 – Get it here
LEGO 43253 Disney Princess Advent Calendar – Get it here
As a Disney fan and being a woman, this Princess Calendar does call to me. So I feel a little biased but I love it.
LEGO 76293 Spiderman Advent Calendar – Get it here
Last year’s Calendar has a lot of minifigures that made it very worth it in my view. This Spiderman looks pretty fun and versatile too.
LEGO 76267 Marvel Avengers Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
LEGO 76196 Super Heroes The Avengers 2021 – Get it here
Building Blocks Advent Calendars (Non-LEGO)
MEGA Pokémon Advent Calendar – Get it here
I love the MEGA building blocks and their Pokémon kits are adorable. Yet I’m a little unsure that this is a good option as I find that only 2 Pokemóns for the whole kit is very little. But if your kid likes Polemón and building blocks, this is the available option and it is cute.
Vehicles Building Blocks Advent Calendar – Get it here
If you’re ok with getting non-Lego building blocks, this looks quite good and it has a build for every day. Please note that the instructions on non-LEGO are not very young-kids-friendly and they might need a bit of support. I have seen some adults struggle too. That’s where LEGO takes a big lead (and on the quality of its pieces). But this looks decent and I love the fact that one can build a big one in the end.
Christmas Building Blocks Advent Calendar – Get it here
This is an adorable option. I love the little builds and the big builds that can be done at the end. As I mentioned before the instructions of non-LEGO items are usually pretty sketchy and adult support is needed. But these builds are quite adorable, so I’d say they’re worth it.
Christmas themed version 2 – Get it here
Insect Building Blocks Advent Calendar – Get it here
This one has quite a few cool builds too and steps aways from the Christmas theme. As per my previous suggestions, the instructions won’t probably be the same quality as the LEGO one so they might not be very young kids friendly. But the builds look quite fun and again the bigger builds are really interesting.
Land and Sea Animals Building Blocks Advent Calendar – Get it here
I also found these two with generic animals which are quite cute. My favourite is the land and sea animals, but the other one has a lovely mixture of dinosaurs and savanah animals too.
Animal Variety Building Blocks Advent Calendar – Get it here
Dinosaur and Vehicles Building Blocks – Get it here
I really love the colours of this option and the variety of items that can be done with this set. Please note (again) that the instructions are never as good as the LEGO ones but I love the variety in these sets and the themes that they have as an advent calendar. This one is quite fun because it has a mixture of two separate themes (I’m assuming the two themes alternate each day). I find it fun that a bigger Dinosaur or Vehicle (a plane in this case) can be done with most of the pieces provided too. It gives a little boost to the last day in which something more complex can be created.
Best Advent Calendar for Disney Lovers
Frozen Advent Calendar – Get it here
Despite not being the biggest fan of cardboard builds, this Frozen set is lovely. The majority of the items are more durable and one gets an Anna and an Elsa figure, which will surely be played with all year round. Despite the pricetag, it is a great option for the Frozen fans.
Disney Princess Advent Calendar – Get it here
This Disney Princesses calendar would be a total hit with my niece, I’m sure (and my son just said “wow” to it when he saw it open on my computer). It does disappoint me personally that it only has 4 dolls, but it has some really cute accessories.
Disney and Pixar Cars Advent Calendar – Get it here
This looks like a brilliant option, to be honest. They can be played with quite a bit. If your kid is into the film or just vehicles in general, it’s a great option despite the more expensive price tag.
Disney Advent Calendar Kids – Wooden – Get it here
I don’t think this is an official one, but it’s so cute and suitable for younger kids.
Disney Official Christmas Board Game Advent Calendar – Get it here
I wasn’t too sure if I liked this one, but I think it’s actually a great idea as it can be played with the family on Christmas Day (and beyond). Although it will not be playable until the end of the Advent Calendar. I’d say it’s for older kids who can already wait for things to be complete.
The Nightmare Before Christmas – Get it here
This could be a great advent calendar for Halloween, but for a true fan, this is perfect for Christmas too.
Marvel Avengers Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
For Marvel fans, apart from LEGO there’s not much option, but this is quite good fun.
Spiderman Advent Calendar – Get it here
in line with the above.
Stitch Advent Calendar – Get it here
Stitch is very in vogue at the moment and this was one of the favourite versions of this themed calendar that I found. I have included two other options below.
Stitch Jewellery Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
Stitch large cube calendar 2024 – Get it here
TV-themed Advent calendars
Paw Patrol Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
Really cute PAW Patrol calendar for 2024. I’d say I prefer it to the one from last year. Really good mixture of figures and accessories.
PAW Patrol Mini Figures and Accessories Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
Bluey’s Family Christmas Surprise Advent Calendar – Get it here
We absolutely love Bluey in our house, but the Advent Calendar for it has disappointed me again, unfortunately. But it’s Bluey and if your kid is a fan, they will most likely love it. There are also 2 Book calendars which I have linked below in case you’d prefer that.
Bluey: The Most Amazing Advent Book Bundle 2024 – Get it here
Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle 2023 – Get it here
Bluey Advent Calendar Stationery 2024 – Get it here
Bluey Advent Calendar Hair Accessories – Get it here
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
Compared to last year’s one, this one is much better than last year’s. At the price point though, I’m a little unsure it’s worth it. I’ve left last year’s one for comparison below.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
Peppa Pig Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
If your kid loves pretend play and Peppa Pig, they’re probably going to love it. And it does have a lot of characters in it, which is a good thing. There is also a Book Calendar which I have linked below in case you’d prefer that, and last year’s ones.
Peppa Pig Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
Peppa Pig: Advent Calendar Book Collection 2022 – Get it here
Peppa Pig: Advent Book Collection 2021 – Get it here
Hey Duggee: Advent Calendar Book Collection – Get it here
Here is a book collection calendar with brilliant reviews. I confess I’m a little disappointed that there isn’t a toy Hey Duggee toy calendar.
Super Wings Advent Calendar – Get it here
One of our friends’ kid loves Super Wings and will be delighted to get one of these this year. With a figure per day it’s really worth it. If your kid is the patient kind, there’s another one in which every day you add a different piece to a Jett to complete it by the end of the 24 days. It’s great to train building something, but it isn’t playable every day.
SuperWings Jett building calendar – Get it here
Pokémon Deluxe Holiday Calendar Battle Figures – Get it here
Super cute mini Pokémon Figures in this kit. The cardboard Christmas accessories are super frustrating for me as they are so random, but the mini figures make it worth it.
Pokémon Holiday Calendar – Get it here
Pokémon Advent Calendar – Get it here
Pokémon TCG: Holiday Calendar 2024 – Get it here
OK, now this is an awesome one. It is expensive, but those cards are not cheap. I’m sure my brother (adult) would freak out about it even today as an adult. If you have a kid who is into this, he would love it. Every year the box has a new color and there are 3 so far.
Pokémon TCG: Holiday Calendar 2023 – Get it here
Pokémon TCG: Holiday Calendar 2022 – Get it here
Sonic The Hedgehog Stationery Advent Calendar – Get it here
All the other calendars I’ve found are a lot more expensive. They look quite cool, so I will list them below, but they have a steeper price tag. So it depends on how much you’re willing to spend. This stationery calendar is a decent-priced one for what I would spend on an advent calendar. But the end result of these other ones is quite cool.
Sonic by Numskull 2023 – Get it here
Tails by Numskull 2023 – Get it here
BANDAI Sonic Prime Collectable Figures Advent Calendar – Get it here
Sonic the Hedgehog Action Figures – Get it here
Again, not on the cheap price range, but the figures would get a lot of play and display too.
Best Advent Calendars for Young Kids
Polly Pocket Advent Calendar, Gingerbread House Design – Get it here
Alright. As a little girl from the 80’s, this is the dream! An advent calendar with all the Polly Pocket accessories that turns itself into the house to play with the accessories in, is awesome. Well worth it.
Baby Annabell Advent Calendar – Get it here
If you have a child who loves playing with dolls, this is such a lovely Christmas-themed set.
Playmobil 71472 Advent Calendar: A Trip to the Christmas Market – Get it here
Oh my, this is sooooo cuuuuute! A Christmas Market! Really adorable.
PLAYMOBIL 71348 Advent Calendar: Christmas under the Rainbow – Get it here
This Princess advent calendar is super cute.
Playmobil 70576 Advent Calendar Back To The Future Part III – Get it here
Playmobil has some fun new themes in their portfolio. This Back to the Future set is really cute.
Playmobil 70776 Advent Calendar Bathtime Fun Police Diving Mission – Get it here
Another Bathtime advent calendar that promises a lot of creative play!
The Elf on the Shelf Sweet Spinners Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
For those of you doing Elf on a Shelf or wanting an alternative, these look like a really good idea.
The Elf on the Shelf Festive Flyers Advent Calendar – Get it here
Barbie Advent Calendar – Get it here
Barbie is a classic and this is quite a cool calendar with lovely accessories on it. Again, an 80’s (and 2024’s) girl dream. What I also love about it is that it’s items can be used all year long, so it’s a calendar with a great longevity.
Barbie Advent Calendar 2 – Get it here
Barbie Cutie Reveal Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
This version is more expensive but it’s so cute that I thought I should mention it separately.
Best Advent Calendars for older kids
Minecraft Advent Calendar – Get it here
For fans of this video game it’s a great option. There’s more than one option for Minecraft lovers out there, and I have listed the ones that seemed the best below.
Minecraft Stationary Advent Calendar – Get it here
Minecraft Books Advent Calendar – Get it here
Minecraft Figures Advent Calendar – Get it here
Minecraft Socks Advent Calendar – Get it here
This advent calendar with one size socks looks like so much fun and will be handy all year long. Sure, it’s socks. But isn’t that what Christmas is for?
Super Mario Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
There isn’t (unfortunately) a cheap Super Mario Calendar and these two options were the only options I found. Unless it’s the hyperfocus of your kid, there’s much better options in this list to offer this Christmas.
Nintendo Super Mario Xmas Advent Calendar – Get it here
Harry Potter Gryffindor Advent Calendar – Get it here
This Harry Potter advent calendar is very adorable. It comes with Harry himself and a lot of accessories.
Jurassic World Holiday Advent Calendar – Get it here
If your kid is into the film Jurassic World, this is a great version as it comes with some of the iconic items of the film and a good variety of dinosaurs too.
National Geographic Science Kit & Rock Collection Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
The National Geographic Advent Calendars are really interesting and this Science one is my favourite as it has a lot of different themes to it and experiences. Love it.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
For all the precious stone and rock collectors this is surely the perfect advent calendar! I’m not and I’m mesmerised by it.
The Purple Cow Advent Calendar My World – Get it here
Welcome to my favourite calendar for older kids. This looks absolutely brilliant. It’s crafts and learning at the same time. It’s even brilliant for me as an adult!
The Purple Cow Advent Calendar Amazing Magic – Get it here
These guys have brilliant calendars to be honest. This is perfect for magic lovers.
The Purple Cow Advent Calendar Family Games – Get it here
Here’s another one from the same brand that looks brilliant fun.
The Purple Cow Advent Calendar Shocking Science – Get it here
I bought a Science one last year in a charity shop and I’m so excited about it. My son is still too young for it, but I thought it was worth it for the future. An experiment a day looks like so much fun.
Topps Match Attax 24/25 – Advent Calendar – Get it here
We’re not into football in the house (I know, shocking!), but if my kid was into it, I would definitely get it for him, 120 cards is a pretty good calendar!
Advent Calendar DIY Charm Bracelet – Get it here
Really cute Charm Bracelet not just for kids but adults too.
Advent Calendar Fidget Toys Set – Get it here
This fidget toys calendar looks like a lot of fun and becomes very handy for Christmas (and non-Christmas) travels.
Kids Art and Crafts Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
Really cute idea for kids that love to arts and crafts.
Brain Teaser Puzzles Advent Calendar – Get it here
This is both a kids’ and grown-ups’ cool calendar. Perfect for persistent kids who love a challenge.
Unicorn Jewelry Set Advent Calendar – Get it here
Really cute for unicorns, jewellery, and accessories fans.
Christmas and Religious themed Advent Calendars
Tabletop Wooden Christmas Tree Advent Calendar – Get it here
This is a really adorable option. If you want to get one for the whole family to enjoy, this wuld be the one for me.
Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar 2023 – Get it here
This other wooden tree is really adorable too.
Winter Wonderland Tou Advent Calendar – Get it here
This little toy advent calendar is so adorable!
Miniature Christmas Decor Advent Calendar – Get it here
Some Christmas decor, to add to the home each day!
Noahs Ark Toy Advent Calendar – Get it here
If you want a religious-themed Advent Calendar for your child, this is a great option.
Nativity Advent Calendar 2024 – Get it here
If you want your child to create a Nativity, this one is really cute and playable.
Nativity Puzzle Advent Calendar – Get it here
This option is also really lovely. It tells the story of Jesus, therefore, if you’re religious you have a chance to explain these moments of Jesus life to your child each day.
Will you get one of these for your kids this year?
Have you gotten a different one that I didn’t mention and are excited about?
Have I missed an important one?
Please let me know!
Hug,
Millia
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