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When I was little, advent calendars were part of our holiday tradition. Starting on December 1, my brother and I would open a little door that revealed a piece of chocolate. We looked forward to opening a door every day in December, with the final one being opened on Christmas Eve. The tradition of advent calendars continues in our house, even with college age kids. We still enjoy the chocolate ones of my youth but have also branched out.

Favorite Advent Calendars for All Ages

This new guide features some of the best advent calendars that are of the non-chocolate variety. Below you’ll find age-appropriate ones for preschoolers, early elementary ages, tweens, and teens. You’ll also find ones for adults towards the end!

The ones for kids are designed to keep brains working and learning as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas. You’ll find dedicated advent calendars with 24 days of brain teasers, slime, art supplies, puzzles, and more below. Be sure to order now to have in time for December 1 to enjoy the tradition of advent calendars in your home!

Favorite Advent Calendars for Preschoolers

Around the World Advent Calendar ($17.99)

This advent calendar takes kids on an adventure around the world. Every day in December, children will travel to a different country, meet a buddy that lives there, and complete a fun, holiday-related activity inspired from that culture. Each day’s window will be dedicated to a new country and reveal a number of festive surprises like a figurine that can be used as a tree ornament or card with a holiday-related activity or challenge inspired from that place. By Christmas, littles will have completed 24 screen-free activities that promote hands-on learning. They will also have 24 new buddies from around the world to celebrate with! 

DIY Ornament Advent Calendar ($40)

Preschoolers will love counting down to Christmas with Kirsten Field’s set of 25 ornaments they make themselves out of felt. This kid-friendly set features picture instructions so no sewing or glue is required. They can also count down to the big day by popping a sticker from the included sheet onto the box as each project is completed.  This set is made in Michigan. 

Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar ($35)

This engraved wooden interactive Advent calendar is perfect for kids (and adults!) to do each day during the month of December leading to Christmas. They’ll love removing a tree each day to reveal an act of kindness they can take part in. Acts include making someone laugh, giving someone a compliment, hug someone, help clean up after dinner, donate pantry items, pick a Christmas movie to watch with the whole family, name 10 things you’re thankful for, and so many more! See the full list of Acts of Kindness here.

Vermont Christmas Company Fabric Advent Calendar ($41.99)

This beautifully crafted Advent calendar comes with hook-and-loop affixed stuffed figures that are removed from the pockets and added to the scene each day of Advent. Shaped like a Christmas tree, pieces to hang each day include snowmen, angels, tree ornaments, toys and more. The high quality of fabric and stitching ensures this Advent calendar can be enjoyed every year for years to come.

Little People Advent Calendar ($26.99)

Keep the fun and excitement of the holiday season growing every day with the Little People Advent Calendar that features 24 surprise figures and play pieces for kids to “unwrap” each day. This advent calendar opens like a book to set the scene for endless holiday-themed pretend play with a festive living room scene complete with a cozy fireplace and Christmas tree. By Christmas Day, little ones will have a full set of Little People friends and holiday-themed play pieces to create their own festive scenes with Santa, his elves, and more! Best for ages 12 months+

Play Doh Advent Calendar ($21.99)

Give the gift of 24 days of sensory play where kids will discover a different colored 1 ounce can of Play-Doh modeling compound (plus a 2-ounce can of white Play-Doh Sparkle compound!) and a tool for a creative holiday activity each day. The box has tear-off playmats with snowman and gingerbread scenes. Use the surprises from days 1-12 to complete the snowman scene and 13-24 to complete the gingerbread scene. By the time your child has opened each door, they’ll have a fun collection of festive Play-Doh tools and colors to keep playing and creating all season long. Best for ages 3+

Thomas & Friends Minis Advent Calendar ($40.29)

When my kids were little, we’d spend hours building tracks that snaked around our living room and under legs of our furniture. If you know a child who loves Thomas & Friends as much as my kids did, they’ll love counting down to Christmas with the Thomas & Friends Minis advent calendar that includes 24 miniature toy trains and other railway vehicles. By opening one window every day kids will have a whole railway of Thomas & Friends pals for exciting push-along train play by Christmas Day that strengthens fine motor skills and encourages imaginative pretend play. Best for ages 3+

Magnetic Tree Advent Calendar by Melissa & Doug ($29.99)

Preschoolers are naturally excited about Christmas coming but this darling Magnetic Tree Advent Calendar from Melissa & Doug incorporates numeracy along with the holiday. Kids will love hanging each of the 24 ornaments on the tree as Christmas nears. The shining star can be placed at the top on Christmas Day.

Hot Wheels Advent Calendar ($29.99)

The Hot Wheels Advent Calendar features 24 days of surprises to get your car enthusiast geared up for the holiday season. Behind each door lies either a super cool 1:64 scale Hot Wheels car or a holiday-themed accessory kids will love. The front panel converts into a playmat on which the vehicles and accessories can be used to inspire creative play, exploration, and storytelling skills in kids ages 3+.

Favorite Advent Calendars for Elementary Ages

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Advent Calendar ($39.95)

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Advent Calendar is designed to make each day leading up to the holidays a delightful surprise, keeping kids engaged and entertained as they explore new putty combinations and festive themes. This exciting kit includes 8 clear base putties with silver glitter, 8 bags of holiday-themed mix-ins, and 8 larger holiday-themed charms, allowing kids to craft unique and festive slime creations that spark joy and imagination. 

DIY Ornament Advent Calendar ($40)

Elementary ages will love counting down to Christmas with Kirsten Field’s set of 25 ornaments they make themselves. This kid-friendly set features picture instructions so no sewing or glue is required. They can also count down to the big day by popping a sticker from the included sheet onto the box as each project is completed.  This set is made in Michigan.

Disney Funko Advent Calendar ($34.99)

Funko and Disney fans will love opening each of the 24 doors to reveal 24 unique Funko Pocket Pops featuring Mickey and pals dressed in their holiday finest. Each collectible brings a festive twist to their typical look, making a swell addition to your holiday décor. Pocket Pop collectibles vary in height depending on character but maximum figure height is approximately 2.05-inches tall.

Brain Teaser Advent Calendar ($32.99)

Behind the doors you’ll find 24 different style brain teaser puzzles that encourage creativity and concentration. The advent calendar includes a variety of different puzzles made of wood, wire, and metal. You’ll fine metal wire puzzles, unlocking interlock puzzles, mini cube brain teaser puzzles, and more that range from easy to difficult. The puzzles are perfect for elementary ages and up. Best for ages 6+

Super Mario Mushroom Kingdom Advent Calendar ($31.99)

The Super Mario™ Mushroom Kingdom Advent calendar is full of surprises! Countdown the days to Christmas by revealing a detailed 2.5-inch-scale figure or accessory each day to start or add to your collection. Includes 24 popular Super Mario characters and accessories, featuring Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and more. Each figure and accessory is hidden behind a numbered door so you don’t know what you will get next. The Mushroom Kingdom-themed packaging allows you to open the front panel and use the pop-up environment to display and create your own Super Mario scene. This is a great gift for Super Mario fans of all ages.

LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar ($44.99)

This year’s LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar is packed with daily collectible surprises including 9 Star Wars characters, 15 mini building toys and accessories to play out Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: The Bad Batch stories and to combine with other LEGO Star Wars sets. The set features 9 LEGO Star Wars characters, including Emperor Palpatine, an Ewok and a Pit Droid in holiday outfits, a Gonk Droid dressed as a reindeer and Omega with a sled.  The calendar also contains 15 mini builds, such as The Justifier, a STAP speeder, The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter, Clone Command Center and an Ewok village to discover new experiences and inspire imaginative play. Best for Star Wars fans ages 6+

Christmas Arts & Crafts Advent Calendar ($39.90)

The Christmas Arts & Crafts Advent Calendar provides kids with a daily arts & crafts activity for each of the 24 days before Christmas, perfect to decorate your tree and holiday table.

Fidget Advent Calendar ($21.99)

If your child is one who can’t be without a fidget toy, this advent calendar will gift a new one each day. Behind each door you can find such as Christmas trees, planets, French fries, decompression balls, squishy toys, stretchy strings, and more! These sensory toys can be a lifesaver for kids at home and in class and the ones in this advent calendar are said to provide diversity of playing methods, such as squeezing, stretching and flipping to keep small hands busy.

Favorite Advent Calendars for Tweens        

My World Advent Calendar ($39.90)

In the days leading up to Christmas, travel the world every day thanks to My World Advent Calendar. For 24 days, your tween will open a country envelope, stamp the passport, and learn facts about each place. They’ll also create a unique and original arts and crafts creation from the visited country that will lead to 24 handmade original cultural creations to decorate the tree, their room, and your holiday table.

Emotional Support Plush Advent Calendar ($49.99)

It’s a great mental health boost to get a new emotional support plush toy each of the 25 days leading up to Christmas. Tweens will love how each day brings a delightful new surprise in the form of emotional support plush Fries, Gingerbread plush toys, and plush Nuggets. These, along with few new favorites are all dressed up in and ready for the holidays.

Scientist Advent Calendar ($39)

The STEM teacher in me LOVES the Scientist Advent Calendar that features 24 exciting experiments. A different experiment is hidden in each box and each day kids get to practice science skills. The box contains everything a tween needs to conduct Chemistry, biology, mechanics, optics, and magnetics experiments at home during the month of December.

Puzzle Advent Calendar ($28)

Hot cocoa stands. Ice skating. Vendors selling handmade goods. Wreaths and Christmas trees. Holiday markets spark the warming embers of nostalgia, so what better way to count down to Santa’s arrival than to piece together one of your very own? This unique Advent calendar from Uncommon Goods contains 24, 50-piece mini-puzzles that each make a small part of the larger market scene.

Taylor Swift Inspired Sticker Advent Calendar ($20 for 12 stickers or $30 for 24 stickers)

If your Swiftie is in their advent calendar and sticker era, this is the gift for them! Choose from sets of 12 or 24 vinyl stickers featuring designs and lyrics any fan will love. Each sticker comes wrapped in an individually numbered envelope though true Swifties might not be able to wait to open each one if they’re in their impatient need-it-now era!

Advent Calendar of Family Games (39.95)

For families looking for ways to get their kids off their phones and interacting more, the Advent Calendar of Family Games might just do the trick. Inside the big box are 24 smaller boxes, one box for each day before Christmas. Each box contains 1 unforgettable game like dice games (Farkle and Yatzy), all time favorites (Domino , Tic Tac Toe, War card game), party games (Mini Bowling, Frog Race, Candle in the Bottle, a spin the bottle Truth or Dare spin the bottle, Balloon Volleyball, Tag in the Dark, Doodle a Droodle, Lettergories, Donkey’s tail), nostalgic games (Jackstones, Marbles, Cat’s cradle, Pick up sticks (Mikado), Cootie catcher), and even outdoor games such as Jumpsies and hopscotch. Best for ages 5+

LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar ($39.99)

What could be better than Harry Potter minifigs, buildable models, and accessories that can be used to recreate the Yule Ball! Open a door each day in December to reveal Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil and Cho Chang, models like the miniature Beauxbaton’s carriage, and a dining table with ice-castle centerpiece. This advent calendar is sure to inspire endless imaginative play for Potterheads of all ages. Bonus if this set also cause tweens to pick up and re-read all the books in the series over winter break!

Advent Calendars for Teens

Investigation Advent Calendar ($54.18)

Synopsis: Its December 2023 and local man Nick Kringle has gone missing from his home address. He’s known in the community as a nice man who does a lot of charity work making sure no-one misses out at Christmas. Have you got what it takes to find Nick Kringle and solve the case?

This advent calendar game is perfect for individuals, couples and groups to play at home. You will receive a whole case box full of 24 days of witness testimonials, photographs, phone records, police reports, evidence, and more including some online video and audio content. Each day has an envelope full of new clues and evidence to help you solve the crime. The case will unfold in real time, just like a real-life investigation. It culminates with the last pieces of evidence available on December 24th. Once your teen has worked out who our offender is they can then check your reasoning over on our website answers section. If they get the answer right they’ll find their detective badge in the day 25 envelope…if you are wrong you’re not allowed to open it 🙂

12 Days of Hot Sauce ($55)

The One Chip Challenge is so last year so this year get your teen 12 Days of Hot Sauce! Inspired by the classic Advent calendar, this collection features a 1.75-ounce hot sauce hidden behind each door that from savory to mouth-melting. These spicy surprises encompass a range of flavors, from sweet and savory to mild and hot. Made in Pennsylvania

Advent Calendar Playlist ($6)

Help your teen discover new holiday music with the Advent Calendar Playlist. This digital download is available to purchase, download, and print from Etsy so you can help your teen get into the holiday spirit. Each day they’ll scan a new QR code that links to a song on Spotify, as they count all the way down to December 25th. The playlist includes traditional songs from Brenda Lee, Andy Williams, Bing Crosby and The Ronettes. Popular newer songs included on the playlist are from Michael Buble, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Ariana Grande and more! Please note: All 25 songs link to Spotify through the app. You must be a registered Spotify user and signed in to access the music. Scan the QR code each day by using your phone’s camera and you will be surprised with a new song. 

Retro Games Coding Advent Calendar ($30)

Delight your favorite teen techie (and help them learn the basics of building circuit boards) with an inventive holiday countdown that tasks them with building a new electronic challenge every day, complete with diagram instructions. Each door contains a different electronic component to build a circuit-based game/challenge. The complexity increases with each door opened, and includes a variety of games, like code cracker, wire maze, slot machine, roulette, and more. There are 24 games in all.

Arteza Fine Art Advent Calendar ($80)

Creative teens will love having a new art challenge and art supply each day to spark their imagination. Among the artistic surprises behind each door on the calendar are acrylic markers, an acrylic paint brush, iridescent acrylic paint, gel pens, acrylic and everblend markers, watercolor half pans, acrylic paint, metallic gouache, paintbrushes, and directions. There are also 2 bonus gifts included, making 26 gifts total.

Pura Vida 12 Day Advent Box ($98)

‘Tis the season for 12 consecutive days of extraordinary style reveals that build the ultimate seasonal collection. Each day brings a new and exciting surprise, perfect for the PV enthusiast in your life. This advent box, valued at over $175, comes with a 44% discount! Treat yourself or someone special to 12 days of festive delight and joy. Pura Vida also offers a 24 Day Advent Box ($148) from Pura Vida for 2x the gorgeousness!

Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar from The Body Shop ($80)

Gift a teen the daily joy of self-care as they countdown to Christmas Eve with seriously good head to toe treats from The Body Shop. This year’s Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar includes 24 surprises like The Body Shop’s best-selling fruity shower gels, a creamy Body Butter or two, or even a hardworking hand balm. Since The Body Shop is committed to a future where a more responsible way of living benefits our planet, they’re celebrating the small acts of positive change inside each of your treats, whether that’s more recyclable packaging or Community Fair Trade ingredients. With every day opened, and every action your teen takes, they’ll have a positive impact on their beautiful body and beyond. Best for ages 13+

12 Days of Winter Wonder – Savory Meat Sticks and Nut Medley  ($54.95)

Damn, Man’s 12 Days of Winter Wonder – Savory Meat Sticks and Nut Medley presents a new snack surprise of either gourmet nuts or savory meat sticks. With 6 tins of delicious, flavored nuts and 6 meat sticks ranging from original to spicy, your teen will get to enjoy a variety of salty and savory snacks, packaged together in a winter wonderland scene straight from the Alps. 

Advent Calendars for Adults

Self-Care Advent Calendar (digital download to print- $2.03)

The holidays are a busy time of year so do yourself a favor and download this Self-Care Advent Calendar. It is beautifully designed and features daily prompts to help you de-stress, relax, and enjoy the festive season. Whether you’re new to self-care or just want to take it up a notch, this calendar is perfect for you. You can also encourage friends and family involved in your own self-care journey. Please note you will need to download this advent calendar and print it at home or you can take it to a professional printing shop.

24 Days of Baking Cookies ($69.95)

Treat your favorite baker to 24 days of holiday happiness. Williams Sonoma’s festively decorated advent calendar is filled with two dozen numbered boxes that each hold a special surprise. From cookie cutters to spatulas, piping bags, gift bags, decorating tips and more, the goodies are guaranteed to inspire creative baking.

Woodford Reserve 8 Day Cocktail Advent Calendar ($149.95)

Bourbon lovers will love getting in the holiday spirit with Williams Sonoma’s festive Cocktail Advent Calendar. It’s filled with the essentials you need to craft creative cocktails for eight days of good cheer. Hidden behind each window are individual portions of artisanal mixers and barrel-aged bitters from the mixology experts at Woodford Reserve, an iconic Kentucky distiller founded in 1812. Please always remember to drink responsibly. For tips on making responsible alcohol choices, visit Responsibility.org.

Tea Forte Tea Advent Calendar ($60)

For 24 days in December open the numbered door to find comfort, joy and sweetness to make the holiday season bright. This curated collection of winter warmers features classic baking spices, bright fruit and of course the finest tea leaves. Just unwrap the Pyramid Infuser, steep in hot water, and reveal the exquisite nature of the whole leaf teas as you count down to Christmas. If you’re looking for a tea calendar without caffeine, Tea Forte also makes a Herbal Tea Advent Calendar for the same price.

Williams Sonoma Cookie Cutter Advent Calendar ($59.95)

Delight your favorite baker with a different cookie cutter to discover every day until Christmas. Our festive advent calendar features 24 inspiring stainless-steel, enameled and copper-plated cutters. By the time Santa arrives, they’ll have a complete collection for year-round baking, from a dog bone, butterfly and plaque to a nutcracker, star and snowflakes in multiple sizes.

12 Days of Essential Oils Advent Calendar ($139.95)

I’m not quite sure why Williams Sonoma doesn’t just call this advent calendar what it is- 12 Days of Votives! This amazing advent calendar features  12 votive candles scented with Williams Sonoma’s most popular blends – from warm to wintry. Each one comes in a reusable glass jar and sits inside a small drawer, ready to be revealed one day at a time as you illuminate the countdown to Christmas.

Spice Advent Calendar ($54.95)

An unforgettable treat for your favorite foodie, this advent calendar from Williams Sonoma spices up the holiday countdown thanks to spices from Parisian spice specialist Le Comptoir Colonial. This gorgeously packaged advent calendar contains a selection of 24 premium spices – 6 for vegetables and side dishes, 7 for fish, 9 for meat and 2 for dessert recipes. Made of cardboard with plastic spice pouches to conserve scents and aromas, this is a sophisticated alternative to traditional advent calendars, and provides inspiration to try a range of global dishes during the holidays and beyond.

New Yorker Puzzle Advent Calendar ($199.95)

Celebrate the season with a different puzzle each day! The festive 12” x 12” outer gift box comes filled with 24 individually boxed, 100-piece, 7” x 9” puzzles, each featuring iconic cover art from a classic holiday issue of The New Yorker. Each puzzle is just right size for completing in a day—or open several at a time for a group activity. The ultimate gift to help get puzzlers in the holiday spirit.

Bonne Maman Jam Advent Calendar ($44.99)

My husband loves Bonne Maman so when I first learned they had an annual advent calendar, this has been a holiday staple in our house since. He loves the beautifully illustrated holiday calendar whose doors reveal a special jar of Bonne Maman. This year’s calendar features 24 unique Bonne Maman flavors including exclusive new holiday flavors such as Caramel with Cinnamon, Raspberry Chocolate, Pineapple with Ginger, and much more! The flavors are made with simple ingredients that delivers a rich homemade taste that we love. And yes, I plan to steal tastes from every jar like I do every year! 

Stitch a Day Embroidery Advent Calendar ($45)

Enjoy some cozy quiet time every day in December with Amanda Watson’s countdown-to-Christmas embroidery kit. I love this crafty take on the traditional Advent calendar that provides a merry new design to stitch every day from the first of December to the 25th. Amanda’s easy-to-follow instructions are welcoming to newbies, and with 12 different stitches, this is also an ideal project for needlers who want to learn some new techniques. The finished pattern will be a homespun decoration to enjoy every Christmas for years to come. 

VineBox 12 Nights of Wine ($129)

 

I love VineBox for the chance to try different wines and this year you can elevate your holiday season with their annual 12 Nights of Wine. This box provides an exclusive journey into the world of fine wines as you savor hand-picked selections from prestigious wine regions like Italy, France, Spain, and the heart of American wine country, California. Choose from The Cozy Collection that includes 12 delicious reds curated for fireplace chats and wool blankets or The Chill Collection. The Chill Collection features a delightful mix of rich whites, invigorating rosés and even a few chillable reds. Or don’t decide and combine Cozy + Chill Collections for the ultimate wine lover’s Advent: 24 Nights of Wine ($199).

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

Below is the entire list of what you can look forward to this year. These links will go live as guides are published so bookmark or pin this post now so you can come back to it as you do your holiday shopping since I’ll be updating it often!

• Favorite Advent Calendars for All Ages
• Best STEM Gifts for All Ages (preK-teen)
• Best Gifts College Students (inspired by my own college students!)
• Best Subscriptions Boxes for All Ages
• Best Hostess Gifts
• Gifts the Best Dogs and the People Who Love Them (inspired by Goldie and Murphy, of course)
• Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
• Favorite Gifts that Give Back
• Best Gifts for Teachers

FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES FROM LAST YEAR

In case you wanted to start making your shopping lists now, here’s a look at last year’s gift guides that are full of great ideas:

• Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Early Elementary Ages (grades K-2)
• Tweens (ages 9-12)
• Teens (ages 13+)
• College Students 
• Best STEM Gifts for Kids
• Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
• Gifts for Teachers
• Gifts for People Who Love Their Dogs (inspired by Goldie and Murphy, of course)
• Best Age-Appropriate Advent Calendars for Kids
• Best Subscription Boxes for All Ages
• Fair Trade Holiday Gifts
• Best Gifts for Unplugged Fun
• Gifts for Outdoor Adventures
• Gifts for Gadget Lovers
• Gifts that Give Back
• 9 Gifts that Make it Easy for Families to Give Back

Note to PR: I am happy to accept items for review to consider for specialty guides which will publish through December. Please be specific about the products you’d like me to consider reviewing in your pitch and if you’re able to offer a reader giveaway. Giveaway items will be directly shipped to readers upon conclusion of the giveaway. Thanks for understanding I’m on a short deadline to publish gift guides and do not have the bandwidth to return samples during this extremely busy time of the year or send links once posts are live.