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When I was little, it was a family tradition to always have advent calendars to start the month of December. Each day my brother and I would open a little door that revealed a piece of chocolate, with the final one being opened on Christmas Eve. The tradition of advent calendars continues in our house, even with college students. We still enjoy the chocolate ones of my youth but have also branched out to other favorite advent calendars
Below you’ll find traditional 24 day advent calendars that are full of surprises for all ages, from preschoolers through adults. There’s something for everyone on this list and I hope you have fun scrolling through this list of favorite advent calendars for all ages!
Favorite Advent Calendars for All Ages
FAVORITE ADVENT CALENDARS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Wooden Cookie Advent Calendar ($23.99)
Level up imaginative play with 24 days of wooden cookies. This advent calendar includes 24 colorful wooden cookies (with 12pcs cookies base & 12pcs Christmas themed toppings), a baking tray, knife, fork, and more. The festive cookie play set includes snowmen, Christmas trees, and other classic holiday, making it a great addition to any pretend kitchen. Best for ages 3+
PlayDoh Advent Calendar ($24.99)
With at least 1 Play-Doh color and 1 tool behind each numbered and perforated door for each day of December, this Play-Doh advent calendar encourages creativity and imagination in the youngest ages.
Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar ($32.99)
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 magnetic tree as Christmas nears. The shining star can be placed at the top on Christmas Day and a holiday poem on the back fosters literacy and encourages family communication through a festive “read-aloud” ritual. The attached wooden ornament box keeps all the pieces together during the other months of the year.
Bluey’s Classic Christmas Advent Calendar ($24.99)
Bluey’s Classic Christmas Advent Calendar includes Bluey, Bingo, and Bartlebee toy figures, with Bluey and Bingo dressed in their favorite Christmas outfits. Toddlers will love unwrapping 16 fun holiday accessories and 5 cheerful stickers from this toy advent calendar, adding even more excitement to the Christmas countdown experience. This interactive advent calendar is perfect for Bluey fans aged 3+ who love surprises and imaginative play.
Thomas & Friends Minis Advent Calendar ($49.60)
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.
Hot Wheels Advent Calendar ($35.88)
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+.
Fidget Advent Calendar ($19.99)
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. Best for ages 5+
Favorite Advent Calendars for Elementary Ages
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Advent Calendar ($39.95)
Who wouldn’t love 24 days of stretchy putty and fun mix-ins from Crazy Aaron! This advent calendar includes clear base putties, silver glitter, and an array of assorted holiday-themed charms behind each door so your child can invent personalized putties all season long. Best for ages 8+
Minecraft Building Kit ($26.99)
24 days of Minecraft that don’t involve a screen! Every day open a door to reveal a different building block toy. Figures measure between 1.5-3” in height and are made in detail to match the game they know, love, and can’t stop talking about. Best for ages 6+
Diamond Painting Advent Calendar ($18.99)
Bring on 24 days of bling with this super sparkly advent calendar that features a new holiday themed diamond painting kit every day. Each of the day’s craft kits can be turned into a keychain or an ornament. Best for ages 6+
National Geographic Dinosaur Advent Calendar ($24.99)
Each day of December as Christmas approaches, kids will open an exciting dinosaur craft or activity to conduct, or a dinosaur figurine to add to their collection. This advent calendar contains 13 dinosaur figurines, 11 dinosaur themed activities, and a replica T-Rex tooth molded from a real T-Rex tooth fossil and measuring 3” long. Best for ages 6+
Brain Teaser Advent Calendar ($26.98)
Behind the doors you’ll find 24 different style brain teaser puzzles that encourage creativity and concentration. The advent calendar includes 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+
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar ($35.99)
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar is a regular on my Best Advent Calendars list because it’s a dream come true for any Star Wars fan! It’s packed with collectibles 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+
Favorite Advent Calendars for Tweens
Outer Space Advent Calendar ($29.99)
STEM enthusiasts will love 24 days of space-themed activities that include galactic surprises, including crafts, science experiments, and hands-on discoveries. Tweens will love making and painting planets, decorating with glowing constellations, crafting space themed bouncy balls, and excavating a genuine pyrite specimen from an Earth-shaped dig brick. Best for ages 8+
Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar ($44.99)
Magical surprises for Muggles await behind every door! Potterheads will find 8 wizarding minifigs, 6 magical creatures, and 10 mini builds. Kids will love that minifig versions of Harry Potter, Cho Chang, Draco Malfoy, Hannah Abbott, Angelina Johnson, Luna Lovegood, Blaise Zabini and Cedric Diggory come wearing festive Hogwarts Christmas sweaters and carrying wand elements. Plus, each advent calendar includes a Hogwarts acceptance letter, chocolate frog, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavor Beans, butterbeer, the Sorting Hat, 3 potions, The Monster Book of Monsters and 2 Galleons. Best for ages 8+
Jewelry Making Advent Calendar ($32.99)
This holiday season, give the gift of crafting jewelry every day leading up to Christmas. Each day reveals new materials to make necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more- no extra supplies needed! Plus, kids will learn how jewelry is made around the world, the history behind different designs, and fun facts about materials like gemstones and metalwork thanks to a full color Learning Guide. I love that this fun and creative advent calendar encourages hands-on learning and self-expression, helping kids develop fine motor skills, design sense, and confidence in crafting. Best for ages 8+
Holiday Puzzle Advent Calendar ($29.99)
Countdown to Christmas with 24 days of mini puzzles from Ravensburger! In each box, is a mini puzzle of an illustrated winter scene that provides a screen-free break during the busy holiday season while encourages focus, fine motor skills, and time together with family and friends. Best for ages 9+
Christmas Arts & Crafts Advent Calendar ($39.99)
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. Best for ages 8+
Advent Calendar of Family Games ($29.95)
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 dice games, party games, nostalgic games, and outdoor games. Games include Farkle, Yatzy, Dominoes, Tic Tac Toe, War, 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, Jackstones, Marbles, Cat’s cradle, Pick up sticks and more!. Best for ages 8+
FAVORITE ADVENT CALENDARS FOR TEENS
Survival Kit Advent Calendar ($25.99)
Support time away from screens and help your outdoorsy teen be prepared with the Survival Kit Advent Calendar. Every day they’ll open a door to reveal a different survival item and instruction manual. The items in this advent calendar are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry and are essentials to having a fully-equipped outdoor survival kit to be prepared for any unexpected situation. Best for ages 13+
Succulent Advent Calendar ($49.99)
For teens who love their plants but don’t love watering them, the gift of a succulent advent calendar provides 24 unique plant-themed models to assemble daily. This charming succulent building blocks advent calendar includes a variety of cacti, flowering plants, as well as bonsai type models. Best for ages 13+
3D World Architecture Advent Calendar ($11.99)
Inspire your teen to see the world and learn about landmarks from around the world. This 3D Architecture Advent Calendar includes the Colosseum, Egyptian pyramids, London Bridge, Tiananmen Square, Big Ben, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Blue Mosque, Empire State Building, Notre Dame, Sydney Opera House, Statue of Liberty, and more. Each of the 24 mini 3D puzzles are made from recyclable cardboard and finished with a premium matte coating. Best for ages 12+
Crochet Animals Advent Calendar ($59.99)
Encourage your teen to take care of their mental health with the Positive Crochet Animals Advent Calendar. Teens will love opening each box to reveal an animals like elephants, frogs, rabbits, chickens, beavers, flamingos, penguins, turtles, and other cute animal shapes. There are also eggplants, avocados, carrots, doughnuts and other food shapes, each with positive and motivational messages for each day in December. Best for ages 12+
24 Days of Bath Bombs & Shower Steamers ($18.99)
Encourage good personal hygiene with 24 days of bath bombs or shower steamers. This advent calendar includes 16 bath bombs and 8 shower steamers in a multitude of shapes, such as gingerbread men, Christmas trees, donuts, hearts, and flowers. Soothing aromatherapy scents include lavender, lemon, mint, orange blossom, rose, milk, coconut, and more.
FAVORITE ADVENT CALENDARS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Herb and Spices Advent Calendar ($39.99)
College students who are living on their own and like cooking would appreciate 24 days of spices from around the world. Spices and BBQ rubs will bring global flavor to their meat, vegetable, and fish dishes. Spices include Garlic Lovers Steak Rub, Steak rub, short rib rub, Chicken rub, BBQ Spice Rub, pork rub, basil salt, Rosemary Salt, Chilli Salt, Lemon Salt, Smokey Salt, Classic Herb Mix, Pizza herb mix, Mediterranean Spice Mix, Italian Herb Mix, French Herb Mix, paprika spice mix, Fiesta Dip Mix, Italian Dip Mix, Bacon dip mix, Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Himalayan salt, and more.
Tool Advent Calendar ($35.99)
Whether your young adult lives in a dorm or is in their first apartment, the Tool Advent Calendar makes a great practical gift that will be used beyond the holidays. Tools include hammer, pliers, bit screwdriver, bit connector, scissors, precision screwdriver, hex key, tape measure, and more.
Coffee Advent Calendar ($33.99)
Help your college student get through finals while counting down the days until they get to come home with 24 days of coffee. Each day reveals a different holiday themed single serve coffee pod such as peppermint mocha, glazed cinnamon roll, gingerbread, spiced eggnog, roasted chestnut and more.
Stash Holiday Tea Advent Calendar ($19.99)
College student not a coffee drinker? They’ll love Stash’s 24 days of holiday teas. This beautifully designed advent calendar features 24 black, green, and herbal blends in festive flavors like Toasted Vanilla Caramel, Cozy Cardamom Chai, Chamomile Nights, and Merry Berry Bliss.
Rinse & Robust Mens Grooming Calendar ($49.99)
This advent calendar contains 24 premium products to elevate your college student’s self care and grooming game. Behind the doors they’ll find beard shampoo and conditioner, beard balm and oil, body lotion, hand cream, shower gel, bath salts, pumice stone, body scrub, bath bombs, and more in masculine scents like cinnamon, leather, sandalwood and cedarwood. -everything a man needs for head-to-toe grooming and skin care.
Sephora 25 Days of Beauty Must-Haves ($99)
Every year Sephora’s 25 Days of Beauty Must-Haves is really just that, a must-have because includes a variety of must-have products from hair and skincare to makeup and fragrance—all from your college student’s favorite brands!
Golf Tool Advent Calendar ($36.99)
Your golf aficionado will be counting down days until Christmas and the season with this advent calendar that features 24 exciting golf-themed surprises. Tees, colorful balls, ball markers, divot tool, towel, brush, stroke counter, golf socks, and more will be found behind each door and are perfect for beginning golfers and seasoned players alike.
Hot Sauce Advent Calendar ($39.99)
Unwrap a different hot sauce bottle every day in December! Each day your college student will get a distinct and tantalizing flavor profile. From mild to mouthwatering, this Hot Sauce Advent Calendar is a journey through the world of chili peppers. Suitable for Vegan and Vegetarian
Favorite Advent Calendars for Adults
Die Hard Advent Calendar ($14.99)
Whether or not you think Die Hard is a Christmas move is irrelevant! This advent calendar featuring Nakatomi Plaza helps you countdown to Christmas as you move John McClane towards the bottom with each passing day.
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar ($54.99)
My husband loves Bonne Maman so when I first learned they had an annual advent calendar, it’s 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 Vanilla, Strawberry & Passion Fruit, and Wild Blueberry with Maple Syrup, 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!
Williams Sonoma Holiday Advent Calendar: 24 Days of Baking Cookies ($79.95)
Know someone who loves baking? Gift them with 24 days of holiday happiness with Williams Sonoma’s festively decorated advent calendar. It’s 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.
24 Nights of Wine from Vinebox ($199)
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 year’s Collections feature sommelier-curated wines from prestigious regions including Italy, France, Spain, Germany, California, Oregon and Washington. The Bold Collection features nine sumptuous reds and three structured whites while The Bright Collection brings a lively mix of distinctive reds, expressive whites, and radiant rosés for 24 delightful nights of wine.
Whiskey Smoker Advent Calendar ($36.99)
The Whiskey Smoker Kit Advent Calendar is perfect for anyone who loves old-fashioned, smoked cocktails, or appreciate distinctive bar accessories. The advent calendar contains an Electric Whiskey Smoker Kit, natural wood chips, ice ball mold, spoon, tongs, cleaning brush, dice, and a filter screen for DIY smoked cocktails.
Advent Calendar for Crossword Lovers ($14.99)
A mini crossword awaits you every day as you open a window. All puzzles range in difficulty, are of varying sizes, and shapes. Each crossword was designed by experienced crossword creators featured in publications like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Guardian.
Oliviers & Co. Gourmet Advent Calendar ($119.95)
An advent calendar of culinary treasures? Yes, please! I love this Oliviers & Co. calendar designed like a cupboard in a store with louver-style doors that open to reveal 24 numbered doors. Open one door each day to discover a gourmet selection of condiments, including olive oil, vinegar, truffles, jam and salt. YUM!
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