Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn KidsE! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.
The holidays are made for kids. The joy, the wonder, the anticipation – the whole month of December is magical. But the countdown to Christmas Day can be hard for impatient children. Make the time go a little faster, and lean into the holiday spirit, with an advent calendar. From toys to chocolates to jewelry, and even science experiments, these are the best advent calendars for kids of all ages, interests, and family aesthetics to speed up that seasonal countdown.
Now is the time to grab a must-have calendar featuring characters from Bluey, Pokemon, PAW Patrol, and more. There's even Fisher-Price Little People for young children and a retro coding calendar for older kids. You'll also find DIY offerings that can be customized and personalized (I smell a new family tradition).
So check out the list below (maybe even twice) for the best advent calendars for kids both naughty and nice. Even Santa Claus would approve.
The Best Advent Calendars for Kids
KiwiCo Motorized Christmas Train Advent Calendar
Every year, KiwiCo's official advent calendar sells out fast. Snag yours now -- you can choose between the motorized train (a 12 day set of mini-builds to create a festive scene), the Christmas village advent calendar (with 24 envelopes for building a holiday town), or several other adorable (and educational) sets.
Kinder Chocolate Countdown Calendar, 2 Pack
Buying or more than one kid? Then this chocolate advent calendar 2-pack is just what you need. Each set includes 24 days of creamy Kinder treats.
Pottery Barn Kids Gingerbread House Felted 3D Advent Calendar
If you're looking for a cute advent calendar that you can use every year, this Pottery Barn Kids option is it. It's a felt gingerbread house with 25 numbered slots, where you can add whatever you like -- toys, chocolate, and more, and includes a loop for hanging.
Lindt Holiday Chocolate Teddy Bear Advent Calendar
Countdown to the holiday with a classic chocolate-filled advent calendar from Lindt. It features 24 pieces of milk chocolate, including mini bears, hazelnut chocolate balls, and more.
Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle
If you're looking for an advent calendar that's not chocolate or toys, this Bluey Book Bundle is a solid pick. For 24 days, kids reveal mini-books with stories like The Beach, Grannies, plus coloring books, and more fun surprises. You can even put the books back and reuse them the following year.
Polly Pocket Advent Calendar
The Polly Pocket Advent Calendar itself is a winter wonderland playset with 4 floors and 8 rooms, perfect for festive play. Over 25 days, kids reveal surprises (including micro Polly and Shani dolls), that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar
With this National Geographic advent calendar, kids reveal a new gemstone over 24 days, including sodalite, tiger's eye, agate, and more. And on the last day, kids can channel their inner geologist and unearth a rose quartz from a dig brick.
Funko Pop! Advent Calendar: Marvel
Tonies Advent Calendar
My 4-year-old is obsessed with his Toniebox (a screen-free toy that keeps him entertained all day). Which is why I'm so excited about the Tonies advent calendar. You can get it with no toys and add your own treats, or snag one with 24 Disney Tonies.
Peppa Pig Peppa’s Kids Advent Calendar
Peppa Pig and her whole family are on display for this winter wonderland advent calendar. Kids 3+ will enjoy 24 surprise toys, stickers, and more, that will keep them busy long after Christmas is over.
Pottery Barn Kids Classic Santa Felt Christmas Advent Calendar
If you're looking for an advent calendar where you can add your own goodies, then stop the search. This Pottery Barn Kids offering is made of 100% wool and features adorable pom-pom accents and numbered pockets for you to include whatever you want. It can even be personalized for your family.
DIY Ornament Advent Calendar
For families who like a little DIY, this advent calendar is a solid pick. Each of the 25 days features instructions and materials to make an ornament for the tree. It'll add a crafty touch to this Christmas and beyond.
Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar
If you'd like to avoid eating more sweets around the holiday, this advent calendar from Melissa & Doug is a great alternative. Featuring a wooden tree, kids attach 24 magnetic ornaments throughout the month, and a shining star on the last day.
My Little Pony: A New Generation Movie Snow Party Countdown Advent Calendar
Winter-themed pony fun awaits with the My Little Pony advent calendar. It includes 25 days of surprises, including 16 pony figures like Sunny Starscout and the Mane 5.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Kit & Rock Collection Advent Calendar
Science enthusiasts from ages 8+ can enjoy this advent calendar. There are 24 experiments to tinker with and all components are included. Best of all, each experiment doesn't require prior knowledge, so it's fun for all.
Mattel Disney Princess Advent Calendar
Calling all Disney princesses, this is the advent calendar for you. Over 24 days you'll uncover four 3.5-inch princess dolls (Tiana, Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle), including some of their friends and accessories. And the display itself can be a fun addition to any holiday play.
Fisher-Price Little People Christmas Figures and Accessories Advent Calendar
The Fisher-Price advent calendar is a great pick for smaller kids (ages 1 - 5). It features 24 days of delights, including Little People friends and their holiday-themed accessories. The calendar can even be a fun way to introduce numbers and counting.
Barbie Advent Calendar
This Barbie-themed advent calendar features a 12-inch Barbie doll, a unicorn and 3 pets, plus 24 days of accessories. From wings to a tail, kids 3+ can dress their Barbie like a mermaid, fairy, and more.
Hot Wheels Toy Cars, 2024 Advent Calendar
Kids who love cars will love this advent calendar. They'll uncover 8 toy cars, 16 accessories, and one winter-themed play mat, which equals hours of holiday fun.
Pokémon 2024 Holiday Advent Calendar Playset for Kids
This Pokemon-themed advent calendar can bring kids one step closer to catching 'em all. It includes 24 toys and accessories, like Pikachu, Charmander, Jigglypuff, and more, and is perfect for kids 4 years old and up.
Play-Doh Advent Calendar Toy
Play-Doh enthusiasts (ages 3+) will love this advent calendar with 24 colorful cans, 24 surprises, playmats, and more. One reviewer raved, "Hands down the best advent calendar for kids!"
Playmobil Advent Calendar - Christmas under the Rainbow
Countdown to the holidays with this adorable Playmobil advent calendar. Kids 4+ can create a festive ball scene with 2 princesses, a prince, Pegasus, charm bracelet, and more, over 24 days.
Retro Games Coding Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are fun for older kids, too. With this coding advent calendar, kids 14+ can learn the basics of building circuit boards and uncover 24 retro games, like code cracker, wire maze, slot machine, roulette, and more.
Schleich Wizarding World Harry Potter Advent Calendar
Potterheads, gather 'round. This advent calendar features 24 days of mini figurines, like Harry, Dobby, and more, plus the quality and attention to detail are superb.
Looking for more holiday gifts for kids? Then check out this screen-free toy that my preschooler is obsessed with.