When I was a kid, my mom would buy me and my brother a chocolate calendar every December.
I would open the small door on December 1st, eat the chocolate, and then proceed to drive her crazy by asking when I could open the next door. (Usually after talking to my brother about his chocolate.)
I was like a little chocolate addict trying to negotiate my next fix and I would have definitely failed that delaying gratification marshmallow test as a kid immediately.
So when I had kids, I set out to find calendars that created a fun daily “countdown to Christmas” ritual with less chocolate jonesing. (Though my kids never seemed to have the same restraint issues I did.)
Here are some of the best advent calendars for 2025.
My goal was to find calendars that had real play value instead of a cheap plastic gadget – “wow, a plastic Santa whistle”, wouldn’t make a mess (I’m looking at you, slime) and had a “surprise and delight” factor.
Here are my picks:
HABA My First Advent Calendar
(Age 2+)
If you’re online for more than 10 seconds, you’ll get a lot of attendance calendar suggestions that are full of cheap choking hazards that are "perfect for babies."
Haba is a German company known for making some of the best toys and games for toddlers on the market, and their calendar includes high-quality wooden pieces and a fun story that we read together every day.
The little animals are safe for little hands, encourage pretend play, and can be used long after Christmas (or even packed up and used next year.)
You can find it on Amazon and Target.
Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar
(Age 3+)
I love this Melissa & Doug wooden advent calendar because it takes some of the anticipation out of a “surprise” every day (this would be helpful for my poor mother). Every day, you put a magnetic ornament on the tree so that the tree will be decorated on Christmas day.
You can make this advent tree as big or as small an event as you want. For example, when your toddler adds an ornament, talk about the colors in the ornament or what’s on it. Pair "hang" the gem of reading a favorite book with your child. Relax with a blanket and let them choose a book each day. Or you can just let them go crazy and remove and add embellishments as they please.
I prefer this to the Step 2 diary because I think it can stay longer and is a bit more affordable.
You can find it on Amazon and Target.
Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection
(Age 3+)
This advent calendar comes with a set of 24 miniature books aimed at little boys and little girls. They include both holiday-themed stories and classic stories. For example, Beauty and the Beast is included as well as The Christmas Carol.
Perfect for growing attention spans, building early literacy skills and creating a warm daily reading ritual (they would make great bedtime stories). They have a few variations, so you could get a different version if you’re buying journals for more than one book lover.
You can find it on Amazon.
KiwiCo 12 Day Advent Ornaments
(Age 5+)
This decorative advent calendar is perfect for geeks or mechanical kids who love hands-on activities. Although it’s a 12-day calendar rather than the traditional 24, it’s full of creative projects that result in beautiful, keepsake ornaments.
This is a nice one to save for the last week of Christmas when the kids are out of school and you need a little something to keep them busy.
You can find it on Amazon.
Schleich Horse Club Advent Calendar
(Age 5+)
Schleich is known for its attention to detail and durability, and the Horse Club display calendar features high-quality, detailed figurines that are perfect for tinkering and imaginative play.
Each day reveals beautifully crafted horses, riders and accessories, so by the end of the month, your child will have an entire holiday-themed stable scene. They also make dinosaur and Harry Potter versions.
I still have all the Schleich animals my kids played with – they are really beautifully made.
You can find them on Amazon.
LEGO Advent Calendars
(Age 7+)
These Calendars need no introduction. They are fantastic and always an enjoyable experience.
Each day, there are mini-builds and figures to find, and each window has easy-to-understand instructions on how to build the figures. I’ve chosen the LEGO Minecraft version, but they have a billion versions that will appeal to most LEGO fans.
You can find them at Amazon, Target, and Walmart
(Note: These often go on sale in mid-November, so keep an eye on the prices.)
National Geographic Gem Advent Calendar
(Age 8+)
Each window contains an actual gemstone or mineral specimen, along with educational information about what makes each one unique. (Unfortunately, no diamonds.)
It’s perfect for budding geologists, rock collectors, or any kid who fills your pockets with random rocks. The samples are of high quality and can be added to a growing collection or used for school projects.
Unusual Goods Experiment Day Science Advent Calendar
(Age 8+)
If you have a young scientist in your life, this advent calendar includes a hands-on science experiment that’s both educational and fun.
Experiments are designed to be completed with common household items, making it easy to dive into everyday discoveries. From chemistry to physics, your child will explore different branches of science while counting down to Christmas.
You can find it in Uncommon Goods
Hidden Games Calendar Advent World Tour of Professor Charlie
(Age 14+)
Professor Charlie is missing. To find him, you’ll go on a 24-day journey reading letters that will help you follow his trail. Each day has a new puzzle to solve in 5-15 minutes.
The puzzles are unique and have a lot of cool elements that I haven’t seen before in this type of game. It’s challenging enough to keep older kids and adults engaged, but accessible enough for families to solve the puzzles together.
You can find it on Amazon.
Uncommon Goods Craft Project Appearance Calendar
(Age 14+)
Okay, get ready for sticker shock on this one, but I just had to mention it because it’s so cool.
This Advent calendar is packed with glittering pens, paints, everything you need to bring 6 mini masterpieces to life. It’s definitely over the top, but the art lovers in your life will love this.
You can find it in Uncommon Goods.
Bonne Maman Limited Run Edition Advent Calendar
(Age 1+)
I know I haven’t had food here, but something about the jam is different. My kids were picky growing up, and one of the ways I got them to flex their “try it” muscles was with sweet things (which then turned into bigger food adventures like, I don’t know, spaghetti sauce).
This calendar was fun for families because everyone can enjoy a special breakfast or snack together each morning. Spreads include a variety of flavors from classic strawberry to unique seasonal options. Plus, these jars are so cool to reuse.
It looks like the diary is nut free, but some contain milk (stuff like caramel) and one contains honey (apricot and honey spread) so keep that in mind if anyone has allergies.
You can find it on Amazon.
Wooden Crate & Barrel Christmas Market Holiday Advent Calendar
(Age 5+)
If you want to skip the pre-filled calendars, you can also choose a calendar that you can fill in yourself. I always fill ours with Hershey’s Kisses now that everyone is older (and I can control myself).
This wooden calendar Christmas market is from Crate & Barrel and it’s all kinds of awesome. If you have the space to display and store it (and the money to buy it) it is sure to become a family heirloom that your children will fight over when you die. (Oh my goodness!!)
I’ve marked it as 5 and up, but if you have a gentle toddler, I’m sure this could go younger. Just not below 3 because some of the pieces seem a bit drowned out.
You can find it at Crate & Barrel
If you want something a little more upright and affordable, I love this Christmas Gingerbread House Countdown from Target.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of attendance calendars is that they help us slow down during the busiest and most hectic month of the year. They give us an excuse to stop, gather together, and focus on the anticipation and joy of the season (and buy some time for everyone).
Whether you’re choosing wooden animals for your toddler, gems for your budding scientist, or gourmet spreads for the whole family, an advent calendar is more than just a countdown. it is a gift of time, attention and companionship.
What advent calendar traditions does your family love? I’d love to hear about your favorites!
See also: 12 Meaningful Traditions to Start Baby’s First Christmas
