The 18 Best Kids’ Advent Calendars to Get the Countdown Started

Ages: 6+

Got a Potterhead on your hands? They’ll have a blast collecting new vinyl figures of their favorite characters each day. The Funko Pocket Pops include Harry, Hermione, Ron, Dumbledore and other reader favorites your child will want to stage on their bookshelf.

Ages: 4+

The only thing kids love more than toys? Slime. So, you’ll basically win Christmas before it’s even begun by giving them this slime-filled advent calendar which contains 12 different scented slimes, plus 22 accessories (think foam beads, glitter and charms). The only loser in this scenario? Your couch cushions. Sorry, not sorry.

Ages: 7+

Star Wars fans of all ages (yup, even Dad) will appreciate this assortment of Lego figures, mini figures and accessories, including Darth Vader and Poe Dameron. A few of the characters come decked out in festive apparel to really bring the Christmas spirit.

Ages: 4+

This 24-piece Playmobil advent calendar has amassed over 2,500 five-star reviews thanks to its cute design and high-quality toys. From a backdrop for Santa’s workshop to a reindeer and sleigh to transport the finished toys, the brand truly thought of everything. Just note that it’s currently backordered until November 13, so you’ll want to place your order ASAP.

Ages: 3+

This sturdy wooden design should last you a few seasons (unless they start begging for an advent calendar that involves chocolate). Parents say you’d be surprised by how many hours of play the kids will get out of sticking the magnetic ornaments on and off the tree over and over and over...

Ages: 3+

Hesitant to add to the kids’ ever-growing toy collection? We totally get it. Which is why we’re fans of this Dream Snow calendar. Each day contains a paper ornament so the kids can help pop-up Santa decorate the tree.

Ages: 3+

Frozen advent calendars are extremely hard to come by, but this 12-day Lip Smacker one is still in stock. It comes with three lip balms, three lip shines, two water-based nail polishes, two hair clips and two rings—all covered in images of Elsa and Anna, of course.

Ages: 3+

This giant advent calendar comes filled with 24 paperback books featuring stories from Frozen II, 101 Dalmatians, Beauty and the Beast and other Disney classics. “This is phenomenal. A new tradition [has been started] in our house,” writes one dad on Amazon.

Ages: 3+

This handmade advent calendar is so cute, it doubles as Christmas décor. Hang it in the kitchen, fill each pocket with the kids’ favorite candies and you’ll start a fun new family tradition.

Ages: 10+

Your beauty-obsessed tween will go nuts when you present them with this manicure-themed advent calendar from Ciaté London. It includes 22 mini nail polishes, one full-size polish and a mini watermelon lip oil.

Ages: 4+

If you’re one of those families that watches Elf at least three times every December, then you can’t go wrong with this countdown based on the movie. One thing to note, though? These figures are straight-up tiny, so they could be a choking hazard for little kids.

Ages: 3+

Similar to the Disney Storybook one, this giant advent calendar is stocked with 24 paperback books for some epic storytimes. And yup, you guessed it, each one is about the Avengers or Spiderman.

Ages: 3+

Parents of kids ages 4 all the way to 13 promise this squishy toy calendar will be a total hit. Behind each flap, they’ll find all kinds of adorable (and ultra squishable) animals, from elephants to penguins.

Ages: 5+

Filled with fancy milk chocolate snowmen, Santas and presents, this countdown from Dylan’s Candy Bar is a major step up from your traditional chocolate advent calendar. Even better? Each flap makes a suggestion like “watch your favorite Christmas movie with some popcorn” or “go look at the sparkly, beautiful Christmas lights.”

Ages: 5+

Your aspiring vet will be so excited to see what’s behind each of the 24 flaps, they might have a hard time limiting themselves to one a day. When December 24 finally arrives, they’ll have a 24-piece set of toys including a vet, two horses, two cats, a bunny and accessories to play with.

$29 at Amazon

Ages: 10+

Coloring books can be super relaxing…except when it takes five hours to complete a single page. Luckily, that’s not the case with this simple page-a-day advent calendar coloring book. As long as your child is 10 or older, they should be able to fill in each Christmas-themed image fairly quickly.

Ages: 3+

His animal obsession doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon, so why not fuel it with this animal-themed calendar. Every day he’ll get a new mini animal figurine, which you know he’ll start playing with immediately. Fingers crossed you don’t end up stepping on one again.

Ages: 5+

If your kids prefer gummy candy to chocolate, this Haribo advent calendar is definitely the way to go. It’s filled a variety of chewy candies, marshmallows, licorice and gummies they’re bound to love.