Advent Calendars for Kids: Fun Alternatives to Chocolate

Opening a little door each morning is part of the excitement of counting down to Christmas. But an advent calendar doesn’t have to mean chocolate before breakfast.

Whether you’re buying for your children or grandchildren, choosing a calendar around their interests can make December feel even more special. From creative activities to stories and little toys, there are plenty of alternatives to chocolate.

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Craft advent calendars for creative kids

For children who love making things, a craft calendar offers something to do as well as something to open. Look for colouring activities, stickers, modelling materials or small projects they can enjoy throughout December.

Check the contents before buying. Does each day offer a complete activity, or will you need extra materials? Will they manage independently, or need an adult to help?

If you’re buying for grandchildren, a calendar with activities you can enjoy together could become a lovely part of their visits.

Explore craft advent calendars.

Building advent calendars for little constructors

For children who enjoy following instructions or creating their own designs, a building advent calendar can make the countdown part of their play.

Check whether each day provides a separate mini build or contributes to a larger model. If it adds to an existing collection, make sure the pieces work with what they already own.

Follow the stated age guidance, particularly where small building pieces are included. A familiar character on the box doesn’t mean the contents are suitable for younger children.

Explore building advent calendars.

Toy advent calendars for imaginative play

A toy advent calendar can gradually reveal a collection of figures, accessories or a little scene. Choose a theme your child or grandchild already enjoys, so the contents have a place in their play after Christmas.

Look through the contents before ordering. Some calendars contain accessories rather than complete toys, and you may need an existing playset to get the most from them.

Check for small parts, especially if younger siblings might get hold of the surprises.

Explore toy advent calendars.

Book advent calendars for story time

A book advent calendar makes space for a little story each day. It can become a bedtime ritual or a quiet moment together after school.

Check the included titles and recommended reading ages. Younger children may enjoy short stories read aloud, while more confident readers might prefer books they can explore themselves.

Buying for grandchildren? Ask their parents which books they already have and whether there’s a favourite author or character they’d love to discover.

Explore book advent calendars.

Puzzle advent calendars for curious minds

For children who love solving problems, a puzzle calendar offers a daily challenge.

Check how the calendar works: are there separate puzzles each day, or does the challenge build throughout December? Choose a difficulty that will keep them interested without leaving them frustrated.

Consider whether they’ll enjoy tackling it independently or sharing the challenge with family.

Explore puzzle advent calendars.

Activity advent calendars for busy hands

An activity calendar can bring a little variety to the countdown, with something to explore, complete or create.

Think about when they’ll use it. A quick activity can fit into a school morning, while a longer project might be better for after school or weekends.

Read the contents list and check whether you’ll need extra supplies, adult help or space to keep unfinished activities.

Explore activity advent calendars.

Refillable advent calendars with personal surprises

A refillable calendar lets you choose the contents and manage the budget. You can mix small gifts with shared experiences, so every day doesn’t need another toy.

Ideas include:

• Stickers, pencils or small craft supplies.
• A clue leading to a hidden book.
• Baking Christmas biscuits together.
• Choosing the family’s festive film.
• A Christmas scavenger hunt.
• An evening looking at Christmas lights.
• A handwritten joke or message.
• Making a decoration for the tree.

Check the size of the pockets or drawers before buying fillers. Choose age-appropriate contents and consider whether younger siblings could reach them.

Explore refillable advent calendars.

Choosing an advent calendar for children or grandchildren

Before ordering, check these five things:

Their interests: Would they enjoy the contents throughout December? A favourite hobby is a better starting point than packaging alone.

Age suitability: Follow the product’s stated age guidance and warnings. Don’t assume every children’s calendar is suitable for toddlers.

What’s included: Check the contents, quantities and whether anything extra is needed.

Your budget: Consider whether the contents will be used after Christmas, as well as the excitement of opening them.

Delivery: Check the retailer’s estimated delivery date so the calendar arrives before 1 December. If you’re sending it directly to grandchildren, leave time for their parents to put it aside.

Get ready for the first door

Whether they love building, creating, reading or solving puzzles, an advent calendar can make the Christmas countdown feel personal.

Found one that suits your child or grandchild? Check the contents, age guidance and delivery estimate, then order today to get their countdown organised.

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Create a Givumi profile and discover gift ideas based on their age, interests and your budget.