If you have a baby or toddler, you might not want to get them traditional chocolate Advent calendars this year, but trying to find Advent calendars for toddlers that don't contain chocolate can be tricky.
Luckily, if you are wanting to switch out the chocolate Advent calendars, there are other alternatives for your tot, such as Disney Advent calendars, toys to keepsakes and books. You can even get to build your own Advent calendars that come as a fabric hanging or a wooden shape with drawers, so you can fill it with treats and toys of your own and reuse it every year.
Editor's Choice:
•Best reusable Advent calendar: The White Company Snowy Advent Calendar - View offer on The White Company
•Best interactive Advent calendar: tonies® Christmas Advent Calendar - View offer on tonies®
•Best for Bluey fans: Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle - View offer on Amazon
•Best doll Advent calendar: Baby Annabell Advent Calendar -View offer on Argos
So if you're looking for something a little bit different to your typical Advent calendars for toddlers, we've round up some of the best choices for your toddler. Some of these calendars are currently on sale, just in time for Chrostmas!
The best toddler Advent calendars 2023
Best reusable Advent calendar
![Best Advent calendars for toddlers The White Company Snowy Advent Calendar](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/10/The-White-Company-Snowy-Advent-Calendar-.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.thewhitecompany.com
How adorable is this 3D penguin calendar from The White Company? It's made from super-soft material and can be filled with all sorts of goodies, from sweet treats to Christmas jokes, decorations and little toys. Each pocket is in numerical order, with the numbers embroidered on.
Reviewed by Arabella Horspool, our Commercial Content Writer: "My gosh, The White Company Snowy Advent Calendar is one of the cutest Advent calendars on the market. It comes with 25 doors so you can fill each one with a small gift and I love how it can be brought out and reused every year, creating those precious memories that kids will remember."
Pros
- 3D novelty piece.
- Super-soft velboa faux fur.
Cons
- Not many colours to choose from.
Best interactive Advent calendar
![tonies advent calender](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2022/11/tonies-advent-calender.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
tonies.com
This adorable reusable calendar features 24 pockets which can be filled with any treats you like, maybe even some tonies! Made using 100% cotton, it's easy to wash and measures 100 x 50 cm so it doesn't take up too much space on the walls.
One reviewer said: I love this advent calendar. Huge pockets. Super cute design and the motif goes with everything. It's really well made and it hangs nicely. It pressed easily and looks great on the wall.
I know this is made to accommodate a specific type of toy but it works for so may items.
I love how big the pockets are and that we are going to be able to use this year after year.
Pros
- Washes easily
- Good sized pockets
Cons
- Older children might outgrow this
Best for creativity
An Advent calendar that's a little different to most, this Christmas Plasticine Advent Calendar comes with all the colours you need to create new models every day. Behind each window is a set of easy to follow instructions, that will help your toddler to create figures such as Santa, Rudolph and more!
A reviewer said: "What a brilliant present. There are different things to make each day and plenty of plasticine. Not suitable for children that are too young as some of the objects were fiddly but fun."
Another reviewer wrote: "My son loves it so different and fun to do instead of just having chocolate it’s creative a wonderful idea."
Pros
- Make new models every day
- Easy to follow instructions
Cons
- No onsite reviews
Suitable for ages: | 5+ years |
Best Advent calendars for toddlers
![Best Advent calendars for toddlers Personalised Elf Letters](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/09/Personalised-Elf-Letters.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.elfforchristmas.co.uk
Countdown to Christmas with Personalised Elf Letters, revealing their exciting adventures straight from Santa's workshop. Detailing the mischief, mishaps and funny stories happening at the North Pole as the elves prepare for Christmas, the letters arrive in 24 individual brown envelopes, each dated and personalised with your Elf and child's name.
Our Commercial Content Writer, Samantha, said: "These Advent calendars are absolutely beautiful and very well presented. I love that they are all numbered so it's easy to work out which letter is for which day! The personal element is wonderful too, and the overall presentation just adds to the experience."
Pros
- Helps create the magic of Christmas
- Can be used alongside the Elf on the Shelf
Cons
- No gifts or toys included
- 24 x individual advent letters
- Personalised with child's name
Best for Disney fans
ON SALE
![Best Advent calendars for toddlers Funko Advent Calendar: Classic Disney](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/10/Funko-Advent-Calendar-Classic-Disney.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.boots.com
Filled with 24 classic Disney characters, dressed with a Christmas twist, the Funko Advent Calendar is the perfect way to countdown to Christmas for kids and adults. The figurines can be played with or used as Christmas ornaments. It's a fun surprise waiting to see which character is behind the day each day.
One customer said: Got for a friend because she loves Disney things came with lots of little figurines was well packed I guess it’s a little more than you would pay but for someone who loves Disney it’s worth it." Another person said: "This was a brilliant calendar, my partner who is a Disney fanatic absolutely loved it. Everyday was a little surprise."
Pros
- Different Disney characters in the Funko design
- Can be played with or used as decoration
Cons
- Some are difficult to stand up
Suitable for ages: | 3+ years |
Best for Bluey fans
![Best Advent calendars for toddlers Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/10/Bluey-Awesome-Advent-Book-Bundle.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Perfect for Bluey fans, this Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle contains 24 story and colouring books to change up each day in the countdown to Christmas. It's a fun little collection that's a brilliant change form the usual chocolate advent calendars.
One review said: "I know it's September and we won't be using it for another two months but we have it now and it's perfect. I do wish it had more books than colourings or books only but oh well." Another wrote: "This calendar is absolutely lovely. Really good quality and looks fab"
Pros
- Includes a mix of storybooks and colouring books
- Features everyone's favourite Heeler puppy
Cons
- Some mentioned they'd rather it just have storybooks
Suitable for ages: | 2 to 7 years |
![LEGO® - Best toddler Advent calendars](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2022/11/LEGO%C2%AE-Friends-Advent-Calendar-2023.webp?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
go.skimresources.com
If your little one enjoys building things, they'll love this LEGO® Friends Advent Calendar. It comes with 231 pieces of Lego to add to their collection and behind each door they will find either a mini-build to construct or a micro-doll to play with.
A reviewer said: "I love that LEGOs has included a limb difference character! Representation matters. My daughter has a limb difference and loves building with LEGOs. Her eyes light up when she sees a character that looks like her. For those who have left ignorant comments about limb differences… more than 2.7 million people in the US have a limb difference and yes, they can still play with legos. I hope all children who play with this set can become more open minded to the fact that there are people of all sizes, shapes, and abilities in this world. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same."
Pros
- Bright colours
- Helps to develop fine motor skills
Cons
- Small pieces
Best for humour
![Best Advent calendars for toddlers The Original Mr. Men & Little Miss Advent Calendar](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/10/The-Original-Mr.-Men-Little-Miss-Advent-Calendar.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
The Original Mr.Men And Little Miss Calendar contains a mixture of Mr. Men figures, ink stamps, phone charms and fridge magnets. So if you're a fan of this wonderful book collection, it makes a great choice to countdown to Christmas with! It's also not a very festive design, so if you're little one is unsure of the Christmas season, it's still a perfect choice.
One reviewer said: "Lots of fun and probably quite exciting for a kid, although not at all themed for Christmas. I suppose that's good for some people, as it is actually just a "countdown calendar" so I suppose you can use it to countdown anything you like. I personally wanted to use the figures as player counters in the Mr Men & Little Miss Monopoly that I have (which, for the record, they work perfectly for).
Pros
- Contains the 12 popular book figures
- Includes 12 other gifts
Cons
- Not too Christmassy
Best for nature
ON SALE
Wake up to a new wooden character piece hidden behind the Advent calendar doors each day. By Christmas Day, your little one will have an exciting new playset from the Peter Rabbit Beatrix Potter Themed Advent Calendar, including a little wooden Christmas tree.
One reviewer said: "My granddaughter is 4 and loves Peter Rabbit so this was the perfect advent calendar for her. She loved opening the doors each morning and finding a new character. The pieces were nicely made and good quality."
Pros
- Good quality figures
- Beautifully decorated
Cons
- Not all Beatrix Potter story characters available
Suitable for ages: | 12+ months |
ON SALE
![Kids advent calendars Harry Potter](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/11/Harry-potter-advent-calendar.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.very.co.uk
Perfect for Harry Potter fans, this advent calendar includes a Harry Potter doll. There are 24 spellbinding surprises to enjoy throughout December and the packaging cleverly folds in to a 3D wall to recreate the Gryffindor common room.
One reviewer said: "Not had a chance to open as yet as for Xmas but on inspecting the box all looks good, nice large size which would impress any H.P. fan! Good quality too."
Pros
- Fun packaging
- Ideal for the whole family
Cons
- Only suitable for kids over 6
Best doll Advent calendar
ON SALE
![kids advent calendar baby Annabel](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/11/baby-annabell-advent-calendar.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.argos.co.uk
Baby Annabell dolls will be well prepared for Christmas parties with this sweet advent calendar. It includes 24 different pieces of festive clothing and accessories, such as a gold frilly top and white tiered skirt, a pink fluffy jumper and bobble hat, plus a lovely red dress and even some additional accessories like mini cupcakes.
Pros
- Festive clothing
- Can double up as a christmas present
Cons
- No customer reviews
Kids love rocks and crystals and anything sparkly and this fascinating advent calendar will help your little geologist start their own rock collection. Over 24 days they will collect rocks such as chalcedony, jasper, quartz, fluorite, agate and an array of vibrant gemstones. It is an advent calendar that helps them learn and explore.
One reviewer said: "One reviewer saidL These are beautiful, real crystals, my grandson had two different calendars and the other were all plastic so he was over the moon with this advent calendar."
Pros
- Can make jewellery with the stones
- Includes a magnifying glass and storage pouch
Cons
- Some parents found that not all the crystals were real
![kids advent calendars Peppa pig](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/11/peppa-pig-advent-calendar.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
A must for Peppa Pigs, your little one will find a surprise mini storybook behind each door, plus a special Christmas story for Christmas Eve. Stories include: Hide and Seek, Daddy Pig's Birthday, School Play, Bedtime Stories, New Shoes and Peppa's Perfect Christmas. Plus, even better, you can put the books back inside the windows to reuse the following year.
One reviewer said: "I got this for my 2 1/2 year old grandson and he really loves it and looks forward to a different book every day. Makes a change from all the chocolate! All the stories are episodes from Peppa Pig so are familiar but nice to see them in book form. Good value as the books will last and can be re-read then passed on."
Pros
- Educational
- Great for Peppa Pig fans
Cons
- Books are a little flimsy
![duggee advent calender](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/11/duggee-advent-calender-.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Perfect for Duggee fans, count down the days left until Christmas, with your favourite Hey Duggee characters. Find a cute and mini storybook behind each door, which also comes with a special Christmas story for Christmas Eve. Stories include are: The Snowman Badge, The Paddling Pool Badge, The Jam Badge, The Bubble Badge, The Mystery Badge and The Tinsel Badge.
One reviewer said: "What a great idea. The books that come with this, yes they're very small and maybe hard to read in the wrong light, BUT they are each a full story not just a couple of pages. Amazing value for money. Our daughter loves them and will be reading them all year round. Will definitely be looking for another similar advebt calendar next year."
Pros
- Educational
- Books are suitable for year-round reading
Cons
- Small books can be difficult to read
![fisher price barbie advent calendar](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/12/2023/11/fisher-price-little-people-advent-calender-.jpeg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Have some fun and create a gorgeous scene, with the Little People Barbie Advent Calender this Christmas. Featuring Barbie figures and holiday-themed play pieces, it also comes with 6 figures, 17 play pieces, and 1 holiday memento kids can use to decorate a tree.
One reviewer said: "This is such a cute advent calendar! Cute and pink! I love that some of the pieces attach to the Little People Barbie house. Our 4 year old is so excited to start opening for Christmas countdown! Not a tiny calendar, decent size and comes in big box."
Pros
- Festive toys
- Great for Barbie fans
Cons
- Small pieces not suitable for small children
What age should you start buying an Advent calendar?
Anyone can enjoy an Advent calendar, regardless of their age. If your baby is really young they may not remember opening their daily boxes - but you probably will. Christmas is a great time to focus on your family. Spending a little time each morning to enjoy some Christmas magic is just what Santa ordered.
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Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.