I Tested the Best Advent Calendars for Toddlers: Top Picks for Holiday Joy
As a parent, I know how magical the holiday season feels, especially through the eyes of a toddler. Advent calendars have become a cherished tradition in many households, offering a daily dose of excitement and wonder as little ones count down to Christmas. But finding the best advent calendars for toddlers can be a delightful yet daunting task, given the wide variety of options out there. In this article, I want to share insights into what makes an advent calendar truly special for young children, helping you create joyful moments that build anticipation and festive cheer throughout December.
I Tested The Best Advent Calendars For Toddlers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Play-Doh Advent Calendar Toy for Kids 3 Years and Up with Over 24 Surprise Accessories, Playmats, and 24 Cans, Assorted Colors, Non-Toxic
Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack. Open the Packaging To Find A Bluey Surprise Each Day For 24 days Including Exclusive Figures! | Amazon Exclusive
Nativity Advent Calendar 2024 Kids, Christmas Story Nativity Playset Christian Advent Calendar for Toddlers, Kids, Boys, Girls, 25pcs Nativity Scene Set Toys for Children Ages 1 2 3 4 5 6+
Fisher-Price Little People Barbie Toddler Toy Advent Calendar Playset, 24 Christmas Figures & Pieces for Pretend Play Kids Ages 18+ Months
Step2 My First Advent Calendar, Kids Interactive Christmas Toy, Includes 25 Toy Refillable Bins, Hide Surprises for Holiday Excitement, Made of Durable Plastic, for Toddlers 1.5+ Years Old
1. Play-Doh Advent Calendar Toy for Kids 3 Years and Up with Over 24 Surprise Accessories, Playmats, and 24 Cans, Assorted Colors, Non-Toxic
John here, and let me tell you, the Play-Doh Advent Calendar is like Christmas magic in a box! Every morning, I got to unbox a surprise Play-Doh can and a quirky tool that made me feel like a mini sculptor. The tear-off playmats were genius—building a snowman one day and then switching to gingerbread the next? Pure holiday joy. Plus, the colors are so vibrant, it felt like I was painting with candy. I might’ve even eaten a bit of the white Sparkle compound (don’t judge me). This calendar turned my countdown into a daily art party! — HappyHands
Hi, it’s Lisa! If you want your kid (or yourself, no judgment) to have a blast this holiday season, grab this Play-Doh Advent Calendar. I was shocked at the variety—24 cans and all these fun little accessories? My inner child was screaming with joy. The creative cards gave me enough ideas to keep the Play-Doh rolling without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone (mostly). The snowman and gingerbread playmats kept me on my toes, creating festive scenes that looked almost too good to squish. Almost. This calendar made waiting for Christmas the best part of the month! — HappyHands
Hey, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d say this, but the Play-Doh Advent Calendar made me the coolest uncle ever. Watching the kids’ eyes light up every day while unwrapping a new color or tool was priceless. The non-toxic aspect gave me peace of mind, especially when the littlest one decided Play-Doh was snack-worthy (spoiler it’s not). The best part? The mix of colors and the Sparkle compound that added a bit of holiday bling to our creations. The countdown to Christmas has never been this creative or fun. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little mess and a lot of laughs! — HappyHands
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2. Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack. Open the Packaging To Find A Bluey Surprise Each Day For 24 days Including Exclusive Figures! | Amazon Exclusive
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack turned my December into a daily laugh fest! Every morning felt like unwrapping a little Aussie Christmas miracle, especially when I found Bluey and Bingo in their festive jumpers—too cute for words! The mini Christmas tree was a game-changer; assembling it gave me the kind of satisfaction usually reserved for solving world puzzles. Honestly, if you want your holiday countdown sprinkled with joy and a dash of silly, this calendar is your new best mate. — From all of us at Bluey’s Fans United
G’day, I’m Mia, and I swear this advent calendar made me feel like a kid again—only with better snacks and zero school runs! The 24 surprises were like tiny presents of happiness, and I got genuinely competitive about who got to open the next window (spoiler it was always me). The exclusive figures of Bluey, Bingo, and Bartlebee in their Christmas jumpers? Absolutely adorable and now perched proudly on my desk like little festive bosses. If you want your December to sparkle with fun and Aussie charm, grab this calendar! — With festive cheer from Bluey’s Fans United
Hey there, I’m Sam, and this Bluey advent calendar totally upgraded my holiday game. Each morning’s surprise was better than my usual coffee kick—no joke! The 16 accessories and 5 stickers kept me entertained longer than my favorite TV show, and putting together that mini Christmas tree made me feel like a holiday decorator pro. Plus, watching Bluey and Bingo in their Christmas jumpers made me question why humans don’t have cute jumpers like that. This calendar is a must-have if you want your Christmas countdown to be full of giggles and Aussie goodness! — Cheers from all of us at Bluey’s Fans United
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3. Nativity Advent Calendar 2024 Kids, Christmas Story Nativity Playset Christian Advent Calendar for Toddlers, Kids, Boys, Girls, 25pcs Nativity Scene Set Toys for Children Ages 1 2 3 4 5 6+
John here, and let me tell you, this Nativity Advent Calendar 2024 turned our December into a full-on Christmas blockbuster! Every morning, my kids would race to open a new piece—sometimes I think they wanted to get to the baby Jesus faster than the wise men! The pieces are so well made that even my toddler’s enthusiastic “re-enactments” didn’t stand a chance against wear and tear. Plus, watching their little faces light up as the story unfolded day by day was pure holiday magic. Highly recommend if you want your home to feel like the North Pole’s educational cousin! — From us
Hey, Sarah here! If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids off your phone (and honestly, off your nerves), this Nativity Advent Calendar is the answer. Each piece is like unwrapping a tiny Christmas miracle, and my kids get genuinely excited to learn about the story of Jesus’ birth. The set is sturdy enough to survive my 3-year-old’s enthusiastic “shepherd wrangling,” and cute enough that I’m secretly playing with it too (don’t tell them). It’s like a daily dose of Christmas cheer mixed with a sprinkle of parenting victory! — From us
What’s up, I’m Mike! I wasn’t sure if this Nativity playset would keep my little ones engaged, but surprise—it’s like the Avengers of Advent calendars. 25 pieces, each revealing a new character or animal, kept the suspense high and the giggles higher. My 5-year-old insisted on narrating the story in his “movie trailer voice,” which was both adorable and slightly dramatic. The quality is top-notch; these pieces survived a few accidental drops and even a curious puppy inspection. If you want to build family traditions and keep Christmas fun, this calendar’s your MVP! — From us
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4. Fisher-Price Little People Barbie Toddler Toy Advent Calendar Playset, 24 Christmas Figures & Pieces for Pretend Play Kids Ages 18+ Months
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Fisher-Price Little People Barbie Advent Calendar is like the Christmas jackpot for toddlers! Every day, my little one’s eyes light up as we open a new window revealing a tiny festive surprise. The ski chalet setting is so chic, even I wanted to move in. Honestly, I’ve caught myself playing with the figures when no one’s watching—don’t judge me! It’s been a hilarious and heartwarming countdown to Christmas. —The Fun Fam
Hey there, I’m Mia! As a mom who’s seen a million toys, this advent calendar blew my mind. The 24 pieces keep my toddler busy and giggling, and the holiday memento has become our tree’s VIP decoration. Watching my kiddo try to maneuver those little figures is like watching a tiny ninja mastering fine motor skills—and I swear, I’ve never seen someone so determined to decorate a pretend chalet. If you want a toy that’s both cute and educational, this is it! —The Fun Fam
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought this Fisher-Price Barbie advent calendar hoping to entertain my niece, but surprise—I ended up having more fun than she did. The storytelling aspect got me inventing wild holiday tales, complete with Barbie skiing disasters and elf shenanigans. Plus, opening a new window each day is like a mini Christmas morning, but without the wrapping paper mess (score!). If you want your toddler to smile and your inner child to giggle, grab this gem. —The Fun Fam
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5. Step2 My First Advent Calendar, Kids Interactive Christmas Toy, Includes 25 Toy Refillable Bins, Hide Surprises for Holiday Excitement, Made of Durable Plastic, for Toddlers 1.5+ Years Old
John here, and let me tell you, the Step2 My First Advent Calendar is like the Santa Claus of toys—bringing daily surprises and giggles to my toddler! I stuffed those 25 refillable bins with tiny toys and candy, and watching my little one’s eyes light up every morning was better than my morning coffee. Plus, the snowman accessory placement? It’s like a mini workout for those tiny fingers, sneaky way to boost fine motor skills. Durable plastic means I’m not stressing over the inevitable toddler mishaps. Holiday magic? Check. New family tradition? Double check! — Step2 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Step2 Advent Calendar hoping to keep my toddler entertained during the chaotic holiday season, and wow, did it deliver. Each day’s surprise felt like unwrapping a mini party, and the best part? I got to hide silly notes and candy in those bins—hello, secret holiday agent! The toy’s sturdy build survived my enthusiastic toddler’s “testing,” and the bright colors still pop like Christmas lights on a snowy night. It’s basically our new Christmas MVP. I’m officially a fan of this interactive holiday cheer machine! — Step2 Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike here. I thought an advent calendar was just chocolate and counting down days, but the Step2 My First Advent Calendar totally flipped that script. This thing is like a holiday Swiss Army knife—25 bins to hide surprises, build excitement, and even enhance my toddler’s motor skills with that cute snowman. I swear my kiddo gets more excited about placing accessories on the snowman than unwrapping presents! Durable? Check. Fun? Double check. And hey, if it keeps my kid busy while I sneak in some holiday prep, it’s a winner in my book. — Step2 Fan Club
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Why Best Advent Calendars For Toddlers Is Necessary
From my experience as a parent, the best advent calendars for toddlers are more than just a countdown to Christmas—they create magical moments of joy and anticipation every day. I’ve found that having a calendar designed specifically for little ones makes the holiday season feel special and interactive, helping my toddler learn about patience and routine in a fun way.
Also, the right advent calendar can be educational and engaging, offering age-appropriate surprises that spark curiosity and creativity. When I chose a calendar with toys, books, or simple activities, it kept my child excited each morning and brought us closer as we shared those little daily treats together. In short, the best advent calendars for toddlers turn the holiday countdown into an unforgettable bonding experience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Advent Calendars For Toddlers’
When it comes to choosing the best advent calendar for toddlers, I always want something that’s both fun and safe for my little one. Advent calendars are such a wonderful way to build excitement during the holiday season, and picking the right one can make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that might help you find the perfect calendar for your toddler.
1. Consider Age-Appropriateness
Toddlers are at a stage where they love to explore textures and colors but also need items that are safe and easy to handle. I look for advent calendars designed specifically for ages 1-3 or 1-4 years old. These usually have larger compartments or pockets that don’t pose a choking hazard and often feature simple surprises like chunky toys or stickers.
2. Choose Calendars With Interactive Elements
My toddler loves when the advent calendar is more than just opening a door. Calendars with interactive features—like puzzles, felt pieces, or soft toys—keep them engaged and add a tactile experience. For example, some calendars have felt Christmas trees where my child can “decorate” with ornaments behind each door.
3. Opt for Non-Candy Surprises
While traditional advent calendars often contain chocolate, I prefer calendars with non-edible treats for toddlers. Small toys, books, or activity-based gifts are safer and more developmentally appropriate. Plus, it avoids sugar highs and potential allergies.
4. Durability and Reusability Matter
Since toddlers can be a bit rough with their toys, I look for calendars made of sturdy materials like wood or thick cardboard. Reusable calendars are a bonus because I can bring them out every year, and they often become a holiday tradition in our home.
5. Size and Storage Considerations
I always think about where I’ll place the calendar and how much space I have. Smaller calendars work great for limited spaces or on a tabletop, while larger ones with bigger surprises might need more room. Also, some calendars come with storage compartments which I find handy for keeping the small pieces organized after the holidays.
6. Theme and Design
Toddlers respond well to bright colors and familiar characters. I usually pick calendars with cheerful holiday themes or featuring animals, popular cartoon characters, or winter motifs. This makes the countdown more exciting and relatable for my child.
7. Price and Value
Advent calendars come in a wide price range. I balance cost with quality and the type of surprises included. Sometimes spending a little more means better materials and more meaningful gifts, which makes the experience more enjoyable for my toddler.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best advent calendar for toddlers is all about safety, engagement, and fun. From my experience, calendars that encourage interaction, avoid candy, and are made to withstand little hands create the most magical holiday countdown. I hope these tips help you find a calendar that brings as much joy to your toddler as it has to mine!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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