Advent calendars for kids

The countdown to Christmas is a magical time for children across the UK, and nothing builds that excitement quite like an advent calendar for kids.

Once a simple tradition of opening the door to reveal a picture or a piece of chocolate, advent calendars for kids have evolved into a dazzling array of options that cater to every interest, from toys to crafts and beyond.

In this comprehensive guide, the Christmas.co.uk team explores what advent calendars are, the different types available and why they’ve become a staple Christmas gift for kids.

What are advent calendars for kids?

At their core, advent calendars are a fun way to count down the 24 days of December leading up to Christmas Day.

Traditionally, they feature 25 doors, windows or pockets, revealing a small surprise behind each one.

For kids, these surprises are typically tailored to their tastes, making the daily ritual a lovely part of the festive build-up.

While the classic chocolate-filled calendar remains a favourite, today’s advent calendars for children offer a variety of treats, from sweets to toys, books and even educational goodies.

The word ‘advent’ comes from the Latin ‘adventus’, meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘coming’ and refers to the period in the Christian calendar anticipating the birth of Jesus.

However, advent calendars have long transcended their religious origins to become a secular Christmas tradition enjoyed by families across the UK.

For kids, they’re less about theology and more about the joy of discovery – a little gift each day to keep the excitement bubbling until Santa arrives.

The different types of advent calendars for kids

Gone are the days when advent calendars were solely about chocolate though these still, obviously, hold a special place in many hearts.

The modern market offers a diverse range of options to suit every child’s personality and interests.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types available in the UK:

Chocolate and sweet advent calendars

The classic choice, these calendars feature a daily dose of chocolate or sweets behind each door. From affordable supermarket options by Cadbury and Mars to premium picks like Lindt or personalised versions from Thorntons, they’re a timeless treat. For parents searching for chocolate advent calendar for kids then brands featuring popular characters like Bluey or Peppa Pig are very popular.

Toy advent calendars

For children who prefer play over sweets, toy advent calendars are a huge hit. These often include mini figurines, accessories or buildable sets. LEGO advent calendars, such as Star Wars and Harry Potter, dominate this category, alongside Playmobil sets featuring festive scenes like Santa’s workshop. Hot Wheels and Barbie also offer toy-based calendars, providing 24 days of imaginative fun.

Craft and activity advent calendars

Perfect for creative little minds, these calendars reveal daily craft supplies or activities. Options like Play-Doh advent calendars come with modelling clay and tools, while others, such as the Build Your Own Pinball Machine calendar, let kids construct something unique over the month. There’s no doubt that demand is growing and there are more activity and craft advents available every year.

Book advent calendars

For budding readers, book advent calendars offer a story or mini book each day. Brands like Usborne and Julia Donaldson – who wrote The Gruffalo – have popular options, often reusable as a collection of tales to enjoy beyond December. These are ideal for parents wanting to encourage literacy without adding to the sugar rush.

Reusable advent calendars

Eco-conscious families love reusable calendars, which can be filled with treats of your choice year after year. Fabric designs with pockets, like the JoJo Maman Bebé nativity calendar, or wooden drawer sets are both practical and decorative. There is a definite trend for reusable advent calendars for kids and there will be more available this year.

Unusual and niche advent calendars

For something truly unique, niche calendars cater to specific passions. Think science kits, like National Geographic’s gemstone calendar, puzzles or even a Bluey-themed chocolate calendar with a twist. These quirky options often trend on platforms like X, with parents sharing finds like the ‘shocking science tricks’ calendar for STEM-loving kids.

Why do people gift kids’ advent calendars?

Advent calendars have become a much-loved Christmas gift for kids in the UK for several reasons.

First, they transform the long wait for Christmas into a daily celebration, helping to channel that boundless festive energy into something manageable and fun.

Opening a door each morning builds anticipation, making the season feel special from the start of December.

Second, they’re a small, affordable way to spoil children without overwhelming them (or your budget) before the big day.

At an average price of £5 to £30 – though luxury options are much higher – they’re a practical gift that keeps giving throughout the month.

Finally, advent calendars tap into the magic of childhood wonder.

Whether it’s a chocolate treat, a tiny toy or a craft project, each surprise adds a sprinkle of joy to the festive period.

They’re also a tradition many parents grew up with themselves, passing down that nostalgic thrill to the next generation.

What is the history of kids’ advent calendars?

The story of advent calendars begins in the 19th century in Germany, where Protestant families marked the days of Advent with chalk lines or candles.

The first printed advent calendar is credited to Gerhard Lang, who, inspired by his childhood habit of eating a sweet each day in December, produced a calendar with 24 pictures in 1908.

By the 1920s, these evolved to include doors hiding images or Bible verses, delighting children with their interactivity.

Chocolate-filled calendars emerged in the 1950s, gaining traction after World War II as sugar rationing eased.

In the UK, they became a Christmas staple with brands like Cadbury jumping on board.

What started as a religious countdown morphed into a secular treat, with kids at the heart of the tradition.

The 21st century has brought an explosion of variety, including toys, crafts and more, reflecting both commercial innovation and a desire to cater to diverse childhood interests.

Today, giving advent calendars as Christmas gifts is a blend of nostalgia and modern creativity, rooted in that original intent to make December magical for children.

What do people buy?

Using online search data, we can see what UK parents are snapping up for their kids’ advent calendars. Here’s what’s trending this year:

Chocolate classics: Searches for ‘Cadbury advent calendar kids’ and ‘M&S chocolate advent calendar’ remain strong, with collaborations like the Natural History Museum dinosaur-themed calendar proving popular for its educational twist

LEGO mania: ‘LEGO advent calendar 2025’ and specific themes like ‘LEGO Harry Potter advent calendar’ dominate toy-related searches, reflecting the brand’s enduring appeal

• Character-driven options: Terms like ‘Bluey advent calendar UK’ and ‘Peppa Pig advent calendar’ show parents seeking out calendars tied to their kids’ favourite shows
• Eco-friendly choices: ‘Reusable advent calendar for kids UK’ has seen a steady rise, in line with broader sustainability trends
• Unique finds: Quirky searches like ‘science advent calendar kids’ or ‘puzzle advent calendar UK’ hint at a niche but growing market for unusual options.

These trends suggest a mix of tradition and innovation, with parents balancing affordability, quality and their children’s specific interests.

Which kids’ advent calendars will be popular?

Predicting the hottest advent calendars involves looking at current trends, new releases, and what’s buzzing online. Here are some likely contenders:

• LEGO Friends Advent Calendar: With its cosy Christmas scenes and interactive builds, this is set to charm kids aged 6+
• Bluey Chocolate Advent Calendar: Following its success last year, an updated version with new festive designs could top the charts
• Playmobil Santa’s Workshop: A perennial favourite, this toy calendar offers baking accessories alongside play figures, blending fun and practicality
• National Geographic Mega Science Calendar: Packed with gemstones and experiments, it’s perfect for curious minds and likely to trend again
• Harry Potter Jelly Belly Advent Calendar: With its mix of sweet treats and wizarding whimsy, this could cast a spell on fans.

We are also expecting to see more character tie-ins, such as those from Disney and Marvel, and sustainable options to also make waves, as parents seek both excitement and value.

Quality and unusual advent calendar for kids

Finding the perfect advent calendar means knowing where to shop. Below are some top UK suppliers, categorised by type, offering quality or unusual options for kids:

Chocolate and sweets

• Thorntons: Known for personalised chocolate calendars, including a hand-iced plaque on day 24
• Hotel Chocolat: Premium chocolate with kid-friendly designs, like the ‘Little Reminders’ calendar.

Toy calendars

• LEGO: Official LEGO advent calendars in themes like Star Wars and City. Find them at lego.com or major retailers like Smyths Toys
• Playmobil: Festive sets like the Christmas Baking calendar. Available at playmobil.co.uk or Amazon.co.uk.

Craft and activity

• Menkind: Quirky options like the Build Your Own Pinball Machine calendar. Browse at menkind.co.uk
• The Works: Affordable craft calendars, including Play-Doh sets.

Book calendars

• Usborne Books: Mini-book collections for young readers. Order via usborne.com or independent sellers like Usborne Books at Home
• Book Depository: Offers curated advent book sets with free UK delivery.

Reusable and eco-friendly

• JoJo Maman Bebé: Fabric nativity calendars for filling yourself
• Not On The High Street: Unique wooden or fabric designs from small UK makers. Explore at notonthehighstreet.com.

Unusual and niche

• National Geographic: Science and gemstone calendars for budding explorers
• Yumbles: Offbeat picks like the Superfood Chocolate Advent Calendar, blending health and fun.

Advent calendars for children

Advent calendars for children are more than just a countdown – they’re a festive ritual that blends tradition with modern flair.

Whether you opt for a classic chocolate treat, a toy-filled extravaganza or a quirky craft calendar, there’s something to suit every child’s Christmas dreams.

Parents are looking for value, variety, quality and a touch of magic in their choices.

Which one will your little ones be opening this year?