Do you feel a little spark of magic when you think about December? That’s the feeling of anticipation for Christmas! And what’s one of the best ways to build that excitement? Advent calendars, of course! They’re like a daily surprise leading up to the big day, filled with everything from chocolates to tiny toys.
But let’s be honest, choosing an Advent calendar this year can be a bit tricky. There are so many kinds out there! Do you go for the classic chocolate one, or something more unique? Maybe your child wants a specific character, or you’re looking for something for yourself. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to find the *perfect* one.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to explore some of the most exciting Advent calendar options available this year. You’ll discover fun ideas and get tips to help you pick the best calendar for anyone on your list. Get ready to make your countdown to Christmas extra special!
Our Top 5 Advent Calendars This Year Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Advent Calendars This Year Detailed Reviews
1. Vermont Christmas Company Toy Shop Wooden Advent Calendar – Countdown to Christmas Year After Year with this Family Heirloom – 15″ x 20″
Rating: 9.4/10
The Vermont Christmas Company Toy Shop Wooden Advent Calendar is a charming way to build excitement for Christmas. This beautiful wooden calendar features 24 doors. You can hide small surprises behind each one. Think yummy treats, tiny toys, or sweet notes. It’s a perfect size, measuring 15 inches by 20 inches, with a depth of about 3.5 inches. It arrives in a strong gift box, making it ready to give.
What We Like:
- This calendar creates lasting family memories.
- Its sturdy wooden construction means you can use it for many Christmases.
- The design is visually appealing and fits a festive theme.
- It’s a blank canvas for your own traditions with what you put inside the doors.
- Comes in a nice gift box, so it’s easy to wrap and present.
What Could Be Improved:
- The doors could be a bit easier to open for little hands.
- It would be helpful if the calendar came with some suggested items to place inside.
This advent calendar is a wonderful investment for holiday fun. It brings joy and anticipation to your home every year.
2. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar – 2025 Christmas Countdown Calendar for Kids with 24 Gems to Open Each Day
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for an exciting Christmas countdown with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar! This calendar isn’t just about waiting for Santa; it’s a daily adventure for young rock enthusiasts. Each day in December, kids will unwrap a real, polished gemstone to start their very own collection. Imagine the thrill of discovering a new treasure every morning leading up to Christmas!
What We Like:
- Spark Curiosity: Kids reveal 24 unique and beautiful gemstones, like agate, tiger’s eye, and sodalite, building an impressive rock collection.
- Hands-On Fun: The final day features a special mini dig kit where children unearth a stunning rose quartz, mimicking a real geologist’s experience.
- Creative Expression: The calendar includes five jewelry settings, allowing kids to transform their new gems into unique necklaces, bracelets, or keychains.
- Award-Winning Quality: Developed by Blue Marble, a recipient of the Toy Association’s Toy of the Year Award, this product guarantees educational value and imaginative play.
- Secure Storage: A handy collector’s pouch keeps all the precious gems safe and organized.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dig Kit Complexity: For younger children, the mini dig brick might require a little adult assistance to excavate the rose quartz.
- Gemstone Identification: While the gems are beautiful, a small guide identifying each stone and its properties would enhance the educational aspect.
This advent calendar offers a fantastic way to blend the excitement of Christmas with a passion for geology and creativity. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, providing learning and fun long after the holidays are over.
3. Mini Brands Advent Calendar 2024 by ZURU Mini Brands Limited Edition Advent Calendar
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for the most exciting countdown to the holidays with the Mini Brands Advent Calendar 2024! This limited edition calendar is packed with 24 tiny surprises from ZURU Mini Brands. You’ll unbox a mix of Mini Brands, Toy Mini Brands, and Foodie Mini Brands. It’s the ultimate unboxing adventure for any Mini Brands fan. This calendar is also a fantastic gift idea for collectors. You can discover iconic minis from all the Mini Brands series. It’s your chance to find those missing pieces for your collection. Each day brings a new mini surprise to enjoy.
What We Like:
- You get 24 amazing mini surprises to unbox.
- It includes a variety of Mini Brands, Toy Mini Brands, and Foodie Mini Brands.
- The calendar offers a great way to complete your Mini Brands collection.
- It’s the perfect gift for any Mini Brands enthusiast.
- Discovering the mystery collectibles each day is super fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some collectors might already have many of the minis included.
- It would be nice if there was a way to know if you’re getting duplicates before buying.
This advent calendar delivers a delightful surprise every day leading up to the holidays. It’s sure to bring smiles and excitement to any Mini Brands collector.
4. Sesame Street: Advent Calendar Storybook Collection
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for a whole lot of learning and fun with the Sesame Street: Advent Calendar Storybook Collection! This special collection brings the magic of Sesame Street right into your home, helping young children count down the days to a big celebration. Each day reveals a new story, featuring beloved characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird. It’s a wonderful way to build excitement and create lasting memories throughout the holiday season.
What We Like:
- Engaging stories keep kids entertained.
- Introduces early literacy skills through reading.
- Familiar characters make it relatable and exciting.
- Encourages daily reading habits.
- Builds anticipation for special occasions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “N/A” feature means there isn’t a specific unique selling point to highlight here.
- Could benefit from interactive elements or bonus activities.
This storybook collection offers a delightful way to celebrate and learn. It’s a fantastic addition to any young child’s holiday routine.
5. National Geographic Magic Advent Calendar 2025 – 24 Days of Magic Tricks & Science Experiments
Rating: 9.0/10
The National Geographic Magic Advent Calendar 2025 is a fantastic way to make your holiday countdown exciting and educational. This calendar offers 24 days of wonder, filled with magic tricks and science experiments designed for kids. It makes learning fun and engaging as you prepare for Christmas.
What We Like:
- Open a Magical Adventure Every Day: You get 24 magic tricks and science experiments, making the holidays both fun and educational. Everything you need for each activity is included, so setup is a breeze!
- 24 Days of Magic and Science: Celebrate the holiday season with amazing science and magic. You can perform cool tricks like making a water ball or a coin disappear. You can also create a fizzy, color-changing solution.
- Perform 15 Classic Magic Tricks: This calendar includes 15 classic magic tricks that kids can master. A link to instructional videos from a professional magician helps ensure perfect performances.
- Conduct 9 Astounding Science Experiments: The magic continues with 9 science experiments that are sure to amaze. Kids can create a square bubble, reveal secret messages, make magic snow appear, and even float coins on water.
- Award-Winning Products: Blue Marble, the creator of this calendar, has won the Toy Association’s Toy of the Year Award. They make products that encourage education, imagination, and creativity. Plus, they offer U.S. support for a great experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the calendar is packed with activities, some younger children might need a little adult help with certain experiments or trick setups.
- The magic tricks and experiments are designed for a single use per activity, meaning once the trick or experiment is performed, the materials for that specific one are used up for the day.
This advent calendar is a brilliant way to keep kids entertained and learning throughout the holiday season. It’s a gift that gives back with knowledge and fun, day after day.
The Ultimate Guide to Advent Calendars This Year
Advent calendars are a super fun way to count down the days until Christmas. They add excitement and a little surprise to each morning as you get closer to the big day. This guide will help you pick the best one for you or someone special.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing an advent calendar, think about these important things:
- The Countdown: How many days does it count down? Most start on December 1st and go to December 24th, but some might be different.
- What’s Inside: This is the most exciting part! What kind of goodies will you find behind each door? Think about what you or the recipient loves.
- Theme: Many calendars have a special theme. This could be a favorite movie, a hobby, or even a type of treat. A themed calendar makes the countdown feel extra special.
- Visual Appeal: The calendar itself is part of the decoration. Does it look festive and beautiful? Some are simple, while others are like mini works of art.
Important Materials
The materials used in an advent calendar can tell you a lot about its quality and how it will be used.
- Cardboard: This is the most common material. Good quality cardboard is sturdy and holds its shape well. It keeps the surprises inside safe.
- Plastic: Some calendars use plastic for the individual compartments or even for the entire calendar. Plastic can be good for keeping items dry and protected.
- Wood: Wooden advent calendars are often reusable and can be a beautiful keepsake. They are usually more expensive but last for many years.
- Fabric: Advent calendars made of fabric, like little pouches hanging on a string, offer a different kind of charm. These can be great for holding small toys or treats.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make an advent calendar great, and others can make it less enjoyable.
- Durability: A well-made calendar will not fall apart before December is over. Doors should open easily without tearing.
- Surprise Factor: The surprises inside should be exciting and worth the wait. Small, cheap items can be disappointing.
- Packaging: How the calendar is packed for shipping matters. If it arrives damaged, the experience is ruined.
- Value for Money: Does the price match what you get inside? Sometimes, you pay more for a brand name or a specific license.
User Experience and Use Cases
Advent calendars are all about the experience they create.
- For Kids: Calendars with toys, stickers, or candy are usually a big hit. They make mornings exciting and build anticipation for Christmas.
- For Adults: Adults might enjoy calendars with coffee, tea, beauty products, or even small bottles of spirits. These offer a grown-up treat each day.
- For Hobbyists: If someone loves crafting, books, or a particular fandom, there are calendars designed just for them. These offer items related to their passions.
- Shared Experience: An advent calendar can be a fun family activity. Everyone can gather to open a door each morning and share the excitement.
Advent Calendar FAQs This Year
Here are answers to some common questions about advent calendars:
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in an advent calendar?
A: The main key features are the number of days it counts down, what kind of surprises are inside, the overall theme of the calendar, and how nice it looks.
Q: What are the most common materials used for advent calendars?
A: The most common materials are sturdy cardboard, plastic for compartments, durable wood for reusable calendars, and sometimes charming fabric for pouches.
Q: How can I tell if an advent calendar is good quality?
A: Good quality means the calendar is strong and doesn’t break easily. The doors should open nicely. The surprises inside should also be good and worth the wait.
Q: What makes an advent calendar’s quality worse?
A: Poor quality happens when the calendar is flimsy and falls apart. Small, disappointing surprises can also make a calendar less good.
Q: Who are advent calendars usually for?
A: Advent calendars are for everyone! Kids love them for toys and candy. Adults enjoy them for treats like coffee, beauty items, or small drinks. Hobbyists get calendars related to their interests.
Q: Can advent calendars be a family activity?
A: Yes! Advent calendars are a wonderful way for families to share excitement. Everyone can look forward to opening a door together each morning.
Q: Are there advent calendars for people who like specific things?
A: Absolutely! You can find calendars for fans of movies, books, crafts, makeup, and many other hobbies and interests.
Q: What is the typical number of days an advent calendar counts down?
A: Most advent calendars count down 24 days, starting from December 1st and ending on December 24th.
Q: Are wooden advent calendars a good investment?
A: Wooden advent calendars can be a great investment because they are reusable and can be a beautiful decoration for many years. They are often more expensive upfront.
Q: Where can I find advent calendars this year?
A: You can find advent calendars at many stores, both online and in person. Look at toy stores, department stores, specialty gift shops, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.