10 Cutest Advent Calendars for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Approved by Parenting Pros
Kids under 5 can still get in on the unboxing fun!
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If you're shopping for an advent calendar for a little one, you'll quickly notice that many popular options are designed for ages 5 and up because they contain pieces. Advent calendars are a big deal in my family, so I went looking for options toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy, too. They may need a little help with the countdown, but opening a new surprise each day is a fun way to practice numbers and get excited for Christmas.
Shop GH's Favorite Advent Calendars on Amazon
As a parenting editor, I’d recommend reusable options, like this DIY Step2 Advent calendar that is made from durable plastic and has drawers that can be filled with candy or age-appropriate toys. I also love this reusable cuddly Olaf one that only counts down 12 days ahead of the holiday, so it feels less overwhelming.
Almost every preschooler I’ve met loves magnetic tiles, so they’re sure to be thrilled with this set that contains micro versions of a train, Santa, and conductor, all decked out with holiday flair. The best part is that all of these pieces work with any existing tiles they have.
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This one may be suitable for toddlers, but honestly, he’s cute for even bigger kids and Disney adults who love Frozen. The adorable snowman is stuffed, so he can be hugged like any other plush friend. Plus, there are only 12 days, so you can keep him hidden until mid-December, and kids will move a felt Sven marker between pockets to count down.
I love the simplicity of this advent calendar, and that you can use it over and over again. The wooden tree comes with 24 magnetic ornaments that kids can add without help. They store in the “tree skirt” box at the bottom for easy reach, and you get a large star to place on the top when the big day finally arrives.
This Bluey calendar is extremely popular, which is no surprise since the show is such a hit with little kids. They’ll get Bluey and her sister Bingo in holiday gear, along with accessories like a tree and presents.
This one is a bit bigger than most advent calendars, at nearly two feet tall. It looks like a gingerbread house and has 24 2-inch boxes that can be filled with notes and treats. The best part? You can use it for years to come.
HABA is known for its traditional wooden figures, and this includes 24 new ones for your toddler to add to their growing collection. It also includes a storybook, Theo the Raven Saves Christmas, which has daily stories with a seasonal theme.
Even if they aren’t quite ready for traditional Barbie dolls, they can enjoy the icon in Little People form. This comes with six figures and 17 accessories that look like they are indulging in an après-ski hangout at a chalet.
The LEGO advent calendars are sadly not age appropriate for the under-5 set, but this Playmobil pick lets that do some light building (mostly just snapping pieces together) to create this adorable Christmas market, skating rink, and four figures.
You don’t need to get them a pony for Christmas; instead, get them eight low-maintenance small pets, including a cat, donkey, and two baby pets. This also comes with sticker sheets to bling out the accessories, which doubles as a play mat.
Hot Wheels have been in style for over 50 years, and this countdown includes 10 standard-size toy cars. It also comes with 14 winter-themed accessories (think reindeer and snowmen) and with 10 ornament hooks if you want to hang these on the tree.
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