Best kids’ Advent calendars 2026, from LEGO to Bluey – reviewed by children

These fun calendars span games, collectables, toys and more Danielle Attwater / The StandardOne of the most magical parts of Christmas with children is watching their faces light up over the smallest things, and the best kids’ Advent calendars make the countdown extra special. Assuming they can resist the urge to tear open every door on day one, opening a little morning surprise – whether it’s a new Hot Wheels car, a mini LEGO set, or a bedtime story – is pure holiday joy.While chocolate calendars will always have their place, there are so many brilliant alternatives now. From much-loved Marvel characters and collectable Clickeez toys to creative activities, the best children’s Advent calendars offer plenty of fun beyond the initial unwrapping.With the help of my toddler and an array of friends’ kids of varying ages, we put this season's offerings to the test, noting everything from product quality to value-for-money. I’ve rounded up this season’s offerings for all agesDanielle Attwater / The StandardWhether you’re shopping for a toddler who loves getting hands-on, a budding builder or an older child with a favourite character they can’t get enough of, there’s something to suit all ages, interests and budgets. Because if there’s one thing that makes the run-up to Christmas even more exciting for kids, it’s having a little something to look forward to every day. Little People, BIG DREAMS Advent calendar Little People Big Dreams★★★★★I was thrilled to find an Advent calendar with contents that are both fun and educational, and this one is perfect for avid readers whilst still feeling like a little treat. Untie the ribbon and the calendar opens out into a giant book. Each of its 24 pockets hide a mini book about a different notable person, making it a fun and engaging way to teach children about inspiring figures from history and the modern world. There is a varied range of people to discover, from David Beckham and Agatha Christie to Harriet Tubman, with each short story introducing children to their lives and achievements. My little one has enjoyed reading these at bedtime, and it’s great knowing these will be well-loved, long after Christmas is over.Barbie Advent calendar Mattel★★★★★As a huge Barbie fan growing up, I would have been thrilled to open this Advent calendar as a child. It starts strong, too, with a full-sized Barbie doll with long pink hair behind the first door, giving children something to play with straight away. The remaining doors bring outfits and accessories to transform the doll into a mermaid, fairy or princess, alongside extra surprises including a mini unicorn and other small friends for Barbie. A bonus is that it isn’t Christmas-themed, so while it makes a lovely countdown treat, it won’t feel out of place once the decorations come down, and little ones can keep dressing her up all year-round.Clickeez Advent calendarClickeez★★★★★Collectables and sensory toys are big hits with kids at the moment; Clickeez ticks the box on both fronts, making this calendar particularly appealing. Just like keyboard keys, each toy has a satisfying click that gives it a fidget-like quality, and the individual characters make them something fun to collect or swap with friends. The Advent calendar comes with 20 Clickeez, including four exclusive Christmas-themed characters that you won’t find elsewhere. My little tester was very excited to carry them about using the provided keychains, and they can also be attached together, giving children plenty of ways to play and organise their growing collection.UNO Advent calendarMattel★★★★☆My family loves a good board game, although somehow I’d never actually played UNO before trying this Advent calendar. Behind the 24 doors are cards and unique game pieces, with a full deck included so you can get playing straight away. It’s worth noting, though, that the cards aren’t full-sized, which may be discouraging for players used to having a regular deck. Rather than just filling each door with bits and pieces, the calendar builds on the game itself, so it’s not only a great pick for existing UNO fans, but also a fun way to introduce the game to the uninitiated, like me.Monsoon jewellery Advent calendarMonsoon★★★★☆Ideal for a child who loves a bit of sparkle, this is an exciting twist on a traditional Advent calendar. Rather than discovering a different gift each day, the 12 doors reveal beads and charms that gradually build a Christmas-inspired bracelet; the snowy house packaging makes it feel extra festive, too. The best part is that this is a gift they can continue to enjoy, long after all 12 days have been opened. LEGO Marvel Advent calendarMattel★★★★★LEGO is a classic brand, and pairing it with Marvel feels like a pretty foolproof combination. My young tester was very excited to play with the familiar characters, with Spider-Man, Iron Man and Wolverine all making an appearance alongside festive mini builds. The box unfolds into a colourful Marvel-themed play scene, giving kids somewhere to bring all their little characters and creations to life. You get something different behind every door, and it’s a great choice for children who love building, superheroes, or a bit of both.JoJo Maman Bebe traditional Advent calendarJoJo Maman Bebe★★★★☆A little different from the regular countdown-style calendars, this one feels particularly geared towards younger children. Mine loved discovering a new character each day and gradually building the nativity scene. Each piece has a Velcro back, so they can stick the characters onto the calendar and move them around to create their own scenes and stories, making it more of a toy than a standard Advent calendar, and as a bonus, it also doubles up as a lovely festive decoration.Bluey Fuzzies Advent calendarBluey★★★★☆Bluey has become a firm favourite in our house, so my toddler was ecstatic to discover his beloved characters in toy form. This Advent goes beyond the characters of Bluey and Bingo to include other familiar faces, alongside festive accessories, stickers and trading cards. With 24 surprises to open, including eight exclusive mini figures with a soft, fuzzy finish, it’s a fun pick for kids who love to recreate favourite moments from the show, or come up with their own adventures. Orchard Toys Advent colouring and activity bookOrchard Toys★★★★★Any parent knows how quickly the excitement of Christmas can build, and a calendar that gives kids something to look forward to and do each day, without adding more toys to the house, gets my stamp of approval. This activity book is unlike a traditional Advent calendar and instead has 25 festive activities to work through, including puzzles, colouring, and creative challenges. There’s also a template for writing a letter to Santa, with the chance to receive a personalised reply, which was the most exciting part for my toddler. At £4, it’s an inexpensive way to keep little hands busy and give them something to look forward to. Christmas Tree fabric Advent calendarAvery Row★★★★★There’s something really special about bringing out the same, familiar Advent calendar every year, rather than buying a new one each December. Parents can pick up little knick-knacks or treats to fill the 24 embroidered pockets, making the countdown personal to your child. It looks lovely hanging in the house, too, as the quality is great, and the Christmas tree design, woodland characters and velvet star make it feel more like a piece of festive decor than an Advent calendar. This is one we will keep and cherish, with different little surprises to look forward to every Christmas. Paw Patrol Advent calendarPaw Patrol★★★★☆With this years’ release of PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, this Advent calendar will certainly be a huge hit for little fans, and is a fun way to bring the rescue pups into your Christmas countdown. There are 24 door to open, with surprises including 10 collectible figures dressed for the festive season. The box unfolds to create a snowy Adventure Bay scene, with seven vehicles including sledges and snowboards to fuel imaginative rescue missions, making this a fun addition to any PAW Patrol fan’s Christmas wish list. Hot Wheels Advent calendarMattel★★★★☆My little one is firmly in his vehicle phase, so I knew this Hot Wheels advent calendar was going to go down a treat. Behind each of the 24 doors is a car or winter-themed accessory, including a special snow globe car with a Yeti driver. There are 10 cars and 14 accessories to discover, plus clips for hanging the cars on the Christmas tree. Even the box adds to the fun, unfolding into a snowy play scene to race around. My 1st Years personalised Advent calendar houseMy 1st Years★★★★☆For a calendar that’s completely personal to your child, this My 1st Years version is a lovely version that can be customised with a name, making it feel extra special. It’s similar to the Avery Row calendar I also tested, but unlike the fabric version it doesn’t need to be hung, so it can sit on a shelf, sideboard or windowsill which is great if you don’t have the wall space. The wooden house is sturdy, and although the 24 drawers are small, they are perfect for chocolate coins or little surprises, making it fun to choose something different for each day.Littlest Pet Shop Glam Glacier Advent calendarLittlest Pet Shop★★★☆☆Littlest Pet Shop fans will have plenty to look forward to with this Advent calendar, which has 24 surprises to uncover. Inside are six bobble-headed pets, accessories, and various stickers for customising the animals. While I’d have liked to see a few more pets instead of quite so many stickers, the mini animals are sweet and fun to play with, and the accessories give children more ways to make up their own little stories. What are the best kids’ Advent calendars for 2026?If you want a daily treat that keeps kids engaged long after Christmas morning, non-chocolate calendars are worth every penny. Highlights from the Advent calendars I tested are Little People, BIG DREAMS for pure educational value, while UNO is great for bringing the family together over a shared game; and Clickeez is ideal for kids who love to collect and trade.