Fun kids' advent calendar ideas
My son has started opting for non-chocolate Christmas advent calendars. At first, I was horrified by the new price tag, but we came up with an agreement: if he could part with one or two presents under the tree then he could have an unusual advent calendar instead. Last year he went with the rubber duck calendar. I was worried we’d have 24 rubber ducks lying around the house – a complete waste of money. Surprisingly, we ended up making a Dungeons-and-Dragons style game out of the 24 duck pieces and picture board that came with the calendar. Roll a die and you can swim across the lake and ambush the duck in a tuxedo on the other side – it was hours of fun and we still play with it now.
Basically, it was well worth it and he didn’t even care about having fewer presents under the tree.
This year, we went on a Christmas advent calendar hunt and found some really fun options to choose from. Which one would be your child’s favourite? Are they an avid reader, a budding engineer, a talented magician or a puzzle-mad genius?
Build-it-yourself advent calendar
This isn't quite a calendar in the sense that there are no doors to open, but it comes in 24 pieces. You may want to create your own advent calendar pockets or boxes for the pieces. The instructions are needed, so the next step isn't a surprise but your child will still be super excited to see what's coming next and build a little bit each day. They'll learn construction and engineering skills and will be able to play with the finished product as well.
Magic tricks advent calendar
Great for anyone excited by magic (who isn't?). Each day your child will get a little magic trick to wow your family with. Note that the items are quite small and might sometimes slip from their compartment. This calendar is best suited for children ages 8+.
Science experiments advent calendar
I imagine you took a sharp intake of breath when you read the price on this one! But if your child is really into science and willing to sacrifice a few presents under the tree, then this may be a viable option. It comes with a quirky science experiment for each day leading up to Christmas. You'll find detailed, scientific explanations for each and will spend a good amount of time completing them and learning along the way. Adult supervision will probably be required, depending on the age of your child, and if you can, try to avoid looking further ahead in the instruction manual as this will give away the surprise for the next experiment.
Solar system advent calendar
For those kids who still want a sweet treat in their calendar, this one combines chocolate and science perfectly. Each day includes a chocolate shape and a fun fact about planets and the solar system. You could even make a game out of testing each other when you reach the end of the calendar and see who remembers the most facts!
Geology advent calendar
This calendar comes with 24 polished gemstones: agate, green aventurine, hematite, sodalite, turquenite, tiger's eye, blue calcite. On the final day, your child can dig out a crystal from a mini dig brick and there are options to make jewellery with the gemstones. This is a great introduction to geology or could add to your child's already bulging rock collection.
Crafts advent calendar
If you and your child love crafting then this one is highly recommended. You'll get to help your child create 24 Christmas ornaments, some easier to make than others so adult supervision is advised. You might also need equipment like scissors, glue gun and a pinecone! But it comes with a lot of quality materials and instructions.
Family activities advent calendar
This is a real contender for us this year as we're a board-game kind of family. We're also guilty of spending far too much time on screens, so an advent calendar that encourages real-life interaction is definitely appealing! This one comes with a little game for each day (dice games, dominoes, card games and more).
Sensory fidget advent calendar
Fidget toys had to make it on to this list! Am I the only grown-up who enjoys playing with these just as much as my kid? They're not of the highest quality but they do what they say on the tin. Enjoy fidgeting or playing with sensory toys? This could be the calendar for you (I mean your child, of course...). These can be really good pastimes for children with ADHD and/or autism, too.
DIY advent calendar (create your own surprise)
These felt calendars are a good (and fairly cheap) way to make your child's advent calendar really personal and memorable. Hang it up in your house and pop whatever surprises you want in the pockets for each day. Get imaginative! This could simply be a sweet treat one day, then a riddle on another, a homemade ornament, a friendship bracelet, a little lego figure – the list goes on. My friends use theirs every year and slip a small gift into the pockets for each child and they absolutely love it.
Art advent calendar
Paint sticks are fantastic: you can colour as much as you like without all the mess of using normal paint pots. Each day, you get a new paint stick and there are lots of lovely pictures to colour. Perfect for budding artists and those who can't have, or don't want, a chocolate calendar this year.
Escape advent calendar
Love escape rooms? We do too, so this advent calendar is very exciting. Each door has a clue that needs to be solved and QR codes to use if you need help. There are no numbers on the box, just images. This is best for older children (age 10 and up). Get your code-cracking hat on and solve your way to Christmas day. (It also comes with chocolate!)
Puzzling advent calendar
Be prepared for a puzzling December with this puzzle-packed calendar that includes 12 wooden locks and 12 plastic puzzles – each with a unique challenge. Sharpen your logical thinking and become a puzzle whiz by Christmas day!
Pinball arcade advent calendar
Build your own £19.99
I think we may have found a winner for this year's calendar. It has to be the build-your-own pinball machine calendar – my son is obsessed with this retro game! It may be a little complicated (with 68 pieces included) but no glue is required and who doesn't like a bit of a building challenge? It looks pretty robust. We'll have to let you know how we get on with it!
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