If you have a baby or toddler, you might not want to get them traditional chocolate Advent calendars this year, but trying to find Advent calendars for toddlers that don't contain chocolate can be tricky.
Luckily, if you are wanting to switch out the chocolate Advent calendars, there are other alternatives for your tot, such as Disney Advent calendars, toys to keepsakes and books. You can even get to build your own Advent calendars that come as a fabric hanging or a wooden shape with drawers, so you can fill it with treats and toys of your own and reuse it every year.
Editor's Choice:
•Best reusable Advent calendar: The White Company Snowy Advent Calendar - View offer on The White Company
•Best interactive Advent calendar: tonies® Christmas Advent Calendar - View offer on tonies®
•Best for Bluey fans: Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle - View offer on Amazon
•Best doll Advent calendar: Baby Annabell Advent Calendar -View offer on Argos
So if you're looking for something a little bit different to your typical Advent calendars for toddlers, we've round up some of the best choices for your toddler. Some of these calendars are currently on sale, just in time for Chrostmas!
The best toddler Advent calendars 2023
Best reusable Advent calendar
www.thewhitecompany.com
Description
How adorable is this 3D penguin calendar from The White Company? It's made from super-soft
Pros
- 3D novelty piece.
- Super-soft velboa faux fur.
Cons
- Not many colours to choose from.
Best interactive Advent calendar
tonies.com
Description
This adorable reusable calendar features 24 pockets which can be filled with any treats you like,
Pros
- Washes easily
- Good sized pockets
Cons
- Older children might outgrow this
Best for creativity
Description
An Advent calendar that's a little different to most, this Christmas Plasticine Advent Calendar
Pros
- Make new models every day
- Easy to follow instructions
Cons
- No onsite reviews
Best Advent calendars for toddlers
www.elfforchristmas.co.uk
Description
Countdown to Christmas with Personalised Elf Letters, revealing their exciting adventures straight
Pros
- Helps create the magic of Christmas
- Can be used alongside the Elf on the Shelf
Cons
- No gifts or toys included
Best for Disney fans
ON SALE
www.boots.com
Description
Filled with 24 classic Disney characters, dressed with a Christmas twist, the Funko Advent
Pros
- Different Disney characters in the Funko design
- Can be played with or used as decoration
Cons
- Some are difficult to stand up
Best for Bluey fans
Description
Perfect for Bluey fans, this Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle contains 24 story and colouring
Pros
- Includes a mix of storybooks and colouring books
- Features everyone's favourite Heeler puppy
Cons
- Some mentioned they'd rather it just have storybooks
go.skimresources.com
Description
If your little one enjoys building things, they'll love this LEGO® Friends Advent Calendar. It
Pros
- Bright colours
- Helps to develop fine motor skills
Cons
- Small pieces
Best for humour
Description
The Original Mr.Men And Little Miss Calendar contains a mixture of Mr. Men figures, ink stamps,
Pros
- Contains the 12 popular book figures
- Includes 12 other gifts
Cons
- Not too Christmassy
Best for nature
ON SALE
Description
Wake up to a new wooden character piece hidden behind the Advent calendar doors each day. By
Pros
- Good quality figures
- Beautifully decorated
Cons
- Not all Beatrix Potter story characters available
ON SALE
www.very.co.uk
Description
Perfect for Harry Potter fans, this advent calendar includes a Harry Potter doll. There are 24
Pros
- Fun packaging
- Ideal for the whole family
Cons
- Only suitable for kids over 6
Best doll Advent calendar
ON SALE
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Baby Annabell dolls will be well prepared for Christmas parties with this sweet advent calendar.
Pros
- Festive clothing
- Can double up as a christmas present
Cons
- No customer reviews
Description
Kids love rocks and crystals and anything sparkly and this fascinating advent calendar will help
Pros
- Can make jewellery with the stones
- Includes a magnifying glass and storage pouch
Cons
- Some parents found that not all the crystals were real
Description
A must for Peppa Pigs, your little one will find a surprise mini storybook behind each door, plus
Pros
- Educational
- Great for Peppa Pig fans
Cons
- Books are a little flimsy
Description
Perfect for Duggee fans, count down the days left until Christmas, with your favourite Hey Duggee
Pros
- Educational
- Books are suitable for year-round reading
Cons
- Small books can be difficult to read
Description
Have some fun and create a gorgeous scene, with the Little People Barbie Advent Calender this
Pros
- Festive toys
- Great for Barbie fans
Cons
- Small pieces not suitable for small children
What age should you start buying an Advent calendar?
Anyone can enjoy an Advent calendar, regardless of their age. If your baby is really young they may not remember opening their daily boxes - but you probably will. Christmas is a great time to focus on your family. Spending a little time each morning to enjoy some Christmas magic is just what Santa ordered.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.