Toy-Filled Countdown: Christmas Advent Calendars That’ll Bring Joy to Kids and Parents!

The must have Christmas calendars from Barbie, Harry Potter, Super Mario, Paw Patrol and more.

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Advent calendars actually started in the church but, most recently, they’re in everyones house as a fun way for the kiddos to countdown the number of days until Christmas and get a little surprise toy treat or two each and every day.

Similar to The Elf on the Shelf, realistic parents use these calendars as a way to bribe their kids to “be good” and “stop fighting with their sister” or else “you won’t be able to open your calendar box today!” Isn’t parenting grand!?

Typically, you’ll start using your calendar on December 1st and each day the kiddos will open up the surprise box for that day and see what kind of little toy or gift is inside. This fun little activity will take place each day until Christmas (or the 24th if actual Christmas morning trumps your calendar gift which, to be honest, it usually does).

Some of these advent calendars will come with the little gifts as part of the package and others are empty (and more ‘box-like’) and you can fill it with whatever you want. One thing we know for sure is that you typically need to get yours ASAP because it’s nearly impossible to find one once November rolls around. Plus, after all the money you’ve already spent on their Christmas toys, isn’t it nice that these are super small and relatively affordable?!

Check out some of our personal favorite Advent Calendars (so far) this month that even you (as an adult) would enjoy too. You’ll see what we mean!

1. FOR THE 'FRAGILE' FANS

A Christmas Story Advent Calendar With Toys

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 24

On the double, Ralphie! Our personal favorite this year is the “A Christmas Story” advent calendar that comes with 24 different windows to open up each and every day up until Christmas revealing a cute little toy from the classic movie. It even includes toys like Ralphie in his famous pink bunny outfit, his broken glasses, the leg lamp, and so many more. As an adult, we totally want this too.

WHAT TO LOVE:

Movie Magic: This isn’t your typical advent calendar, it’s all about bringing movie moments to life. People are talking about opening doors every day and getting that rush of excitement as they reveal characters that are like old friends.
Quality Counts: One thing that keeps popping up is the quality. We’re talking about figures that actually stand on their own and packaging that doesn’t feel like it’s about to fall apart. It’s like having a little treasure trove each day.
Family Time: This isn’t just a one-person show. Families are getting in on the action, from guessing what character is behind the next door to using these figures to decorate their Christmas villages. It’s like a shared experience that brings everyone together.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Missing Key Stuff: There’s this BB gun-shaped hole in some people’s hearts. The absence of iconic stuff like the Red Ryder BB Gun? Not cool. It’s like watching a superhero movie where the superhero forgets their cape.
Too Many of 1 Thing: Look, we all love dogs, but three plastic hounds? Some folks are thinking that’s a bit of an overkill. Imagine having three ice creams in a row when you really just want some fries too.
Counting Confusion: You know that fun countdown feeling? Well, some reviews mention that the excitement’s kinda dampened when you’re hunting for an unnumbered door each day. It’s like trying to solve a mystery puzzle instead of just enjoying the surprise.

2. FOR THE MICKEY MOUSE FANS

The Disney Mickey Christmas Classic

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 32

Can it even be Christmas if Mickey and friends aren’t involved? This one comes with a bit more than most of the others (32 vs. 24), including most of your favorite Disney characters that you’ll discover each day like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, Chip/Dale, Pluto, Daisy Duck, and more. Your kiddos will have fun with the stickers that come with it too.

WHAT TO LOVE:

Exciting Daily Surprises: It’s evident that this advent calendar brings joy to the kids. Opening a new door every day and finding a surprise inside is like a mini celebration. It’s a fun and interactive way to count down the days until Christmas.
Disney Magic in the House: Many reviewers are raving about the Disney theme of the advent calendar. Disney characters and scenes make the anticipation even more exciting, as it’s like having a piece of the magical Disney World right at home.
Creating Lasting Memories: These daily surprises seem to be making lasting memories for the kids. As they eagerly open each door, it’s not just about the immediate excitement but also the collection of positive experiences that add to the holiday season’s special vibe.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Sticker Disappointment: A downside some reviewers have pointed out is receiving stickers on certain days instead of tangible items. If your kiddo is excited to open a door only to find a sticker—it might not match their toy anticipation levels.
Age-Appropriate Consideration: While it’s clear that many kids are loving this advent calendar, a few reviews suggest that it might be more suitable for slightly older children. Younger kids might not fully appreciate or engage with certain aspects of the calendar.

3. FOR THE HARRY POTTER FANS

The Harry Potter "Funko Pop" Advent Toy Calendar

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 32

While there may have not been a new Harry Potter movie (or book) in a while, when it comes to Advent Calendars they’re typically some of the to sellers season after season. And if your kiddos are into cute little toys, they’re going to love all the tiny toy surprises hiding behind each door they can discover each and every day. If fact, there are 24 little toys in total. And when we say little, we mean it. Each character is – at most – 2 inches tall.

WHAT TO LOVE:

Cool Display Potential: The prospect of displaying these Funko figures seems to be a big draw. Creating a dedicated spot for them, alongside other Funko Pops, adds a personalized and eye-catching element to their space, like assembling a mini gallery.
Creative Miniatures: Reviewers appreciate the creativity in miniaturizing the standard-sized Funko Pops. It’s like having a collection of tiny, detailed versions of their favorite characters, showcasing the artistry of Funko’s design.
Variety and Detail: Despite some drawbacks, the detail in the characters that reviewers received is noted positively. It seems that the figures capture the essence of the characters, adding to the overall enjoyment of the advent calendar experience.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Duplicate Disappointment: A notable downside mentioned is the occurrence of duplicates. Having several copies of the same character, like Harry Potter, feels less exciting and takes away from the expected variety and surprise element.
Missing Key Characters: Reviewers express a sense of letdown due to the absence of certain main characters like Snape, Voldemort, and others. This makes the calendar feel a bit incomplete for some diehard Potter fans.

4. FOR THE MARIO BROTHERS FANS

The Super Mario Christmas Calendar

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 24

Super Mario fans unite! We may be the most excited about this one because we grew up with Mario and Luigi so there’s even a bit of nostalgia for us. This one comes with 17 different surprise figures, 7 accessories, and more. Get ready for 24 days of surprises!

WHAT TO LOVE:

Quality and Durability: Many reviewers are pleasantly surprised by the quality and durability of the Mario figurines included. They mention that the toys are well-made, with attention to detail in terms of design and construction. Some even share stories of accidentally stepping on the toys or encountering rough play, only to find that the toys held up well. This sturdiness is a big positive for those who have kids with active and rugged play habits.
Excitement and Engagement: Reviewers highlight the excitement and engagement that the Advent Calendar brings to their daily routine. The anticipation of opening a new door and discovering a surprise toy adds an element of thrill and enjoyment. For those who love the Mario franchise, this calendar provides a unique way to experience the magic of their favorite characters on a daily basis.
Value for Money: Many reviewers mention that while the Advent Calendar might seem a bit pricey at first, the quality of the individual toys justifies the cost. Comparing the toys to what they might find in stores, they feel that they’re getting a good deal. The fact that each figurine is well-crafted and resembles the characters from the Mario games contributes to the feeling that the calendar offers good value for money.
Display and Play Potential: A significant advantage of this Advent Calendar is that it goes beyond being just a temporary holiday decoration. Reviewers appreciate that the figurines are not flimsy throwaways; they’re items that can be collected, displayed, and even used for imaginative play. This adds an extra layer of value to the calendar, as the toys can become a lasting part of the collector’s Mario-themed collection.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Duplicates and Missing Characters: A notable drawback mentioned by several reviewers is the presence of duplicate figurines. Some express disappointment when they receive multiple copies of the same character. While the variety of characters is generally appreciated, some fans would have preferred a wider range of characters instead of duplicates. Additionally, some iconic characters that fans associate with the Mario universe, like Bowser, are missing from the set, leaving certain fans wanting more.
Assembly and Packaging: While the excitement of opening a new door every day is undeniable, some reviewers found the process a bit cumbersome due to the way the figures are securely fastened inside the doors. Some recommend using scissors to cut the tags holding the figures in place. There’s also a mention of issues with the cardboard background, particularly the trees and flowers, which might not stand up as well as expected.

5. FOR THE LITTLE HOCKEY FANS

The NHL Hockey Advent Calendar With Toys

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 24

This is the perfect option for all the little hockey fans out there, whether they love to watch it on TV or love to play it themselves! Like many of the others, this one comes with 24 surprises, hockey players, the goal, the Stanley Cup, and so much more!

WHAT TO LOVE:

Quality Playtime: Reviewers mentioned that the pieces are well-made and durable. This means your kiddos can play with them even after the Christmas season is over, adding to the fun and value.
Collectible Components: The calendar includes various pieces that can complement existing Playmobil hockey sets, providing more versatility and options for imaginative play all year long.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Limited Surprise: A common criticism was that the calendar includes a list of what each day provides, removing the surprise factor. Many enjoy the mystery of not knowing what’s inside, making the experience less exciting for some. You may want to hide that list from your kiddos.
Value for Money: A few reviewers felt that the cost of the calendar might not be justified considering the number of pieces they received. They expected more toys and accessories for the price paid.

6. FOR THE ULTIMATE "THE OFFICE" FANS

The Office Christmas Toys Calendar

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 24

While this one is geared towards kids 6 years old and up, let’s be honest, it’s really for the tweens/teens and adults who are still obsessed with The Office. Inside you’ll find 24 different surprises, including some of your favorite things like Dwight, Jim, Pam, Michael Scott, and so many more. Each character measures in under 2.5 inches, so they make cute little collectibles to display on your desk, locker, night stand – you name it.

WHAT TO LOVE:

Ideal for Fans: If your older kids or significant other is a devoted fan of “The Office,” this advent calendar is like a dream come true.
Exciting Variety: One of the most appealing aspects of this advent calendar is the wide array of characters from the show. Every day reveals a different figure, which keeps the excitement high throughout the countdown to Christmas.
Creative Display: Many reviewers found joy in rearranging and displaying the figures as they opened each door. Some even shared their creative setups on social media, showing how they turned their figures into mini-scenes reminiscent of memorable moments from the show.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Limited Female Representation: One common theme in the reviews was the lack of representation of female characters. Some reviewers noticed that there were multiple versions of characters like Michael, Jim, and Dwight, while important female characters like Erin and Karen were missing.
Missing or Duplicate Figures: Some reviewers encountered issues with either missing figures or receiving duplicate versions of characters. While the surprise of discovering a new character each day was maintained, missing figures or duplicates were disappointing.

7. FOR THE BARBIE FANS

The Barbie "Cutie Reveal" Christmas Calendar

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 25

The Barbie Cutie Reveal Advent Calendar is a super cool way for kids to enjoy the holiday season with Barbie. It’s like opening 25 surprise gifts! Inside, you’ll find a special winter-themed Barbie doll with a shiny, sparkly snow deer design. But that’s not all – every day, you get to reveal a new surprise. These surprises could be fuzzy clothes, adorable mini pets, or awesome accessories that let you create snowy scenes and holiday stories. You can dress up Barbie in cozy winter outfits like mittens, a scarf, earmuffs, or even furry stuff. Just remember, the doll can’t stand on its own. Get ready for a fun winter adventure and lots of holiday fun with this Barbie advent calendar!

WHAT TO LOVE:

Loads of Surprises: People seem to love that this calendar has 25 surprises inside! Each day, you get to open a new part of the set, like outfits, accessories, and even cute little pets.
Cool Color-Changing: One awesome thing is that the Barbie doll and her animal friends can change colors when you use hot or cold water. Imagine how much fun that can be while playing!
Great for Imaginative Play: Folks are saying that this advent calendar keeps them engaged and provides hours of imaginative play. You can mix and match different outfits and accessories for endless fun stories.
Quality and Design: Reviewers are impressed with the high-quality Barbie doll and all the accessories that come with it. The doll even has flexible joints, so you can make her pose however you want.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Confusing Placement: Some people found it a bit confusing where the Barbie doll was placed in the calendar. It’s not in the usual number “1” spot, so that caused a little mix-up.
Not All Accessories Fit: A few reviewers mentioned that some accessories, like the big shoes, didn’t fit Barbie perfectly. So, keep that in mind while playing.

8. FOR THE PAW PATROL FANS

The Official Paw Patrol Advent Calendar

NUMBER OF TOYS INCLUDED: 25

It’s the exclusive Paw Patrol Holiday Advent Calendar! Your little ones can count down the days to Christmas with their favorite Paw Patrol pals in Adventure Bay.

The surprises hidden inside this calendar are seriously exciting. You’ll find not just 1, not 2, but 7 of the main pups! Woof-tastic, right? But that’s not all – there are also 2 awesome pup friends, super sleek sleighs for gliding through winter wonderland, a snowman to have snowball fights with, and even Christmas trees to make everything festive.

WHAT TO LOVE:

Exciting for Paw Patrol Fans: The calendar is like a dream come true for Paw Patrol fans. If you’re into these furry heroes, you’ll be super excited to find them waiting behind those little doors each day.
Imaginative Playtime Galore: The toys inside the calendar aren’t just pieces of plastic. They’re tools for your imagination. You can create epic adventures, new stories, and let your creativity run wild with these Paw Patrol characters and accessories.

BE MINDFUL OF:

Tricky Doors: Some folks found that opening the doors or compartments could be a bit of a challenge. You might need to be patient to avoid accidentally damaging them when you’re excited to see what’s inside.
Price Tag Got Some Raised Eyebrows: A few reviewers felt like the calendar’s price didn’t quite match up with what they got. They were expecting a bit more bang for their buck.

In Conclusion

From Paw Patrol pups to magical Barbie moments, these Christmas Advent calendars with toys are the ultimate way to make your holiday countdown a whole lot more exciting, especially for your kids. Whether you’re exploring snowy scenes, unboxing surprise treasures, or creating imaginative stories with your favorite characters, these calendars have something special for everyone. So, get ready to embark on a daily journey of fun and anticipation as you open those doors and discover the holiday magic inside.

If you liked our recommendations, check out some of our favorite White Elephant ideas, funny Secret Santa gifts, and even some perfect last minute Christmas presents when you’ve totally forgot.

Ali Kelly

Ali is the Senior Product Trends Editor at Trendsicle.com and loves researching, testing, and reviewing a wide variety of must-have products and sales events from some of the top retailers. Ali has been covering all things “shopping” since 2019 and spends her downtime living on TikTok and Buzzfeed.

Tags: christmas gifts 2024
HUB: toys and games

Toy-Filled Countdown: Christmas Advent Calendars That’ll Bring Joy to Kids and Parents!

JUMP TO: THE TOP 8 ADVENT CALENDARS

1.

FOR THE 'FRAGILE' FANS