10 Best Alternative Advent Calendars for Toddlers & Young Children

December 1st is here on Sunday – can you believe it!? What better way to start the magic and excitement than with an advent calendar that’s fun, unique, and perfect for little hands? If you’re looking to break away from the usual chocolate-filled countdown, I’ve got you covered! Whether you want something educational, interactive, or just plain cute, here are 10 alternative advent calendars for toddlers and young children that will have them counting down to Christmas in the most magical way!

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1. LEGO DUPLO Advent Calendar

Let’s kick off with something that little builders will LOVE! This LEGO DUPLO advent calendar is ideal for toddlers who are fascinated by stacking, building, and playing. Each day reveals a new figure or accessory that adds to a festive winter scene. By Christmas, they’ll have created their own little winter wonderland—how cute is that?!

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2. Playmobil Christmas in the Forest Advent Calendar

Next up, the Playmobil Christmas in the Forest set is perfect for tiny adventurers. Every day, your little one can unveil a piece of a magical forest scene, complete with woodland animals, a Santa figure, and even a sleigh! It’s a hands-on way to build a mini Christmas world bit by bit.

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3. Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Tree

This beautiful wooden advent calendar by Melissa & Doug is both sustainable and interactive! Your child can decorate a magnetic Christmas tree by adding a new ornament daily. It’s reusable year after year and makes for a stunning festive decoration once it’s fully decked out!

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4. VTech Toot-Toot Friends Advent Calendar

For the little ones who love all things interactive, the VTech Toot-Toot Friends advent calendar is a must-have. Each window hides characters, animals, and mini vehicles that light up, sing, and talk! By Christmas Eve, your toddler will have a bustling holiday village full of sound and light.

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5. Tonies Audio Advent Calendar

If your kids love story time, this one’s a winner! With the Tonies Audio Advent Calendar, each day unlocks a new festive story or song to be played on their Toniebox. Perfect for quiet evenings by the Christmas tree, or as a lovely way to wind down after a busy day.

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6. WOW Toys Advent Calendar

For toddlers who love imaginative play, the WOW Toys calendar is packed with surprises! Each door reveals a new toy that adds to a festive playset. From Santa and his sleigh to a cute little snowman, these toys are safe for toddlers and perfect for those who enjoy creating their own little Christmas scenes. ⛄️

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7. Little Brian Paint Sticks Advent Calendar

Got a mini artist at home? The Little Brian Paint Sticks advent calendar will be a hit! It includes a range of vibrant paint sticks and accessories, so your child can get creative each day. Mess-free and super easy to use, it’s perfect for little hands to create their own festive masterpieces!

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8. Disney Storybook Advent Calendar

What’s more magical than Disney at Christmas? With the Disney Storybook Advent Calendar, your little ones get a new mini storybook each day featuring their favourite Disney characters. It’s perfect for bedtime reading and will have them dreaming of Disney magic all December long!

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9. Schleich Farm World Advent Calendar

For little ones who love animals, the Schleich Farm World calendar is absolutely adorable! Each day reveals a detailed farm animal figure, perfect for imaginative play. By the end of the countdown, your toddler will have a whole barnyard of cute critters to play with!

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10. Orchard Toys Christmas Eve Box

For an extra special treat, why not try the Orchard Toys Christmas Eve Box? While not a traditional advent calendar, this activity-packed box is perfect for keeping little ones busy while they eagerly await Santa’s arrival. Filled with puzzles, games, and colouring activities, it’s sure to create a calm (but fun!) Christmas Eve experience.

We are MASSIVE Orchard Toys fans in this house!

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11. The Gruffalo and Friends Advent Calendar By Julia Donaldson

Last but not least – the alternative advent calendar we have in our house for Jack: The Gruffalo & Friends Advent Calendar. 

The Gruffalo & Friends Advent Calendar is a brilliant way for toddlers who love reading to count down to Christmas. Packed with 24 mini-books featuring beloved characters and stories by Julia Donaldson, including “The Gruffalo“, this set is perfect for fostering early literacy and festive excitement. Each day, little ones can enjoy rhymes, activities, and stories that spark imagination and creativity, making it a magical pre-Christmas treat. With its charming design and timeless tales, this calendar is an advent surprise and a treasure trove for bedtime and playtime year-round​.

Jack is absolutely Gruffalo, Room on the Broom & Stick Man OBSESSED so, naturally, I bought this back in September when I spotted it in The Works.

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So there you have it. From educational and creative options to those that spark imaginative play, these advent calendars are perfect alternatives for toddlers and young children who want more than just chocolate. Not only will they count down the days with excitement, but they’ll also learn, create, and play along the way.

Which one will you choose for your little one this year? Let me know in the comments! ✨

Happy counting down to Christmas!

LoveRosiee
xxx

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People Also Ask…

Can a 2 year old have an advent calendar?

The best thing about making an advent for a 2-year-old is they aren’t spoiled yet and will be equally happy to get a Christmas eraser and a super expensive toy. They probably will drop them both within 10 minutes so there is no point in getting too fancy with presents for an advent calendar.

Should a 2 year old know all the Colours?

A two-year-old may not be able to understand the concept of colours completely but they should be able to identify at least one color at this age. By this time, the child should learn how to name colours and identify basic shapes and numbers.

What age is the Disney advent calendar for?

The Disney Princess: Enchanted Christmas Pop-Up Advent Calendar is a magical holiday adventure perfect for children aged 0-12. This beautifully crafted advent calendar features stunning pop-up scenes of beloved Disney Princesses, creating an enchanting countdown to Christmas.

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