Advent calendars have come a long way from simply being foil-wrapped chocolate.
The simplicity and joy of these kinds of Advent calendars have always been a winner in this house, but we’ve been looking at some alternative advent calendars which veer away from chocolate and sweets. From books, crafts, LEGO and much more, the ideas for the build-up to Christmas are endless.
Creative Calendars
Get creative this year and spend hours creating, making, and colouring in the run-up to Christmas. This year's Playdoh creation is a must for any playdoh fan and for some mindful colouring why not pick up their Advent Calendar to Colour. The Crayola Countdown to Christmas Calendar is another great one for crafty kids, as is the new Aquabeads offering.
Book Calendars
A story a day throughout December is one of our favourite things to do. It's even better when the story is new and read under a blanket with a hot chocolate.
You can make a book calendar yourself or pick up one of the many available collections such as the Disney Storybook one, or Disney Tim Burtons The Nightmare Before Christmas Pop Up Book and Calendar. There's also the Mr Men and Little Miss Advent Calendar, or A Christmas Advent Story with a flap a day for advent.
Toy Calendars
Toy Advent calendars are always a win come first of December. The Schleich Horse Club and Dinosaur advent calendars are always popular. And favourites Peppa, VTech Toot-Toot, L.O.L. Surprise!, and Paw Patrol bring lots of fun.
On offer with LEGO are their wonderfully put together calendars for 2020. From gathering LEGO Friends together to celebrating Christmas in the Wizardry World of Harry Potter, there is something here for everyone including the Star Wars fanatic and the traditional LEGO enthusiast with the LEGO City Calendar.
Playmobil is stretching to our youth by bringing back Marty McFly and Doc Brown in Back to the Future, along with their Playmobile Pirates, Country Farm, Christmas Ball, or Grotto.
Fill Your Own
You can, of course, get creative with your own ideas for a Christmas Advent calendar with a fill your own set from The Works. And if none of this is your cup of tea why not choose the Digital Family Festive Movie Advent Calendar and make every night a movie night!
