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Advent calendars

Advent calendars for kids: ideas that build excitement

Advent calendars give each day of December its own little surprise. Here is how to choose one for a child, from small toys to 24 stories.

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Advent calendars

Adventsbox Leo Lausemaus: 24 Advent stories (German)

2–5 years

24 short stories to read aloud, one for each day of Advent. German-language, so good for bilingual families or learners of German.

Der kleine Siebenschläfer: Advent stories (German, box)

3–6 years

Advent stories from the Lichterwald in an Advent calendar box, a cosy read-aloud ritual. German-language, good for bilingual families or learners.

PLAYMOBIL Advent calendar: Dino Expedition

from 4 years

An Advent calendar for dinosaur fans: something new each day for the dino expedition.

PLAYMOBIL Advent calendar: Pirates

from 4 years

An Advent calendar for pirate fans: new figures and accessories each day for children's own adventures.

PLAYMOBIL Advent calendar: Princess 71348

from 4 years

An Advent calendar with a princess world: figures and accessories that build into a play scene day by day.

PLAYMOBIL Advent calendar: Christmas Market Trip

from 4 years

An Advent calendar with figures and accessories for a small Christmas market. Something new each day until the scene is ready for play.

Spekulatius, der Weihnachtsdrache: Advent book (German)

5–9 years

An Advent book in 24 chapters, one piece of the story each day, to read aloud or alone. German-language, good for bilingual families or learners.

Schleich Horse Club Advent calendar: Sleigh Ride

from 5 years

An Advent calendar for horse lovers, with figures and accessories for a sleigh ride that fill out towards Christmas.

Das Weihnachtsgespenst: Advent story (German)

from 8 years

An Advent story in 24 chapters, one chapter a day, to read alone or aloud. German-language, good for bilingual families or learners of German.

What an advent calendar is, and why kids love it

An advent calendar counts down the days to Christmas. From 1 to 24 December, the child opens one door, bag or page per day. It creates a small morning ritual and gives the weeks before the holiday some structure. For young children who cannot yet picture a date on a calendar, it is a clear and cheerful way to see how long is left.

Bought calendars with toy figures

Instead of sweets, many bought calendars hide small toy figures, building bricks or craft pieces. Behind each door a little world grows, and the child can keep playing with it after Christmas. Check the manufacturer's age guidance. If the calendar contains small parts, it is not suitable for children under 36 months.

  • Vehicles, animals, figures or brick sets to collect
  • Calendars with craft or drawing supplies for creative children
  • Calendars with small experiments for curious school-age kids

Story-book advent calendars with 24 tales

A calmer option is the advent calendar as a book. Some editions offer 24 short stories in separate little parcels or chapters. One piece is read aloud each evening, which gives the family a fixed, shared pause in a busy season. It suits children from pre-school age and can work well into the primary-school years.

Buy it well before 1 December

Popular models can become scarce in late autumn. Buying early means more choice. If it comes by post, you still have time for a return or a replacement.

Filling one yourself as an alternative

If you would like more freedom, fill an empty calendar of 24 bags or boxes yourself. Small tasks ("Today we bake biscuits"), an eraser, a sticker or a note about a shared activity are often enough. That way the calendar fits the child exactly.

What helps when choosing

Think about how much time the child has in the morning. If every day starts in a rush, a door with a small figure or a sticker is ideal. A child who likes crafts or reading will enjoy a calendar with craft pieces or stories more. Also check whether the calendar fits your home, because some models are large and need a fixed spot on a wall or shelf.

The links go to amazon.de, the German Amazon shop, which delivers to many countries.

Frequently asked questions

From what age is an advent calendar with toy figures suitable?
The packaging tells you. If the calendar contains small parts, it is not suitable for children under 36 months.
When should I buy an advent calendar?
Ideally in October or early November. Buying early means more choice.
What is a story-book advent calendar?
A calendar with 24 stories to read aloud, one per day. It works especially well if the whole family gathers each evening.
Can I fill an advent calendar myself?
Yes, with 24 bags or boxes and small items or shared activities. That way you decide what goes in and how much.

On wimolino you will also find colouring pages and learning games for this age. Go to the learning games · Go to the coloring pages

Other age groups

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