Kids advent calendars: toys, crafts and science by age
Squish-a-longs
Squish-a-longs holiday advent calendar, 24 Mini-Squish and ring
Prices checked on Amazon UK on 3 October 2026; they may have changed since. The price ranges and medians quoted in the text of this page come from the check of 29 September 2026. Ratings and review counts are those of Amazon shoppers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Kids advent calendars: choose by age first
On kids’ calendars the age label usually starts at 3, because the contents are small parts: figures, charms, bricks and gems. The label comes from the maker, so read it before the character on the box. When the title and the specs give two ages, follow the higher one.
Prices run from £10 to £36, with the middle near £23, which is 98p a door. The boxes are large: the Play-Doh one measures 38.1 x 33 cm and is 6.7 cm deep, and a Squish-a-longs calendar is 42 x 38.8 cm and 4 cm deep, so clear a shelf.
| Age | What fits | In the listings |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | Modelling dough, a doll, vehicles and figures, small collectables | Play-Doh 3+, Barbie 3+, Paw Patrol 3 to 9, Mini Brands 3+ |
| 5 to 7 | Collectable minis | Furby Minis 5+, Squish-a-longs 6+ |
| 7 and over | Building sets, science and gemstone kits | LEGO Harry Potter 7+, National Geographic science kit 8+, gemstone calendar 6+ in its specs and 8 to 12 in its title |
What is behind the doors
- Make and play: Play-Doh calendars hold 24 pots of dough with stampers and tools, and a craft kit makes a charm bracelet and a necklace.
- Collect: Squish-a-longs hold 24 one-inch Mini-Squish and a ring attachment, and Furby Minis hold 9 figures, 8 charms and 5 stickers.
- Pretend: Barbie is a doll with 29 pieces, Paw Patrol has 7 vehicles and 11 figures, and Monster Jam has trucks at 1:87 scale.
- Build: the LEGO Harry Potter calendar has 278 pieces, and the LEGO advent calendars page covers building sets and other toy brands.
- Learn: National Geographic calendars hold science experiments, gemstones and a rock collection.
- Bath time: one calendar holds 24 rubber duck bath toys.
Choosing a kids advent calendar
- Judge the contents, not the label. “For girls” and “for boys” are the seller’s words, and the same dough, minis and science kits suit any child.
- Check the price per door. Craft and charm kits and Furby Minis sit near the bottom of the range, and LEGO, Monster Jam and National Geographic kits near the top.
- Check the space. A box of 38 to 42 cm needs a shelf or a table.
Teenagers
Kids’ calendars here stop at 8 to 12. The advent calendar for men page has a hand tool calendar labelled 14+ and an electronic games kit for teens and adults, and the beauty advent calendars include makeup sets labelled for teens. For presents beyond the calendar, read Christmas gifts for teenagers.
Babies and toddlers
Most calendars here are labelled 3+ because of small parts, so a baby or toddler needs something else. A homemade calendar lets you choose every item for the child’s age, and the DIY advent calendar ideas guide has a list for each day. The main advent calendars page covers every other type.
Frequently asked questions: Kids Advent Calendars
What is the best advent calendar for children?
It depends on age and interests. Play-Doh, Barbie and Paw Patrol calendars are labelled 3+, a LEGO building calendar 7+, and the National Geographic science kit 8+. Check the age label and the contents before the character on the box.
What is a good advent calendar for a 4-year-old?
Look for a 3+ label: Play-Doh with 24 pots of dough, a Barbie calendar and a Paw Patrol calendar all carry one. If you fill your own, stickers, crayons, a mini colouring book and a small toy car all fit behind a door. For a child who still puts things in their mouth, avoid small parts.
What are some cool advent calendars for kids?
For a child who likes to collect, Squish-a-longs, Mini Brands and Furby Minis hold small figures to open each day. Builders get a LEGO calendar, and a child who likes science gets a National Geographic kit with experiments and gemstones. The LEGO advent calendars page has the other toy brands.
Is there an advent calendar for teenagers?
Yes. The hand tool calendar on the men’s page is labelled 14+, and the electronic games kit is for teens and adults. The beauty page has makeup sets labelled for teens, and chocolate or sock calendars work at any age.
Is there a baby advent calendar?
Most calendars here are labelled 3+ because of small parts, so they are not for babies. For a baby or toddler, a homemade calendar lets you choose every item for their age, and the DIY advent calendar ideas guide has a list for each day.
How much are kids’ advent calendars?
Prices here run from £10 to £36, and the middle is £23, or 98p a door. Craft and charm kits and Furby Minis sit near the bottom, and LEGO, Monster Jam and National Geographic kits near the top.
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