The 31 Best Toy Advent Calendars of 2022

The best picks from Fisher-Price, Hatchimals, Funko, KiwiCo, and more

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Best Toy Advent Calendars of 2022

The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

While your standard advent calendar options might include candy, cookies, or other perishables, these kids' options come with small toys and accessories that will keep boys and girls engaged long after your winter festivities.

To find the best one for your child, we researched the best countdown calendars, considering the price, age range, and delivery time of each.

Here are the best toy advent calendars.

Our Top Picks

JOYIN 2022 Christmas Advent Calendar with 24 Pressure-Relief Toys

JOYIN 2022 Christmas Advent Calendar with 24 Pressure-Relief Toys

JOYIN

Fidget toys are designed to keep busy minds at bay during school, in the car, or even when watching TV. With tons of different designs, there is a perfect fidget out there for everyone, and this advent calendar from JOYIN has 24 pop-able fidgets to collect.

Each can be used for entertainment or as a stress reliever and can be used by any age, even adults. There are five different calendars to choose from, with holiday-themed options from Santa to a reindeer toy.

Price at time of publish: $20

LOL Surprise OOTD Advent Calendar with Collectible Doll

2021 OOTD Advent Calendar with Limited Edition Collectible Doll

Amazon

Advent calendars add the element of surprise to your kid's favorite toys and LOL Surprise is no different. The extremely popular surprise toys get an upgrade with this circular advent calendar that comes with an exclusive doll and over 25 accessories to dress her up every day of December.

Price at time of publish: $31

PLAYMOBIL Advent Calendar - Christmas Baking

PLAYMOBIL Advent Calendar - Christmas Baking

PLAYMOBIL

If the holidays mean baking for your family, you'll love this themed advent calendar from PLAYMOBIL. The pieces reveal an adorable play set with figurines, pretend food, and even Santa and his reindeer. You'll also receive real-sized cookie cutters to use in the kitchen with your little ones as part of a new holiday tradition.

Price at time of publish: $25

Paw Patrol 2022 Advent Calendar

Paw Patrol: 2022 Advent Calendar

Paw Patrol

Have the pups of Paw Patrol join you and your family this holiday season with this advent calendar inspired by the beloved show. Collect exclusive figurines of the adorable characters, festive accessories like a roaring fireplace, and other animal friends to create a fun winter scene.

Price at time of publish: $40

Melissa & Doug Wooden Advent Calendar

Melissa & Doug Wooden Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Amazon

The Melissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar is truly one of the most festive advent calendars available today. Shaped like a giant Christmas tree, the calendar comes with glittery magnetic ornaments, a shining star to place atop the tree, and an attractive wooden box for easy storage. There’s a heartwarming holiday poem on the back, which provides the perfect yuletide ritual for families who enjoy reading aloud together.

Price at time of publish: $30

Hot Wheels Advent Calendar

Hot Wheels Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Amazon

The Hot Wheels Advent Calendar is a great gift for any kid who loves playing with toy cars. With it, you'll get eight Hot Wheels cars and sixteen accessories, plus an included foldout playmat where kiddos can play with all of their new goodies. The cars in this set are the same size and quality as your standard Hot Wheels, so they can be easily mixed into an existing collection once the holidays pass.

Price at time of publish: $41

Hatchimals Advent Calendar with Exclusive Characters & Paper Craft Accessories

Hatchimals Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Amazon

If you're looking for a calendar that includes even more surprises per day, this one from Hatchimals is a great option. Filled with over 50 surprises—ten Hatchimals and an array of accessories, sticker sheets, and more—this set will keep multiple kiddos happy. (No more fighting among siblings!) Be warned that some of the parts are quite small, so this calendar is best for those age five and up.

Price at time of publish: $40

Fisher-Price Little People Advent Calendar

Fisher-Price Little People Advent Calendar

Courtesy of buybuyBABY

This calendar is a great way to re-introduce your little person (ages 1-5 years old) to all of his favorite Christmas season characters. On each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas, your kiddo will unveil winter animals, a snowman, and other critters. The bigger and smaller toddler toys are evenly spaced out, so every day is a surprise.

Price at time of publish: $60

Crayola Christmas Countdown Calendar

Crayola Christmas Countdown Calendar

Courtesy of Crayola

Perfect for creative types, the Crayola Christmas Countdown Calendar offers a new craft or activity each day, plus a Crayola item to go with it! From paint and markers to crayons and clay, there's a great assortment of products that will be used long after the last door is opened.

Price at time of publish: $27

The Purple Cow Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

The Purple Cow Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

The Purple Cow

Keep learning even when on holiday break with this science-filled advent calendar from The Purple Cow. Kids can complete 24 engaging and exciting science experiments as they count down to Christmas. All ages can participate, making this fun for the family. With easy-to-follow instructions, your little one will turn into a crazy scientist by December 25.

Price at time of publish: $45

Funko Harry Potter 2022 Advent Calendar

Funko Harry Potter 2022 Advent Calendar

Funko

Funko Pops are a great gift option for everyone on your list, and this Harry Potter-themed advent calendar is sure to thrill the tiny wizards in your life. Littles ones will love seeing which of their favorite characters they can collect next. By Christmas, they will have a full cast of characters to display in their rooms or act out their favorite scenes with their new mini Pops.

Price at time of publish: $50

KiwiCo Christmas Village Advent Calendar

KiwiCo Christmas Village Advent Calendar

KiwiCo

Build your very own Christmas village piece by piece with this advent calendar from KiwiCo. Each day, little ones will find a new buildable project to add to their winter scene, from a cozy cottage to Santa's sleigh. By Christmas, they will have an entire village to display for Santa when he comes down the chimney! Preserve your village to display as a new piece of holiday decor for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $50

HABA My First Advent Calendar - Farmyard Animals

HABA My First Advent Calendar - Farmyard Animals

HABA

Perfect for toddlers just learning about the German tradition of advent. HABA's farmyard theme calendar is designed to be their first. Kids between 2 and 4 years old will love receiving a new wooden animal figure each day to add to their collection and by Christmas, they will have a whole new play set to enjoy for hours on end. Little ones might need your help opening the tabs each day. Beware of tantrums when they find out they have to wait a whole day for the next present.

Price at time of publish: $40

Cranky Cake Shop Festive House Paper Craft Advent Calendar

Cranky Cake Shop Festive House Paper Craft Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Cranky Cake Shop on etsy

A brightly decorated tree, a handmade Christmas garland, and a blue piano are just a few of the whimsical surprises that children will open up as they countdown to Christmas. Each day reveals a new character or piece of furniture to embellish this four-bedroom paper house. The Festive House Paper Craft Advent Calendar is sure to delight kids and adults of all ages this season.

Price at time of publish: $45

Insight Editions The Nightmare Before Christmas: Advent Calendar and Pop-Up Book

Insight Editions The Nightmare Before Christmas Advent Calendar and Pop-Up Book

Courtesy of Amazon

Fans of the iconic Christmas film The Nightmare Before Christmas, are sure to love this interactive advent calendar that lets you create your own adventures with Jack Skellington, Sally Zero, a skeletal reindeer, and more. Included are 25 different ornaments that will hold up during active play (they're made of thick cardboard), and a guidebook that offers spooky facts about each character and their world.

Price at time of publish: $40

Playmobil Pirate Cove Treasure Hunt Advent Calendar

Playmobil Pirate Cove Treasure Advent Calendar

Playmobil

Kids ages 5 and up will love opening a new Playmobil figure or accessory every day in December. Playmobil has the perfect calendar for all of the kids on your nice list, no matter their age or interests. This one specifically follows pirates as they hunt for buried treasure. Sail the seas, fight an octopus, or dig for gold as you countdown to the holidays.

Price at time of publish: $40

Lovepop Advent Calendar: Pancake the Penguin's Christmas Adventure

Lovepop Advent Calendar: Pancake the Penguin's Christmas Adventure

Lovepop

Instead of having to get each of your kids their own advent calendar specific to their tastes, buy one that the whole family can enjoy! Lovepop's advent calendars have storytelling at their heart. Every night families can cozy up by the fire and open their next adventure by sharing the story of Pancake the penguin. Each day, you will receive pop-up characters from the story as well as the next bit of words to read together.

Price at time of publish: $39

Just Play Disney Junior Advent Calendar

Disney Junior Advent Calendar

Disney

Disney fans of all ages will love spending the holidays with their favorite Disney Junior characters. Complete with 11 mini surprise figures, five card decorations, five sticker sheets, five stickers, and three stickers in three gift boxes, this advent calendar is perfect for kids age three and up. This is also a great budget-friendly option for spoiling your Disney-obsessed little one.

Price at time of publish: $32

Zuru 5 Surprise Mini Brands 5 Surprise Mini Brands - Series 3 24pc Surprise Pack Advent Calendar Limited Edition

Zuru 5 Surprise Mini Brands - Series 3 24pc Surprise Pack Advent Calendar Limited Edition

Zuru

Perfect for children of all ages, this advent calendar comes complete with 24 Mini Brands for the ultimate collector. Mini Brands are adorable tiny versions of your favorite everyday food items from Hershey bars and Jolly Ranchers to Triscuits and Golden Crisp cereal. You may even find ultra-rare or one of six exclusive Mini Brands hidden behind each day.

Price at time of publish: $45

Barbie Barbie Color Reveal Advent Calendar

Barbie Color Reveal Advent Calendar

Barbie

Barbie is ready to celebrate the holidays with your little one. On the first day of December, reveal your full-size Barbie doll adorned in a metallic blue coat with snowflakes. When submerged in water, Barbie's outfit changes colors for an additional holiday look. Over the next 24 days, kids can collect accessories for their new doll as well as a color-changing husky to match Barbie. Combine with other Barbie dolls and accessories for hours of wintertime fun.

Price at time of publish: $50

Disney Pixar Cars Minis Advent Calendar

Disney Pixar Cars Minis Advent Calendar

Disney Pixar

Pull your kiddo away from the TV with the Disney Pixar Minis Advent Calendar, which brings all of their favorite characters together in one festive setting. In this set, you'll get five vehicles from the beloved Cars franchise, plus tires, billboards, road signs, and more to build a track and playset for hours of imaginative play.

Price at time of publish: $25

LEGO Friends Advent Calendar

LEGO Friends Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Amazon

LEGO's impressive advent calendars include builds and figures to play with and collect every day of the holiday season. This one from LEGO Friends results in a gorgeous holiday market with Olivia and her friends. Kids build stands and other items to explore with the included four figures, including Santa himself.

Price at time of publish: $35

Oriental Cherry DIY Fluffy Slime Kit - Countdown

Oriental Cherry DIY Fluffy Slime Kit - Countdown

Oriental Cherry

This December, don't be afraid to make a mess with a slime-filled advent calendar. Each day provides a DIY slime with additives including glitter, charms, and beads. Create together as an exciting bonding activity, or challenge little ones to make slime themselves with just a few simple ingredients. At the end of the season, they will have 24 new slimes to feel, mush, and mold all year long.

Price at time of publish: $20

Uncommon Goods Through the Window Puzzle Advent Calendar

Uncommon Goods Through the Window Puzzle Advent Calendar

Uncommon Goods

Who said toy-filled advent calendars were just for kids? This 12-day countdown from Uncommon Goods is designed for jigsaw puzzle lovers of all ages. Each day reveals a new 5 inches by 7 inches puzzle comprised of 80 pieces. Complete one a day with a spouse or teenage child to reveal a wintry scene seen from outside a frosted window.

Price at time of publish: $28

Etsy Revolving Music Box Advent Calendar

Etsy Revolving Music Box Advent Calendar

Etsy

Customize your child's advent calendar with all of their favorite toys with a homemade wooden option. This music box and advent calendar hybrid contains 24 wood drawers to fill with candies, stickers, or other small toys that they will love opening each day. Ensure that your recipient loves everything in their advent calendar this year by choosing the items yourself. The intricate design even doubles as a holiday centerpiece.

Price at time of publish: $67

Jazwares Pokemon 2022 Holiday Advent Calendar

Jazwares Pokeman Holiday Advent Calendar

Amazon

Catch them all this holiday season with a Pokemon-themed advent calendar. Young Pokemon trainers can collect all 16 included Pokemon figures including favorites Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Pikachu, and many more. Battle with friends with the additional eight accessories perfect for hours of play for kids of all ages. On Christmas Day, kids will love showing off their new catches to friends and family.

Price at time of publish: $70

The Purple Cow 2022 DIY Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar

The Purple Cow 2022 DIY Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar

The Purple Cow

Creative kids will love this DIY-filled advent calendar, perfect for crafting with friends and family. Each day reveals a new project that results in an ornament or decoration to hang on the tree and treasure for years and years. You may need some glue, scissors, and other household essentials, but otherwise, the calendar contains everything needed for each craft.

Price at time of publish: $55

Build-A-Bear Workshop Beary Merry Advent Calendar

Build-A-Bear Workshop Beary Merry Advent Calendar

Build-A-Bear Workshop

There's no need to go in-store to experience the magic of Build-A-Bear Workshop this year. This gorgeous advent calendar looks like a festive winter home with surprises behind every door. Collect six mini plush buddies and 19 clothing items and accessories to outfit your new friends for the holiday season.

Price at time of publish: $50

Roblox Action Collection - Advent Calendar

Roblox Action Collection - Advent Calendar

Roblox

Celebrate the game that has taken over the internet with this Roblox advent calendar. Each of the 24 doors contains a holiday-themed Roblox figure or festive accessory to mix and match. It also comes with two redeemable codes to unlock virtual items in the game.

Price at time of publish: $60

My Little Pony A New Generation Countdown Advent Calendar

My Little Pony A New Generation Countdown Advent Calendar

My Little Pony

Sixteen pony figurines are waiting to be discovered and loved by your little ones with this My Little Pony advent calendar. The other doors may have stickers, pets, or other accessories hidden behind them. Once opened, the calendar creates a winter scene to act as a backdrop for showing off your new collection and inspiring hours of playtime.

Price at time of publish: $28

Play-Doh Advent Calendar

Play-Doh Advent Calendar

Amazon

Play-Doh inspires creativity while fostering fine motor skills for all ages. Get the whole family together to open different colors of the famous sculpting clay, and see what festive structures you can create. There are also molds, stamps, a play mat, and other pieces included for a fun bonding activity for parents and kids to enjoy together.

Price at time of publish: $15

What to Look for in a Toy Advent Calendar

Price

When purchasing an advent calendar for the child in your life, think of it as another gift to factor into your budget. As with other toys, there are always less and more expensive options to fit every lifestyle. It is important to consider that with an advent calendar, you receive 24 toys rather than just one, which justifies a higher price tag. With these options, the toys included can be enjoyed long after the holiday season, so it may be worth it to splurge on an option your child will love.

Age

With every toy, it is important to keep the manufacturer's age recommendations in mind. Younger recipients might be better off with wooden figures or toy car sets that are free of small pieces that can potentially be dangerous. Older kids may opt for one featuring doll accessories or Lego builds. Others fit a wider age range, like puzzle advent calendars, fidget toy calendars, or ones with collectible figures. Before purchasing your calendar, check the age requirements to ensure that your child enjoys their gift to the fullest.

Delivery Time

Advent calendars are a time-specific gift, so ensuring they arrive on time is vital. Many retailers will share the last day you can order your calendar to ensure it arrives before December 1. As with other holiday toys, ordering early is always better. Some advent calendars are a 12-day countdown rather than the classic 25, so you have a little more wiggle room when ordering. For the best experience, you may have to splurge on expedited shipping, but luckily, there are tons of budget-friendly options that make that possible.

FAQ
  • How should you pick a toy advent calendar?

    The main consideration you should make when picking a toy advent calendar is whether your child is going to like the prizes that are revealed each day. This will make sure that the fun lasts even after the advent calendar is finished. Another consideration is your budget, though there are advent calendars that fit into every budget. Some advent calendars are a 12-day countdown, while others are 25 days, so keep that in mind while you're picking one out.

  • Can you use toy advent calendar year after year?

    You certainly can use a toy advent calendar year after year! After the prizes are removed, you can use the actual calendar to put new prizes in for the next year. This is easier to do with wooden or plastic advent calendars that are made to be reused. The paper or cardboard calendars take quite a bit of finesse to put back together, so keep that in mind if you plan on using it for more than one year.

  • When should you start an advent calendar?

    The classic advent calendar starts 25 days before Christmas, but you'll see some calendars that only count down from 12. Start either 25 or 12 days before Christmas, depending on what type of calendar you have. You'll want to open the highest number on the advent calendar first and then count down, opening the final one on Christmas Day.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who covers all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, interviews with experts, and more. 

Updated by
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher, Writer

Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.

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