Confession: this is the first holiday season that we are going to do an advent calendar! Actually, I am going to get one for each of my 3 kids. I found myself wondering, what IS an advent calendar? So, I went on a mission to learn all about them and find all the best advent calendars. Now I’m going to share all I’ve learned with you AND give you a big list of fun, creative advent calendars to choose from!
What Is an Advent Calendar?
An advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days in December leading up to Christmas. It typically starts on December 1 and goes through December 24 (the season of advent), with each day marking one step closer to Christmas Day. Most advent calendars have small doors or compartments that hide a daily surprise—a fun treat, a small toy, a piece of chocolate, or a special activity—making the countdown exciting for all ages.
Originally tied to Christian tradition, leading up to the day of the birth of Jesus Christ, advent calendars have evolved into a secular and widely popular tradition enjoyed by families worldwide, regardless of religious background.
The Origin of Advent Calendars
I learned that the advent calendar tradition dates back to the 19th century in Germany, where families would mark each day of Advent with a simple practice like lighting a candle or marking a chalk line on the wall. Over time, this tradition evolved into printed paper calendars, which often featured Bible verses or prayers behind each door.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival”.
The first printed advent calendar, created by Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s, included small pictures or Bible verses. Eventually, Lang innovated a new version of the calendar that hid a small chocolate behind each door. His creative approach became an instant hit, and advent calendars became popular beyond Germany, making their way into households around the world.
Creative Advent Calendars for Your Kids & Family
I don’t know about you, but I love this time of year! It’s a time when the whole family celebrates traditions, focuses on quality time together, and creates lasting memories. I absolutely love creating Christmas traditions with my family, which is why I wanted to add the advent celebration to our existing traditions. Here are my favorite advent calendars that I found:
Advent Calendars for Kids
There are so many types of advent calendars, from cardboard advent calendars, wooden boxes, and more. I’ve shopped all around for the best advent calendars for kids. Here are my favorites:
Kids Santa’s Workshop Puzzle Advent Calendar
If your child loves puzzles, this is a great way to celebrate the season! Get it here.
Experiment-a-Day Science Advent Calendar
For the little science lovers in your life, let them experiment their way through Christmas season with this science advent calendar. Get it here.
25 Days of Felt Crafts for Kids Advent Calendar
Have a crafty kiddo? This is a perfect way for them to celebrate the days of advent while getting crafty! Get it here.
24 Days of Magic Advent Calendar for Kids
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Full of magic, science and fun, this advent calendar is perfect for kids who love to experiment. Get it here.
Character Building Advent Calendar for Kids
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My five year old would love this one, because he loves little “guys” (as he calls them). Get it here.
Advent Building Blocks Set
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If your child loves LEGOs, this would be the perfect advent calendar for them! Get it here.
National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar
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Why do kids love collecting rocks? Who knows, but I know both of my boys would love this one. Get it here.
My World Advent Calendar
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I love this one because your child, and whole family, will get to explore 24 different countries and cultures! Advent calendar season is a great time to learn about appreciating everyone around the world, and their unique culture. Get it here.
Bracelet Making Advent for Kids
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This is perfect for my 9-year old daughter who is into jewelry and loves creating her own. Get it here.
STEM Christmas Tree Building Blocks Christmas Countdown Calendar
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Another building blocks advent calendar that is perfect for kids, teens (or adults). Get it here.
Brain Teaser Advent Calendar
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I love this one, and so would my 11 year old! Such a fun way to give little gifts that get kids thinking and can get the whole family involved in the fun. Get it here.
Stationery Advent For Kids
Have a kiddo who loves stationery? This Etsy listing could be the perfect gift for them. Get it here.
Play-Doh Advent Calendar
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Another one my 5-year old would love! A little bit of play-doh fun every day is great for your child, and you (to get things done). Get it here.
Wooden Advent Calendar for Kids
I love this one because it’s so pretty and would contribute to decor, and could be used again and again. Get it here.
Princess Countdown Calendar
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For all the little princesses in your life, this is the perfect advent calendar. My daughter would love this one! Get it here.
Dinosaur Advent Calendar for Kids
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Oh boy, my youngest boy would go nuts for 24 days of dinos! If you have a dino lover, this is the one for them! Get it here.
Car Advent Calendar for Kids
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Gah, how will I decide which one for my youngest son? Little boys would love this one, too! Get it here.
Personalized Advent Calendar Wall Art
I love this personalized option from Etsy! Get it here.
Fishing Advent Calendar
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When I saw this one, I knew I had found the one for my 11-year old fishing enthusiast. If you have a boy who loves fishing, this is the one. Get it here.
Advent Calendars for the Whole Family to Enjoy Together
Give the gift of a calendar in late November to begin celebrating on December 1st. Here are some great ideas for families to enjoy together:
Personalized Family Advent Calendar Box
This is a great option from Etsy for the whole family, and can be used year after year. Get it here.
24 Family Games for Advent
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I absolutely love this idea of getting the entire family involved in games that will create laughs and memories. Such a fun twist on the traditional advent calendar. Get it here.
Gingerbread House Advent Boxes
These are so pretty and would make great decor too! Get them here.
Gingerbread Candy Cane Advent Calendar Personalized
This adorable personalized advent box for families is perfect to keep and use each year. Get it here.
Advent Calendars for Adults
These are not your classic countdown calendars! I searched to find the most creative calendars, and here they are:
Ferrero Rocher Collection Advent Calendar
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Who doesn’t love chocolate? This is the perfect advent gift for anyone in your life! Get it here.
Book Lovers Advent Calendar
Give the avid readers in your life their own advent calendar full of little surprises that are all book-lover themed! If you know me, this would be on my list! Get it here.
Golf Advent Calendar
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Do you have an avid golfer in your life? If so, you have to get them this golf-themed calendar. Get it here.
12 Days of Whiskey Advent Calendar
The little doors in this advent calendar expose 12 flavors of instant cocktail cubes, perfect for the whiskey-loving man (or woman) in your life. Get it here.
Seeds Advent Calendar
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For all the flower gardeners, there is even an advent calendar full of different seed packets! Get it here.
12 Days of Hot Sauce Advent Calendar
This would be my husband’s favorite advent calendar! He may need this one and the whiskey calendar above for a full 24-days! Get it here.
Snacks Advent Calendar
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Starting December 1st, share small gifts of assorted snacks throughout the whole month. What a fun gift for anyone who likes to try new things! Get it here.
24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar
Have any tea lovers in your life? What better way for them to try new unique blends of tea bags, while pondering the year’s possibilities ahead? Get it here.
Baking Advent Calendar
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This is the perfect gift for the bakers in your life! Get it here.
Caramel Advent Calendar
I’ll take this one, sign me up! In it you’ll find small-batch caramels in intriguing flavors like coffee bean, clove, Hawaiian sea salt, and more. Yum! Get it here.
An Advent Calendar for the Ladies Who Love Beauty
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Full of things the ladies in your life will love, this could be a great gift for a mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, aunt or niece! Get it here.
Now we’ve answered the question, “What is an advent calendar?”, discussed the purpose of an advent calendar, and given you tons of ideas for your first advent calendar this year! Whether each day brings a small treat, a fun activity, or something new to learn, these calendars offer a much wider variety of advent goodies than a traditional calendar.
You’ll finish up your advent calendar by Christmas Eve. Until then, I hope you and your family thoroughly enjoy your time of preparation for the holidays.
Hi, I’m Jessica! I am wife to Chris, and mom to Kaip, Alana and Koa. I am a website developer and blogger. In this space, I share about everything from parenting, making money from home, recipes, mom lifestyle, and things for kids! Learn more about me here.
