If you’re anything like me, I get overwhelmed with the many choices of advent calendars available.  I look at many of them thinking that they’re not exactly what I want and my search continues until it’s too late and I don’t have an advent calendar for the year.  Or I am overly ambitious and think I can DIY a cute one from Pinterest but run out of time for this activity as well.  I have to remind myself that this is supposed to be something fun and exciting for my kids.  It’s about counting down to the most magical time of the year.  I have started my search early this year and I thought I would pass along what I have found.

** Right now Target has select advent calendars for 10% off!  Click here to shop them.  **

Toy Advent Calendars

Whoever came up with the idea of the toy advent calendar, is a pure genius.  This takes the guess work out of having to fill the 24 boxes with some kind of trinket or chocolate each day.  I love that most of these advent calendars build upon the next day until the 24th day when their set is complete.  It makes the anticipation for the next day that much more exciting.  Keep an eye on a few of these since some of these are popular and in high demand, they sell out pretty quickly (i.e. this Disney Tsum Tsum plush one).  

 

Beauty Advent Calendars

Move over chocolate, beauty advent calendars are taking over this year!  My waist line (and yours) will thank you when you open up a daily beauty product to pamper yourself with.  Whether you want mini serums and perfumes to an array of different skincare treatments or lipsticks and nail polish, there is something for everyone.

 

Traditional Advent Calendars

When I picture an advent calendar, I imagine a flimsy piece of cardboard where the little cut out doors open to reveal a sweet treat inside.  Nowadays, there are sturdier and beautifully designed advent calendars that can be reused and passed down to your children and your children’s children.  Don’t forget about the simple chocolate advent calendars which surprisingly have only been around since 2010.  The one challenge with the traditional advent calendars is brainstorming what to place inside each compartment that is not something sweet during an already treat-filled festive season.  Here are a few ideas that will guarantee to be more enjoyable and more useful:

  • Build your own Lego advent calendar with mini figures
  • Refrigerator Magnets (More options here and here)
  • Silly Bands  
  • Charms each day for a bracelet
  • Write down your favorite memories from the year
  • Finger Puppets
  • Jokes and riddles
  • Mini Cars
  • Craft Supplies
  • Ornaments
  • Hair Bows or Clips
  • Treasure Map (Draw a treasure map of where the presents are hidden and cut it up into 25 pieces)
  • Socks
  • An activity a day such as “Have a dance party to holiday songs” or “Bake Cookies for Santa”

I hope this helps you this year to find an advent calendar that will bring joy to you and your family.  Let me know below if you are planning to buy one this year!