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The Best Advent Calendars for Elevated Holiday Cheer

My Family Life Reviews Team
Written By My Family Life Reviews Team
Last updated: Feb 28, 2025, 09:17 AM
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The Best Advent Calendars

The countdown to Christmas can sometimes make even the most well-behaved children impatient. Even as an adult, the anticipation of the holiday can almost be too much to handle. That’s why Advent calendars have become so popular. They transform the countdown to Christmas into a daily unveiling of surprises, making the whole month more magical. 

Our team led a thorough evaluation of some of the best Advent calendars and couldn’t deny how much the National Geographic Ultimate Dinosaur Advent calendar stands out. It features engaging dinosaur-themed surprises and educational content in robust packaging, ensuring a memorable experience throughout the holiday season with your kids.

View all Contents
  • The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Advent Calendar
    • Type of Advent Calendar
    • Theme
    • Quality
    • Price
    • Age Appropriateness
  • People Also Asked
  • Why Trust Us?
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Advent Calendar Picks

  • National Geographic Advent Calendar: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this Advent calendar ↓
  • Bonne Maman Advent Calendar: Best for Foodies (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this Advent calendar ↓
  • OuMuaMua Advent Calendar: Best for Girls (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this Advent calendar ↓
  • Vtyepou Advent Calendar: Best for Men (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this Advent calendar ↓
  • Bluey Advent Calendar: Best for Toddlers (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this Advent calendar ↓

The Best Advent Calendars of 2025

National Geographic Advent Calendar

Best Overall
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The National Geographic Ultimate Dinosaur Advent calendar captivates both children and adults with its engaging 24-day countdown to Christmas. Each day, you uncover a new dinosaur-themed activity or figure, transforming the holiday season into an educational and thrilling adventure.

This Advent calendar also includes 11 fun dino-related activities, allowing your child to embrace their creativity by creating rock art, painting stained glass, forming clay models, and designing miniature race cars. Its immersive content and enticing theme make this the best Advent calendar on our list.

Product Pros
  • Engaging dinosaur-themed activities
  • High-quality, durable packaging
  • Interactive and educational
Product Cons
  • Might not appeal to older kids

Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

Best for Foodies
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Add a unique and tasty spin on the holiday season with the Bonne Maman 2024 limited edition Advent calendar. This calendar, crafted with food lovers and preserve enthusiasts in mind, offers 24 unique spreads in flavors like Caramel with Coffee, Apricot with Orange Blossom, and Guava with Raspberry & Rose.

Each day on this Advent calendar unveils a new jar, encouraging you to savor each flavor before Christmas. Not only do all of these delectable spreads taste amazing, but they’re also made with quality ingredients and contain no high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or added colors.

Product Pros
  • Wide variety of fun preserve flavors
  • Reusable mini glass jars
  • High-quality, delicious spreads
Product Cons
  • Some flavor combos are unusual

OuMuaMua Advent Calendar

Best for Girls
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The OuMuaMua Christmas Advent calendar transforms the traditional countdown to Christmas into an exciting, hands-on crafting experience, revealing a unique, Christmas-themed charm to add to your bracelet each day.

Crafted from non-toxic plastic and environmental alloy, the charm beads and pendants ensure safety and durability, resisting wear and maintaining their vibrant appearance. This is a sweet and memorable Advent calendar that any jewelry-loving girl is sure to enjoy. 

Product Pros
  • High-quality and durable materials
  • Fun daily activity for younger girls
  • 2 bracelets with 22 cute charms
Product Cons
  • Flaps can be hard to open

Vtyepou Advent Calendar

Best for Men
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The Vtyepou Advent calendar fishing lures set offers a compelling journey through the fishing season with its meticulously curated 24-day lure set. Each compartment reveals a different type of lure, including topwater, submerged, soft lures, and spoons.

This Advent calendar immerses you in the diverse world of fishing, encourages exploration, and equips you with tools tailored for every fishing scenario. The high-quality lures will not only bring joy to each December morning but will also help create lasting memories with every fishing trip. 

Product Pros
  • Perfect for fishing enthusiasts
  • High-quality and unique lures
  • Freshwater and saltwater-friendly
Product Cons
  • A lot of spoon lures included

Bluey Advent Calendar

Best for Toddlers
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The Bluey’s Exclusive Advent calendar pack brings the Heelers together for a classic Aussie Christmas, with 24 surprises waiting behind each window. Open up a window each day till Christmas to discover a variety of festive items.

This fun Advent calendar features several holiday-themed figurines, 16 accessories, and 5 stickers, adding to the festive spirit. It also includes a decorative Christmas tree kids can assemble, creating a full scenic playset any Bluey fan will appreciate. 

Product Pros
  • Includes fun toys for Bluey fans
  • Festive and engaging accessories
  • Easy to open the flaps
Product Cons
  • Limited variety of characters

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Advent Calendar

Wanting to make this holiday season extra special? A fun and engaging Advent calendar can add a layer of excitement and anticipation to your countdown to Christmas.

With so many choices on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. Let’s walk through some key factors you should consider when looking for the best Advent calendar.

Type of Advent Calendar

Understanding the type of Advent calendar you want sets the stage for a delightful holiday experience. Advent calendars come in various forms, from traditional paper calendars with tiny doors to more elaborate boxes containing small gifts.

Think about what engages you and your family. Do you enjoy the simplicity of a classic design, or do you seek the thrill of daily surprises like toys, beauty products, or gourmet treats? The packaging alone can help make each day in December more magical.

Theme

The theme of an Advent calendar shapes the excitement of the daily reveal. Choose a theme that resonates with the interests and passions of the recipient. For kids, calendars featuring popular characters like Disney or LEGO can create a magical experience. Adults might enjoy themes around wine, coffee, or skincare products.

Family members of all ages will appreciate a unique and engaging theme, like crystal calendars or gem advent calendars. A well-selected theme not only amplifies the daily joy, but also adds a personalized touch that makes the countdown to Christmas more meaningful.

Quality

Quality matters significantly when selecting an Advent calendar. Inferior materials or poor craftsmanship can dampen the excitement of daily reveals. We recommend calendars that showcase attention to detail and robust construction.

High-quality calendars often use durable materials and feature intricate designs, ensuring that each day’s surprise remains intact and enjoyable. Reading reviews and inspecting product descriptions can provide insights into the quality of the Advent calendar you’re considering.

Price

Price can be a crucial factor in your decision. Advent calendars vary widely in cost, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury editions. Determine your budget before starting your search.

While it’s tempting to splurge, we’ve found that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Evaluate if the price aligns with the quality and type of items included. Sometimes, a simple and affordable calendar can deliver just as much holiday cheer as a pricier one.

Age Appropriateness

Ensuring the Advent calendar is age-appropriate is essential for safety and enjoyment. Calendars designed for children may contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard to younger kids.

Likewise, adult-themed calendars might include items not suitable for kids. We suggest paying close attention to the age recommendations provided by manufacturers. An age-appropriate calendar guarantees every reveal remains safe and suited to the recipient’s level of enjoyment.

People Also Asked

What is an Advent calendar?

An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. Each day is marked by a small compartment that reveals a treat, toy, or message when opened.

How do I use an Advent calendar?

To use an Advent calendar, open one compartment each day from December 1st through December 24th. Each compartment typically contains a small gift, chocolate, or a festive surprise.

What types of items are in Advent calendars?

Items in an Advent calendar can vary widely, especially if they have a theme. They usually include items like chocolates, toys, small beauty products, or even personalized messages or activities.

Can I reuse an Advent calendar each year?

Most Advent calendars are designed for single use. However, some Advent calendars that are made of wood or fabric can be refilled with new items and reused annually.

Can I customize my own Advent calendar?

Yes, many people enjoy creating their own Advent calendars. You can use a reusable calendar and fill each compartment with personalized items, messages, or activities that suit your family’s preferences.

Are there Advent calendars for adults?

Yes, there are many Advent calendars designed specifically for adults, including those filled with gourmet chocolates, beauty products, teas, wines, or other luxury items.

Why Trust Us?

You can trust My Family Life to provide practical tips and product recommendations that genuinely prioritize your family's best interests. As parents ourselves, our mission is to create a supportive community where you feel empowered and informed, knowing that we genuinely care about making your parenting experience as smooth and joyful as possible.

Contributors

My Family Life Reviews Team
My Family Life Reviews Team
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