December is nearly here, and we are super excited for the start of Advent! 🙂 Long gone are the days (rightly or wrongly) where we would have a cardboard advent calendar with a Christmas themed picture behind the door – advent calendars are getting more and more elaborate, making which one to purchase a bit of a minefield! We tend to have one purchased one and one traditional. Here I share my thoughts on some of the best advent calendars for kids!
Best Chocolate Advent Calendar
Playin Choc Advent Calendar
This is a chocolate advent calendar with a VERY big difference – eco-friendly, vegan, dairy, nut, gluten, soy free advent calendar doesn’t have a single piece of plastic in sight.
Behind each of the 24 windows not only will children find a cute block of chocolate but dreamy, creamy chocolates and a fun facts card but also a cute character to build, creating a super-cute decoration. You can even open up the outer sleeve to create a fun play mat for the characters!
The outer sleeve of the advent can also be opened up into a landscape to play with all 24 toys.
Best Advent for Toddlers
Happyland Advent Calendar
Suitable from 18 months, this gorgeous Happyland Advent Calendar is new for 2016 – we actually suggested that ELC made one last year as they didn’t have one, and it seemed like a great idea!! Its fab to see that they listened to the demand! With an adorable character or accessory behind each door (including Father Christmas himself and his loveable reindeer!) this set is perfect for creative play, and the toys are something that can be played with for years. Our daughter has loved Happyland since she was one, and still plays with it now at 3 and a half!
Best Toy Advents
Playmobil Advent Calendars
Available for both younger kids (Play mobil 123 suitable for children aged 1.5 and above) and older children (4-10 years) – these sets have a playmobil character or accessory behind every door. Perfect for role play and encouraging imagination, these toys can be played with long after advent has passed. Our daughter had the 123 set last year, which was perfect for her as she was 2 at the time. Now 3, we have bought a princess themed Playmobil set, although will be conscious that there are some small parts.
Toymania Toys
As well as the official The Senory Box Advent Calendar, Toymania have a huge range of sensory and fidget toys that are perfectly sized for popping into a handmade advent calendar. From soft and tactile Mini Squishies, to Waterbeads, Suckerpops and Splat and Stretch Friends. If the Sensory Box Advent Calender is sold out at your local store, the Fidget Mega Fun Box makes a great alternative too – with 24 sensory surprises nestled inside.
The girls absolutely love fidget toys, so unlike some toy advents where the contents get quickly lost and discarded. these ones are likely to stand the test of time!
Playdoh Advent Calendar
Something a little different, this Playdoh advent is hours of fun for creative kids. Includes 5 tubs of playdoh and lots of fun tools and shapes (one every day) to entertain them on the run up to Christmas.
Best Advents for Women
Nivea Advent Calendar
If you’re looking for an advent treat for yourself, this Nivea 24 Days of Skincare advent is a great option, packed full of skincare treats including body lotions, and moisturising creams. hand creams, face masks, lip balms as well as some cute accessories and surprises! What’s not to love!?
For those who are more traditional, you can’t beat an Advent Candle! I have really fond memories of my school assemblies during advent where my teacher would burn down the candle each day.
What advent calendar are you having this year?
Do you agree with the concept of toy based advent calendars or should the gifts be saved for the big day?
*This post contains some affiliate links*
