Amazing Advent Calendars You’ll Want This Season

There really is something magical about advent calendars. The thrill of opening the window, and the reward of the treasure inside…and that was when they were just chocolate! Now with a plethora of offerings from toys to art supplies, and even some for the parents, everyone can have a gift a day.

Not knowing what specific item is inside adds to the fun. Plus, these are daily tidbits that last longer than that fleeting taste of chocolate. So to extend the holiday fun and excitement this year, go beyond sweets for advent calendars for everyone in the family. It’s sure to become a treasured part of the holiday magic. Here are our top picks for 24 days of boxed bliss.

Playmobil NHL Advent Calendar

Playmobil + hockey + the holidays? This just keeps getting better and better. The treasures behind each window include figures, equipment and all the other odds and ends needed to create a pond-hockey setting for maximum imaginative play, the Canadian way.

Available at Mastermind Toys; $40

Crayola Countdown Activity Advent Calendar

For the little one who just loves crafts and to create. Every day yields a new activity and Crayola offering with which to complete it. They’ll be getting artsy and festive, all in one!

Available at Indigo; $25

LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

When we talk about Star Wars this year it’s not just going to be about fighting over who puts that decoration on top of the tree. Nope, with the new movie coming out we imagine that Star Wars everything will be on a few lists – and as we’re fans too, we’re fine with that. The LEGO Star Wars advent calendar will provide a nice warm-up to the holidays and the release date for the new movie (Dec. 15)

Available at shoplego.com; $50 

VTech Go Go Wheels Advent Calendar

We are so pleased to have found this advent calendar full of toys safe and appropriate for tykes 1+. VTech toys always have such neat sounds effects and learning opportunities, and this collection is no exception. From a Christmas sleigh that sings to all the accessories needed to create a winter wonderland, each day is a wonderful experience.

Available at Mastermind Toys; $27

Schleich Horse Club Advent Calendar

Calling all horse fans! Lots of cute horses and accessories await behind the doors to this gem of an advent calendar. And we know from experience that those Schleich figure are made to last and have years of play potential. Not a fan of horses? There are other themes available, including wildlife and farm animals.

Available at Indigo; $40

Disney Tsum Tsum Advent Calendar

The sweet creatures hiding in this Advent Calendar will lead to lots of smiles every morning. There are 18 Tsum Tsum figures and lots and lots of accessories to make for plenty of combination possibilities – and that means quiet play. Cheers all around while we savour the scene over a cup of coffee.

Available at Amazon.ca; $47

Twenty-Four Sleeps Until Santa: A Countdown to Christmas

This cute little story is a great way for you and your kids to lead up to Christmas together. You can discover a new page each day as you cuddle up before bed and get a chance talk about the meaning of the season.

Available at Indigo; $17

DavidsTea

Oooooh, one for the adults! All the flavours of the holidays are captured in this offering: 24 Days of Tea. That’s 24 drawers of exclusive, limited edition teas as well as some fan favourites. Perfect to enjoy alongside a holiday shortbread (or seven). We personally feel that we deserve it! We would tell you the flavours inside, but that would spoil it, so just take our word for it that it is heaven in tea form.

Available at DavidsTea; $45