Half the magic of Christmas lies in the countdown, and nothing builds the festive anticipation quite like opening a daily surprise in December with an exciting advent calendar. Whether your child is obsessing over the latest toy trends, dreaming of a LEGO advent, or holding out for a classic chocolate treat, finding the right kids' advent calendar can feel overwhelming.
To make your shopping effortless, and to cut through the noise, we’ve edited down the top child-friendly advent calendars of the season, including the newest versions of advent calendars for kids.
- For the squishy collector: Squishmallows Squish-A-Long Advent Calendar, £29.99 / $34.99
- Trending toy: MGA's Miniverse Make It Mini Holiday Advent Calendar Craft Kit, £19.99 / SHOP US
- For girls: Barbie Doll Advent Calendar, £27.65 / $37.22
- For boys: Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar, £24.99 / $26.99
- New LEGO advent for 2026: LEGO City Advent Calendar 2026, £22.99 / $34.99
- Minecraft: Minecraft Advent Calendar 2026, £40 / $42.13
- For pre-schoolers: Magna-Tiles Advent Calendar, £39.99 /
- For Bluey fans: Bluey Fuzzies Advent Calendar, £19.99 / $29.99
- Book advent: Little People, Big Dreams Advent Calendar, £22.99 / $22.49
We've only included the very best, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after something for a little one who loves LEGO or a Bluey fanatic who can't get enough of the characters. The more popular advent calendars for kids often sell out – so it's a good idea to get in there and order them early.
What is the trending advent calendar for kids this year?
HELLO!'s Shopping Editor Carla Challis predicts any squishy advent calendar will be hugely popular. "My seven-year-old and her friends are squishy obsessed, and I predict the Squishmallows Squish-a-long advent calendar filled with scrunchy, squishable versions of the plushies will be the one on their list, especially since getting hold of the Needoh Advent Calendar is harder than Glastonbury tickets.
"Minecraft is still popular in the playground so the latest advent calendar celebrating all things Minecraft will be in big demand. From Minecraft figure advent calendars to chocolate, there's a range to choose from.
"And you can't deny the appeal of the Miniverse Advent Calendar; kids go crazy for this range, and the festive themed discoveries behind the 24 doors will keep them busy in the run up to Christmas."
How we chose the best advent calendars for kids
- Price: We wanted to cater to all budgets in this gift guide, from those wanting a budget advent calendar to those with a bit more to spend.
- Personal experience: Several of the HELLO! team, myself included are parents with years of experience of buying advent calendars for our children of all ages. We've included those that we know our kids would love or are into.
- Variety: Some kids love dolls and sparkly things, others are animal or game-obsessed. We tried to include something for everyone in our gift guide to suit all ages and tastes.
- Parent-friendly: I've skipped the slime on this occasion...
Best advent calendars for kids 2026
1/13
Squishmallows Squish-A-Long Advent Calendar
© Squishmallows- Best for: Squishy collectors
- Type: Squishies
- Reusable? No
- Age suitability: 6+
Why kids will love it: Squishies are everywhere - literally - and with concerns over the safety of some, stick to the brands you know and love.
Squishmallows are always loved by kids, and this advent calendar includes the squish-a-longs, the squeezable plastic collectables of their fave plushies.
2/13
Hotel Chocolat Up to Snow Good Advent Calendar
© Hotel Chocolat- Best for: All kids
- Type: Chocolate
- Reusable? No
- Age suitability: Suitable for all ages
Why kids will love it: A chocolate advent calendar with a difference, this includes 24 40% milk chocolate characters, modelled on their larger jolly chocolate pals.
Behind door number 24, there's an extra special Christmas wish.
3/13
Bluey Fuzzies Advent Calendar
© John Lewis- Best for: Wannabe Heelers
- Type: Toys
- Reusable? No
- Age suitability: Ages 4+
Why kids will love it: When it comes to kids' TV shows, Bluey is up there with one of the best - and this fuzzy filled advent calendar is sure to delight your little Heelers.
4/13
Minecraft Advent Calendar with Action Figures & Accessories
© Supplied- Best for: Minecraft fans
- Type: Toys
- Reusable? No
- Age suitability: 6+
Why kids will love it: This fun calendar filled with Minecraft merch is perfect for children who are Minecraft obsessed.
Inside, there's action figures and accessories for them to enjoy the game offline too.
5/13
Little People, BIG DREAMS: Advent Calendar Book Collection
© Supplied- Best for: Inspiring them
- Type: Books
- Reusable? Yes
- Age suitability: Suitable for all ages
Why kids will love it: In world full of iPads and overstimulation, it’s easy to forget how imperative books are, especially for children.
This houses 24 envelopes, each with a miniature version of the brand’s most famous, best-loved books. The books are designed in bite-sized, easy-to-digest information and have the most beautiful illustrations.
6/13
Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar
© Supplied- Best for: Kids who love cars and racing
- Type: Toys
- Reusable? Yes
- Age Suitability: 3+
Why kids will love it: The set includes 34 pieces in total for the Hot Wheels fan. There's 10 vehicles with one that's exclusive to the set, 10 ornament clips to put each car on display and 14 surprise accessories such as a yeti or gingerbread house.
7/13
MGA's Miniverse Make It Mini Holiday Advent Calendar Craft Kit
© Supplied- Best for: Crafty kids
- Type: Craft
- Reusable? Yes
- Age suitability: 8+
Why kids will love it: Miniverse is big news and this festive version will keep them busy in the run up to Christmas.
Highlights include a Gingerbread House, Charcuterie Board, Turkey Dinner, Hot Cocoa and a Holiday Tree to decorate.
8/13
LEGO® City Advent Calendar 2026
© LEGO- Best: For 'girlie' girls
- Type: Accesories
- Reusable? No
- Age suitability: Ages 3 and up
Why kids will love it: Kids have to add mini characters to the LEGO Christmas scene each morning, and it comes with a festive scene playmat to place all the figurines on.
Each door also has a guide showing you how to build your gift.
9/13
Barbie Doll Advent Calendar
© Supplied- Best for: Barbie besties
- Type: Doll and accessories
- Reusable? Yes
- Age suitability: Ages 3 and up
Why kids will love it: Barbie fans are going to love this stylish advent calendar. It comes with 24 surprises perfect for dressing Barbie doll in lots of sparkling looks; Barbie doll wears a molded pink bodysuit that transforms into a top when paired with the included skirts! It's perfect for layering under the black jacket or silver top, too.
10/13
MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Advent Calendar
© Supplied- Best for: Budding builders
- Type: Construction
- Reusable? Yes
- Age suitability: Ages 3 and up
Why kids will love it: The first ever Advent Calendar from MANGA-tiles, the magentic construction brand. This features 10 decorated square microMAGS, 3 decorated isosceles triangles and a microChassis that rides on the track inside the back cover of the package.
11/13
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar
© NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC- Best: STEM advent calendar for kids
- Type: Gemstones
- Reusable? Yes
- Age suitability: 3 years and above
Why kids will love it: There are 24 beautiful specimens behind the doors and a pouch to keep them safe. The last day will bring even more excitement - a rose quartz gem that has to be extracted from a min dig, just like a real geologist does!
The calendar also comes with five jewellery settings so kids can make necklaces, clip-on earrings and rings.
12/13
Mimi & Lula Advent Calendar
© Supplied- Best for: Girls
- Type: Accessories
- Reusable? Yes
- Age suitability: Ages 3+
Why kids will love it: This is packed full with 24 pretty surprises to be revealed each day, including hair clips, hair ties and headbands.
13/13
Play-Doh Advent Calendar
© Supplied- Best: To encourage imaginative play
- Type: Play-Doh
- Reusable? Yes
- Age suitability: 3 years and above
Why kids will love it: You get a 28g tub of Play-Doh and a tool behind each door, plus there are festive idea cards to help little ones complete the snowy scene that the box folds out to.
