Advent calendars are perfect for 6-10 year olds. They are an everyday adventure that helps kids countdown the days until Christmas. Kids this age will also understand the patience needed to open only one door, bag, stocking, etc. each day.
For this list we searched out the best-of-the-best options for Pre-assembled, Calendar only, and completely DIY. Pre-assembled are great because they are 100% ready to use or gift. Calendar only allows you to add a bit of personalization by picking your own trinkets, candies and other filler items.
DIY gives you complete control of the calendar design as well as the filler items. You can’t go wrong with any of these options!
If you’re looking for a non-candy or toy option you might want to consider a Christmas countdown calendar instead of an advent. See our can’t miss 20 Christmas Countdown Calendars 2023.
If you’re still unsure of which calendar to choose, make sure you don’t miss our Buyer’s Guide included at the very end. We’ll have you well on your way to the perfect selection in no time!
Pre-assembled
These advent calendars are popular because they are ready to go- no muss, no fuss, no extra prep needed! It can’t get any easier. These calendars are a breeze to ship and make excellent gifts. Each one generally focuses on a theme or character so it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your youngster. (Be sure and scroll all the way to the bottom of this section for a BONUS option- a unique advent calendar book!)
Here are 16 stand-out options for 2021!
Disney Storybook Collection 2023
NEW edition for 2023! This one features 24 individually wrapped mini books. Each book features a classic or new Disney character in a winter or Christmas tale. Each story is about 5 minutes, making them ideal for bedtime and reading again and again throughout the holiday season.
LEGO Friends
This calendar is ideal for fans of the LEGO Friends cartoon series and general LEGO fans. This one is for ages 6 and over and comes with 330 pieces. LEGOS are made very well and will stand the test of time. This is a great set on its own or to incorporate with other pieces your child may already have.
LEGO City
Similar to Lego Friends, Lego City is made by well-known brand LEGO which has been making quality kids building blocks for years. This calendar is for ages 5 and up. It focuses on characters and locations from the cartoon series LEGO City Adventures. A great options for fans of the series or general LEGO enthusiasts.
Build-A-Bear Beary Merry Advent Calendar
Does your child love all things tiny and little? Do they love stuffed animals? If you answered yes then this is the advent calendar for you! This adorable advent calendar from Build-A-Bear Workshop combines mini stuffed animals and mini accessories into an adorable gingerbread house package perfect for this holiday season. Each calendar comes with 6 surprise mini stuffed animals and 19 clothing items and accessories! This set will be hours of fun even long after the Christmas holiday is over.
Mini Key Chains
Could these little guys be any cuter? Your child will be surprised with a new design each day for 24 days. The rings are stainless steel and the decorative pieces are made from silicone. Perfect for attaching to the zipper of a jacket or backpack. Also, fun to add to a purse or lunch box. You can’t go wrong with these fun accessories!
Super Mario
This one brings back all the nostalgia for me! 17 figurines and 7 accessories are distributed behind the 24 perforated doors. Your child will have hours of fun playing with these adorable pieces.
Pixar Minis
Calling all Disney Pixar fans! If the child in your life loves all things Pixar then look no further. This calendar is perfect. This calendar includes 14 mini figurines, 10 stickers, and one mini Christmas tree. Each day will be a fun surprise to see which Pixar character will be making an appearance next.
Pokémon
Pokémon- let’s go! A fun set for Pokémon fans. This calendar includes 16 figurines and 8 accessories to stage the ultimate Pokémon battles. Children will have fun anticipating which character or accessory is coming next. Parents will appreciate that the pieces are well made and the extra festive packaging.
Polly Pocket
Your child will get to jump right into Polly Pocket’s winter wonderland with this calendar. Each day a new surprise will be revealed including mini dolls, dwellings, animals, and vehicles. There’s always something new and fun to discover with Polly Pocket! Officially licensed by well-known Mattel you know this is a high-quality calendar.
Hot Wheels
For all the little speed racers out there! This calendar features 8 cars and 16 accessories. Officially licensed by Hot Wheels you can be guaranteed a high-quality experience for your child. Bonus-the front of the box folds down to create a race track for the new cars!
Barbie Dreamtopia
Often replicated, but never duplicated this Barbie advent calendar is a must-have for all Barbie fans. This particular calendar focuses on the Dreamtopia series and includes 1 doll, 3 pieces of clothing, 3 pets, and accessories.
Open the doll on day 1 and have hours of fun each day playing with the new surprises! Officially licensed by quality toy maker Mattel.
Hatchimals
My kids have been obsessed with Hatchimals this year! This calendar is perfect for children who already love Hatchimals or those who have never received one.
This set is special because each Hatchimal figurine and accessory is Christmas-themed. The calendar includes 10 Hatchimals, 12 accessories, 5 nests, 4 sticker sheets, 4 presents, and 5 bows, so it looks like each day will hold more than one surprise!
Cry Babies Magic Tears Ruthy
The packaging on this one could not be any cuter! Ideal for fans of the Amazon Cry Babies cartoon series or young ones who love small doll figurines.
This calendar comes with Ruthy (doll) and Rooney (pet) plus accessories. One of the accessories is a bottle. Once your child fills it with water and ‘feeds’ it to Ruthy they can squeeze her belly to make her cry water. Hours of entertainment await!
Crayola Countdown to Christmas
Made by the well-known and high-quality craft brand Crayola, this calendar will not disappoint. Surprises include markers, crayons, paints, a glue stick, modeling clay, and plenty of paper crafts to get creative! Your child will have hours of crafty fun with this one.
Marvel Storybook Collection
Books make the perfect advent calendar surprise. This one includes 24 mini paperback books about your child’s favorite Marvel characters. Each one is a winter or Christmas story. Each story is about 5 minutes in length-perfect for bedtime or early readers to read on their own.
Fluffy Slime
What could be better than regular slime you ask? Fluffy slime! Always fluffy slime! This calendar includes 12 individual scented fluffy slime containers, and 22 accessories such as beads, glitter, and charms. You may have trouble getting them to do anything else once you start opening these fun surprises!
LOL Surprise
LOL Surprise dolls are already full of surprises so they make an even more fun advent calendar. This calendar comes with one LOL doll and each day a new outfit or accessory can be opened behind the perforated doors. Great for new LOL fans or those with an extensive collection. Get ready for hours of play with this one!
Bonus Pre-assembled Advent Calendar!
How Winston Delivered Christmas, by Alex T. Smith
This is definitely a unique find. This delightful Christmas story is told in 24 and a half short chapters, making it ideal to read one chapter each night leading up to Christmas and one on Christmas Day. Each chapter is followed with a suggestion and instructions for a fun Christmas activity.
We used this as our family advent calendar last year and my kids loved it (ages 4 and 6). The grown-ups too-we were all very invested in little Winston and his journey.
The kids loved it so much that we had to read it again last summer. A great find and a great gift idea for hard to buy for kids or families. This one is also easy to ship to those loved ones far away!
UPDATE***A sequel has been released. Check out How Winston Came Home for Christmas!
Calendar Only
There are some great choices here for those who want to choose their own trinkets and filler items but want a finished calendar. These options are great for 6-10-year-olds. Some are reusable and others are one-time-use.
If you want suggestions for filler items for this age group check out The Perfect Filler Items For Your DIY Advent Calendar-by Age.
Before selecting a calendar be sure to consider the following questions. Where will you display the calendar in your home? What size filler items and trinkets will you be adding? Which type of calendar is the most durable for your child or children? Once you have answered these questions you should be ready to select a calendar.
Personalized Hanging Calendar
Love the personalization and the larger-than-average pocket size. This will fit in with many different Christmas décor styles. Its simple design will also age well with your child/children so you can use it again and again.
Santa’s Workshop Hanging Fabric Calendar
This calendar is so much fun. I could stare at it for hours and still see something new! The pockets are a good size, not too big or too small. So pretty everyone will be asking where you found this!
Advent Calendar Buyer’s Guide
While shopping for an advent calendar for children there are several things to keep in mind. Each will help you get one step closer to finding your ideal calendar.
Budget
As you get ready to start shopping, consider your budget. There are lots of great advent calendar options for children at every price point. You can find some for only a few dollars and others at $100 or more.
Type
There are three main types of advent calendars; pre-assembled, partially DIY, and DIY. Pre-assembled is ready to go and takes the least amount of time to prepare. Partially DIY is next in terms of time commitment. It also offers you the chance to customize the filler items. DIY will take the longest amount of time to prepare and assemble as you have to create the entire calendar.
Consider how much time you have to prepare the calendar before you begin. There are really fun options for each type. Your child will love whichever you choose.
Food V. No-food
There are two main types of pre-assembled advent calendars, food and non-food.
Food
Most children’s advent calendars with food are filled with candy.
You can find chocolate calendars at grocery stores, local shops, or online during the festive season. These are generally calendars made with lightweight cardboard with small pieces of chocolate for each day.
Other calendars are based on one brand or type of specific food. For example M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, gummies, etc. If your child or children have a favorite treat, this is a great place to start your search.
Non-Food
Non-food calendars are just that, advent calendars that include only non-food items. These can be anything from trinkets, figurines, jewelry, craft supplies, etc.
Theme
Don’t forget to consider the theme as well. Themes are the characters, tv shows, films, or interests. Does your child have a favorite cartoon or superhero? If so, there is likely a coordinating calendar. Does your child have an interest in art or Legos? There are calendars for these interests as well.
If you don’t know where to start, consider their favorite things and start with a theme.
Size
You will definitely want to keep size in mind if you plan to ship your calendar. Does the child in your life live far away? Enjoy the season together by sending them an advent calendar.
Smaller and lighter items are the most inexpensive to ship. Keep this in mind if you plan to send one in the mail. Some online retailers also offer the option to ship directly after purchase which can be a cost-effective choice.
No matter how you choose or where you start, you can’t go wrong with a festive advent calendar to celebrate the season! If you’re still on the fence check out our 14 Advent Calendar FAQs.
Elf Pattern Paper Sacks
It doesn’t get much easier than these already decorated sacks. Write the numbers on or add stickers. You could seal them with tape or use a hole punch and tie them with ribbon. This is definitely one of the easiest DIY options and has the most room for larger trinkets.
Fabric Drawstring Bags-Santa, Snowman, Reindeer, and Penguin
How cute are these little guys? They are ready to be filled and hung on a string. Don’t forget to add a number with a sticker, fabric paint, or hanging wooden tag. Also a fairly easy option.
Candy Cane Stripe Paper Bags
It doesn’t get more Christmassy than classic red and white. These would be ideal to gift as they stack easily for shipping or can be arranged upright in a pretty box or basket to display. Ample space for trinkets and candy too. Just add numbers and you’re all set.
Christmas Designs Plastic Treat Bags
These would work great as a one-time use option and they are budget-friendly. Each bag comes with a twist tie to close, but you could swap those out for ribbons if you prefer. All you need to add are the filler items and a number to each bag. Display by hanging via a ribbon or arranging in a pretty box, basket or bowl.
1-24 Advent Stickers
Bright red, white, and green stickers set the tone for any festive calendar. These can be added to bags, boxes, or stickers. As easy as 1,2,3 or rather 1,2,3…24. Ha!
Metal Number Tags
These can give your calendar an added element of surprise by mixing in a fun metal accent. Grab some think holiday ribbon and you’re all set.
Wooden Number Tags
Leave these unfinished or paint them before attaching them. These would look great with a variety of bag or mini stocking options. I like the larger size for a bit of whimsy.
Advent Calendar Buyer’s Guide
While shopping for an advent calendar for children there are several things to keep in mind. Each will help you get one step closer to finding your ideal calendar.
Budget
As you get ready to start shopping, consider your budget. There are lots of great advent calendar options for children at every price point. You can find some for only a few dollars and others at $100 or more.
Type
There are three main types of advent calendars; pre-assembled, partially DIY, and DIY. Pre-assembled is ready to go and takes the least amount of time to prepare. Partially DIY is next in terms of time commitment. It also offers you the chance to customize the filler items. DIY will take the longest amount of time to prepare and assemble as you have to create the entire calendar.
Consider how much time you have to prepare the calendar before you begin. There are really fun options for each type. Your child will love whichever you choose.
Food V. No-food
There are two main types of pre-assembled advent calendars, food and non-food.
Food
Most children’s advent calendars with food are filled with candy.
You can find chocolate calendars at grocery stores, local shops, or online during the festive season. These are generally calendars made with lightweight cardboard with small pieces of chocolate for each day.
Other calendars are based on one brand or type of specific food. For example M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, gummies, etc. If your child or children have a favorite treat, this is a great place to start your search.
Non-Food
Non-food calendars are just that, advent calendars that include only non-food items. These can be anything from trinkets, figurines, jewelry, craft supplies, etc.
Theme
Don’t forget to consider the theme as well. Themes are the characters, tv shows, films, or interests. Does your child have a favorite cartoon or superhero? If so, there is likely a coordinating calendar. Does your child have an interest in art or Legos? There are calendars for these interests as well.
If you don’t know where to start, consider their favorite things and start with a theme.
Size
You will definitely want to keep size in mind if you plan to ship your calendar. Does the child in your life live far away? Enjoy the season together by sending them an advent calendar.
Smaller and lighter items are the most inexpensive to ship. Keep this in mind if you plan to send one in the mail. Some online retailers also offer the option to ship directly after purchase which can be a cost-effective choice.
No matter how you choose or where you start, you can’t go wrong with a festive advent calendar to celebrate the season! If you’re still on the fence check out our 14 Advent Calendar FAQs.
Cardboard Box Kit
If you’re looking for a one-time-use option that’s not a bag, consider these cute boxes. My kids love small places to hide their treasures and I could see them playing with these for months after the holiday. Easy to assemble and plenty of space to fill with fun goodies.
Bright Burlap Bags Set
Cute bags with ample space for small candy and filler pieces. The designs are bright and fun making this a calendar that definitely doubles as décor. Fill, display and you’re ready to go!
DIY
DIY calendars aren’t as difficult as they may look at first. Even novice DIY-ers or non-crafters can easily put together a fun and festive advent calendar. Some of these options are reusable and others are for one-time use. It all depends on your needs.
Consider the following before starting. How much time do I have or want to spend on this project? How large are the filler items I plan to use? Where will I display this advent? What supplies will I need?
Let us help you brainstorm your filler items before you choose a calendar-The Perfect Filler Items For Your DIY Advent Calendar-by Age.
Here are some options to get the creativity flowing as you begin your DIY advent calendar journey.
Unfinished Wooden Box
This wooden box is a great reusable option. Imagine how much fun the kids would have using it year after year. It could be left unfinished, painted, decoupaged, or stained.
You could paint on numbers or glue on small wooden numbers. You could make it Christmas or even character themed. The variety of box sizes gives flexibility for fillers which is a real bonus.
Unfinished Wooden House Shape Box
Leave this one unfinished or add a coat of paint or stain. Keep it simple or go for an elaborate design. You call the shots here. The drawers are all the same size so keep that in mind when selecting filler items. You’ll definitely want to add numbers as well.
Elf Pattern Paper Sacks
It doesn’t get much easier than these already decorated sacks. Write the numbers on or add stickers. You could seal them with tape or use a hole punch and tie them with ribbon. This is definitely one of the easiest DIY options and has the most room for larger trinkets.
Fabric Drawstring Bags-Santa, Snowman, Reindeer, and Penguin
How cute are these little guys? They are ready to be filled and hung on a string. Don’t forget to add a number with a sticker, fabric paint, or hanging wooden tag. Also a fairly easy option.
Candy Cane Stripe Paper Bags
It doesn’t get more Christmassy than classic red and white. These would be ideal to gift as they stack easily for shipping or can be arranged upright in a pretty box or basket to display. Ample space for trinkets and candy too. Just add numbers and you’re all set.
Christmas Designs Plastic Treat Bags
These would work great as a one-time use option and they are budget-friendly. Each bag comes with a twist tie to close, but you could swap those out for ribbons if you prefer. All you need to add are the filler items and a number to each bag. Display by hanging via a ribbon or arranging in a pretty box, basket or bowl.
1-24 Advent Stickers
Bright red, white, and green stickers set the tone for any festive calendar. These can be added to bags, boxes, or stickers. As easy as 1,2,3 or rather 1,2,3…24. Ha!
Metal Number Tags
These can give your calendar an added element of surprise by mixing in a fun metal accent. Grab some think holiday ribbon and you’re all set.
Wooden Number Tags
Leave these unfinished or paint them before attaching them. These would look great with a variety of bag or mini stocking options. I like the larger size for a bit of whimsy.
Advent Calendar Buyer’s Guide
While shopping for an advent calendar for children there are several things to keep in mind. Each will help you get one step closer to finding your ideal calendar.
Budget
As you get ready to start shopping, consider your budget. There are lots of great advent calendar options for children at every price point. You can find some for only a few dollars and others at $100 or more.
Type
There are three main types of advent calendars; pre-assembled, partially DIY, and DIY. Pre-assembled is ready to go and takes the least amount of time to prepare. Partially DIY is next in terms of time commitment. It also offers you the chance to customize the filler items. DIY will take the longest amount of time to prepare and assemble as you have to create the entire calendar.
Consider how much time you have to prepare the calendar before you begin. There are really fun options for each type. Your child will love whichever you choose.
Food V. No-food
There are two main types of pre-assembled advent calendars, food and non-food.
Food
Most children’s advent calendars with food are filled with candy.
You can find chocolate calendars at grocery stores, local shops, or online during the festive season. These are generally calendars made with lightweight cardboard with small pieces of chocolate for each day.
Other calendars are based on one brand or type of specific food. For example M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, gummies, etc. If your child or children have a favorite treat, this is a great place to start your search.
Non-Food
Non-food calendars are just that, advent calendars that include only non-food items. These can be anything from trinkets, figurines, jewelry, craft supplies, etc.
Theme
Don’t forget to consider the theme as well. Themes are the characters, tv shows, films, or interests. Does your child have a favorite cartoon or superhero? If so, there is likely a coordinating calendar. Does your child have an interest in art or Legos? There are calendars for these interests as well.
If you don’t know where to start, consider their favorite things and start with a theme.
Size
You will definitely want to keep size in mind if you plan to ship your calendar. Does the child in your life live far away? Enjoy the season together by sending them an advent calendar.
Smaller and lighter items are the most inexpensive to ship. Keep this in mind if you plan to send one in the mail. Some online retailers also offer the option to ship directly after purchase which can be a cost-effective choice.
No matter how you choose or where you start, you can’t go wrong with a festive advent calendar to celebrate the season! If you’re still on the fence check out our 14 Advent Calendar FAQs.
