I don't recall this being a big thing when I was a kid although my husband grew up with a Christmas countdown stocking and a mouse that moved from day to day. It was a big deal in their house and each kid had a turn getting to move the mouse. If the wrong kid moved the mouse that day, mouse had to be put back so that the correct child could move him. It was a Big Deal in their kid world.
All kids love traditions, it helps them make connections with their family and builds a feeling of safety and unity. One thing that we've added to holiday family traditions in the last few years is doing an advent calendar. One year we DIY'd Lego advent calendars. Numbered 25 envelopes from 1-25, bought a mini Lego set, and put in a few pieces into each day's envelope. Sounds easy.
It wasn't.
We had to go through the instruction manual and make sure we were putting the right pieces in order. We didn't want our kid to open the last possible piece to the Lego set on day 4 when he couldn't use it and would have nothing to do.
We've also bought commercial sets. They cost more but save time. If you don't want to go the DIY route *shudders*, here are some pre-made countdowns that your children will love!
#1, 2, & 3. Playmobil Advent Calendars: $22.20 - 24.99
Our house is a big fan of Playmobil toys. They allow open-ended imagination and the toys are well made. In addition to Santa's Workshop they also have Construction Site Rescue and Horse Farm!
#4. Crayola Christmas Countdown: $19.49
This looks super cute for any kid who likes to color, draw, and doodle!
#5. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift: $24.48
This set from Ann Voskamp has very high ratings: 90% of reviewers gave it 4 stars or higher! I like that this one is a focus on the faith foundation of Christmas and also seems to have a very positive message of Jesus' love.
#6. Melissa and Doug Magnetic Countdown: $14.99
Melissa and Doug products are always good! The advantage of this advent calendar is that it can be reused year after year!
#7. Christmas Stable Sticker Advent Calendar: $5.95
I love this cute sticker scene as a Christmas countdown! Affordable and faith-based!
#8. O Christmas Tree Treasure Box: $19.95
The O Christmas Tree Treasure box combines the best of both style of advent calendars! It is both reusable AND able to offer a treat each day. The boxes are empty, it's up to you to fill them! Put in a piece of candy, a small toy, a little note/coupon ("Redeem for a cup of hot chocolate!"), etc. It is up to you! The versatility of this one makes it a top contender for our advent calendar this year.
#9. Lego City Advent Calendar: $23.99
We've had Lego advent calendars before and the kids always loved them! Each day you get another little Lego piece that goes with the set.
#10. Hatchimals Advent Calendar: $19.99
While my kids are not much into Hatchimals, this calendar looks adorable if you have a Hatchimals fan at home! 83% of reviewers gave it 4 stars or higher. It comes with 10 figurines and then the child also gets to craft the winter scene. Not going to lie: my adult self would think this was great!
Do you have a favorite that I missed? Let me know!
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