Before I get into Advent calendars, I know it’s only October, but Advent is already on everyone’s mind. With holiday sales running from now through the end of the year, it’s a smart time to plan ahead and pick Advent calendars for kids and families before the best ones sell out.
That said, you don’t have to buy anything for Advent. A simple book-a-day stack, a prayer jar, or a homemade countdown can be just as meaningful. This list is for families who already love Advent calendars (or want a few ready-made ideas).
While Christmas is about so much more than the commercial activities that pull us into spending money and forgetting the true reason for the season, making memories is okay too. An Advent calendar can be a simple way to slow down, enjoy time together, and make each day leading up to Christmas a little special.
Below are 10 Advent calendars we’ve loved (or that I’m excited about this year), plus a few free DIY ideas if you’d rather keep things simple. I’ll also share a Christ-centered family countdown at the end because Jesus is still the heart of Advent for our house.
How I Pick Advent Calendars
I’m looking for calendars that are fun to do, can become a tradition, and stay around the $25 price point. Bonus points if they’re reusable, encourage reading or building together, or point us back to Christ.
Richard Scarry’s Best Advent Calendar Ever!
If you have little kids at home, Richard Scarry books are a wonderful addition to your library. We love our Richard Scarry books. I love that this calendar includes 25 pop-out ornaments with their gorgeous illustrations that make them special. These are also reusable, so keep them safe back in their box and use them the next year as well.
Cozy Countdown: An Advent Coloring Book Bundle
Cozy Countdown: An Advent Coloring Book Bundle
I had no idea how popular this coloring book was until I started seeing it all over Barnes & Noble. I would personally purchase this one if I had kids who were in this stage of coloring. I’ve also seen so many influencers recommend it, which certainly made me curious!
Little Golden Books Advent Calendar
Little Golden Books Advent Calendar: Countdown to Christmas: With 24 Winter Holiday Books
When I was growing up, our bookshelf was full of Little Golden Books. This Advent Calendar is a wonderful way to bring them back into our homes and continue encouraging reading, no matter the season. The collection includes books such as The Poky Little Puppy’s Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Story, Tawny Scrawny Lion, The Christmas Mice, and lots more. I have most of this collection at home and have read them so many times with my kids.
Galison Puzzle Advent Calendars (12 Days)
One of our annual Christmas traditions is to buy a new puzzle and put it together as a family. This year, we’ll be doing one of these calendars, with an 80-piece puzzle for each of the 12 days. Very doable!
- Galison – Winter Lights 12 Days of Puzzles Holiday Puzzle Countdown
- Galison – 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Puzzle Countdown for Adults
LEGO City Advent Calendar 2026
LEGO City Advent Calendar 2026 60510
One year, when my daughter was little, I purchased a LEGO Advent calendar that included a little Christmas village. It was so beautiful and fun to do with her. Each day, we built another part of the village.
While I can’t find the particular set we owned, this is the closest one I could find. Trust me, your LEGO-loving kid will enjoy doing this. (LEGO Advent sets change a little each year, so if this exact one sells out, look for the current City or Friends calendar.)
Kinder Chocolate Countdown 2026
This looks like a good deal because it includes two sets, and who doesn’t love a good Kinder chocolate? Chocolate Advent calendars are what we had as kids growing up. It’s amazing how creative the world has gotten with them since then!
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar 2026
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar 2026, 24 Mini Jam Jars, Holiday Gift
Bonne Maman brings back memories of living in Switzerland as a kid. I loved their jams and jellies, so you can imagine how often we have them at home now. This is the only Calendar that is pricey in this list. Costco usually sells these for less than the Amazon price. So if you are buying it, check your local stores first.
Last year, my husband got me the Bonne Maman Advent calendar, and I opened the whole thing and happily enjoyed the jams for breakfast. My kids weren’t interested in getting adventurous with the flavors, so more for me! Their tiny jars are also so cute and versatile in the kitchen.
Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection
Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection
For a little variety, here’s another book Advent calendar with a lovely selection of stories. It includes familiar classics such as The Nutcracker, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Gingerbread Man, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Wizard of Oz, and plenty more.
JOYIN 2026 Christmas Advent Calendar
JOYIN 2026 Christmas Advent Calendar
When I checked, this same set was available at Target for twice the price. It includes a mini Christmas tree with ornaments, so your child can add a decoration each day and have a little tree of their own in their room.
My 20-Day Family Devotional + Children’s Workbooks
My 20-Day Family Devotional + Children’s Workbooks
I cannot end this list without offering you a countdown that focuses purely on Christ.
I wrote this 20-day Advent family devotional a few years ago when I was looking for something to do with my own kids. It is family-friendly and written in a conversational format, so you can engage your children as you teach them about the story of Jesus’ birth.
It also comes with children’s workbooks to use each day. You can purchase a physical or digital copy.
Looking for more Christmas ideas? Browse our Christmas picture books, Christmas chapter books, and Christ-centered Christmas traditions.
DIY Advent Ideas (little or no cost)
Some of us may not want to spend money on these Advent calendars, and that is completely okay. We don’t have to do everything popular or trending. Sometimes, it is the simple things that matter most during the season.
Here are a few other ways to count down to Christmas using books and resources you may already have:
- Book-a-day Advent: Wrap 24 Christmas picture books (they can be from the library too). Open one each day before bedtime and read it as a family.
- Color an ornament a day: Use my Advent Coloring Book, free when you purchase the digital Advent countdown. Use code SAVE20OFF for an extra 20% off.
- Activity calendar: Use our Kindness Bingo Challenge to do one good thing every day and work toward completing the bingo.
- Prayer jar: Use my prayer jar to pray for someone each day leading up to Christmas.
Advent doesn’t have to be fancy. Whether you open a book, build a LEGO piece, taste a tiny jam, or read about Jesus together, the goal is the same: slow down and make room for Christmas.
For books to enjoy throughout the year, browse our 20 must-read picture books your child will love.
More Christmas reading: Christmas picture books about traditions and Thanksgiving picture books.
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