Best 2024 Advent Calendars for Christmas Countdown
The magic of Christmas is already in the air, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than with an Advent Calendar that adds excitement to every December morning! If you’re on the lookout for this year’s best 2024 Advent Calendars, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re new to the Advent tradition or a seasoned pro, our guide will help you find the perfect calendar to add a sprinkle of holiday joy to your home.
Advent Calendars are a beloved family tradition, adding a new layer of anticipation and teaching kids the value of patience as they eagerly await each morning’s surprise. And the best part is that Advent Calendars aren’t just for kids! The 2024 lineup brings plenty of choices for grown-ups too, from premium candles and craft teas to Advent Calendars filled with cozy self-care treats—something for everyone to unwrap a little happiness each day.
This year, we’ve combed through the latest 2024 Advent Calendar collections to bring you the top picks, handpicked for families who want to make this Christmas extra special. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly surprises, treats for teens, or a bit of indulgence for yourself, our guide has something that will brighten every December day!
Ready to kick off your Christmas countdown? Let’s dive in and explore the best Advent Calendars for 2024!
Best 2024 Advent Calendars for Kids
Minecraft Advent Calendar 2024
New for 2024, the Minecraft Advent Calendar is the ultimate countdown for young Minecraft fans, offering an official collection of illustrated mini-books and festive activities. We’ve tried it ourselves, and each day’s pocket holds a new treat—from bite-sized build ideas and activity books to funny jokes and drawing tutorials, all Minecraft-themed and perfect for kids keen on crafting their own festive adventure.
This calendar includes a mix of guides, from the Minecraft Beginner’s Guide to the Minecraft Legends Handbook, as well as inspiration-packed titles like Minecraft Epic Bases and Minecraft Amazing Bite-Size Builds. For extra fun, there are sticker adventures, a joke book, and challenges like Catch the Creeper and Where’s the Zombie, giving kids something new to explore every morning. Thoughtfully designed for kids aged 6 and up, the Minecraft Advent Calendar 2024 is a brilliant way to make the countdown to Christmas creative, engaging, and full of blocky holiday spirit.
BYO Pinball Machine Advent Calendar
Just when you thought the Christmas countdown couldn’t get more exciting, we’ve found a gem that’s perfect for the whole family: the Build Your Own Pinball Machine Advent Calendar. Imagine this—a daily dose of construction magic where kids unveil a new part of their very own pinball machine each day of December. Yes, you read that right—a pinball machine inside an advent calendar!
We’ve got hands-on experience with the BYO Pinball Machine Advent Calendar, and it’s a cracker. Behind each door lies everything you need to build a pinball wizard’s dream, including easy-to-follow steps and all the bits required. Don’t worry—”build your own” isn’t code for complicated! The parts press out neatly, so there’s no glue or mess, just the satisfying click of pieces slotting into place. Think of it as a jigsaw puzzle that builds into a game, with the grand reveal of a fully working pinball machine come Christmas Eve. And, it’s eco-friendly too, with sturdy cardboard that’s kind to the planet while being fun to play.
Kids will love the thrill of scoring points and developing their hand-eye coordination, all while having too much fun to notice they’re learning. One thing to note—it’s packed full of pieces, which makes it a bit heavy for little ones to lift. But rest assured, every last bit is included, so there’s no dashing around for extras.
Ideal for kids aged 8 and up (and big kids too), it’s the perfect pick for a countdown filled with creativity, friendly competition, and a touch of nostalgia. If you’re ready to add a bit of flair to your family’s festive traditions, the BYO Pinball Machine Advent Calendar is just the ticket.
LEGO Harry Potter 2024 Advent Calendar
The LEGO Harry Potter 2024 Advent Calendar is a magical countdown that’s bound to delight young wizards and Muggles alike! Perfect for fans of all ages, each of the 24 doors hides a surprise, including eight beloved LEGO Harry Potter minifigures such as Harry, Dumbledore, and Cho Chang, along with a mini Hedwig figure and festive builds. Kids will find enchanting mini-builds like a Hogwarts table, festive decorations, and even the Hogwarts Express—all designed to recreate the magic of Harry Potter’s first Christmas at Hogwarts.
We’ve put this advent calendar to the test, and it’s a hands-down winner for creativity and quality. Each day’s surprise adds to the growing scene, and with additional elements like collectible Hogwarts portraits and pieces that connect with other LEGO Harry Potter sets, the play possibilities expand well beyond Christmas. There’s a nice variety to keep everyone engaged, though it’s important to note that LEGO recommends this calendar for ages 7 and up.
With LEGO’s reliable, durable design and a daily dose of holiday magic, the LEGO Harry Potter 2024 Advent Calendar is an enchanting choice for a festive countdown and hours of imaginative play.
Nee Doh Squishmas Advent Calendar 2024
The Nee Doh Squishmas Advent Calendar is a festive treat for any young fidget toy enthusiast, and it’s been a real hit in our testing. This bright, colourful calendar is packed with squishy surprises, making the December countdown a tactile delight for kids aged 3 and up. Each day, children can pop open a door to reveal a mini squish toy in vibrant colours and a variety of textures—ideal for keeping little hands busy and entertained.
With 24 unique squish toys, each at least 1.25 inches tall, there’s no shortage of groovy, hands-on fun. Nee Doh toys are known for their durability, and each surprise brought just the right level of excitement as our young testers eagerly looked forward to opening a new door each morning. This calendar is a fantastic choice for parents looking to add a bit of fidgety joy to the holiday season.
Santa’s House Jigsaw Advent Calendar
The Santa’s House Jigsaw Advent Calendar brings a new twist to the countdown to Christmas with a vibrant, 1008-piece jigsaw that unfolds a festive scene day by day. We’ve had a blast with this calendar, and it’s a joy for both kids and adults. Each piece set is tucked behind a numbered cardboard box, so as you progress, the picture of Santa’s house gradually comes to life, making it a lovely group activity for the whole family.
Made from premium recycled white cardboard, this jigsaw is built to last and can even be reused year after year. Each piece is numbered on the back according to its box, so you can carefully pack it away after the season, ready for next year’s holiday countdown. We think this adds real value for money, and it’s ideal for gifting to family or friends, especially as it’s lightweight enough to post without costing a fortune. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, interactive Christmas countdown, we think this Santa’s House Jigsaw Advent Calendar makes for a cosy and creative choice.
Slime Advent Calendar 2024
If you’ve got a slime lover in the family, we think this Slime Advent Calendar is an absolute winner. We’ve tested this one ourselves, and it offers fantastic value with a 24-day countdown filled with six fluffy slimes, nine crystal slimes, two tubes of glitter, foam balls, fruit slice add-ins, and a variety of themed decorations. Each day’s surprise brings a new texture or fun add-on, and the quality impressed us—good texture, not overly sticky, and no staining to worry about, which is a relief for parents wary of mess!
This advent calendar adds to the excitement of Christmas by keeping kids happily occupied, especially on those chilly December days. The countdown becomes almost as thrilling as the big day itself, with new elements to explore each morning. It’s recommended for ages 3 and up, making it a fun and safe choice for holiday gifting that keeps little hands busy all season long.
Nintendo Switch Advent Calendar Game
Imagine an advent calendar that doesn’t take up space on your mantelpiece but plugs straight into your Nintendo Switch – that’s the unique twist we’ve been having a blast with! The Nintendo Switch Advent Calendar Game brings a new Christmas-themed game each December morning, turning every day into a mini gaming adventure that’s packed with festive fun.
From puzzles to holiday-themed Tetris, the variety of games has kept our testers entertained and surprised. Even those with their go-to favourites found themselves delighted by the cheerful graphics and festive spirit. It’s a fresh take on the classic advent calendar, and the mix of games kept everyone curious about what would pop up next.
For the price, we think it’s been well worth it. There’s that initial surprise of trying something new, but once the games start, it’s all about which Christmas-themed challenge will be today’s reveal. We’re sure it’s will be a fantastic way to kick-start each frosty December morning with a bit of fun and excitement.
So, if you’ve got a young gamer or even a big kid who loves their Switch, this advent calendar game is a merry way to countdown to Christmas Day.
Best 2024 Advent Calendars for Adults
Metal Puzzle Christmas Countdown
The Metal Puzzle Christmas Countdown is a unique twist on the holiday advent tradition, offering 24 different metal wire puzzles to keep minds sharp and fingers busy in the run-up to Christmas. We’ve had our hands on this one, and it’s a fantastic pick for both kids and adults, providing hours of fun with a mix of puzzles that range from easy to challenging. Each day, a new puzzle awaits, challenging you to separate the pieces and then reassemble them—a double puzzle, so to speak!
Made from high-quality metal, these sturdy puzzles resist bending, so they’re built to last through plenty of family competitions. We loved that the puzzle pieces stay organised in their own sections, keeping the countdown neat and ready for each day’s challenge. It’s a brilliant calendar to share around, and an unusual choice that makes for a memorable holiday season filled with hands-on fun.
12 Days of Boba Tea Advent Calendar
The 12 Days of Boba Tea Advent Calendar is a treat for any boba lover, offering a dozen days of delicious, boba-filled fun. We’ve sipped our way through this one, and while it’s only a 12-day countdown, each day packs plenty of flavour and excitement. Behind each door, you’ll find a combination of tapioca pearls and a milk tea mix, with six different flavours to sample. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a cosy cup of boba tea as the holiday countdown builds up to the big day.
Each flavour brings something unique to the mix, adding a sweet, festive touch to your daily routine. The 12 Days of Boba Tea Advent Calendar is ideal for anyone who loves a bit of indulgence with their holiday season, making each day a little brighter (and tastier) as Christmas draws near.
Bird & Blend Tea Advent Calendar
The Bird & Blend Tea Advent Calendar has become a true classic among tea lovers, and after trying it ourselves, it’s easy to see why! This calendar is packed with 24 unique, hand-blended flavours, offering a festive countdown that’s as soothing as it is flavourful. Each cube holds two tea bags, delivering 48 delicious cups of tea—perfect for sharing or for treating yourself to double the cosy moments each day.
Bird & Blend has really thought of everything, including fan favourites, exclusive previews of 2025 blends, and a mix of black, herbal, rooibos, and even oolong and yerba mate teas. Plus, for those seeking caffeine-free options, there’s an array of herbal and rooibos teas to enjoy. We also love that it’s 100% plastic-free, with a tree planted for every calendar sold. Sturdy and well-crafted, it’s ideal for posting to loved ones without a hefty delivery fee.
If you’re looking to add a dash of tea magic to the holiday season, we think the Bird & Blend Tea Advent Calendar is the ultimate festive treat, blending quality, flavour, and a bit of holiday spirit in every cup.
Yankee Candle Wreath Advent Calendar
We know that for some families, a candle advent is a holiday tradition in itself, so we couldn’t resist pointing you towards this enchanting countdown to Christmas: the Yankee Candle® Wreath Advent Calendar. Designed as a festive wreath, it offers 24 days of delightful fragrances, each one adding a cosy touch of magic to December. With classic scents like Christmas Cookie, Cinnamon Stick, and Black Cherry, as well as fresh favourites like Silver Sage & Pine, this calendar is perfect for creating a warm and welcoming holiday atmosphere.
Behind the first door, you’ll find a beautiful clear glass tealight holder to start things off, with a new candle each day to build up the festive cheer. For any candle lover looking to make the countdown extra special, this Advent Wreath is a must-have addition to your holiday celebrations.
Technic Nail Care Advent Calendar
The Technic Nail Care Advent Calendar is a delightful countdown for anyone who loves a bit of pampering, all wrapped up in a cute cube design with doors on every side and on top—it’s a treat from the moment you see it. Each day brings a little touch of luxury, featuring a mix of 18 vibrant nail varnishes in shades from bold and bright to soft and neutral, along with all the essentials for perfectly polished nails.
Inside, you’ll find not only the nail polishes but also practical nail tools like toe separators, clippers, a nail file, a sponge, and even a cuticle pusher. It’s the ideal advent calendar for treating yourself to gorgeous nails through the holidays and beyond. For anyone who loves a bit of DIY nail care, the Technic Nail Care Advent Calendar is a fabulous way to keep fingers and toes looking festive all season long.
Man Stuff Advent Calendar
The Man Stuff Advent Calendar is a 24-day countdown packed with grooming essentials, designed just for the modern man. From the stylish layout with doors all around to the generous size, it’s an advent calendar that feels like a gift in itself. Inside, each day unveils a new treat, ranging from skincare must-haves and beard care to handy grooming accessories, all with a refreshing scent and top-notch quality.
This calendar is well-stocked, featuring everything from beard shampoo and charcoal face scrub to muscle soak, bath fizzers, and even a travel toothbrush—perfect for keeping you looking and feeling your best all season. We found it to be excellent value, with a fantastic mix of essentials to cover every part of a daily routine. For anyone who enjoys a bit of extra self-care, the Man Stuff Advent Calendar is a top pick for a festive, feel-good countdown.
Tassimo Pod Christmas Calendar
Calling all coffee lovers! The Tassimo Pod Christmas Calendar is a dream come true for those who crave a new coffee experience every day. Behind each door lies a different Tassimo capsule, offering a blend of timeless classics and exciting new favourites. With 24 unique pods, all featuring black coffee varieties (no milk, sugar, or decaf options), this calendar is perfect for purists who love their coffee straight up.
We think this is a fantastic find—our office Tassimo machine has never had an advent calendar before, so it’s been a treat to discover new flavours daily. With limited numbers available, this Tassimo capsule calendar is a must-have for the holiday season, ideal for trying out a range of rich, bold coffees and finding your next favourite blend.
As we wrap up our festive journey through the world of 2024 Advent Calendars, we hope this guide has sparked a bit of inspiration for your Christmas countdown! It’s been a joy exploring these unique finds, and we’ve loved every moment of uncovering what each calendar has to offer. For even more seasonal cheer, don’t miss our Family Life at Christmas section – it’s filled with family-friendly activities, tips on selecting the perfect Christmas tree, extra gifting ideas, and heartwarming traditions to make your holiday season truly magical. Wishing you and yours a holiday brimming with joy, wonder, and the happiest of countdowns!
All Prices Correct at Publishing 28th October 2024