The best alternative advent calendars for kids in 2015

I’ve never really been one for the little chocolate filled calendars that you buy at the supermarket, they just never really interested me. When I was a child I had a snowman shaped calendar that my mum would fill with sweets, little toys and chocolates – it really made it so special for me because I never knew what I was going to get! Here are some of my favourite alternative advent calendars for kids.

A book calendar

I’ve seen some wonderful examples of this on Pinterest and when they boys get a bit old I’m going to do this for them. Simply wrap up 24 Christmas (or other if you would like) books and allow your child to unwrap one a day. Great idea for book worms, or if your child likes colouring, why not try colouring books instead.

Fillable advent calendar

There are hundreds of different types of these, the kids have inherited my snowman and a wooden train version, but these are great if you want to fill something with your child’s preferences. One year I filled Reuben’s up with his chocolate buttons and added ‘surprise’ hot wheels cars every so often! He loved it.

Lego advent calendars

We’ve bought one of these for the boys to share this year – they love Lego and it will be a great way to get them excited for Christmas whilst building on their Lego collection. There were several different types, from the ‘friends’ one to a special ‘star wars’ version for fans!

The Nutcracker jewellery charm advent

I wrote about this last year, and it’s still as fabulous this year. I adore it, and I’m sorely tempted to buy one for when Edie is older *just* in case they don’t make one again. Each day you open a door to find a gloriously sweet charm for the pretty and delicate bracelet that you get on Christmas Eve. I really want one myself!!

Woodland creatures pop out calendar by penelopetom

I did something similar to this with the boys last year on top of their gift/sweet advent calendar, just for a bit of fun – this one is a step further and looks fabulous. I love the fact that each day you pop out a little woodland character and slot it into position in order to build a really lovely decoration at the end of the month! Too cute for little ones, especially as a side project.

Personalised Scratch card advent calendar from JG Artwork

This is really cute and a very unique advent calendar for kids, as it involves the whole family and gets everyone joining in festive fun. The advent calendar is made of strong card and features a attachable dot every day, underneath which there are games, activities and ideas for family fun.

Advent calendar cards

I love these and I think they are the sweetest little cards to give out to little friends at school or preschool. Each day you have a little flap to lift to discover another scene underneath. It’s just a very sweet way to build excitement without hardly any cost.

These are my favourite advent calendars for children, but if you are looking for unique advent calendars for adults there are so many – from booze galore to luxury bath, home and candle sets, there is a unique advent calendar put there for everyone!

H x