I never could stomach the cheap, waxy chocolates that come in your run-of-the mill advent calendars, so there was no way I was going to put my sons through that torture each December. One of the first non-chocolate advent calendars we got was an adorable Little People set, but since then we’ve had to get creative.
We tried the fancy Lindt chocolates and the Squish gummy advent calendars, but after thousands of dollars in dental bills, we needed non-sugar-filled options. While the Costco Lego advent calendars have gotten us through the past couple of years, I could tell the boys were bored with the same builds last year — not to mention our Lego bin is more than overflowing!
In the hunt for fun, candy-free options for my boys, I discovered these 17 picks and wanted to share in case I’m not the only parent looking for non-chocolate advent calendars.
17 Awesome Non-Chocolate Advent Calendars
PLAY-DOH Advent Calendar
This advent calendar from PLAY-DOH holds various surprises each day, including different colours of PLAY-DOH, molds, cutters, and a rolling pin. I can’t wait to watch my younger son unwrap each day’s present! Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Amazon
Ricochet Fidget Toy Advent Calendar
I just know my older son is going to thoroughly enjoy this fidget toy advent calendar. If you’ve got a little busy body of your own, this is a great option. It includes a spinner, a popper, a car, a ball, and so much more to keep little ones entertained. Recommended for ages 5+.
Get it from Mastermind
Crayola Advent Calendar
For the budding artiste, Crayola has created this countdown activity advent calendar. Behind each door is an easy activity and a Crayola tool to complete it. Kids will enjoy creating colourful ornaments, delightful decorations, and more. Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Toys R Us
Hot Wheels Advent Calendar
Young racing fans will get a kick out of this holiday-themed daily countdown for toy car enthusiasts. Included are eight 1:64 scale Hot Wheels cars and 16 accessories, and the box has an attached playmat for use with their new treasures. Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Well.ca
Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Advent Calendar
Countdown to the paw-lidays with this advent calendar featuring everyone’s favourite pups. Kids can uncover their favourite pups dressed up for the holidays, as well as various accessories for plenty of winter fun in Adventure Bay. Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Canadian Tire
Lego Friends Advent Calendar
Great for older kiddos, this advent calendar from Lego includes a daily creation for them to build, including the big man in red himself! The snowy winter wonderland playmat folds down so they can enjoy endless imaginative adventures when the weather outside is especially frightful. Recommended for ages 5+.
Get it from Costco
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar
Star Wars fans will love this themed advent calendar from Lego, with a unique build each day, including minifigures and accessories. Fan favourites C-3PO and R2-D2 are included in festive sweaters, along with the Bad Batch Shuttle, Hoth AT-ST, and more. Recommended for ages 6+.
Get it from Lego
Barbie Colour Reveal Advent Calendar
Barbie fans will love this advent calendar, which includes a doll and a pet, along with various accessories. The doll has a metallic blue snowflake coating that is removed with warm water for a festive surprise! It also includes a child-sized charm bracelet with two charms. Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Toys R Us
Happy Christmas, Harry! Advent Calendar
They’re sure to be able to conjure an Expecto Patronum spell with all the happy memories made by unboxing and playing with this Harry Potter advent calendar set. This illustrated book unfolds to reveal 24 pockets — each with its own holiday surprise inside. Recommended for ages 6+.
Get it from Mastermind
PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 AQUA Advent Calendar
Perfect for the youngest celebrants, this advent calendar from PLAYMOBIL comes complete with four figures, a landing net, a shark, an octopus, a turtle, four fish, two penguins, and many other loving extras for plenty of bathtime fun. Recommended for ages 1.5-4.
Get it from PLAYMOBIL
Disney: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar
This advent calendar is a gift that keeps on giving — with a new book each day leading up to Christmas. Kids can then enjoy story time on their own or with their loved ones, both at the holidays and throughout the year. Stories feature beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Recommended for all ages.
Get it from Amazon
Playmobil Novelmore Advent Calendar
Playmobil didn’t forget about bigger kids — this advent calendar is suited for kids up to 10 or so, and tasks kiddos with uncovering Dario Da Vanci’s exclusive inventions behind the 24 doors leading up to Christmas. Includes five figures, a functioning crossbow, and a breakthrough wall. Recommended for ages 4-10.
Get it from Amazon
BRIO Advent Calendar
You won’t regret choo-choo-choosing this train-themed advent calendar for your little locomotive lover. It features 24 pieces, including tracks, animals, accessories, and exclusive seasonal content such as Santa Claus and a unique gingerbread Christmas Train — all made from high-quality plastics and FSC-certified European beech wood. Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Mastermind
Eurographics Sweet Christmas Advent Calendar Puzzle Set
This advent calendar features 24 different 50 piece mini puzzles, each measuring about 5×5 inches. Each puzzle is stored in its own mini storage box to help keep everything organized. Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Costco
Little People Advent Calendar
This set was a favourite of our family’s for a number of years (yes, we reused it for both kids!) It includes 7 character figures — including Mr. and Mrs. Claus — and 17 holiday-themed play pieces. There’s also an ornament piece kids can place on the advent calendar or your tree. Recommended for ages 1-5.
Get it from Indigo
Zuru 5 Surprise Toy Mini Brands Advent Calendar
Talk about the ultimate unboxing! This advent calendar includes 24 minis from multiple series, along with minis that have never been seen before and are not offered anywhere else. Score! Recommended for ages 3+.
Get it from Toys R Us
Funko Pop Marvel Advent Calendar
Now they can bring their favourite super heroes home for the holidays with this super cute advent calendar. Behind every tiny door are some of your favourite Marvel characters dressed in their holiday finest. Characters measure up to 2.25 inches tall. Recommended for ages 3+. Get it from RetroFestive, which also carries Pokemon, Nightmare Before Christmas, Star Wars, Disney, and Harry Potter versions.
Get it from RetroFestive
Tagged under: advent calendar,advent calendars,non-chocolate advent calendars,non-chocolate advent calendar
Category: entertainment,seasonal,christmas,family-life
