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If your kids are anything like mine, the second December 1st hits, they’re all about opening that advent calendar window before their eyes are even open. But if I see one more stale chocolate or weirdly shaped Santa blob, I might just replace December with a second November next year (that’ll show ’em)! 😂
So, this year, I’ve been on the hunt for advent calendars that actually *wow* kids (and teens!)—something with a little STEM sparkle, a sprinkle of self-care, or just some good old non-sugary fun. If you’re in the “no more chocolate, please!” club, here are a few of my top finds that I think are truly gift-worthy:
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Advent Calendar
- This one is SO COOL. Each day kids get a mini science experiment or kit (think: crystals, fossils, volcanoes, and even dino poop 💩). It’s perfect if your kiddo loves to say “actually…” at you or plans on being a mad scientist. I grabbed mine on Amazon!
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Funko Marvel 24-Day Advent Calendar
- Okay, this one is packed with 24 mini Funko Pocket Pops—so Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and the whole crew are covered. Great for superhero obsessed kids and teens (my daughter is still carrying around a tiny Groot from last year’s version).
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SEPHORA COLLECTION Holiday Vibes Advent Calendar
- For the teen who’s sneaking your serums or is on a mission to try every lip gloss ever made! This calendar comes with makeup, skin care, even some scrunchies—lots of trial-size goodies for holiday selfies. Found on Amazon and Sephora, and I may or may not have bought a “backup” for myself (for research, obviously).
Honestly, there are some wild and wonderful calendars out there now (Lego, Hot Wheels, art supplies, squish toys…). It’s gotten a little competitive but also makes the mornings much more fun! If you’ve found any that are a hit with your kids, please share—I’m building my wish list for next year already. 🎄
I am *so* on board with steering away from chocolate advent calendars—my kids always end up bouncing off the walls by window #3! 😂 Here are a few of my standout finds that will keep both kiddos and parents smiling through December:
- Magic Reindeer Craft Advent Calendar
- Channel your child’s creativity with this craft lover’s dream! Each day unveils a new craft material or project idea. They have their own little North Pole workshop by the end of the month. 🎨🦌
- Harry Potter IncrediBuilds Advent Calendar
- If you’ve got a budding witch or wizard, this calendar is a hit. It includes booklets with behind-the-scenes details from the films and materials for little DIY Hogwarts projects. Bonus: less risk of accidental wand mishaps! 🪄✨
- Yankee Candle Countdown to Christmas
- Got a teen who’s developing their sense of style (or scent)? Daily delightful candles brighten up the room and their spirits—plus, they reduce the intensity of post-sock laundry whiffs. 🔥🕯️
And because I’m a sucker for a great deal, I always check on Amazon for these—you might grab them on sale, just like Santa after a low-carb cookie diet! 🎅 If you have any other fab suggestions, spill the candy cane tea! 🍵🦄
If you’re looking to jazz up mornings this December and give Santa’s choco-clones a run for their money, I’ve whipped up a handful of advent calendar ideas that’ll have you wanting to trade your cornflakes for curiosity, creativity, and self-care. Here’s the scoop! 😄
- Playmobil Santa’s Workshop Advent Calendar
- Perfect for little ones who dream of a hands-on Santa experience. Each day unveils a festive toy or accessory piece. By December 25th, you’ll have a miniature North Pole that’ll make you want to set up shop! 🎅🛷
- Pokemon TCG: Holiday Calendar
- Pikachu and co. bring the Pokémon universe right to your budding trainer. From promo cards to fun stickers, it’s a surefire way to catch all the excitement leading up to Christmas. Gotta open ’em all! ⚡️🎄
- NYX Professional Makeup Advent Calendar
- For those teens (or let’s be honest, adults too!) who can’t get enough makeup fun. This countdown includes a dazzling array of lipsticks, shadows, and more. Perfect for glam selfies or illuminating that holiday glow. 💄✨
Honestly, these days there’s an advent calendar for every passion—be it unicorn-themed, puzzle-a-day, or even gourmet cheese (because why not?). Let’s hear what other quirky treasures you’ve uncovered—sharing is caring, after all! 🧀🎉✨
Oh, I’m totally on the no-more-chocolate train, too! 🎉 If you’ve got an adventurer-in-training or someone who just loves a daily surprise, here are a few delightful and unique picks to consider:
- Cra-Z-Art Softee Dough 24-Day Advent Calendar
- A fun and creative option for the little ones who love to mold and shape. Each day reveals tools or colorful dough to spark their imagination. By the end of the month, you’ll have a mini Picasso—or at least, many colorful blobs with heartfelt artistic intent! 🎨🍪
- Gourmet Coffee Advent Calendar
- Not for the kids, but let’s be real—you deserve some fun, too! Treat yourself to a variety of gourmet coffee blends from around the world. It’s the perfect way to sip into the day with something more thrilling than your usual cup of Joe. ☕️🌍
- Escape Room Advent Calendar
- If your family loves working together on puzzles, this advent calendar will have you unlocking a new challenge each day. By Christmas, you’ll have sharpened your detective skills and hopefully cracked the (advent) case wide open! 🔍🎁
I’m pretty sure these options will keep everyone entertained and make your mornings exciting. So let’s keep the creativity and fun flowing. Feel free to share more hidden gems—because advent shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all affair! 🎄💫🕵️♀️
If you’ve decided to steer clear of choco-overload this advent season, here’s a whiff of fun ideas that surely won’t crumble under pressure—or if they do, it’s with style (looking at you, cookies). 😅
- K’NEX Building Set Advent Calendar
- For the budding engineer or just an enthusiast of all things that snap together! Each day reveals new pieces and ideas, keeping those little fingers busy constructing awesome mini builds or brain-bending contraptions. By Christmas morning, you’ll practically have the blueprints for a Rube Goldberg machine unfolding across your living room! 🏗️🔧
- Herb Tea Advent Calendar
- This one’s for the tea aficionados looking to steep a new kind of joy each day. Enjoy a soothing selection of herbal teas that’ll have you sipping serenity while the kids are knee-deep in their daily find. Consider it your personal countdown to zen. ☕️🌿
- Hasbro Gaming Advent Calendar
- Turn every day into game night! With miniature versions of beloved Hasbro games and challenges, it’s perfect for the competitive spirit. A fantastic way to break out the laughs and family camaraderie without throwing a dicey holiday tantrum. 🎲🎯
- Space Sand Advent Calendar
- Let’s talk about magically moldable sand that doesn’t make a mess. Yes, it exists! Each day gifts colorful sand in various hues to create galactic masterpieces. Pairs well with imaginative storytelling about the great cosmic sandbox we call space! 🏖️✨🌌
I hope these ideas light up your advent journey with innovation and fun, minus the sugar rush. Drop any other faves you’ve found; I’m always on the lookout for next-level seasonal surprises! 🎇🎁🎉
I hear you! Chocolate advent calendars can get pretty ‘meh’ after a while, and who needs that sugar spike every morning? Here are a few more magical alternatives perfect for adding a little extra sparkle to your December days:
- Crayola Christmas Countdown Activity Advent Calendar 🎨
- If your kids are the artsy type, this Crayola advent calendar is like having a daily mini art class at home! Each door reveals a different Crayola product, from crayons to markers to craft projects. By the time Christmas comes around, your fridge will be a gallery worthy of its own exhibition!
- Pipsticks Sticker Advent Calendar 🦄
- Stickers, stickers everywhere! This advent calendar is packed with different sheets of whimsical, colorful stickers that will delight any sticker enthusiast. Bonus: it gives kids something to decorate while you sip your much-needed coffee. Who knew a sticker spree could be so meditative?
- The Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar 🎅
- Bring some elf-approved mischief into your home! Each day offers a new elf-related activity or trinket. It’s like having Santa’s little helper spy—and play—with the kiddos, keeping the holiday spirit (and good behavior) alive. Spoiler: much less messy than the elf itself!
- MOFT Advent Calendar 📱
- For the tech-savvy teen (or adult!) in the family, this calendar features nifty tech accessories like phone stands and laptop sleeves—super practical yet sleek. Gear up for uni or any digital adventure, and say goodbye to tech mishaps as you door-hop through December!
So let’s make mornings merry without the mid-morning sugar crash. Do you have other non-chocolate advent ideas up your sleeve? We’re all ears—and so ready for holiday laughs and discoveries. 🎄🎉🚀
I’ve got your back on making advent season a non-chocolatey blast! Here are some more quirky and fun ideas to countdown with flair:
- Fidget Toy Advent Calendar
- For the fidgety fingers in your household, this calendar provides a daily dose of sensory fun. Each day reveals a new fidget toy, from pop-its to stretchy strings, ensuring everyone stays entertained and stress-free. Plus, you’ll have a fully stocked arsenal for future road trips or quiet time! 🤹♂️🌀
- Burt’s Bees 12 Days of Moisturizing
- Perfect for anyone battling winter chapped lips or dry hands. This calendar packs a punch with a selection of nourishing items like lip balms and hand creams. What better way to enter the coldest months than with luscious lips? 💋🍯
- Puzzle Advent Calendar
- Keep the brain cells buzzing with a daily jigsaw puzzle piece! Each day adds a piece to the puzzle, culminating in a beautiful festive scene by Christmas Eve. It’s the perfect way to unwind with a cuppa—or in my case, a toddler on your back! 🧩🔍
- Faber-Castell Young Artist Essentials Set Advent Calendar
- For budding Picassos, this artsy advent includes everything from colored pencils to watercolor paints. Each day sparks creativity and artful adventures. Who needs chocolate when you can create a masterpiece? 🎨🖌️
Let December be a festival of fun and creativity without the sugar spikes. If you’ve got any hidden gems for advent fun, spill the beans—it’s all about sharing the Christmas cheer! 🎅🎨✨
Ah, the annual quest to dodge those questionable chocolate blobs while discovering something truly fun! 😅 Here are some gem-filled suggestions that might just become your new advent adventures:
- Rubik’s Cube Advent Calendar 🧩
- Perfect for puzzle lovers, each day features a different twisty challenge or mini cube. By Christmas, your nimble-fingered puzzler will be ready to compete in a Rubik’s speed-solving contest or at least have a quite impressive collection of colorful shapes!
- 24 Days of Socks Advent Calendar 🧦
- Who would ever have guessed that accessorizing your feet could bring so much joy? This calendar equally spreads fun with seasonal socks—perfect knee-highs, comical penguins, or even a pair that mysteriously looks like Santa’s mustache. The only downside? Matching them post-laundry! 😂
- WOW! Stuff Collection – Harry Potter Diagon Alley Advent Calendar 🧙♂️
- Enter the winter wizardry of Diagon Alley! Each day delivers a new character or prop that’ll transport any witch or wizard enthusiast into a magical realm, without the need for a Platform 9 ¾ ticket. Enchanting and spellbinding, it’s made for any Harry Potter devotee mugging up their charms and spells!
- Daily Desk Calendar with Mind-Blowing Facts 📚
- For the trivia buffs and curious minds, each window reveals a fun fact sure to get the neurons firing. Perfect convo starters over holiday dinners—you’ll know everything from the number of varieties of cheese in France to how fast an owl winks (it’s a classic conversation tackler at parties!)
Bring on the advent excitement—minus the sugar rush! If you’ve landed on an oddball (or spectacular) advent calendar this year, spill those nuggets of knowledge. Let’s make our countdown to Christmas as merry and memorable as can be! 🎄🚀✨
I totally get you on the chocolate-overload dilemma! 🍫 While sweet treats have their place, here’s my take on advent calendars that’ll make December mornings something you actually look forward to (and sans the sugar rush):
- DIY Craft Beer Advent Calendar 🍺
- This one’s for the adults who aren’t so keen on cocoa! Fill 24 numbered cubbies with an assortment of craft beers—perfect for those who enjoy a festive brew. A great way to explore new flavors while counting down and feeling the holiday “spirits”! 🥳
- Jigsaw Puzzle Advent Calendar 🧩
- Piece together a Christmas masterpiece, one day at a time! Each window reveals a new piece of a jigsaw puzzle. By the time Christmas arrives, you’ll have a completed festive scene to admire (or to speed-mega-puzzle again when the turkey’s in the oven)!
- National Football League 24-Day Advent Calendar 🏈
- For the sports enthusiast, this calendar features mini NFL collectibles, including figurines and trinkets from their favorite teams. It’s like a touchdown for your mantel, minus the need for a tailgate party!
- Man Crates Jerky Advent Calendar 🐂
- Skip the chocolate and indulge in savory goodness with a jerky advent calendar. From teriyaki to spicy, this calendar will satisfy the snack lover’s cravings in a uniquely meaty manner. Now, every day can be flavorfully beefy!
With these, December mornings will be full of surprises, creativity, and more. Let’s make advent a celebration of fun finds and crafty countdowns! If you’ve got secret advent treasures from your seasonal sleuthing, do spill – we’re all ready for holly-jolly delight! 🎅🎇🎉
When you’re ready to swap out those predictable chocolate blobs for something a little more exciting, look no further! Here’s a mix of cheerful and cheeky advent calendar picks that will surely transform your December mornings into something much more magical. 😊
- Pet Advent Calendar 🐾
- Let’s not forget our furry family members! This pet-friendly calendar offers daily treats and toys to keep tails wagging all season long. By Christmas, your four-legged friend will be positively purring or barking with joy. 🐶🐱
- Tickets to Fun: Scratch-Off Advent Calendar 🎟️
- Each day provides a scratch-off ticket revealing a fun activity or adventure for the whole family. From “movie marathon” to “backyard camping,” it’s all about creating memories without the sugar high. Just make sure to bring your sense of humor—it’s gonna be a hoot! 🎬⛺
- LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 🌌
- For the Padawans in your life, each day unveils a new mini build from the Star Wars universe. By the end of advent, you’ll have a miniature galaxy far, far away ready to take over the mantelpiece. May the force be with your festive spirit! 🔫👾
- Socks Appeal Advent Calendar 🧦
- One can never have enough funky socks, right? This calendar provides a daily pair of novelty socks to dazzle your feet. We’re talking everything from whimsical designs to festive patterns—perfect for spreading cheer from head to toe! 🎁✨
So here’s to a festive explosion of creativity, coziness, and unexpected surprises (that won’t melt if left near a radiator). If you stumble across any other merry treasures, do let us know. It’s the season to share, and I’m all ears! 🎄🎉
Oh, I’m thrilled to see so many fresh and funky ideas to banish the chocolate blahs from our advent season! 📆 Here’s a whimsical assortment to keep everyone grinning as we inch closer to Christmas:
- Tiny Mysteries to Solve Advent Calendar 🕵️♂️
- Transform your December mornings into a mini Sherlock Holmes novel! Each day reveals a new clue or puzzle piece that contributes to an overarching mystery. It’s like a daily dose of whodunit right over breakfast, minus the interrogation room! 🕵️♀️🔍
- The Itty-Bitty Bookish Advent Calendar 📚
- Bookworms, rejoice! Dive into daily literary delights with tiny books or stories—from micro novellas to quotes from beloved classics. Perfect for curling up with cocoa or sneaking in a tale before bed. Just don’t lose the magnifying glass! 📚🔖
- Zen Garden Advent Calendar 🌿
- This one’s for the peaceful soul in search of tranquility amidst the holiday hustle. Unwrap calming elements for a personal zen garden, from rakes to sand patterns. By the time Santa arrives, you’ll be so chill you might just melt. 🧘♂️🌊
- Coding Advent Calendar for Geeks 💻
- If you’ve got a budding coder in the family, this calendar releases daily coding challenges or snippets to master. Perfect for keeping those neurons buzzing and churning out future tech whizzes! Who knows, they might just hack your shopping list next. 😂👨💻👩💻
Who says advent calendars have to be predictable (or edible)? Bring on the fun and festive discoveries! 🎁 If you’re hiding any other dazzling advent treasures in those sleeves, spill the tea—we’re all for spreading the holiday cheer far and wide! 🎄✨
I absolutely love the idea of swapping out chocolate for something unexpected and delightful! Let’s keep those December mornings exciting with these unique advent calendar ideas:
- LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 🔮
- Perfect for wizards and witches, young and old! Each window reveals a piece to build enchanting scenes straight out of Hogwarts. By Christmas, you’ll have your own little magic world—and maybe even a house-elf or two to help with decorations! ⚡✨
- Cheese Advent Calendar 🧀
- For the cheese connoisseur, this calendar is a gourmet delight! Offering a variety of international cheeses, it’s perfect for pairing with your holiday wines or just nibbling on a chilly evening. Santa’s sleigh will be making an extra stop at your house this year for sure! 🍷🧀
- Candle Advent Calendar 🕯️
- Light up your holiday season with daily candles, each with unique scents that add warmth and ambience to your home. It’s like counting down the days to Christmas wrapped in a cozy, fragrant embrace. Just don’t blaze through all of them to find out which is your favorite scent! 🔥😍
- Activity-Based Advent Calendar 🎲
- Instead of a simple chocolate treat, how about a daily family activity? From board game nights to crafting, this calendar turns December into a month of family bonding and laughter. It’s also a clever way to get everyone’s heads out of screens and into the festive spirit! 🎨👨👩👧👦
Whether you’re an adventurer, a creator, or simply someone who loves a good cheese platter, there’s a calendar for every interest. Let’s make this advent season all about surprise, joy, and the discovery of new favorites! 🎄✨ If you’ve stumbled upon any other nifty calendars, don’t hold back—share the festive magic with us all! 🎉
If you’re already saying “no more chocolate!” for this year’s advent calendar (or perhaps you’ve got a twinge of lactose intolerance like me 😂), here are a few quirky options to add a spark to your December:
- Kitchen Science Advent Calendar 🔬
- Perfect for your budding chemist, each day offers a new kitchen-related experiment. Watch as your kiddos whip up homemade lava lamps or inflate balloons with kitchen ingredients. Just make sure they don’t turn your kitchen into a full-on lab—or do, who am I to stunt creativity! 🧪🤓
- AKA What’s That Smell? Advent Calendar 🐽
- Get ready to tickle your senses and test your sniffing prowess. Each day has a scratch-and-sniff card, challenging your olfactory abilities. From peppermint to pine, it’s a fragrant journey through the season. Just don’t confuse any mystery aromas with Uncle Bob’s mysterious leftovers! 😂🌲
- Bob Ross Happy Little Men Calendar 🌈
- Every day unveils a tiny item from the painter, who knew no mistakes—only happy accidents. From mini paints to surprising art pieces, it’s bound to inspire some serene artistic moments, even if it’s just watching the show again with some happy little trees! 🎨🌿
- Retro Video Game Ornament Advent Calendar 🕹️
- Bring some nostalgia to your decorations! Each day offers a new ornament inspired by your favorite retro video game characters. By the time Christmas rolls around, your tree could host a pixel party that would make any arcade enthusiast smile! 🎄👾
Don’t be shy, share any zany but delightful calendrical finds you’ve discovered. December should be a time for fun, curiosity, and maybe even a smidge of chaos—but in a good way! 😊✨
I’m loving all these inventive advent calendar ideas! If you’re aiming to ditch the same old chocolate routine, why not infuse your December with some of these quirky choices?
- Vintage Car Advent Calendar 🚗
- For the miniature car enthusiast, this calendar unveils a new classic car model each day. By Christmas, you’ll have a whole retro collection. Vroom vroom into holiday nostalgia!
- DIY Origami Advent Calendar 📜
- Perfect for anyone intrigued by the art of paper folding. Each day offers a new origami paper and instructions for creating everything from cranes to cats. Just don’t accuse the cat of making problems unfold—pun intended! 😂
- Wooden Train Advent Calendar 🚂
- Each door features a new piece to build a charming wooden train, complete with miniature trees and tiny townspeople. By December 25th, you’ll have an intricate little display perfect for your mantel—who needs a Polar Express when you’ve got this? 🎅
- Spicy Sauce Advent Calendar 🌶️
- Perfect for the spice lover, this calendar offers a fiery flavor each day. From mild to ghost pepper levels, it’s an adventurous way to heat up the holidays. Just make sure you have a glass of milk on standby! 🥛🔥
So this December, let’s swap out the chocolate and inject a little extra character into every morning countdown. Got any more eclectic advent secrets to share? Unleash the festive brainstorm—we’re ready for all the joyful surprises! 🎉🎄
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Advent Calendar
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