Advent calendar for kids 2026: LEGO, sweets and ideas by age

For a child, an advent calendar is less a gift than a ritual: twenty-four mornings with a reason to get out of bed faster. For the ritual to work, the calendar has to suit their age and interests, not just look nice on the shelf. Below are ideas by age, LEGO and other toy calendars, sweets and a few practical tips before you buy.

For little ones (3-6 years)

At this age a child already understands that one door opens each day and looks forward to it, but is not yet picky about what is inside. Simple, familiar things work best: Kinder or Milka chocolate, Smarties figures. Kinder house-shaped calendars have a bonus: the house itself stands on the table as a decoration all December.

If you want fewer sweets, go for the Play-Doh calendar: each day brings a new colour or mould, and the modelling goes on all winter. With toy calendars, always check the age recommended by the manufacturer, as small parts are dangerous for the youngest.

For boys

Boys from about six usually pick a calendar by their favourite series. The LEGO City calendar is full of vehicles, minifigures and city pieces that build up into a whole scene over December. LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Marvel are for those who already know every starship and superhero. Best of all, the toys don't disappear on 24 December: they keep playing with them after the holidays.

For girls

The LEGO Friends calendar holds mini builds and figures from Heartlake City, while LEGO Disney Princess brings princess figures and little scenes every day. For Harry Potter fans, boys and girls alike, there is the Schleich calendar with figures and accessories from the wizarding world. Of course, splitting by gender is only a guide: what works best is what the child loves.

For teenagers

From ten or twelve, a children's calendar can feel too childish. Teenagers tend to enjoy something tasty and a bit unusual: Pringles in different flavours, American sweets or Chinese snacks they won't find in the shop around the corner.

For a teenage girl, a first beauty calendar is a great pick. The Essence calendar holds make-up and accessories, the Mad Beauty Star Wars calendar has bath and body treats featuring Grogu, and the Accentra bath calendar is full of fragrant bath products. At this age make-up and body care are a safer choice than strong facial skincare. For more beauty ideas, see our article on advent calendars for women.

LEGO and other toy calendars

What sets a toy calendar apart from a chocolate one is what is left after the season. Over twenty-four days a LEGO calendar builds up a set of mini models and minifigures that can be combined with other LEGO sets from the same world. LEGO releases new calendars every year, and past seasons are usually impossible to buy later, so the most popular series sell out fastest.

• A small build every day. Most doors take a few minutes to build, so the ritual fits even a rushed morning before nursery or school.
• Small parts. LEGO calendars are not made for the youngest. The recommended age is printed on the box.
• More than one child. With two or three kids at home, one calendar can start arguments. Better one each, or agree in advance who opens which day.

All toy calendars are in one place.

Sweets for kids

The chocolate calendar is still a classic, and for good reason: it is simple, familiar and suits almost every child. Kinder Bueno, KitKat or Milka & Oreo calendars are for kids with a favourite treat. For those who don't like chocolate there are Haribo gummies or Chupa Chups lollipops, and the M&M'S calendar hides mini Mars, Snickers, Twix and other well-known bars.

More sweet calendars, including some for grown-up tastes, are in the sweets category.

How to choose an advent calendar for a child

• Age. With toy calendars, check the age recommended by the manufacturer, especially if there are younger siblings at home.
• Interests, not packaging. A favourite series or character matters more to a child than a big box.
• How much sugar. If your family limits sweets, choose a toy or modelling clay calendar.
• Allergies. Chocolate calendars almost always contain milk and often nuts. Read the ingredients before buying, especially if the calendar is for someone else's child.
• Timing. The first door opens on 1 December, so order in November. For more on when to buy and how to choose, see our guide to choosing an advent calendar.

We deliver to parcel lockers or by DPD courier, usually within 3-5 working days, and delivery is free from 99 € in Lithuania and Latvia. All advent calendars for kids are in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Which advent calendar suits a child?

One that matches their age and interests. Chocolate and modelling clay calendars suit little ones, LEGO and figure calendars suit kids from about six, and teenagers prefer snack calendars or a first beauty calendar.

What age is a LEGO advent calendar for?

The recommended age is printed on every calendar box. Because of the small parts, LEGO calendars are not for the youngest children, and younger kids have the most fun building together with an adult.

Are there advent calendars for kids without chocolate?

Yes. LEGO, Schleich figure and Play-Doh calendars contain no sweets, and for kids who don't like chocolate there are Haribo gummy and Chupa Chups lollipop calendars.

What to give a teenage boy or girl?

Teenagers often prefer something savoury or unusual: Pringles crisps, American sweets or Chinese snacks. For a teenage girl, a first beauty calendar with make-up or body care is a good choice.

When to order an advent calendar for a child?

In November. The first door opens on 1 December, delivery usually takes 3-5 working days, and the most popular LEGO and Kinder calendars sell out first.