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Nothing beats the run up to Christmas. Especially when you're growing up, the countdown can be just as exciting as the actual day. Listening to festive songs, helping with the decorations and writing your Christmas list are all things that make the holiday season memorable.
One thing that lives fondly in most of our memories is advent calendars.
While most of us grew up all too familiar with chocolate calendars, there are plenty out there that will spark your kid's imagination. From mermaids to dinosaurs, if you're wanting something your children can play with again and again, toy advent calendars might just be the way to go.
That's why we've picked all of the best ones we could find to make your child's Christmas that little bit more special.
The Best Children's Advent Calendars of 2022
1 of 8KreativeKraft Dinosaurs Advent Calendar
Ah, dinosaurs. We all know a kid who's obsessed with dinosaurs. This would make a perfect advent calendar for children who've got an interest in all things positively prehistoric. Key info: It comes with 16 dinosaurs, eight accessories, and a dino play mat. Reviews say, "This dinosaur calendar is amazing, our daughter loves it." We love to hear it.
2 of 8Peppa Pig Advent Children's Book Collection
There's no denying that Peppa Pig has captured children's hearts across the nation. With this advent calendar, there's a storybook waiting for them inside each door. Why not make it part of your Christmas tradition by reading a story together before bed? Key info: Includes 24 hardback books.
£15.29
- Rrp: £19.99
3 of 8LEGO Harry Potter 76390 Advent Calendar
It's not surprise that this is one of John Lewis' best sellers. With a huge fan following, you can now bring Hogwarts to your home with this calendar. If your kid is a whizz at knowing all the ins and outs of the wizard world, this advent calendar is absolutely made for them. Key info: Not suitable for small children due to small parts. Includes six minifigures, accessories and a spinner which unlocks a board game which is printed on the calendar.
4 of 8Playmobil 70776 City Action Police Diving Mission Advent Calendar with Colour-Changing Bath Fizzers
Bath time is bound to be fun with this Playmobil advent calendar. Their imagination will be flowing as they swim with dolphins and go deep-sea diving for sunken treasure. Key info: Not suitable for children under three. Includes a scooter with an underwater motor, bath fizzers and accessories.
5 of 8Playmobil 70777 Magic Magical Mermaids Advent Calendar with Colour-Changing Bubble Bath
Allow your kids to live their mermaid fantasy with this fabulous advent calendar. They'll be mesmerised by the figures that change colour under water, which is sure to make bath time that little bit more entertaining. Key info: Not suitable for children under three. Includes colour-changing mermaid and animal figures, as well as bath fizzers. Reviews say, "Absolutely stunning and magical!"
6 of 8Lindt Chocolate Advent Calendar 160g
Of course we had to add a chocolate advent calendar, it just wouldn't be Christmas without it. Featuring the iconic Lindt bunnies and a festive Father Christmas, this advent calendar will have your mouth watering long before the countdown to Christmas has even begun. Key info: Suitable for vegetarians, with the ingredients listed on website.
7 of 8Disney: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar
With a new storybook to open every day involving characters that we all know and love, your child will be enchanted with this Disney advent character. Nostalgia, am I right? Key info: Suitable reading age from 4 - 6-year-olds.
8 of 8Verry Merry Advent Calendar
We are obsessed with this amazing advent calendar that's absolutely packed full of goodies. This calendar has everything, from crafts and challenges to recipes and reading books. With such a variety of surprises hiding behind each door, both you and the kids will never be bored. Key info: It comes with a Merry Mischief Elf plushie and a Grown Up's guide describing all the fabulous contents.
There are loads of advent calendars to choose from, but the great thing about variety is that there really is something for everyone.
How to cut costs around Christmas:
Shop around online: More often than not, online shopping can be cheaper than the high street. Try browsing on Amazon, Ebay or Wowcher for gifts that are discounted to save costs.
Christmas penny jar: Start a jar to put in any loose pennies or spare change that you have. We supposedly have £50 million worth of loose change in our homes, so it might be worth checking your couch cushions.
Plan, plan, plan: Getting organised is the key to saving money around Christmas. If you have your shopping list and meal plan sorted, you're less likely to spend over budget.