How to Choose the Right Advent Calendar for Your Family

Quick Answer

Start by considering your family's age range and interests. For young kids, choose simple calendars with small treats or activities; for teens and adults, opt for hobby-based or humorous calendars. Set a budget and decide between traditional (chocolate) and non-food options. Always check the size and quality to ensure it fits your celebration.

Advent calendars turn the December countdown into a daily moment of excitement. But with so many styles—from classic chocolate doors to DIY activity boxes—picking the right one for your family can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the key factors so you can choose a calendar that fits your household's vibe and budget.

Whether you're shopping for toddlers or teenagers, the best advent calendar is one that matches their interests and your family's traditions. We'll help you weigh the options and avoid common pitfalls.

Types of Advent Calendars

Traditional advent calendars feature a cardboard door for each day, often hiding chocolate or small toys. They're affordable, widely available, and easy for young kids to open. However, the treats are often low-quality, and the calendar itself is disposable.

Non-food calendars offer reusable or thematic items like tea, beauty products, or craft supplies. These can be more engaging for older children and adults, but they tend to cost more and may require more storage space. Some families build their own reusable calendar with fabric pockets or wooden boxes, filling it with personalized goodies each year.

• Check the age recommendation on the calendar to ensure safety and suitability.
• Consider the quality of the contents—some calendars are more about the experience than the item value.

Age and Interests Matter

For toddlers and preschoolers, simplicity is key. Calendars with large, easy-to-open doors and non-choking hazards are best. Look for ones with small toys or board books that match their favorite characters. Avoid anything with small parts that could be a choking risk.

School-age kids often enjoy calendars that align with their hobbies, such as LEGO, art supplies, or science experiments. These can be pricier but offer more engagement. Teens and adults might prefer calendars that cater to their tastes—like gourmet snacks, beauty items, or even humorous ones that play on inside jokes.

• For a family with mixed ages, consider a calendar with universal appeal like mini puzzles or trivia cards.
• If your family loves games, look for calendars that include a daily game or activity.

Budget and Value

Advent calendars range from under $10 to over $50. Cheap calendars are great for young kids who care more about the ritual than the gift. Spending more doesn't always mean better—some expensive calendars are overpriced for what's inside. Compare the cost per day to gauge value.

If you're crafty, a DIY calendar can be budget-friendly and personalized. But it requires time and effort. Alternatively, consider calendars that offer reusable items, like a magnetic bookmark set, which can be used beyond December.

• Set a budget before you start shopping to avoid impulse buys.
• Look for sales after Thanksgiving to get better deals.

Quality and Sustainability

Check the materials: cardboard calendars are recyclable but not durable; wooden or fabric calendars last longer but cost more. If you plan to reuse the calendar, invest in a sturdy one. For food calendars, ensure the chocolate or treats are from reputable brands.

Some calendars come with extra items like games or books that add value. For example, a trivia card game could be a fun addition to a family calendar, offering daily questions to enjoy together.

• If sustainability matters to you, choose a calendar with minimal plastic packaging.
• Consider calendars that support a cause or are made from recycled materials.

Decision Rules for Choosing an Advent Calendar

• Age of recipients: For kids under 5, choose large-piece, non-choking calendars. For teens and adults, pick calendars that match their hobbies or humor. Match the calendar complexity to the age to ensure safety and engagement.
• Interests and hobbies: Consider what your family enjoys: games, crafts, reading, or food. A calendar that aligns with their passions will be more appreciated. Personalization beats generic treats.
• Budget: Set a clear budget. For young kids, a cheap calendar is fine. For older family members, invest in quality or DIY. Don't overspend on a calendar that will be forgotten by January.
• Reusability and sustainability: If you want to reduce waste, opt for reusable or recyclable materials. Consider filling a DIY calendar with small gifts each year. Think long-term: a sturdy calendar can become a tradition.

Related Products from Brass Monkey

• How Dead Are They? Social Game: A ‘when-did-that-one-celebrity-die?’ party game. Includes 350 double-sided cards and suitable for 2 or more players. This game can be a fun addition to an advent calendar for adults, offering a daily dose of quirky trivia to share with family.
• Bizarre Video Game Trivia: Test your gaming knowledge with Bizarre Video Game Trivia, the ultimate card game for players who live and breathe video games. Includes 200 uniquely crafted trivia cards with three difficulty levels and support for 2 to 8+ players. Perfect for a family that loves gaming, this trivia set can be split across advent days, making each day a new challenge for the whole family.
• Salty Birds Magnetic Bookmark Set: Brass Monkey’s Magnetic Salty Birds Bookmark Set features three bird-shaped bookmarks that are equal parts functional and fabulously feathered. Each sleek silhouette clips securely to your page with hidden magnets. A reusable, non-food option that book lovers can enjoy long after December, adding a touch of personality to their reading.

Finding the Right Fit

Best for

• Families with young children who enjoy simple daily surprises.
• Families with teens or adults who have specific hobbies like gaming or trivia.

Not for

• Families who prefer zero-waste or minimal packaging, as many calendars are single-use.
• Those on a very tight budget, as some calendars can be pricey.

Choosing the right advent calendar is about balancing fun, age, and budget. By considering your family's interests and the calendar's quality, you can create a countdown that everyone looks forward to. Remember, the best calendar is one that fits your unique traditions—and maybe adds a little smartassery to the season.