The moment October rolls around and the Halloween paraphernalia flies in and out of the shops making way for the Christmas decorations, let’s face it, we all start counting down to Santa time! None more so than our children, cue the advent calendar. However, the typical $3 options plastered with Peppa or PJ Masks or Ponies et al and filled with fast-melting chocolate may not be to everyone’s desire.
Nut-allergies, dairy intolerance and more may drive some parents to wish for a less edible alternative to the traditional advent calendar. So we’ve nipped over to our friends at Kid Magazine who have compiled a great list of chocolate-free ways you and your kids can count down to Christmas!
Pic Credit: Kid Magazine
1. First on the list is this beautiful felt creation from Pottery Barn Kids. Each ornament on its Christmas Tree design hides a pocket for you to leave your own treats or messages for your littles to find. It also makes a gorgeous addition to your annual festive decor with an easy ring feature to mount it to the wall every Christmas! $69.30 for a limited time (usual price $99)
2. A wonderfully imaginative advent calendar from the Book Depository, and just one of the designs they have in store is Olive, the Other Reindeer Pop Up Advent Calendar. There is a pop up version of Santa’s castle in the centre of the book with a different surprise for each day in the lead up to Christmas. $16.99, Book Depository
3. In the spirit of unboxing and mini collectibles, these Ooshie-filled advent calendars from Marvel Collectible ($29.95) and Dreamworks ($45) are the stuff kid’s dreams are made of. Both from Amazon Australia.
4. Another offering from the Book Depository is this Winter Wonderland Advent Calendar from Galison. Behind each punch-out door is a different activity to keep the whole family entertained, from festive boogieing to baking and compiling that all important list to Santa! Winter Wonderland Advent Calendar, $16.97, Book Depository
5. You can always rely on Cotton On Kids to keep things cute and cost-effective! Their take on the advent calendar is filled with 25 different Christmassy hair accessories. There are two designs available and great value for just $24.99, Cotton On Kids
6. Another sweet and girly option is this simply adorable Hello Kitty pop up advent calendar. Lay it flat and introduce a new pop-up character every day until Christmas. No chocolate, no toys, just a simple pop up, $19.99, Amazon Australia
7. I love this one! The Advent Calendar to Colour from the Book Depository features a black and white fold-out calendar which kids can colour a bit of each day in the run-up to Christmas. Display it as part of your holiday decor or fold it away for safe-keeping. $14.99, Book Depository
8. For your Smiggle fans, the stationer’s advent offering contains 25 limited edition surprises to delight your littles and this year if you find 1 of 25 lucky tickets inside you win a $1000 shopping spree, $39.95, Smiggle
9. With Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms due to be released on 22 November and David Jones’ Christmas windows decorated in full Nutcracker glory; 2018 is undoubtedly the year of The Nutcracker. Classic, simple and one that will last the test of time, if they loved the movie your littles will be thrilled to have their very own wooden Nutcracker to help them count down the days until Christmas, $39.95, David Jones
10. LEGO is a staple of nearly every toy box and this LEGO City Advent Calendar Playset Toy ($25) is a celebration of its popularity at Christmas and every day after. With 500 pieces to build and collect 24 festive LEGO City gifts, a mini Santa, husky dog and additional mini figures; this is the perfect advent calendar for boys and girls aged 5+. There is also a LEGO Friends version available (also $25), both from Amazon Australia
11. Hatchimals are certainly still high on the popularity charts, I know my kids are rather obsessed with them, so if you want to win Best Parent in the World award this Christmas treat them to the 50+ surprises hidden inside the Hatchimals CollEGGtibles Advent Calendar, $58, from Amazon Australia.
12. Possibly the most beautiful Advent Calendar that ever was is this wooden house from Bed Bath ‘N’ Table. Made from natural wood and featuring actual LED lighting, you can pull out the little drawers to hide your own choice of treats. This advent calendar is a stunning Christmas piece for the whole family to fall in love with! $79.95
13. Omg!! I am personally stationary mad and this kikki.k advent calendar is giving me all the excitement feels. Containing an elegant selection of stationary, lifestyle items and gorgeous festive decorations including notepads, pens, key rings, gift tags and so much more, this right here is pretty much I want for Christmas! $149.95
14. In place of chocolate as the way to a girl’s heart, this Johnny Loves Rosie advent calendar knows that jewellery is a pretty close contender! This gorgeous Christmas tree shaped calendar contains an assortment of delicate stud earrings, hoops, miniature pendants and slender chains in mixed rose gold, gold and silver to make the 25 days to Christmas sparkle! $100, The Iconic
15. If you love marmalade, London and bears then this gorgeous sticker-filled Paddington advent calendar is the one for you! I don’t know about your kids but mine LOVE the Paddington movies and with a different Paddington-themed sticker to reveal each day, this Book Depository offering makes a lovely and affordable non-edible option at just $12.49.
16. Or as a final bonus option you could make your own. Have a go at this simple Santa Hat DIY Advent Calendar (as shown above). Mini Santa Hats from eBay $5.99 per 30 pieces, wooden laundry pegs (we found this 100 pack from Bunnings for $3) or mini pegs from eBay, a pack of paper tags (we found this 100 pack from Officeworks for $5.39) and some string, et voila!! Fill with treats and gifts of your choice or little notes if you prefer, or whatever you want!