We tested the best toy advent calendars with our kids, these are the 12 you won't regret buying

We've tried and tested toy advent calendars, from LEGO and Brio to Playmobil and Paw Patrol, so you can buy the best ones for your lot.

Best toy advent calendars illustrated by montage of calendars
(Image credit: Future)

The toy advent calendars for kids in 2023 are out now and our mini-reviewers are busy trying and testing the top buys. As the best children's advent calendars go, these new and classic best-sellers really are top.

It goes without saying - but I'm going to say it - that top Christmas toys are the main event but don't overlook toy advent calendars. Our carefully curated edit of the best toy advent calendars for 2023 is a varied mix of calendars with something for all ages and budgets. As the best children's advent calendars go the classic and best chocolate advent calendars will always have a place in our hearts, but there are now a huge array of different advent calendars available, from LEGO advent calendars and Playmobil to Harry Potter and Disney options. Non-chocolate advent calendars have seen increasing popularity in recent years too.

  • Reviews: We try to review all products we deem 'best' but where we've been unable to test it ourselves, we have dug deep into comments to check what consistently scored highly from verified shoppers who rated them for value for money and quality items.
  • Price: We have included calendars to suit all budgets. It's worth noting though that, toy advents can cost more than your average advent calendar. 
  • Variety: There are so many different toys out there and we have included something for everyone across age groups.

"There's nothing more disappointing than opening the door of your advent calendar only to find something a bit underwhelming,' says Consumer Editor, Heidi Scrimgeour. 'To make sure that doesn't happen to you, we've rounded up our pick of this year's best toy advent calendars. So, get in the spirit, make a cuppa, and take a look through our list. It offers a great alternative to a chocolate each day in December but will actually help keep kids entertained and occupied all month long instead of just giving them a daily sugar rush!"

Best toy advent calendars 2023

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What are the best toy advent calendars for 2023?

'The best toy advent calendars for kids aren't always the most expensive,' says our consumer editor Heidi Scrimgeour. 'Don't get sucked in by size or packaging - what looks like a very exciting advent calendar on the outside doesn't always stack up when it comes to the toys and trinkets inside. Remember the box is quickly ripped to shreds. Does it double as a playset or do you get limited edition or keepsake collectible items inside?'

Toy advent calendars can be expensive, especially if you're buying for more than one child, but with Lego and Playmobil, for instance, you really get your money's worth. What's not to love about a new collection of toys that will be played with long after the advent calendar itself has been forgotten?'

If you can't choose from this round-up of best children's advent calendars, then step away have a cuppa, and get ahead for Christmas with Argos' latest Top Christmas toys to buy (most are under £30!) the best chocolate advent calendars and the LEGO discount codes you need to know about, not to mention the cutest Christmas traditions to try. 

Meanwhile, in Family news, if you're looking to get ahead with Christmas you might wonder when does Tesco release its Christmas delivery slots? or perhaps you want to grab a gift bargain with these Prime Day toy deals or these October Prime Day deals elsewhere.

Profile picture of Goodto Consumer Editor Heidi Scrimgeour
Heidi Scrimgeour

As a parenting specialist, Heidi has written for Prima Baby, Gurgle and Practical Parenting and was baby gear editor of Mother & Baby magazine for six years, looking after regular consumer features for the shopping pages as well as specialist consumer content such as buying guides and gift guides. 

Stephanie Lowe
Family Editor

Stephanie Lowe is Family Editor at GoodToKnow covering all things parenting, pregnancy and more. She has over 13 years' experience as a digital journalist with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things family and lifestyle. Stephanie lives in Kent with her husband and son, Ted. Just keeping on top of school emails/fund raisers/non-uniform days/packed lunches is her second full time job.

With contributions from