Updated November 2026 · By Kovalya, a Canadian brand
Short answer: the easiest non-candy advent calendar is a ready-made toy calendar with 24 small toys the child keeps, such as a squishy calendar for ages 3 and up. If you prefer to build your own, a book calendar or an activity calendar costs time rather than money. The table below compares six ideas by age, effort and what is left after Christmas.
Transparency: idea 1 is a product we sell. The other five are general ideas.
6 non-candy advent calendar ideas compared
| Idea | Ages | Effort for parents | What they keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squishy toy calendar | 3+ | None, ready-made | 24 small toys |
| Book calendar | All ages | Wrap 24 books | Books |
| Activity calendar | All ages | Write 24 slips | Memories |
| Craft calendar | 4+ | Gather supplies | Their creations |
| Sticker or puzzle calendar | 3+ | Low | Stickers, a finished puzzle |
| DIY small-gift calendar | All ages | High | 24 small gifts |
1. A squishy toy calendar (ready-made)
Behind each door, a small soft toy to squeeze and collect. No sugar, no screens, and nothing to prepare. Our Christmas Dumpling Squishy Advent Calendar has 24 numbered doors with a different slow-rising dumpling character in each, in red, green, pink, yellow, orange, purple and white, with Santa hats and reindeer antlers. Recommended for ages 3 and up (small parts). US$34.90 / CA$49.90 (November 2026). About half of our orders include two or three boxes, one per child.
2. A book calendar
Wrap 24 books, including ones you already own or library finds, and open one each evening for a bedtime story. Mix Christmas stories with favourites.
3. An activity calendar
Write one small activity per day on a slip: bake cookies, watch a Christmas movie, make a card for grandma, go see the lights. It costs nothing and builds traditions.
4. A craft calendar
One small craft a day: paper snowflakes, a pine-cone ornament, a salt-dough star. Good for kids who like making things.
5. A sticker or puzzle calendar
A few stickers or a handful of puzzle pieces each day, with the full picture revealed on Christmas Eve.
6. A DIY small-gift calendar
24 tiny wrapped gifts (hair clips, crayons, mini cars) in a hanging organizer or numbered bags. The most personal, and the most work.
How to choose
- Short on time: a ready-made toy calendar.
- Tight budget: an activity or book calendar.
- Several kids: one ready-made calendar each avoids “whose turn is it?” every morning.
- Under 3: skip anything with small parts, and choose a book or activity calendar instead.
FAQ
What can I put in an advent calendar instead of candy?
Small toys, books, activities, crafts, stickers or puzzle pieces. A ready-made squishy calendar does it for you.
When should kids start their advent calendar?
Most advent calendars start on December 1st and end on December 24th.
Are toy advent calendars safe for toddlers?
Many contain small parts and are labelled 3+. For younger children, choose a book or activity calendar.
Comparing squishy calendars? Read our squishy advent calendar guide.