Updated November 2026 · By Kovalya, a Canadian brand
Short answer: a good squishy advent calendar has 24 real toys (not stickers or fillers), says clearly what age it is for and whether it contains small parts, and suits the child: tiny collectible minis for older kids, softer slow-rise squishies for kids who love to squeeze. Popular brand-name calendars can sell out early in the season or reappear at reseller prices. If the one you wanted is gone, a 24-toy squishy calendar from another brand at retail price beats paying double.
Transparency: we sell the Christmas Dumpling Squishy Advent Calendar, so we are not neutral. We describe what to check so you can compare any calendar.
5 things to check
- 24 real toys. Every door should hold a toy, not a sticker or a card.
- The type of squishy. Tiny firm collectibles, soft slow-rise foam, or bigger hand-size squishies: each suits a different child.
- Age and small parts. Look for a clear age grade (usually 3+) and a small-parts warning. Mini squishies are not for children under 3.
- No candy, no screens. If that is the point for you, check that nothing inside is edible and that no app is needed.
- Price per day. Divide the price by 24. Reseller listings of sold-out calendars can cost several times the retail price.
Types of squishy advent calendars
| Type | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini collectible figures | Small, firmer, made to collect | Kids who like collections, 5+ |
| Slow-rise squishies | Soft, squeeze and watch them rise back | Sensory play, 3+ with supervision |
| Hand-size squishies | Bigger, easier to hold | Younger kids who struggle with minis |
The Christmas Dumpling Squishy Advent Calendar
- 24 numbered doors, one soft, squeezable dumpling character behind each, all different
- Colours: red, green, pink, yellow, orange, purple and white, with Santa hats, reindeer antlers and festive designs
- Soft, rounded and slow-rising: satisfying to squeeze, easy to display
- 100% sugar-free and screen-free: kids keep all 24 toys
- Box: 25.9 × 18 × 3 cm (10.2 × 7.1 × 1.2 in), 399 g
- Recommended for ages 3 and up: contains small parts
Price (November 2026): US$34.90 for one box, US$59.90 for two, US$84.90 for three; CA$49.90 / CA$89.90 / CA$119.90. That is about US$1.45 a day for a single box.
From our own orders: over the last 90 days, about half of all orders included two or three boxes, usually one per child, so siblings each open their own door every morning.
When to order
The first door opens on December 1st, so order in November. With siblings, order every box at the same time so nobody waits.
FAQ
Is a squishy advent calendar safe for a 3-year-old?
Ours is recommended for ages 3 and up and contains small parts. Supervise young children and keep the squishies away from under-3s.
What is inside each door?
One soft dumpling-shaped squishy character, different every day.
Is there any candy?
No. It is 100% sugar-free and screen-free.
What can I buy if the NeeDoh Squishmas calendar is sold out where I shop?
Look for another calendar with 24 real squishy toys, a clear 3+ age grade and a retail price, rather than a marked-up reseller listing.
More ideas: non-candy advent calendar ideas for kids.