14 best advent calendars for kids - we tested them and can confirm our children loved them

Carla Challis, HELLO! Commerce Partnerships Editor, says: "This luxurious advent calendar is perfect for those kids who like a little something more grown up, including my five-year-old who thinks she's 21. It's super kid-friendly but adult-friendly too, with chic packaging. 

"The chocolate itself is "so scrummy" according to my daughter, who also said she thinks the design is "cute with penguins". I love that the chocolates say "two more sleeps to go" etc for an even cuter countdown to Christmas and there's a big surprise on Christmas Eve - a larger slab of chocolate. Who wouldn't love that?"

Laura Sutcliffe, HELLO! Fashion & Beauty News Editor, says: "What do little girls love more than chocolate? Hair accessories! And so do their mothers. I am obsessed with putting hair clips on my daughter’s hair and not only am I forever losing them, but also, I can never find any that are super pretty! 

"This gorgeous advent calendar by Mimi & Lula houses the prettiest collection of hair accessories from scrunchies to clips. It’s  such a treat for your little one (and whoever does their hair!) Also, having a keepsake item each day for the month of advent is super special."

Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor, says: "My daughter has always loved Mr Men and Little Miss so we knew this advent calendar for kids would be a hit. She liked it because 'the stories are ones I never heard before' and 'they make me excited for Christmas'.

"The great thing about this calendar is that it's reusable - so you can pack the books away after December 24 and reuse it next year, by which time they'll have largely forgotten the stories. 

"One thing I would say is the sleeves the books come in are a little tight, so you'll probably need to help them get the book out."

Andrea Caamano, HELLO! Website Editor, says: "This fun calendar filled with Paw Patrol toys is perfect for young children who follow Ryder and his pup’s exploits in Adventure Bay. 

"I bought this for my kids a few years ago, in the height of their obsession, and can guarantee the excitement lasts way past Christmas. The only downside to this calendar is that it only has 24 doors! Thankfully, the final door is always the best – you won’t be disappointed."

Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor, says: "My daughter loves gems and has a bit of a collection going, so of course she loved this calendar. There are 24 beautiful speciens behind the doors and a puch to keep them safe. The last day caused much excitement - it’s a rose quartz gem that has to be extracted from a min dig, just like a real geologist does! The calendar also comes with five jewellery settings so kids can make necklaces, clip-on earrings and rings. My daughter’s verdict? ‘Best advent calendar ever!’

"Plus, by buying this kids’ advent calendar, you’re helping support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its work to protect the environment through expiration, research and education."

Hannah Hargrave, HELLO! Deputy US Editor, says: "My daughter was obsessed with slime - and still loves it at 11 years old. These colourful pots with sprinkles and charms brought so much joy. They came in little pots with lids, so once you had them out of the windows, you could easily stack them and keep them to play with later. 

"The slime was super soft too. A must for slime lovers."

Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor, says: "Is it just me or do all kids seem to go through a Minecraft stage? My 11-year-old son used to love it and he still plays it now and again, when he gets frustrated with Fornite. I like it much better because it’s creative and doesn’t make him aggressive! 

"Well, he loved this calendar because the stationery was a hit at school. It has stickers, notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters and much more - and the quality is decent."

Laura Sutcliffe, HELLO! Fashion & Beauty News Editor, says: "In world full of iPads and overstimulation, it’s easy to forget how imperative books are, especially for children. My four-year-old loves reading about his favourite heroes, which is why he’s always been a fan of the Little People, Big Dreams books. 

"This advent calendar is one that as a parent, I can really get on board with. It houses 24 envelopes, each with a miniature version of the brand’s most famous, best-loved books. The books are designed in bite-sized, easy-to-digest information and have the most beautiful illustrations. The most gorgeous keepsake!"

Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor, says: "I was looking specifically for an advent calendar for kids to keep my daughter occupied, and this certainly did the job. You get a 28g tub of Play-Doh and a tool behind each door, plus there are festive idea cards to help little ones complete the snowy scene that the box folds out to. 

"My daughter, who was four at the time said it was 'the bestest advent calender ever' and since she was studious about always putting the Play-Doh back in the little tubs and closing the lids properly, it lasted well past Christmas."

Carla Challis, HELLO! Commerce Partnerships Editor, says: "We LOVE Lindt at this time of year (well anytime, to be fair) and my five-year-old is a big fan of the Lindt chocolate teddies, so this advent calendar seemed fitting for her. 

"She loved that there was a mini Lindt chocolate teddy or snowball every day before school (sorry teachers) and was so happy to see the larger one behind door number 24. In the words of my daughter, 'I love its necklace and bell'."

Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor, says: "If you have a Pokemon-crazy child (as is the case with my son) then don’t think twice - this is the children’s advent calendar you want. You get 25 days of surprises including special foil cards, five booster packs and seven three-card fun packs. 

"There are also two Pokemon coins, two sticker sheets and a Chien-Pao keyring. My son said this calendar is 'brilliant' because he 'got a lot of rares' - which he quickly put away in special sleeves. Massive thumbs up!

Hannah Hargrave, HELLO! Deputy US Editor, says: "My son loved adding to his Lego Christmas scene each morning with the mini characters and vehicles he received each day in the run-up to the big day. 

"The calendar comes with a snowy winter scene playmat to place all the figurines on. 

"Behind each door is also a guide showing you how to build your gift. 

"It was lovely to see his imagination unleashed, and all the pieces can be kept and played with again."

Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor, says: "Is there a child out there who doesn't love Disney? Or bedtime stories? This ticks both boxes - and the fact it's reusable too is a massive bonus. My daughter loved this calendar - even her older brother who is 'too old for Disney' would sneak in to listen to the stories as I put her to bed.

"You get 24 mini storybooks to count down to Christmas, including 101 Dalmatians: The Puppies' First Christmas, Huey, Dewey & Louie's Christmas Wish, Monsters, Inc.: Christmas Laughs and more."

Katherine Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor, says: "My daughter still says this is her 'most favourite advent calendar ever' because 'the Pokémon are dressed up for Christmas!' She spent hours playing with all the figures in the snowy play set. There are even little decorations you build out of card as the days progress to decorate the snowy scene. 

The figures are practically indestructible and have become favourite bathtime toys too! This is great if you have a child who loves watching the Pokémon cartoons but isn’t fussed about collecting the cards.”