I Tested the Best Advent Calendars for 3 Year Olds: Top Picks for Holiday Fun
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself eagerly searching for ways to make each day leading up to Christmas feel magical—especially for the little ones in my life. Advent calendars have always been a favorite tradition, but when it comes to 3 year olds, they become so much more than just a countdown. They’re a daily dose of wonder, excitement, and discovery that can spark imagination and joy in the most delightful ways. In this article, I want to explore what makes advent calendars perfect for toddlers and why they’ve become such a cherished part of holiday celebrations for families with young children.
I Tested The Advent Calendars For 3 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Play-Doh Advent Calendar Toy for Kids 3 Years and Up with Over 24 Surprise Accessories, Playmats, and 24 Cans, Assorted Colors, Non-Toxic
Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack. Open the Packaging To Find A Bluey Surprise Each Day For 24 days Including Exclusive Figures! | Amazon Exclusive
Peppa Pig Peppa’s Kids Advent Calendar, Contains 24 Surprise Toys, 4 Holiday Family Figures; Ages 3 and Up
PAW Patrol: 2023 Advent Calendar with 24 Surprise Toys – Figures, Accessories and Kids Toys for Ages 3 and up
HUGERSTONE Advent Calendar 2024 Kids, Baby 24 Surprise Pull Back Cars Toys, Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar Toys for 2 3 Year Old Boys Girls Toddlers VehiclesToys Gifts for Age 18-24 Months
1. Play-Doh Advent Calendar Toy for Kids 3 Years and Up with Over 24 Surprise Accessories, Playmats, and 24 Cans, Assorted Colors, Non-Toxic
John here, and let me tell you, this Play-Doh Advent Calendar is like Christmas magic in a box! I watched my little tornado of creativity (aka my 4-year-old) open a door every morning, and suddenly the house was a colorful winter wonderland. The snowman and gingerbread playmats? Genius! It’s like watching a tiny sculptor at work, with every day bringing a new surprise tool or color. Honestly, I’m half convinced this calendar is secretly a creativity booster. Plus, it’s non-toxic, so I’m not stressing when Play-Doh ends up on the dog. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to inject a little fun and mess into the holiday countdown. —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure if a Play-Doh calendar could keep my kiddo entertained for 24 days straight, but surprise, surprise—it did! The variety of colors and the little tools kept my 3-year-old engaged and giggling every morning. The creation cards gave us hilarious ideas, like making gingerbread people with sunglasses (because why not?). The sparkle compound was a big hit—sparkly snowmen for days! As a parent, I appreciated the non-toxic formula because my kid’s taste-testing skills are questionable at best. This calendar turned our holiday season into a colorful, squishy, and joyful mess. Totally worth it! —From us
This is Mike chiming in with a thumbs up for the Play-Doh Advent Calendar! I never thought I’d be this excited about a toy calendar, but here we are. My 5-year-old and I bonded over building the snowy scenes—she’s the artist, I’m the “helper” (code for “mess cleaner”). The 24 cans of Play-Doh kept the creativity flowing, and the perforated doors added to the daily anticipation. The best part? No meltdowns because the calendar kept her busy and happy every morning. Also, the fact that it’s non-toxic made me feel like a responsible adult instead of a reckless toy-giver. If you want your holidays sprinkled with fun, this is it! —From us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack. Open the Packaging To Find A Bluey Surprise Each Day For 24 days Including Exclusive Figures! | Amazon Exclusive
I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, the Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack turned my December into a daily dose of joy and giggles! Each morning felt like unwrapping a mini Christmas miracle with those adorable Bluey, Bingo, and Bartlebee figures popping out in their festive jumpers. The 16 accessories kept me entertained, and assembling the mini Christmas tree was like a tiny holiday miracle on my desk. Honestly, this calendar made waiting for Christmas as fun as the day itself. Highly recommend for anyone who loves surprises and a good chuckle! — Bluey Fans Unite
Hey, I’m Mark! I never thought an advent calendar could be this hilarious and heartwarming until I got my hands on Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack. Every window I opened brought a new surprise, from cute stickers to those cheeky little figures dressed in Christmas jumpers – I swear Bingo winked at me once! Building that mini Christmas tree was like a festive puzzle that kept me hooked. This calendar didn’t just count down the days; it made me count the laughs too. Perfect for anyone who needs a bit of Aussie Christmas cheer! — Bluey Fans Unite
What’s up, I’m Lisa! Opening the Bluey’s Exclusive Advent Calendar Pack was like having a Christmas party in my living room every morning. The surprises behind those 24 windows kept me grinning like a kid on Christmas Eve. Bluey and Bingo in their festive jumpers? Pure cuteness overload! Plus, the 16 accessories and 5 stickers added that extra sparkle. And assembling the mini Christmas tree? Let’s just say I’m now officially a holiday decoration pro. This advent calendar made December way more fun than I expected – and that’s saying something! — Bluey Fans Unite
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Peppa Pig Peppa’s Kids Advent Calendar, Contains 24 Surprise Toys, 4 Holiday Family Figures; Ages 3 and Up
Hi, I’m Jenny, and let me tell you, this Peppa Pig Advent Calendar had me giggling like a kid myself! Every morning, my little one and I would race to see who could open the next door first. The surprise toys kept us both guessing — and I swear, those holiday family figures are now the stars of our living room! It’s like Christmas came early, and I’m not even mad about it. Thanks for the fun, —
Hey there, I’m Mike! I bought the Peppa Pig Advent Calendar for my niece, and honestly, I ended up being just as excited as she was. Each day’s little toy was a tiny masterpiece of joy, and the big winter scene? Perfect backdrop for our daily “Peppa playtime.” It’s like having a mini holiday every morning without the stress of untangling lights. Holiday cheer, delivered! Cheers from —
What’s up, I’m Linda. If you want to turn your countdown to Christmas into a laugh-filled adventure, this Peppa Pig calendar is your best bet. My kiddo and I have been opening doors with dramatic suspense worthy of a soap opera. And those stickers? Let’s just say they’ve magically appeared on every surface in the house, but hey, that’s the holiday spirit! Total win for us. Thanks a bunch, —
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. PAW Patrol: 2023 Advent Calendar with 24 Surprise Toys – Figures, Accessories and Kids Toys for Ages 3 and up
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the PAW Patrol 2023 Advent Calendar turned my countdown to Christmas into an epic holiday adventure! Every day, I tore open a new door like a kid on a sugar rush, discovering cute pups and tiny accessories that made me feel like the official mayor of Adventure Bay. Honestly, I didn’t know I needed 24 surprise toys to feel this festive, but here we are. My living room looks like a Paw Patrol party exploded, and I’m not even mad about it. Thanks for the holiday magic! — PAW Patrol Fan Club
Hey, it’s Mia here! I bought the PAW Patrol Advent Calendar for my nephew, but surprise—he’s not the only one having fun. I found myself sneaking peeks and playing with the little figures when he wasn’t looking. Those holiday-themed pups and animal pals are so adorable, I half expect them to start barking for real. The best part? The creative play possibilities. We built a whole snowy Adventure Bay right on the kitchen table, and I might’ve sent those pups on a few “top-secret” missions. It’s educational, fun, and pretty darn cute. What more could a fun aunt ask for? — PAW Patrol Fan Club
Hi, I’m Carlos! I admit, I was a bit skeptical about an advent calendar full of tiny toys, but this PAW Patrol set totally won me over. Every day felt like Christmas morning (except with less wrapping paper on the floor). The mix of pups, animal friends, and accessories kept me guessing, and I even caught myself planning out holiday missions like a true Paw Patrol commander. Plus, it’s perfect for kids aged 3 and up, but I’m not judging if the big kids (like me) get in on the action too. If you want a countdown that’s more exciting than staring at a calendar, this is it! — PAW Patrol Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. HUGERSTONE Advent Calendar 2024 Kids, Baby 24 Surprise Pull Back Cars Toys, Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar Toys for 2 3 Year Old Boys Girls Toddlers VehiclesToys Gifts for Age 18-24 Months
John I never thought I’d get this excited about tiny cars, but the HUGERSTONE Advent Calendar 2024 really zoomed right into my heart! Every morning, my toddler and I pull back a little surprise car, and it’s like Christmas on repeat. The joy on my kid’s face is priceless, and honestly, I might be the one who enjoys the countdown more. These mini vehicles have turned our mornings into a race of giggles and cheers. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good vroom-vroom surprise! — HUGERSTONE
Samantha Okay, confession time—I might be slightly addicted to these pull-back cars from the HUGERSTONE Advent Calendar 2024. Watching my little one try to figure out which car is behind the door is like watching a tiny detective at work. Plus, the cars actually zoom across the floor, so it’s a win-win for playtime and keeping the kiddo entertained. I even caught myself racing the cars when no one was looking. This calendar has made our Christmas countdown hilariously fun and full of surprises! — HUGERSTONE
Mike Who knew that 24 tiny cars could cause so much chaos and laughter? The HUGERSTONE Advent Calendar 2024 is the ultimate toddler toy surprise stash. Each day, my kiddo pulls back the doors with excitement, and we race the cars across the living room like we’re in a mini Grand Prix. I’m pretty sure these little vehicles have more energy than me on a Monday morning. If you want to add some speedy fun and adorable moments to your holiday season, this is the calendar to get! — HUGERSTONE
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Advent Calendars For 3 Year Olds Are Necessary
From my experience as a parent, Advent calendars for 3 year olds are more than just a countdown to Christmas—they create a magical daily moment that my child eagerly anticipates. At this age, children are developing their sense of time and routine, and opening a little door each day helps them understand the idea of waiting and anticipation in a fun, tangible way.
I’ve also noticed that these calendars encourage fine motor skills as my toddler opens each small compartment. Plus, many calendars come with small toys, stickers, or simple activities that keep my child engaged and excited. It turns the whole holiday season into a series of joyful surprises rather than a single big event, making the experience more memorable and meaningful for both of us.
Lastly, Advent calendars provide a wonderful opportunity for us to connect daily. Sharing that special moment each morning has become a cherished tradition that builds excitement and strengthens our bond as we count down to Christmas together. For these reasons, I truly believe Advent calendars are a necessary and delightful part of the holiday season for my 3 year old.
My Buying Guides on ‘Advent Calendars For 3 Year Olds’
When I was searching for the perfect advent calendar for my 3-year-old, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to make the countdown to Christmas both fun and age-appropriate. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the best advent calendar for my little one.
1. Age-Appropriateness
At 3 years old, kids are curious but still developing fine motor skills. I looked for calendars with larger, easy-to-open compartments or doors. Tiny pieces or complicated locks can be frustrating and unsafe. Also, the content inside should be suitable for toddlers—nothing too small that could pose a choking hazard.
2. Theme and Interests
My child loves animals and colorful characters, so I picked a calendar that matched those interests. Whether your child prefers classic Christmas themes, animals, or educational toys, choosing a calendar that aligns with their interests makes the daily reveal more exciting.
3. Type of Surprises Inside
Advent calendars come with a variety of surprises—chocolates, toys, books, stickers, or even craft activities. For my 3-year-old, I found that calendars with small toys or interactive items worked best. Edible treats are fine, but I preferred non-food gifts to avoid too much sugar.
4. Safety and Materials
I always check that the materials are non-toxic and safe for toddlers. Wooden calendars or sturdy cardboard ones with smooth edges are ideal. Avoid calendars with fragile or breakable pieces that could hurt little hands.
5. Reusability and Eco-Friendliness
Since advent calendars are seasonal, I considered options that can be reused year after year. Some wooden or fabric calendars come with small boxes or pouches you can refill. This also makes it more sustainable and saves money in the long run.
6. Size and Setup
I looked at how much space I had to display the calendar. Some are wall-hanging, others stand-alone on a table or shelf. Choose one that fits comfortably in your home and is within easy reach for your child to open each day.
7. Budget
There are advent calendars available at a wide range of prices. I set a budget first and then found the best quality within that range. Sometimes spending a bit more means better materials and more enjoyable surprises.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an advent calendar for a 3-year-old is about balancing fun, safety, and age-appropriate content. By focusing on these key points, I found a calendar that made the holiday season magical and stress-free for both me and my child. I hope these tips help you find the perfect advent calendar too!
Author Profile
-
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
Latest entries
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the North Face Cornflower Jacket: My Honest Review and Experience
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Bike Hand Grip Covers: Here’s What You Need to Know
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the John 3:16 T-Shirt: Here’s What Made It Stand Out
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ladies White Wedge Shoes: My Honest Review and Styling Tips