Toy advent calendars give kids a small surprise every day of December, often building into a scene they can play with by Christmas. LEGO releases several themed advent calendars every year, and other brands offer figures, cars, slime, crafts and collectibles.
Check the age range on the box. Many calendars include small parts that are not safe for children under 3, and some builds are too fiddly for younger kids without help.
Look at what the calendar adds up to. Calendars built around one theme or franchise are more fun for fans of that theme, and calendars that build into a complete scene have more play value after December than random small items. Keep the box to store the finished scene after December.
Buy early: popular calendars often sell out before December 1. For more gift ideas, see Christmas gifts for kids, and compare other advent calendars for the rest of the family.