Christmas is more than just a day - it's a whole season of magic, anticipation and celebration. And what better way to build excitement than with an Advent Calendar?
From traditional roots to modern-day quirky favourites, the humble Advent Calendar has evolved into a delightful December tradition. Whether you're all about classic nativity scenes or you’re hunting for something fun and sugar-free for the kids, we’ve got the ultimate rundown to help you choose the perfect countdown gift.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
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The history of Advent Calendars
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Quirky facts you probably didn’t know
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Why you should choose a non-chocolate option
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A peek at our favourite Advent Calendars in stock (hint: Needoh is our top pick!)
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How to make the countdown even more memorable
🎄 The History of Advent Calendars
The tradition of counting down to Christmas dates back to the 19th century in Germany, where devout families would mark the days by drawing chalk lines on doors or lighting candles. The first printed Advent Calendar was created by Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s - inspired by a homemade calendar his mother had made with 24 pictures glued onto cardboard.
Lang’s version was revolutionary for its time: a cardboard sheet with tiny doors to open, each revealing a festive image or Bible verse. Over the years, the designs expanded and spread throughout Europe, eventually reaching Australia and the rest of the world.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that chocolate-filled versions appeared, and in the last two decades, Advent Calendars have exploded into all kinds of forms - from toys and puzzles to beauty products, books and collectables.
🤪 Quirky Facts About Advent Calendars
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World Record: The largest Advent Calendar ever made was 71 metres tall and 23 metres wide - built in London’s St Pancras train station in 2007!
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LEGO Mania: LEGO produces some of the world’s most popular toy Advent Calendars, with annual editions for City, Friends, and Star Wars fans.
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Eco Options Rising: More people are opting for reusable or eco-friendly Advent Calendars - like fabric pockets you can fill each year.
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Celebrity Calendars: Some high-end brands release extravagant calendars filled with luxury perfumes or designer skincare worth thousands of dollars.
🍬 Why Choose a Non-Chocolate Advent Calendar?
Chocolate Advent Calendars are a classic - but they’re not for everyone. Whether you’re after allergy-friendly options, sugar-free choices, or just something different and fun for the kids, there are loads of reasons to go the non-choc route.
🎁 Benefits of Non-Chocolate Advent Calendars:
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Longer-lasting joy: Toys, puzzles, and fidget items keep kids entertained beyond the season.
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Better for dietary needs: Perfect for children with allergies or dietary restrictions.
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Educational value: Some calendars help kids learn through play, problem-solving or storytelling.
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Healthier alternative: No sugar highs - just pure festive fun.
✨ Our Favourite Advent Calendars in Stock
At Adventure Awaits, we hand-pick our Advent Calendars based on what our customers love most - and this year’s range is one of our best yet! From squishy fun to quiet-time activities, there’s something for every little adventurer (and big kid too).
🌟 Top Pick: NeeDoh Advent Calendar
Our most popular calendar for 2025 (and the past 2 years) and for good reason!
Each day reveals a new, squishy surprise from the cult-favourite NeeDoh range. It’s the perfect sensory experience for kids (and let’s be honest, adults love them too). Soft, stretchy, and satisfying, these toys make ideal fidget gifts that kids can use over and over again.
Why it’s a bestseller:
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24 high-quality squishy toys
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Promotes sensory development and mindfulness
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Non-toxic and safe for little hands
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A guaranteed smile every morning in December
🧸 Other Non-Chocolate Favourites:
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Activity-Based Calendars: Packed with crafts, mini puzzles, and daily creative fun
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Sticker & Stationery Calendars: Ideal for kids who love drawing, doodling, or scrapbooking
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Mini Toy Calendars: Great for imaginative play and small-world adventures
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Reusable Felt or Fabric Advents: Fill your own - use lollies, toys, notes, or vouchers
Explore our full collection here.
💡 Tips to Make the Countdown More Special
Advent Calendars are about more than just what’s inside - they’re about the memories you make as you count down together. Here are a few ways to turn this daily tradition into something magical:
📝 Add Daily Notes or Jokes
Pop a handwritten note in each day’s pocket with a fun fact, Christmas joke, or kind message.
📸 Create a Countdown Scrapbook
Take a daily photo of your child opening their Advent Calendar surprise and build a scrapbook together.
🌟 Add Acts of Kindness
Include simple tasks like “Make a card for Grandma” or “Donate a toy to charity” to encourage gratitude and giving.
🎅 Wrap-Up: Why Advent Calendars Matter
At their heart, Advent Calendars bring joy, anticipation, and togetherness to the lead-up to Christmas. They turn every morning in December into a mini celebration - whether it’s through a sweet treat, a toy surprise or a creative activity.
By choosing an Advent Calendar that aligns with your child’s interests and your family values - whether that’s Australian-made, eco-friendly, educational or just plain FUN - you’re creating a season they’ll never forget.
So skip the supermarket choccies this year. Explore our range of unique and thoughtful Advent Calendars, and make this year’s countdown the best one yet.
👉 Shop all Advent Calendars here: www.adventureawaits.com.au/collections/advent-calendars
About Adele Dyson & the Adventure Awaits Team
Adele Dyson is the founder of Adventure Awaits, Slide n’ Dry Pegless Clotheslines, and Caravanning with Kids. Based in the friendly town of Numurkah in rural Victoria, Adele and her small but mighty team are passionate about discovering and sharing the most unique and practical gifts around. From Aussie-made essentials to clever caravanning gear and gifts that make people smile, everything in store is hand-picked with heart.
Need help picking the perfect present? The team are absolute gift-giving pros – just give them a call and they’ll help you find something spot-on for any occasion. Adventure Awaits is more than just a store – it’s a little slice of joy where there’s something for everyone!
