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80 Unique Advent Calendars for a Fun Christmas Countdown

Unique Advent Calendars including a bracelet calendar, 3D puzzles, mindfulness, and three "just count down" re-useable calendars.

Chocolate-free since the 90s! My milk allergy has turned me into a lifelong fan of unique Advent calendars. Every year I hunt down chocolate-alternative Christmas countdown calendars packed with coffee, crafts, candles, and cozy comforts.

This December, open the doors to something more personal than chocolate and lift the flap on over 80 fun and creative Advent calendars for every interest and age!

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Land Acknowledgement

This land has welcomed First Nations from across Turtle Island, and settlers and visitors from around the world. Alberta lands are part of Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, and the homeland of the Métis.

Alberta Mamas respects and celebrates the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit nations. We are striving to better listen, understand, and learn from the Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

We are all Treaty people.

Game On! Advent Calendars for Playful People

Countdown to Christmas with laughter, brain teasers, and a little friendly competition! Unbox these unique Advent calendars to find puzzles, games, and surprises that keep everyone playing right up until Christmas Eve.

For the Board Game Lover

Make family game night a daily event with 24 Family Games from The Purple Cow. With party games like Mini Bowling, Frog Race, Balloon Volleyball, and Tag in the Dark – plus classics like Marbles, Cat’s Cradle, and Pick up sticks – kids will be off screens and connecting with each other (and hopefully their adults, too) all month long.

For the Escape Room Fiend

Love a puzzle? How about 24 days of puzzles? These escape-room-style Advent calendars deliver a new mystery to crack every day; perfect for anyone who loves a challenge!

For the Dungeon Master

Go beyond dice with this creative Dungeons & Dragons-themed Advent calendar, packed with socks, necklaces, pencils, stickers, and (of course) dice!

My budding D&D fans can expect to find this one waiting for them on December 1st!

Bonus: Love cats, too? Check out this Dungeons & Cats Advent Calendar!

Need more games in your life? Check out these posts!

We love having regular family game nights (or mornings)!

Advent Calendars for Creative & Curious Minds

Fuel imagination and curiosity all December long! Whether you’ve got a little musician, bookworm, dreamer, or budding scientist in the house, these unique Advent calendars spark creativity and exploration day after day.

For the Music Maker

Hit a festive note this season with musical Advent calendars that make learning and playing part of the holiday fun.

Try Piano Advent Calendar: 25 Easy Christmas Songs to add a new carol each day, or grab the Guitar Pick Advent Calendar for a practical (and collectible!) countdown for your favourite guitarist.

For the Book Lover

Bookworms rejoice! These Advent calendars are all about cozy reading moments and bookish surprises.

For the Armchair Traveller

No passport required! These Advent calendars bring the world to your living room – one day at a time.

For the Crystal Lover

Whether they’re drawn to gemstones, crystals, or a touch of holiday magic, these Advent calendars are full of sparkle and positive energy.

For the Scientist

Turn curiosity into discovery (and learning!) with a science-themed Advent calendar. Get hands on while counting down to Christmas and spark wonder in your future inventors, engineers, and little lab lovers.

For the Crafter

There are so many creative Christmas countdown calendars that this category needs its own post! From single-box kits, to story-based books, and DIY bases, check out our Crafty Advent Calendars for a Creative Christmas Countdown for endless inspiration and hands-on fun all December long.

Active & Adventurous Advent Calendars

For those who can’t sit still (or are yelling at their TV while armchair quarterbacking), these unique Advent calendars bring a dose of excitement to December. From sports-inspired surprises to outdoor gear and adventure-ready treats, they’re perfect for anyone who’d rather be moving than wrapping gifts.

For the Sports Fan

Whether they’re cheering from the couch or hitting the ice themselves, these Advent calendars score big with sports lovers. Unwrap gear, memorabilia, and even mini games celebrating their favourite sports – because who says game day can’t last all month long?

For the Solo Sport Enthusiast

Whether their idea of “me time” involves perfecting a golf swing, hitting the mat, or squeezing in a quick workout, these calendars keep the motivation (and fun) going strong.

For the Outdoor Adventurer

For hikers, campers, and nature lovers, the most unique countdown to Christmas might just send them outside. Think mini gear, trail treats, and little ornaments to bring a touch of the great outdoors to every December morning.

Advent Calendars for Adults

Grown-ups deserve some unique Christmas countdown magic, too! These Advent calendars are all about slowing down, indulging in small joys, and finding a moment of calm (or laughter) in the holiday chaos. Whether it’s a self-care surprise, a dad-level giggle, or a sparkling new accessory, these picks make December feel just a bit more delightful.

For the “Dad Stereotype”

Have someone in your life that’s all about the terrible Dad Jokes or spending hours in the bathroom? Check out these “Ultimate Dad” Advent calendars for the father-figure in your life.

For Some “Me” Time

Amid the wrapping paper, holiday parties, and sugar highs, don’t forget yourself! These Advent calendars bring a little calm to the Christmas countdown. With teas, candles, bath treats, and cozy comforts designed for those quiet December moments.

For the Jewelry Lover

There are a ton of jewelry Advent calendars out there! I’ve picked a few options where you build up a focused set – or just get an incredible volume of items (perfect for the tween just starting to fill her jewelry box!).

Creative Takes on Classic Christmas Countdowns

Chocolate may be the classic, but these Advent calendars put a fresh spin on familiar favourites. From foodie finds to furry-friend treats, and even the gift everyone needs (but never buys for themselves), these creative Advent calendars reimagine the Christmas countdown.

Food and Drink Advent Calendars

Go beyond chocolates with these tasty countdown options! From tea and cookies to gourmet snacks, and enhancements to something stronger. Whether you’re fueling up for holiday prep or winding down after a long day, there’s a delicious way to count the days to Christmas for everyone!

Keepsake Christmas Countdown Calendars

Sometimes you just want to keep it simple while counting down the days. These wooden Advent calendars don’t include gifts, but still deliver the joy of counting down each day.

Don’t Forget: For the Family Pet

Spoil your pets this December with a little Christmas magic, too! Keep tails wagging and purrs coming with Advent calendars just for them (or your little pet-obsessed child!).

Bonus: For the One in Need of Socks 🧦

The most classic Christmas gift of all! With cozy pairs for all ages, these mini-Advent calendars keep feet warm, festive and ready for Christmas morning.

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