Advent calendars aren’t just about chocolate anymore. Recent years have shown that the countdown to Christmas Day can be packed with fun surprises. Whether you’re into building Lego sets, adding more minifigures to your collection or curiously intrigued by scientific experiments, advent calendars can fill that desire (and they make for great gifts, too). Each door hides a new surprise that brings a bit of joy, nostalgia or nerdy fun to the holiday season. Best advent calendars for 2025 LEGO LEGO City Advent Calendar This calendar is packed with mini builds, festive characters and quirky accessories that slot straight into any Lego City setup. Each day brings something new, from a toy train to a holiday-themed minifigure. It works for kids who want something interactive and for adults who never stopped adding to their Lego collections. By Christmas Eve, you’ll have a complete winter scene that feels right at home under the tree or on your desk. $25 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $30 at Target$35 at Macy's LEGO LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar Who needs ornaments when you can deck the halls with Star Wars builds? This advent calendar delivers 24 surprises, ranging from tiny ships to minifigures in festive outfits. That means you might spot Darth Vader in a scarf or R2-D2 with some seasonal flair. It’s an easy way to make the holidays feel like a Star Wars marathon on Disney+, with new pieces to add to your desk or display shelf every day. It’s fun for kids, but let’s be honest, adult collectors are going to want to snag this one, too. $38 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $45 at Macy's$45 at Target UURM DND Dice Advent Calendar If your dice bag is already overflowing, you know there’s always room for more. This advent calendar feeds the obsession with a new dice set, pencils or tabletop extras behind every door. Roll initiative every morning in December — by the end, you’ll have enough new sets to make your DM jealous. It’s great for anyone who swears dice have “lucky” rolls or just loves the click-clack sound of adding another shiny polyhedral to the collection. $30 at Amazon Williams Sonoma PEANUTS™ x Williams Sonoma 24 Day Advent Calendar Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang make the holidays sweeter with this candy-filled advent calendar. Each day gives you a Peanuts-themed treat tucked inside a keepsake box designed for display. It’s nostalgic, festive and perfect for anyone who grew up watching the holiday specials. It’s a holiday pick that works for kids and grown-ups alike. $40 at Williams Sonoma Pokémon Pokémon TCG: Holiday Calendar If you’ve ever ripped open a booster pack and felt the thrill of pulling something rare, this advent calendar doubles that feeling for 24 days straight. Instead of candy, you’ll find cards, promo packs and TCG goodies that keep trainers hyped all month. It’s the kind of countdown that makes mornings exciting again, whether you’re gifting it to a young Pokémon fan or indulging your own inner collector. Adding new treasures to your binder and maybe even scoring that one card everyone wants is a sure-fire hit for any Pokémon lover. $70 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $50 at Best Buy Blue Marble National Georgraphic Science Kit & Rock Collection Advent Calendar National Geographic is an institution, and this advent calendar really hits the nail on the head. Every day delivers a new rock, fossil, crystal or science-themed activity. It’s educational without feeling boring, and it’s guaranteed to keep curious minds busy through the holiday season. Parents will appreciate the learning angle, and kids will love the daily surprise that makes science feel like unwrapping treasure. $42 at Amazon Hasbro Clue Advent Calendar: Secrets Under Snowfall Clue fans, this is your holiday dream. Instead of racing through one game in an evening, you’ll unravel a mystery across 24 days. Each door adds story elements, clues and props until the case comes together on Christmas Eve. It’s cozy, interactive and feels like reading a serialized mystery novel — only you’re part of the investigation. It’s perfect for families or anyone who loves the idea of turning the holiday season into a full-blown whodunnit. $30 at Amazon EIGHT EIGHT Advent Calendar Kit This advent calendar is less about candy and more about sparking creativity. Each day gives you a new electronic component, and together they form eight different DIY projects. It’s hands-on, educational and surprisingly fun, especially for kids who are curious about how things work. Throughout the Christmas period, you’ll build real gadgets, learn some basics of electronics and probably earn bragging rights at the holiday dinner table. It’s a great choice for tinkerers who prefer circuits over chocolate. $60 at Amazon Thames & Kosmos EXIT: The Game - Advent Calendar This advent calendar is basically an escape room in 24 parts. Each day challenges you with a puzzle, riddle or clue, and solving it lets you open the next door. By Christmas, you’ll have unraveled an entire intergalactic mystery story that’s as satisfying as it is festive. It’s ideal for puzzle fans, couples who love board games or families looking for a December activity that goes beyond sweets. $46 at Amazon Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.