If the family budget will stretch to it then there are some very exciting calendars which offer something to keep and play with throughout the festive season and, perhaps, the year to come.
What Lego Advent Calendars are Available?
In 2010 there are two new Lego advent calendars, each is $35 in the US, $40 in Canada or £25 in the UK.
- Lego City advent calendar (2824), with six mini-figures. The set includes a snow man, Christmas tree and Santa's train set.
- Lego Kingdoms advent calendar (7952), contains nine mini-figures including queen with throne and wizard. There is also a dungeon with skeleton in shackles.
It is possible to find Lego advent calendars from previous years. There was a Lego Pirate advent calendar (6299) available in 2009 which is still for sale online in 2010.
Lego have been producing advent calendars for a number of years. Behind the 24 doors there hides a number of small Lego puzzels. Some of these items will be exciting and desirable including minifigures. In previous years, however, a few of the puzzels are simply a bit strange.
Special Advent Calendars for Two or More Children
Should the children have a calendar each or share one, taking it in turns to open the windows and enjoy the prizes? The difficulty with children sharing the Lego calendars are that some days the Lego gift is far more exciting and desirable than on others.
In families with two children who both enjoy Lego they could each have a different calendar, but this plan has certainly not worked out well for some families as both children have preferred the same calendar with one child feeling miffed that the theme of his or her gifts were second rate. This is not the run up the Christmas that any parents want to endure. The safest bet may be to buy all children the same advent calendar.
Nintendo Wii Advent Calendar, We Wish You a Merry Christmas
The Wii game for Christmas, We Wish you a Merry Christmas, is $30 in the US where it was available in time for Christmas 2009. It accommodates up to four players. With festive, seasonal games it includes an advent calendar so it should be opened and used from the beginning of December.
Young children from three or our years of age will be able to engage with some of the features but the main audience for We Wish You a Merry Christmas is likely to be children between the ages of five and 10 years old. It is a game for the whole family to play and enjoy, including teenagers.
This kids game for Nintendo Wii is for December and not all year round.
Special Advent Calendars With Toys for Young Children
For those who want a special advent calendar with gifts to use all year there are further options:
- A variety of Playmobile advent calendars available at around $18 USD for children from four-years-old with adult assemble required,
- Polly Pocket advent calendar a doll is included with accessories, will appeal to girls from four years of age.
- Barbie advent calendar, £28 in the UK each window contains Barbie accessories, the doll is not included.
Unusual & Unique Advent Calendars for Kids
There is nothing wrong with the cheap card board advent calendars that are on sale in grocery stores, petrol stations and newsagents shops – these are an excellent low budget option. Home madeadvent calendars with homemade treats are very special but too much work for some families.
More expensive advent calendars are available with gifts to keep and play with over a long time. These are associated with great products for kids: Playmobile, Lego, Nintendo Wii and Barbie.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
Join the Conversation