Best baby advent calendars 2024

What to look for in advent calendars for babies

Fabric or Felt Advent Calendars: A Soft Start to Christmas For babies under 1, safety is a top priority, and fabric or felt advent calendars are perfect for tiny hands. These soft calendars usually come with little pockets or pouches that can be filled with small baby-safe items such as soft toys, baby socks, or gentle rattles. You can even make your own and personalise it for your baby, adding small treasures or messages of love. As babies love to explore textures, the soft feel of the fabric will engage their senses, making it a lovely first Christmas tradition.

Wooden Advent Calendars with Sensory Surprises Wooden advent calendars with pull-out drawers are another fantastic option. These beautifully crafted pieces often feature festive designs, and each drawer can be filled with sensory toys or baby-friendly items like teething rings or miniature board books. The durability of wood means these calendars can become a family heirloom, cherished for years to come. For babies, the simple act of pulling out a drawer each day, with a little help from mum or dad, adds a touch of excitement and curiosity to their daily routine.

Board Book Advent Calendars: A New Story Every Day Storytime is such an important bonding activity for parents and babies, so why not make it a part of your advent countdown? There are advent calendars that include tiny board books behind each door, featuring short, festive stories or classic nursery rhymes. These books are perfect for babies, as they’re designed with their little hands in mind and filled with bright, colourful illustrations. Opening a new book each day introduces your baby to the magic of Christmas tales and songs, creating a special moment of joy and learning.

Sensory Play Calendars: Engaging Baby’s Senses If you’re looking for an advent calendar that focuses on sensory exploration, there are now advents specially created for babies that include sensory items behind each door. From soft fabrics and textured shapes to simple musical toys, these calendars are designed to stimulate a baby’s developing senses. You can also create your own DIY version by filling an empty calendar with sensory-friendly items like crinkly paper, plush toys, or small baby-safe mirrors, letting your little one explore something new each day.

Keepsake Advent Calendars: Cherished Memories for Baby’s First Christmas For those who want to make baby’s first Christmas truly memorable, a keepsake advent calendar is a lovely option. These calendars contain special items like personalised ornaments, photo frames, or baby’s first Christmas decorations. Each day, your baby gets a new keepsake that can be displayed on the tree or treasured as a memento of this magical time. Though your little one may not fully understand yet, these gifts will hold special meaning as they grow older.