Advent calendars for babies under 1 are more than just a countdown to Christmas—they’re an opportunity to bond, create new traditions, and introduce your baby to the excitement of the festive season. Whether you choose a soft fabric calendar, a sensory surprise, or a collection of first books, these age-appropriate calendars will make each December morning feel magical.
As you unwrap a tiny joy each day, you’re not just preparing for Christmas, but creating moments your baby will treasure in years to come.
The Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection 2
For a festive countdown filled with the magic of storytelling, The Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection 2 is a standout choice. Behind each window, children will discover a beautifully illustrated storybook, perfect for bedtime snuggles throughout December. With 24 enchanting tales, this collection features princes, princesses, dragons, dinosaurs, and festive classics like Jingle Bells and a child-friendly version of A Christmas Carol. Each day, you can unwrap a new adventure, creating a miniature library that will be cherished for years. Ideal for babies under 2, this advent calendar brings the joy of storytelling to life in a gentle and engaging way.
The Gruffalo and Friends Advent Calendar Book Collection
Another fantastic option is The Gruffalo and Friends Advent Calendar Book Collection, created by the beloved duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This advent calendar features 24 mini books filled with activities, songs, rhymes, and even recipes, all inspired by classic favourites like The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and The Snail and the Whale. Perfect for family bonding, this beautifully presented calendar encourages creativity with crafts and colouring, making it a festive favourite that can be enjoyed year after year.
Disney D100: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar
For Disney lovers young and old, the Disney D100: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar is a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. Packed with 24 enchanting stories featuring beloved characters from Disney and Pixar, this calendar offers a magical alternative to traditional advents. With tales like 101 Dalmatians: The Puppies’ First Christmas and Winnie the Pooh: The Sweetest Christmas, it’s the perfect keepsake that can be enjoyed year after year. Ideal for creating lasting memories, this advent calendar brings Disney magic to the holiday countdown!
Mr Men and Little Miss Advent Calendar
For fans of the beloved Mr Men and Little Miss series, the Mr Men and Little Miss Advent Calendar is a joyful way to celebrate the festive season. With 24 individual storybooks tucked into special pockets, children can unwrap tales like Mr. Christmas, Little Miss Christmas, and Mr Tickle and the Dragon each day. Filled with festive fun and whimsical fairytales, this advent calendar is a perfect gift for the Christmas countdown and a treat that can be enjoyed beyond the holiday season!
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.