The countdown to Christmas is on with these colourful (and chocolate-free) children’s advent calendars

Best for: Disney fanatics who love to read.

This advent calendar is a gift that keeps on giving. We all know Disney’s whimsical tales never go out of style. Your kids will love pulling these books out to read during any month of the year, possibly even for years to come. When the magic of reading and the magic of the Christmas spirit come together, wonderful things happen – just wait and see.

What’s in the box:

• 24 mini Disney and Pixar classic books

Best for: Squishmallows fans.

Squishmallows have dominated many childhood bedrooms over recent years. These round, plush, cuddly creatures come in many shapes and sizes, and these iconic holiday-themed ones are too cute to miss! Are we obsessed with the earmuff-wearing reindeer? Yes, we are.

What’s in the box:

• 24 festive Micromallows (each 2.5 inches tall)

Best for: When you want your children to take a break from the screens.

Behind the 24 doors of this Lego advent calendar, kids can reveal a range of goodies. Inspire imaginative play one day at a time with scenes and characters from Marvel’s Spider-Man universe. With great reviews, this advent calendar is sure to impress.

What’s in the box:

• Five mini figures
• A snow spider-ham
• Peter Parker’s desk
• Electro’s winter tree
• Two cars

Best for: Puzzlers who like to busy their minds.

Possibly one of the most well-known puzzle brands in the world has created an advent calendar that guides you through 24 days of chaotic puzzling. Each day contains a mini puzzle of 54 pieces, which all piece together to create one large scene at the end of the month. Be on top of your game though, as each of the mini puzzles vary in difficulty.

What’s in the box:

• 24 54-piece puzzles that make up 1 large chaotic scene

Best for: Bored, fidgety or anxious kids.

Is your child always on the move? It’s claimed that ‘fidget toys’ help regulate emotions, reduce stress and increase your focus. This advent calendar contains 24 toys with varying actions and functions – all collectable, colourful and good for keeping small hands busy.

What’s in the box:

• Pop its
• Infinity cubes
• Fidget spinners
• Mochi toys
• Sticky hands
• And so much more

Best for: Braniacs who love to learn.

This adorable book advent calendar features 24 small hardcover books that follow the stories of inspirational people who have excelled in their fields. This one is educational, inspirational and so much fun!

What’s in the box:

• 24 mini biographies that follow inspirational people from all around the world:
  • Charles Dickens, Dolly Parton, Amelia Earhart, Aretha Franklin, Martin Luther King, Stephen Hawking, Jane Austen, David Bowie, Albert Einstein, Elton John, Ernest Shackleton, Malala Yousafzai, Taylor Swift, Frida Kahlo, Astrid Lindgren, Muhammad Ali, Jane Goodall, Lewis Hamilton, Neil Armstrong, Steve Irwin, Anna Pavlova, Zaha Hadid, Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela.

Best for: Young girls who love to dress up.

Packed to the brim with 25 different decorative and colourful accessories, this advent calendar is affordable and a great entry level for young girls’ jewellery. If you’re finding your little one has been getting into your jewellery box a lot lately, maybe it’s time to excite her with some plastic pieces of her own.

What’s in the box:

• Hair clips
• Rings
• Hair ties
• Charms
• A bracelet
• A necklace