In short. An Advent calendar works when the child wants to open tomorrow's door. The object matters less than the daily appointment. Pick what you can keep up for 24 days.
Why look for an original Advent calendar?
Chocolate is gone in three seconds. The toy from box 14 ends up in a drawer. Many parents want something else: a calm moment, together, every day.
Here are eight ideas. You can mix them.
What are the 8 ideas for a kids' Advent calendar?
1. The audio calendar, one story a day
Each door hides a story of a few minutes. The child listens, then moves on. The Starsbox audio Advent calendar has 24 doors. They open from December 1 to 24. Emma and Theo tell stories with your child's name. A mystery runs through all 24 days. It is solved on the evening of the 24th. The price: $21.89, paid once. Suggested age: 3 to 11. The stories are in French first. English is coming next.
2. The calendar of small notes
Twenty-four envelopes, each with a note, a challenge or a hug to give. It costs almost nothing. It needs one evening of prep.
3. The calendar of good deeds
Each day, one small act: write to a neighbor, sort a toy, help at the table. Kids aged 6 to 11 like this game.
4. The coloring calendar
One drawing a day, to print. Start with the free coloring pages. The "Magic Christmas" books come in three levels.
5. The calendar of outings
One idea a day: ice rink, hot chocolate, Christmas market, a movie under a blanket. Put the fixed dates in first. Fill the rest later.
6. The calendar of recipes
A cookie, a drink or a snack to make together. Great for ages 5 to 9.
7. The calendar of toys or small objects
This is the classic. It costs a lot when every box holds something new. Add some empty boxes where the child finds a game idea.
8. The calendar with a letter from Santa
Three letters with the child's name, read aloud by Santa. They go with any calendar. See the letters from Santa (page in French), $14.19 for the three.
Which calendar for which age?
- Ages 3 to 5: audio, thick-line coloring, small notes read by a grown-up.
- Ages 6 to 8: audio, recipes, good deeds.
- Ages 9 to 11: challenges, outings, a mystery over 24 days.
How does an audio calendar work?
Each morning, a new door opens. The child gets the day's story on Telegram or by email. You choose when you order. One story a day, or all at once if you prefer.
Try before you decide. Door 1 is free, just above.
The audio Advent calendar with their name
24 stories, $21.89 once. It starts on December 1. The checkout opens soon. You can be told when it does.
See the Advent calendar See the ClubFrequently asked questions
When does an Advent calendar start?
On December 1, and it ends on the 24th. Our audio calendar follows the same dates.
How much is an audio Advent calendar?
The Starsbox calendar costs $21.89, paid once. It holds 24 stories. The Club costs $6.49 a month (12-month commitment), or $65.89 a year.
Can I give an Advent calendar to several kids?
Yes, but each child has their own name in the stories. Place one order per child. For a whole family, look at the Family Club.
What if the child misses a day?
No problem. At the end, you keep all the stories as mp3 and PDF. The child can catch up any time.
Read next
Personalized Christmas gifts
Nine ideas by age.
Christmas stories to listen to
How to choose by age.
Screen-free Advent activities
24 ideas for December.