The days are getting colder. The Christmas lights are being put up in towns and cities around Ireland. And toy catalogues are being dragged out and scribbled on during letter writing to Santa. Christmas is on the way.

This means advent calendars of all types are in the shops for the countdown to Santa’s arrival on December 25.

Traditionally, a sweet treat a day would mark each day off the calendar. If you’d rather not add a sugary treat into your daily routine in December, but still want to keep the magic of counting down alive, there are plenty of options out there for your kids. And without the sugar come-down.

For The Smallies

  • Peppa Pig Advent Calendar (Boots, Littlewoods)

If you have a Peppa lover in the house, they’ll love this calendar filled with 24 collectables of Peppa, George and friends, Christmas accessories and even Santa himself.

  • Organix Kids Advent Calendar (Boots)

This one still gives a treat while staying on the healthier side of things. It's suitable for kids aged 18 months+, perfect for the toddlers in your life. Behind the doors of the advent calendar are familiar Organix fruit snacks, Jammie Monster Biscuits, Apple and Orange Mini Oaty Bits, and Apple and Raspberry Mini Oaty Bites.

  • V-Tech Toot Toot Driver (Littlewoods)

Fans of the V-tech Toot-Toot Driver toys will adore this Christmas themed, 24-accessory advent calendar. The mini surprises include a snowman, reindeer, and a sleigh that plays 3 songs and 6 festive tunes.

Primary School Kids

  • Disney Book Advent Calendar (Littlewoods)

For a Disney lover or a reader, this is the perfect calendar, counting down to Christmas with a new festive Disney storybook each day. It features all of their favourites, including Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc.

  • LOL Surprise Advent Calendar (Littlewoods)

If your kids are LOL doll mad, then you can’t go wrong with the LOL Surprise Advent Calendar. Each one carries an exclusive LOL Doll, Tricksta B.B., and 24 fashion pieces to mix and match her style. 

  • LEGO City (Littlewoods, Smyths)

LEGO has a massive range of advent calendars available, including Star Wars, Harry Potter and festively themed calendars to grow your kids' collections. This LEGO City one will add to their LEGO collection with joy this year!

  • Playdoh Advent Calendar (Littlewoods)

Firm family favourite playdoh has been in the advent calendar game for a few years, and this year's offering is fantastic for creative kids. 5 playdoh pots (including two sparkle cans) accompany 24 accessories behind the doors of this calendar, as well as a playmat to save your table!

  • Pokémon Advent Calendar (Smyths)

If your kid is a Pokémon obsessive who needs to catch ‘em all, they will love the Pokémon Advent Calendar. It contains 16 2-inch figurines of their favourite Pokémon, as well as festive accessories for them to play with them in a Pokémon Winter Wonderland.

  • Funko Pop Nightmare Before Christmas (Smyths)

Nothing says Christmas more than Jack Skellington, right? If you have a keen Funko Pop collector in your house, they’ll love this Nightmare Before Christmas-themed calendar.