90 advent calendar filler ideas kids will love
Finding advent calendar filler ideas that your children will love doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on 24 little gifts. With a bit of planning, you can create a fun Christmas countdown filled with small surprises, thoughtful treats, and activities your kids will enjoy.
In this post you’ll discover 90 advent calendar fillers for kids across six categories, including edible treats, toys, bath fun, creative supplies, clothing and accessories, and experiences.
There are a range of ideas covering different interests and budgets, so you can choose the fillers that work best for your family.
You’ll also find practical tips for choosing advent calendar fillers including how to stick to a budget, remembering to make sure everything fits inside your calendar, and remembering to mix physical gifts with free or low-cost activities.
Whether you use a reusable advent calendar, or wrap your fillers individually, these advent filler ideas will help you create a Christmas countdown your children will look forward to, without adding unnecessary expense or extra stress to your Christmas preparations.
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Tips for choosing advent calendar fillers
Before you start shopping for calendar fillers, a little planning can help you keep costs down, and choose fillers your children will enjoy.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your calendar fillers.
- Set a budget – with 24 items to buy costs can quickly add up. Decide how much you want to spend before you start shopping.
- Check the size of your calendar – make sure each item fits inside your calendar’s pouches, envelopes, or drawers.
- Include experiences – Christmas activities like a family movie night, or baking together, can keep costs down, while creating lovely memories.
- Mix up the surprises – combine toys, treats, creative supplies and activities to make each day a little different.
- Think about your child’s interests – choose items they’ll use and enjoy rather than buying fillers simply to fill a space.
Remember, you don’t need to buy 24 new items. A thoughtful mix of small gifts and shared experiences can make your advent calendar special, without adding unnecessary expense.
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Advent calendar filler ideas kids will love
Here are some advent calendar fillers you can use in a reusable advent calendar, or that you can wrap individually.
Edible filler ideas
Small treats are an easy way to add a little excitement to the Christmas countdown.
When deciding what edible calendar fillers to include in your calendar, choose options that your children like, and also consider any allergies or dietary requirements.
Some edible filler ideas include:
- Candy canes
- Chocolate coins
- Mini cookies
- Gingerbread cookie
- Hot chocolate sachets
- Lollipops
- Marshmallow Santa
- Chocolate Santa
- Popcorn
- Your child’s favourite treat
Toy filler ideas
Small toys are ideal for children who enjoy having something to play with after opening their advent calendar.
Look for toys that will fit comfortably inside your calendar’s compartments, and that suit your child’s age.
Some toy advent calendar filler ideas for kids are:
- Accessories for their favourite toys
- Character keyrings
- Light up spinner
- Glow sticks
- Dollhouse accessories
- Wind-up toys
- Magnets
- Pull back car
- Mini animals, dinosaurs, superheroes or dolls
- Table top games
- Christmas puzzles
- Mini Play-Doh tubs
- Cuddly toy
- Slinky
- Mini Lego set
- Tonies audio books (this is also great stocking stuffer idea)
- Trading cards
- Train set pieces
- Whoopie cushion
- Yoto storybook collection
- Card games
- Bouncy ball
- Yoyo
- Nerf gun bullets
- Christmas decorations
- Mini books
- Spy pen
- Stickers
- Stretchy Father Christmas
- Christmas glasses
Bath time filler ideas
Bath time surprises can be a fun option for children who enjoy playing in the bath.
Choose small items that are suitable for your child’s age, and follow the product’s safety instructions before use.
- Kid’s bath bombs
- Bath crayons
- Bath markers
- Crayola Bath Dropz (a favourite in my house)
- Foam numbers
- Foam letters
- Squirting toys
- Stackable bath toys
- Wind-up bath toys
Creative filler ideas
Creative supplies are great calendar fillers because they can be used long after Christmas.
Here are some creative ideas that you can add to your calendar.
- Beads
- Chalk
- Crayons
- Dot markers
- Glitter pens
- Modelling clay
- Novelty erasers
- Paint sticks
- Pencils
- Pens
- Play-Doh accessories
- Putty
- Small craft kit
- Stamps
- Stickers
- Washi tape
- Cookie cutters
Clothing and accessory filler ideas
If you’re looking for practical fillers, clothing and small accessories can be a good option, including these ideas:
- Charm bracelets
- Christmas socks
- Gloves
- Wooly hat
- Hair clips
- Jewellery
- Lip balm
- Nail polish
- Scrunchies
- Socks
- Ear muffs
- Bracelet charms
Experience filler ideas
You don’t have to put a physical gift inside every advent calendar compartment.
Notes with experiences or family activities are simple, budget-friendly filler ideas that can create special memories throughout December.
Some ideas for these are:
- Bake cookies together
- Build a fort
- Decorate a bedroom for Christmas
- Make Christmas ornaments
- Make paper snowflakes
- Play a Christmas quiz
- Put up the Christmas tree
- Have a pyjama day
- Read a festive bedtime story
- Visit a Christmas market
- Watch a Christmas movie
- Write a letter to Santa
Advent calendar filler ideas – a recap
Choosing advent calendar filler ideas doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little planning, you can create a Christmas countdown your children will love without spending a fortune on 24 individual gifts.
From edible treats and small toys, to bath surprises, creative supplies, clothing and accessories and family experiences, there are plenty of calendar fillers to suit different ages, interests and budgets.
Remember to check that each item you purchase fits your advent calendar, set a budget before you start shopping, and choose fillers your children will genuinely enjoy.
You can also mix physical gifts with simple activities, such as baking cookies, watching a Christmas movie, or making festive decorations together.
The best advent calendar isn’t necessarily one filled with the most expensive gifts. A thoughtful mix of small surprises and shared experiences can make the countdown to Christmas feel special, while keeping costs manageable.
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What’s one advent calendar filler your children have loved in previous years?
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