Our favorite 2025 advent calendars you can still get now: Top picks from Lego, Pokémon, Funko Pop and more

If you've ever ripped open a booster pack and felt the thrill of pulling something rare, this advent calendar doubles that feeling for 24 days straight. Instead of candy, you'll find cards, promo packs and TCG goodies that keep trainers hyped all month. It's the kind of countdown that makes mornings exciting again, whether you're gifting it to a young Pokémon fan or indulging your own inner collector. Adding new treasures to your binder and maybe even scoring that one card everyone wants is a sure-fire hit for any Pokémon lover.

This advent calendar is basically an escape room in 24 parts. Each day challenges you with a puzzle, riddle or clue, and solving it lets you open the next door. By Christmas, you'll have unraveled an entire intergalactic mystery story that's as satisfying as it is festive. It's ideal for puzzle fans, couples who love board games or families looking for a December activity that goes beyond sweets.

This calendar is packed with mini builds, festive characters and quirky accessories that slot straight into any Lego City setup. Each day brings something new, from a toy train to a holiday-themed minifigure. It works for kids who want something interactive and for adults who never stopped adding to their Lego collections. By Christmas Eve, you'll have a complete winter scene that feels right at home under the tree or on your desk.

If your dice bag is already overflowing, you know there's always room for more. This advent calendar feeds the obsession with a new dice set, pencils or tabletop extras behind every door. Roll initiative every morning in December — by the end, you'll have enough new sets to make your DM jealous. It's great for anyone who swears dice have "lucky" rolls or just loves the click-clack sound of adding another shiny polyhedral to the collection.

National Geographic is an institution, and this advent calendar really hits the nail on the head. Every day delivers a new rock, fossil, crystal or science-themed activity. It's educational without feeling boring, and it's guaranteed to keep curious minds busy through the holiday season. Parents will appreciate the learning angle, and kids will love the daily surprise that makes science feel like unwrapping treasure.

Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang make the holidays sweeter with this candy-filled advent calendar. Each day gives you a Peanuts-themed treat tucked inside a keepsake box designed for display. It's nostalgic, festive and perfect for anyone who grew up watching the holiday specials. It's a holiday pick that works for kids and grown-ups alike.

For people who prefer the outdoors to a warm fire, this advent calendar swaps sweets for survival gear. Each door hides a useful item like fire starters, camping tools or compact gear you'll actually want to keep around. You'll build up a nice stash that's perfect for hikes, camping trips or even prepping for emergencies. It's a quirky yet practical gift for anyone who likes the idea of an advent calendar that'll still be useful long after the holiday season ends.

Who needs ornaments when you can deck the halls with Star Wars builds? This advent calendar delivers 24 surprises, ranging from tiny ships to minifigures in festive outfits. That means you might spot Darth Vader in a scarf or R2-D2 with some seasonal flair. It's an easy way to make the holidays feel like a Star Wars marathon on Disney+, with new pieces to add to your desk or display shelf every day. It's fun for kids, but let's be honest, adult collectors are going to want to snag this one, too.

Clue fans, this is your holiday dream. Instead of racing through one game in an evening, you'll unravel a mystery across 24 days. Each door adds story elements, clues and props until the case comes together on Christmas Eve. It's cozy, interactive and feels like reading a serialized mystery novel — only you're part of the investigation. It's perfect for families or anyone who loves the idea of turning the holiday season into a full-blown whodunnit.

Trekkies, this is the advent calendar you've been waiting for. Shaped like the Enterprise-D, it's loaded with 24 surprises that bring the franchise to your holiday season. Expect ornaments, trinkets and Star Trek-themed goodies that make each day feel like stepping onto the bridge. Once Christmas day comes around, you'll have a collection that boldly goes where no advent calendar has gone before.

This advent calendar is less about candy and more about sparking creativity. Each day gives you a new electronic component, and together they form eight different DIY projects. It's hands-on, educational and surprisingly fun, especially for kids who are curious about how things work. Throughout the Christmas period, you'll build real gadgets, learn some basics of electronics and probably earn bragging rights at the holiday dinner table. It's a great choice for tinkerers who prefer circuits over chocolate.

Akin to Legos, Magna-Tiles are great for kids (or adults) who like to build and experiment. The company's first ever advent calendar packs 34 holiday-themed magna-tiles, including 10 decorated magnetic squares, three decorated isosceles triangles and a microChassis that actually rides the track on the back cover of the package. Yes, Santa and conductor figurines are included as well, so you can build a complete holiday train scene by the end of your time with this calendar. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor

Bring a little piece of Japan into your holiday season. Each day reveals a new snack, toy or collectible sourced from Japan, making it a great pick for anime fans or anyone who loves J-pop culture. It's a little on the pricey side compared to your average advent calendar, but for those who want something different for themselves, or even to treat a family member or friend, it's undoubtedly a unique twist on a holiday classic.