I’ve been trying out the themed Advent calendars for kids – a bargain at £20 will keep them entertained throughout December.

CHOOSING the right Advent calendar can make the countdown to Christmas even more magical.

It’s no longer about indulging in just one square of chocolate. Instead, kids can open one toy per day, which is not only healthier but also lasts longer.

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And there’s something for all children, whatever their interests.

From Lego to Lilo and Stich, and Harry Potter At the Gruffalo there are calendars themed to almost all of the children’s characters.

Here, mum-of-three Lynsey Hope, 43, from West Malling, Kent, picks her favourites:

Smiggle Harry Potter Advent Calendar

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This one is a great choice for Harry Potter fans. Featuring 25 mystical gifts, this calendar includes full notebooks, glue, a keyring and a spy pen.

All items are good quality and although the calendar may seem expensive at first, you get what you pay for.

There are about four rubber characters, so I might have preferred a little more variety, but it went up a storm with all three kids.

Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar

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Particularly impressive version for 2024, my son’s eyes lit up when he saw this calendar.

There is something particularly Christmassy about Star Wars. This includes five unique mini-figures, including one Christmas Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and a number of mini notably built the Emperor’s Shuttle and the Crimson Firehawk.

No matter how old you are, you’re never too old for Lego and this advent calendar will delight young and old during the holidays countdown.

Disney Stitch Mad Beauty Advent Calendar

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Even though Stitch was invented by Disney over 20 years ago, this adorable character is still having his moment and as a result, this calendar is going to go down a storm.

It’s packed with bath and body treats, including a range of sparkling bath products and clay masks, foot lotion, hand cream, bubble bath and lip balm.

It was easy to open and none of the products seemed to irritate my daughter Olive’s skin.

She is seven years old and she loves it. It was his first choice for the countdown at Christmas, even around chocolate.

Brio World Train Set Advent Calendar

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This contains great quality train pieces that will fit other Brio tracks if you have them.

You get a Mr. and Mrs. Santa, a snowy train and trailer, tracks, signs, fences, packages and a little bunny. The doors were quite difficult to open and my four year old needed help every time.

There’s not much to it on its own but it’s great that it goes with the rest of his wooden train set. Ivy really liked both Christmas numbers.

Build your own pinball advent calendar

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• £24.99, buildyourownkits.com

Hidden behind each door is a set of instructions allowing you to gradually build a mini freaking out for the 25th.

It’s easy to assemble and comes with swirling glass balls allowing you to start playing as soon as the machine is made. It was a real hit with the kids once built and provided hours of entertainment.

My only complaint is that some of the doors were a bit annoying as you have to wait all month until they are ready, so definitely one for the more patient kids.

No glue is used in manufacturing, so it can be easily broken down and recycled when the time comes.

Panini Premier League Trading Card Game Countdown Schedule

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• £35, paniniadrenalynpl.com

Sure to catch everyone’s attention soccer fans, this Panini calendar is bigger and better than ever.

It features 18 categories of supercharged special cards, including Hypersonic, Breakthroughs, and the coveted and ultra-rare Invincible cards. In total there are 18 packs and six limited edition cards.

My ten-year-old son Jacob loved it and was the envy of all his friends.

Be careful though, it’s quite big and bulky if you’re short on space.

JoJo Advent Calendar Mom Baby Santa Workshop

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• £38, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

It’s a super attractive and reusable product advent calendar which is actually Good for the whole family.

It contains 24 wooden figures including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and snowmen.

The sides of the box open up to create a play scene and unlike some other rather unsightly and bulky boxes, this also creates a little home decoration.

National Geographic Advent Calendar for Rocks, Fossils and Minerals

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Rocks, fossils, minerals and gemstones: this calendar has them all.

The kids loved opening geodes, pyrites, agates, sea urchins and more, and on the last day they will receive a special rose quartz.

It also comes with a magnifying glass – a great option for budding scientists.

Electronic Games Advent Calendar

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Open the doors of this retro-looking calendar to discover a new electronic component every day.

The pieces allow you to create 24 different old games, including Code Breaker, Memory, Whack a Mole and Wire Maze.

This one is great for older kids who love construction and electronics.

Be aware that you need three AA batteries, which are not located behind the doors: you will need to purchase them separately.

The Gruffalo Christmas Musical Advent Calendar

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A lovely music calendar that plays three songs from the Gruffalo’s Child soundtrack.

Behind the doors you’ll find pop-up decorations, stickers and dancing characters who can skate around the base of the music box as you count down the days until Christmas.

It features three magnetic characters: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and the Snake.

It requires three batteries, which are included, and these can be reused for years, making it excellent value for money.

Slime Advent Calendar

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A somewhat messy calendar but which will keep the children busy as Christmas approaches. It’s lots of fun with gifts including 16 squishy slimes, eight glitters and seven small toys.

The slimes come in a jar to keep them cool. There was a lot you could do with the content and it kept the kids happy for a while.

Smiggle Advent Calendar

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If Harry Potter isn’t your thing, Smiggle also offers this option, which contains 25 complete surprises.

The different gifts include a magic cube, a squishy, ​​a bouncy ball, a rainbow pencil, a kaleidoscope and a fidget spinner.

Every day, these toys were well received by young and old. It’s quite bulky to store, but that’s my only complaint.