Featured image of post Engadget's 2025 Advent Calendar Guide: From Lego to Pokémon, The Best Non-Chocolate Countdowns

Engadget's 2025 Advent Calendar Guide: From Lego to Pokémon, The Best Non-Chocolate Countdowns

Lego advent calendar display

Advent calendars have evolved far beyond the simple chocolate-filled cardboard boxes of yesteryear. Engadget’s latest gift guide showcases how the countdown to Christmas has transformed into an opportunity for themed collectibles, interactive builds, and fan-favorite franchises to take center stage during the holiday season[4].

The tech and culture publication highlights a diverse selection of advent calendars for 2025 that cater to collectors, gamers, and nostalgia enthusiasts alike. Rather than focusing on traditional confections, these modern advent calendars deliver daily surprises ranging from buildable sets to trading cards and pop culture memorabilia[4].

The Lego City Advent Calendar: Building Holiday Joy

Leading Engadget’s recommendations is the Lego City Advent Calendar, which combines the timeless appeal of building blocks with festive cheer[4]. Priced at $21 at Target, this calendar offers exceptional value for both children and adult collectors who never outgrew their Lego obsession[4].

The calendar features mini builds, festive characters, and quirky accessories that integrate seamlessly into existing Lego City collections[4]. Each daily reveal brings something new to the table, from toy trains to holiday-themed minifigures[4]. By Christmas Eve, builders will have assembled a complete winter scene perfect for display under the tree or on a desk[4].

The interactive nature of this advent calendar makes it particularly appealing for families looking for an engaging holiday tradition that goes beyond passive consumption. The ability to add these pieces to existing Lego collections also provides lasting value beyond the holiday season.

Pokémon Trading Card Game: Collector’s Dream Calendar

Pokemon cards collection

For trading card enthusiasts, Engadget spotlights the Pokémon TCG Advent Calendar as a must-have item[4]. Available at Amazon for $68 and Best Buy for $50, this calendar transforms the daily countdown into a card collector’s fantasy[4].

Instead of candy, each day reveals cards, promo packs, and TCG goodies designed to keep trainers excited throughout December[4]. The calendar recreates that distinctive thrill of ripping open a booster pack, but extends it across 24 days[4]. Whether gifting to a young Pokémon fan or indulging personal collecting habits, this advent calendar offers the tantalizing possibility of scoring rare cards while building out a collection[4].

The pricing variation between retailers suggests shoppers should compare options before purchasing, with Best Buy offering a notably lower price point than Amazon.

Beyond Chocolate: The Advent Calendar Revolution

Engadget’s coverage reflects a broader shift in advent calendar culture. The article notes that “advent calendars aren’t just about chocolate anymore,” acknowledging how recent years have demonstrated that Christmas countdowns can be packed with diverse surprises[4].

This evolution caters to niche interests and fandoms, transforming what was once a simple children’s tradition into a sophisticated gift option for adults. The calendars work well for those interested in building Lego sets, expanding minifigure collections, or exploring scientific experiments[4].

A Gift That Keeps Giving

The publication emphasizes that these advent calendars excel as gift options, bringing “a bit of joy, nostalgia or nerdy fun to the holiday season”[4]. Each door conceals a new surprise designed to create daily moments of excitement and anticipation.

For parents, collectors, and gift-givers struggling with holiday shopping, these themed advent calendars offer a practical solution that combines entertainment value with the traditional countdown format. They work equally well for children seeking interactive experiences and adults looking to revisit beloved franchises from their youth.

The early October timing of Engadget’s guide also serves a practical purpose, giving readers ample time to purchase these popular items before they sell out. Many specialty advent calendars have limited production runs and can disappear from retailer shelves well before December arrives.

As the holiday season approaches, Engadget’s curated selection demonstrates that advent calendars have matured into a legitimate category of collectible merchandise, capable of appealing to diverse interests while maintaining the anticipatory magic that makes counting down to Christmas special.


Sources:

[1] https://www.engadget.com/our-favorite-advent-calendars-for-2025-from-lego-pokemon-funko-pop-and-others-120042496.html

[2] https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608806418356-17187948aa67?w=1200

[3] https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1606503153255-59d5d3c30b91?w=1200

Photo by Oldiefan on Pixabay

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