If you’re lucky enough to have a traditional Advent Calendar socked away in the attic, now is the time to pull it out and make sure you have all the pieces and that everything is nice and clean. I’ve spent a few late November evenings ransacking the garage to find where I put it all away last year, but if you start now you’ll have plenty of time to do this and be reasonably stress-free.

If, however, you’re looking for something new to try this year, I have found some great Advent Calendars for you to check out.

1. The Advent Calendar that will make me Mother of the Year

This is what I got for my 3 boys and I guarantee they will lose their minds when I bring it out. Every day the 2 oldest spend several hours doing Legos, and this is going to be fantastic. (The Lego Advent Calendar is also available at Amazon.)

They make a girl version in the Belville line, but I don’t know… Do girls like Belville, or do they like the “regular” Legos instead? You be the judge.

You say your kids aren’t Lego fans? How about Playmobil!

2. Paper Die Cut Advent Calendars

This is the style I grew up with. It was always so much fun to open a door every day and see what was behind it! (The Eric Carle Advent Calendar and 24 Penguins Before Christmas Advent Calendar are available at Calendars.com.)

And of course there are always the Chocolate-filled Advent Calendars. Yum!

You can get these and many other Chocolate-Filled Advent Calendars at Amazon.

And for a decadent Advent calendar treat, try the Gump’s Chocolate Advent Calendar.

3. Make your own Advent Calendar

Aren’t those cute? And since they’re not ginormous projects you actually have some hope of finishing them in time. (The Dimensions Snow Friends Advent Calendar Felt Applique Kit and Bucilla Santa’s Toy Shop Advent Calendar Felt Applique Kit are both available at Joann.com)

4. Fabric Advent Calendars

This is the kind of calendar we have had until this year. I think they are very sweet, and absolutely perfect for small kids. Every day they just take a small, stuffed decoration from one of the numbered pouches and stick it onto the tree with the velcro fasteners. Nothing can break, if they put it in their mouth it isn’t a big deal, and if they manage to get it off the wall when you’re not looking the mess is minimal. Ask me how I know this! (This sweet Christmas Tree Advent Calendar is available at Shop.com.)

5. Unique Wood Advent Calendars

Isn’t this gorgeous? The wood pieces are held in place by magnets so even small kids will have sucess when it is their turn to choose the piece for the day. (This Wood and Magnet Advent Calendar is available at Amazon.)

This beautiful Kurt Adler Nativity Advent also has magnetic doors and beautiful features. It is available at Amazon.

So there you have five great kinds of Advent Calendars that will work in families with kids. I hope you like them!