For children and the whole family
Online advent calendars for kids and families
A digital advent calendar can't melt, can't be eaten by the dog at six in the morning and doesn't need a shelf. These open a new door every morning in December on a phone, tablet or computer, and each one is made for children to enjoy with a grown-up nearby.
They are very different from each other, so here is what is behind the doors and which children each one suits.
The Unhinged Elf
For children who like a bit of mischief, and for parents who would rather not move an elf around the house every night.
Behind the doors
- The elf tells you what he's been up to, on video with captions, or read it on the screen
- A different game every day: unpack his suitcase, solve a biscuit crime, fix Santa's sleigh
- A hidden surprise and the day's badge
- A finale and a certificate on Christmas Eve
For the whole family. Fully digital: nothing to hide on a shelf.
A$19Door 1 is free.
Winter Wonderland
For younger children who love a story: five minutes each morning, read aloud, with their own name in it, and gentle enough for bedtime.
Behind the doors
- A chapter read by a warm storyteller with a cast of voices, music and the sounds of the village
- A spark for their Starlight Jar, with a secret letter inside
- A magic mission for tonight and a game in the painting: light the lantern, thaw the fountain
- Your letter, delivered by Mabel the postmistress on night 19
For children from about 4 to 10, and the grown-ups listening with them. A gift you send: no account, no app.
A$24
The Great Christmas Family Challenge
For a household that likes to play together: something for the whole table each day, from quizzes to getting up and moving.
Behind the doors
- Quizzes for the whole table: Christmas Brain Battle, The Ultimate Family Quiz
- Puzzles to crack together: Santa's Missing Hat, Elf Escape Room, Santa's Sleigh Repair
- Up and moving: Family Scavenger Dash and Elf Dance Disaster
- Make it up: Reindeer Name Generator, Build a Ridiculous Snowman
For the whole household. A grown-up signs in; children never need an account.
A$15
Christmas Around the World
For curious families: a country each day with a tradition, a carol, a recipe to cook together and a craft to make.
Behind the doors
- A tradition from that country, like Germany's four candles on the Advent wreath
- A carol to sing, such as O Tannenbaum
- A game to play and a recipe to cook together: kids' baked apples on door 1
- A craft to print and make, like a paper Advent star for the window
For families. The crafts suit children from 5 to 10.
A$19
Which one suits your children?
Little ones who love being read to will want a story they can hear again. Children who can't sit still will want a game. With a mix of ages, choose a calendar the whole table can play, so the older ones aren't bored and the youngest can still join in.
Made with children in mind
A grown-up buys the calendar and, where one is needed, signs in. A child never needs an account or an email address of their own. Doors open at midnight in your time zone and stay open, so a missed morning can be caught up after school.
Something for the grown-ups too?
Once the children are in bed, there are calendars for adults as well.
Questions people ask
What do we need?
A phone, tablet or computer with a web browser. Nothing is posted, and nothing needs to be hidden on a shelf.
What if we miss a day?
Nothing is lost. Each door stays open once its morning has come, so you can catch up or play it again.
Can I send one to my grandchildren?
Yes. Winter Wonderland is a gift you send to a parent's email, with their doors opening at midnight where they live. The Unhinged Elf can be sent to someone too.
Is it all right for young children?
Winter Wonderland is gentle, for about 4 to 10, with nothing frightening. The Unhinged Elf is cheeky but made for the whole family. Neither asks a child for personal details.