Advent Calendar Fillers for Toddlers: 24 Ideas for Ages 1–5

Toddlers don’t need a drawer full of tiny surprises to enjoy an Advent calendar. A picture of a favorite book can be the start of something lovely.

I’ve split these ideas between ages 1–2 and preschoolers ages 3–5 because the same filler won’t suit every child. The 24 ideas below can also become your daily plan: one opening, one simple thing to enjoy.

Before choosing toddler fillers

Follow the manufacturer’s age label for the exact item, including any detachable parts. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s small-parts guidance explains the under-three small-parts restriction.

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Keep the calendar with an adult and open it together. Leave loose bells, coins, beads, small magnets, button batteries and balloons out of this toddler countdown. Supervision doesn’t make an unsuitable small item a good filler.

For larger gifts, put a picture in the calendar and hand over the item yourself. Paper prompts and wrapping are for the adult to manage, too.

Days 1–6: easy ideas for ages 1–2

1. A familiar board book. Wrap one you already own and read it together; no new purchase needed.
2. A soft washcloth. Choose a familiar texture and use it at the next bath.
3. A pair of socks. Pick the right size and make finding the matching sock a little game.
4. A photo of a loved one. Look at a large printed photo together and name everyone.
5. A favorite-song picture. Draw a star for a singing session, with no expectation of a performance.
6. A soft toy already at home. Let a familiar toy make a special appearance in the countdown.

Days 7–12: more shared play for ages 1–2

7. An age-labeled stacking cup. Choose an appropriate existing toy and play together at a table or on the floor.
8. A large, age-labeled play ball. Keep it outside the calendar and roll it gently between you.
9. A favorite animal picture. Make the sound, find it in a book and see what interests your child.
10. A lights walk. Take your usual stroller or walking route and notice a few decorations.
11. A story choice. Offer two books and let your toddler point to the one to read.
12. A cozy reading spot. Put a blanket on the floor and sit together with books for a few minutes.

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Days 13–18: creative fillers for ages 3–5

13. Age-labeled chunky crayons. Keep the original safety information and supply paper at the same time.
14. A large coloring sheet. Fold it into an envelope; there is no need to finish the whole picture.
15. An age-labeled dough pot. Use the product as directed and check ingredients if allergies are relevant.
16. A Christmas card to decorate. An adult can write the message while the child adds their own marks.
17. A paper crown to color. Give it flat and help fit it, keeping fastening supplies with the adult.
18. A large cardboard shape. Draw on a tree or star, then display it where your child can see it.

Days 19–24: low-prep preschool activities

19. A picture scavenger hunt. Find something red, something soft and something with a star.
20. A family dance choice. Let your child choose between two festive songs.
21. A toy-animal parade. Use suitable toys you already have and make a path around the room.
22. A window picture. Draw on paper and let an adult put it up with removable tape.
23. A short family call. Arrange a few minutes with someone your child knows; skip it if they’re not interested.
24. A Christmas Eve story. Finish with a familiar book and an unhurried bedtime routine.

Also read: Free printable Advent calendar activities for ages 3–8.

How to use this as a 24-day calendar

Choose the ideas that suit your child’s current age and interests, then repeat favorites to fill any gaps. A one-year-old can have several story days. A preschooler can have several coloring days. You don’t need to add the older-age ideas before they’re suitable.

For December 2026, place outings or creative sessions on weekends such as December 5–6 or 12–13. Keep weekday openings short enough for the time you actually have.

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Keep the shopping list small

Start with books, toys and supplies already in the house. Then decide whether socks, a washcloth or art supplies are things you’d be buying anyway. Those purchases still count toward your calendar budget.

I would skip food fillers here and let parents choose familiar, age-appropriate snacks separately. That keeps the countdown useful for families with different feeding needs and routines.

What size calendar works?

A row of envelopes containing pictures is enough. A basket of numbered bags works for larger items, but store it out of reach and open one together.

Avoid hanging strings at child height and place the calendar away from beds and climbing furniture. The daily ritual is the fun part; the display can be very simple.

Also read: Advent calendar filler ideas for every age · Advent activities for kids ages 3–8.

Also read: Family Christmas traditions to make your own.