25 Easy Advent Calendar Filler Ideas for Toddler Boys

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Looking for practical  and inexpensive advent calendar fillers that won’t add to household clutter? I’ve got some ideas! 

This is my first time doing an advent calendar for my son (other than those pre-filled chocolate ones). I want to make it special and add to the magic of the season without bogging us down with more “junk” or “to-do” lists.

I found this heirloom advent calendar from Pottery Barn Kids and I loved that it can be personalized and even passed down to our boys. The pockets are big enough to hold the small gift of each day. 

My concern about doing an advent calendar was that I didn’t want 24  more pieces of junk or small, random toys in over-flowing bins. 

I tried to brainstorm more practical things that:

1. I would be buying anyways 

and 

2. wouldn’t create more clutter. 

Here are some practical and inexpensive ideas for a toddler boy’s advent calendar: 

Christmas Jammies: On day 1 I want to give Christmas Jammies for my son to wear throughout the season. These will probably be the most expensive item on the advent calendar but I would be buying them anyways and nothing is cuter than a sweet boy in Christmas jammies.

My favorite ones are from Hanna Anderson, Little One Shop and Walmart! 

Christmas socks: A classic filler and so many options! My only requirement is that they have the grippers on the bottom to avoid an excited toddler ice skating across the living room on Christmas morning.

Christmas ornaments: As a fun decoration that can be re-used year after year, I will add a couple different ornaments throughout the days. Target has some adorable fabric/felt dinosaur options I’m going to use. I’m also going to gift a personalized family ornament, which I already do each year anyways!

Christmas book: I like to buy one new Christmas book per year to add to our nightly rotation. This year I’m going to get “Grumpy Monkey Oh, No Christmas!”

Reindeer Antler Headband: I think these are just a classic, must-have Christmastime item and I know my toddler will get a kick out of them 

Santa hat: I already know this is going to be a hit and I’m only afraid he won’t ever take it off after I give it to him!

Christmas light necklace: A fun, festive item he will be proud to wear around home and to daycare to show off to his friends

Sunglasses: All toddlers just love taking their mom’s sunglasses and stretching them open until they’re on the brink of breaking, right? Now they can have their own pair to roughhouse with

Matchbox cars: Because little boys can never have enough cars

Dinosaur figurines: My son loves learning about different dinosaurs and all of their names. I think he would love to have a little collection of them

Other small items: 

• Christmas stickers
• Flashlight
• Slime
• Temporary tattoos 
• Play doh
• Kinder eggs
• M&Ms
• Gummy worms 

Activities ideas: I intend to put these on weekend days or days where I know we won’t be too busy do actually do the activity. 

• Make hot chocolate 
• Make or decorate Christmas cookies 
• Drive around to see Christmas lights 
• Make s’mores 
• Make a Christmas craft 
• Decorate a Christmas ornament
• Decorate a gingerbread house 

I hope your little boys like these practical and inexpensive advent calendar ideas! Have a very merry Christmas!