50 Fun Advent Calendar Fillers For Toddlers & Pre-Schoolers

If you’re making a Christmas advent calendar for your toddler, you’ve probably already realized one thing: finding 24 little things that actually fit inside those tiny pockets is harder than it looks!

You want the surprises to be fun, but you also don’t want to fill your house with random plastic toys that your toddler forgets about five minutes later.

I love the idea of mixing cute Christmas goodies, little toys, things they can actually use, and a few of their favorite treats.

And no, they don’t all need to be Christmas-themed. A tiny toy car your toddler has been eyeing can be just as exciting as a little Santa.

 50 Things to Put in a Christmas Advent Calendar 

1. Christmas Stickers

You really can’t go wrong with stickers.

Choose larger toddler-friendly stickers with Santa, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, or cute animals.

2. Mini Board Book

A small Christmas board book is such a sweet little surprise.

Look for a sturdy one made for little hands so it can survive being carried around the house.

3. Christmas Socks

Tiny Christmas socks with reindeer, Santa, snowflakes, or Christmas trees make a practical but still exciting filler.

4. Chunky Crayons

Add a few chunky crayons in fun colors.

They’re easy for little hands to hold and don’t take up much space in the calendar.

5. Mini Coloring Book

A small toddler coloring book can fit nicely inside a larger advent pocket.

Choose simple pictures with plenty of open space for little scribblers.

6. Christmas Hair Bow

For toddlers who wear hair accessories, a cute Christmas bow is an easy little surprise.

Think velvet bows, little Christmas trees, reindeer, or candy-cane designs.

7. Christmas Headband

A festive headband can make even an ordinary December morning feel a little more Christmassy.

8. Santa Hat

A small Santa hat is one of those things your toddler can wear throughout December.

And yes, it will probably end up being worn backwards at least once.

9. Mini Stuffed Animal

A tiny plush reindeer, penguin, bear, or snowman makes a cute little advent surprise.

10. Small Toy Car

If your toddler loves cars, add a little one to the calendar.

It doesn’t need to be Christmas-themed. A favorite type of toy is often more exciting than something specifically made for Christmas.

11. Animal Figure

A small animal figure can become a favorite little toy.

Choose something sturdy and appropriately sized for your toddler.

12. Christmas Tree Ornament

Give your toddler a child-safe ornament for their own little Christmas tree.

It’s also a lovely way to start a yearly tradition.

13. Christmas Socks for Their Favorite Teddy

If your toddler has a favorite stuffed animal, look for a tiny accessory they can use with it.

A little hat, scarf, or pair of socks can be surprisingly exciting.

14. Mini Santa Toy

A tiny Santa figurine can become part of your toddler’s pretend play.

Choose an age-appropriate toy without small detachable pieces.

15. Reindeer Toy

A little reindeer is another cute Christmas-themed filler.

You could even choose one that becomes part of your toddler’s toy collection after Christmas.

16. Christmas Puzzle

A small chunky-piece toddler puzzle makes a great filler.

Look for large pieces that are easy for little hands to grab.

17. Finger Puppets

Santa, a reindeer, an elf, or a snowman finger puppet can fit into an advent pocket surprisingly well.

18. Bath Toy

A small Christmas bath toy can make bath time feel extra festive.

Think floating Santa, reindeer, snowman, or Christmas tree.

19. New Toothbrush

A cute Christmas toothbrush is a practical filler that still feels like a present.

Choose one with a festive design or your toddler’s favorite character.

20. Christmas Cup

If you have a larger advent pocket, a little Christmas cup can be a fun surprise.

Look for a reusable cup your toddler can actually use.

21. Christmas Plate

A festive toddler plate can be another practical addition.

It doesn’t need to fit inside the calendar—put a little picture or note inside revealing the surprise, then bring it out later.

22. Christmas Spoon

A fun toddler spoon with a Christmas design is another useful little gift.

It may not sound exciting to an adult, but toddlers have a way of becoming very attached to their favorite cups and spoons.

23. Christmas Bib

A festive bib is perfect for toddlers who still manage to get half their meal on their clothes.

Look for something with a cute Christmas print.

24. Mini Play-Dough

A small container of toddler-safe play-dough can fit nicely into some advent calendars.

Choose age-appropriate products and avoid anything with small accessories.

25. Christmas Cookie Cutter

A small Christmas cookie cutter is inexpensive and useful.

Choose a sturdy shape such as a Christmas tree, star, heart, or gingerbread man.

26. Washable Stamp

A toddler-friendly washable stamp can be a fun little gift.

Look for chunky designs that are easy for small hands to hold.

27. Bath Crayon

If your toddler enjoys drawing, a bath crayon can make a fun advent surprise.

Choose one specifically designed for young children and bath use.

28. Bubble Bath

A small bottle of toddler-friendly bubble bath can be a lovely little treat.

Look for a product suitable for your child’s age and skin.

29. Christmas Washcloth

A little Christmas washcloth featuring Santa, snowmen, or reindeer is practical and cute.

30. Sunglasses

Yes, even in December!

A cute pair of toddler sunglasses can be a fun filler, especially if your little one loves accessories.

31. Mini Backpack Charm

If your toddler has a little backpack, add a child-safe festive charm or zipper accessory.

Just make sure it doesn’t contain loose pieces that could be a choking hazard.

32. Christmas Bracelet

For older toddlers, a simple child-safe bracelet can be a fun surprise.

Avoid anything with tiny beads or pieces that could come loose.

33. Christmas Pajama Accessory

A cute Christmas sleep mask may work for some older toddlers, although it isn’t suitable for every child.

You could also choose festive socks or slippers instead.

34. New Slippers

A pair of Christmas slippers with reindeer or Santa designs makes a cozy December surprise.

35. Christmas Slippers Socks

If full slippers won’t fit your calendar, Christmas slipper socks are much easier to squeeze into a pocket.

36. Small Snack Cup

A little reusable snack cup can be a practical advent gift.

Choose one in a fun Christmas color or design.

37. Favorite Toddler Snack

Not every surprise needs to be a toy.

You can add a small serving of a familiar favorite snack, prepared appropriately for your toddler.

38. Fruit Pouch

A favorite fruit pouch can be a simple food surprise for one of the December mornings.

Choose one appropriate for your toddler’s age and dietary needs.

39. Toddler-Friendly Crackers

A small package of their favorite toddler-friendly crackers can fit nicely into a larger calendar pocket.

40. Mini Muffin

If your calendar has a larger compartment, you can add a homemade mini muffin as a same-day treat.

Just don’t put perishable food into the calendar ahead of time.

41. Christmas Cookie

A homemade Christmas cookie can be a fun little treat.

Keep it age-appropriate and prepared in a texture and size that’s safe for your toddler.

42. Christmas-Themed Snack Container

A little reusable snack container with a Christmas design is both cute and useful.

43. Mini Plush Keychain

A soft plush character can be a cute little surprise for an older toddler.

If it has a keychain attachment, remove or avoid any small detachable parts for younger children.

44. Christmas Scarf

A tiny toddler scarf can be a cozy addition to the calendar.

Choose a comfortable, age-appropriate style rather than anything with long loose ties.

45. Christmas Mittens

Little Christmas mittens are practical, cute, and perfect for December.

Look for soft ones with simple festive patterns.

46. Reusable Christmas Cup

A festive cup featuring Santa, reindeer, or Christmas trees can become their special December cup.

47. Christmas Temporary Tattoos

For older toddlers who are ready for them, child-safe temporary tattoos can be a fun little surprise.

Choose products specifically made for children and follow the manufacturer’s age guidance.

48. Christmas Socks for Their Favorite Doll

If your toddler loves dolls, add a tiny Christmas accessory for their favorite doll.

A little hat, socks, or scarf can make the doll part of the Christmas fun too.

49. Mini Christmas Plush

A tiny plush Christmas tree, gingerbread character, or snowman can make a cute addition to the calendar.

50. A Special Christmas Toy

Save one slightly bigger surprise for the final day.

It could be a small stuffed animal, a wooden toy, a toy car, a doll accessory, or something you’ve noticed your toddler has been interested in.

How Do I Put Larger Items in My Advent Calendar?

Not everything will fit inside those tiny advent calendar pockets!

For larger gifts like pajamas, slippers, cups, or stuffed animals, simply put a small note or picture inside the pocket telling your toddler what their surprise is.

You can also number the larger gifts and place them beside the calendar, so your toddler opens the matching gift each day.

Another easy option? Use numbered gift bags or little boxes instead of traditional pockets. They give you much more room and still keep the excitement of the countdown.

The goal is to make Christmas fun, not spend 10 minutes trying to squeeze a teddy bear into a pocket that’s clearly too small!

Best Advent Calendars to Purchase for Your Christmas Countdown

If you don’t want to make an advent calendar from scratch, there are plenty of ready-made options that make the countdown much easier.

For toddlers, look for an advent calendar with larger pockets or drawers. This gives you more freedom when choosing fillers, especially if you want to include things like small books, socks, bath toys, snacks, or little stuffed animals.

Here are a few styles worth looking for:

• Large Pocket Advent Calendar

Great if you want plenty of room for toys, socks, accessories, and small treats.

• Wooden Advent Calendar With Drawers

These are sturdy and reusable, so you can bring the same calendar out every Christmas and refill it with different surprises.

• Hanging Fabric Advent Calendar

A classic choice with numbered pockets that can easily hang on a wall, door, or staircase.

• Toddler-Friendly Advent Calendar With Large Compartments

Look for wider compartments if your fillers include chunky toys or larger toddler items.

• Reusable Advent Calendar Bags

Numbered fabric bags give you more flexibility because you’re not limited by tiny pockets. You can even place the larger gifts beside the calendar when they won’t fit.