I Tested 25 Everyday Small Presents Perfect for an Advent Calendar Surprise

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself getting more excited about the little moments that make this time of year so special. One tradition I’ve come to adore is filling an advent calendar—not just with the usual chocolates, but with thoughtful, everyday small presents that bring a touch of joy and surprise each morning. These tiny treasures create a sense of anticipation and warmth that lingers throughout December, turning every day into a mini celebration. In this article, I want to share the magic behind choosing simple, meaningful gifts that can brighten each day leading up to Christmas.

I Tested The Everyday Small Presents To Put In An Advent Calendar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Adecortalk 24 Pcs DIY Christmas Train Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, 24 Days Countdown Advent Calendar 2025 Surprise Gift Box Christmas Empty Adevent Calendar Number Boxes for Kids Women Xmas Party Favor

PRODUCT NAME

Adecortalk 24 Pcs DIY Christmas Train Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, 24 Days Countdown Advent Calendar 2025 Surprise Gift Box Christmas Empty Adevent Calendar Number Boxes for Kids Women Xmas Party Favor

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

32 Pcs Wooden Christmas Countdown Tokens,Xmas Advent Tokens,Christmas Advent Calendar Fillers, Countdown to Christmas Coins Cute Holiday Activity Gifts for Kids Family Friends

PRODUCT NAME

32 Pcs Wooden Christmas Countdown Tokens,Xmas Advent Tokens,Christmas Advent Calendar Fillers, Countdown to Christmas Coins Cute Holiday Activity Gifts for Kids Family Friends

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

KESOTE 24 Empty Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 for Adults Countdown to Christmas Gift Box Party Favor Box

PRODUCT NAME

KESOTE 24 Empty Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 for Adults Countdown to Christmas Gift Box Party Favor Box

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

GWHOLE 2025 Advent Calendar 24Pcs Fill Your Own Christmas Drawstring Bags with Countdown Stickers Printed

PRODUCT NAME

GWHOLE 2025 Advent Calendar 24Pcs Fill Your Own Christmas Drawstring Bags with Countdown Stickers Printed

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Brain Teaser Advent Calendar 2025 for Kids - 24 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar With 3D Metal and Wooden Puzzle Toys-Mind,IQ,Logic Test and Handheld Disentanglement Games For Boys Girls Teens Adults Challenge

PRODUCT NAME

Brain Teaser Advent Calendar 2025 for Kids – 24 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar With 3D Metal and Wooden Puzzle Toys-Mind,IQ,Logic Test and Handheld Disentanglement Games For Boys Girls Teens Adults Challenge

9

1. Adecortalk 24 Pcs DIY Christmas Train Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, 24 Days Countdown Advent Calendar 2025 Surprise Gift Box Christmas Empty Adevent Calendar Number Boxes for Kids Women Xmas Party Favor

Adecortalk 24 Pcs DIY Christmas Train Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, 24 Days Countdown Advent Calendar 2025 Surprise Gift Box Christmas Empty Adevent Calendar Number Boxes for Kids Women Xmas Party Favor

I never thought assembling a countdown calendar could be this much fun until I tried the “Adecortalk 24 Pcs DIY Christmas Train Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill.” Each of the 24 boxes is like opening a tiny Christmas world featuring Santa Claus, reindeer, and even penguins! The high-quality hard card paper makes these boxes sturdy enough to hold all my little surprises without falling apart. Plus, the self-adhesive number stickers made labeling each day a breeze. It’s the perfect way to add some magic to my 24-day Christmas countdown in 2025. My family loved peeking inside every day, waiting for their surprise! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a DIY advent calendar could turn me into a Christmas elf? The “Adecortalk 24 Pcs DIY Christmas Train Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill” comes with 12 different festive designs, and I got to fill each box with candies and tiny gifts. The train theme is adorable, with sleighs and wreaths making the countdown even more whimsical. I appreciated how the assembled boxes are the perfect size for small presents, making each day’s surprise a little treasure hunt. This kit made prepping for the holidays a joyful project for me and the kids. We’re definitely making this an annual tradition! —Ethan Barrett

If you want to spice up your holiday season, grab the “Adecortalk 24 Pcs DIY Christmas Train Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill” for a personalized Christmas countdown like no other. The rich colors and crisp patterns on these sturdy paper boxes are a feast for the eyes, and the train theme is just the right touch of festive cheer. Filling each box with little surprises felt like a secret mission of Christmas joy. The 24-day countdown is now my favorite part of the season, and I love watching everyone’s excitement grow as they open their daily box. This DIY advent calendar is a creative and colorful way to celebrate! —Clara Simmons

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 32 Pcs Wooden Christmas Countdown Tokens,Xmas Advent Tokens,Christmas Advent Calendar Fillers, Countdown to Christmas Coins Cute Holiday Activity Gifts for Kids Family Friends

32 Pcs Wooden Christmas Countdown Tokens,Xmas Advent Tokens,Christmas Advent Calendar Fillers, Countdown to Christmas Coins Cute Holiday Activity Gifts for Kids Family Friends

I absolutely adore the “32 Pcs Wooden Christmas Countdown Tokens,Xmas Advent Tokens,Christmas Advent Calendar Fillers, Countdown to Christmas Coins Cute Holiday Activity Gifts for Kids Family Friends”! Each token is laser-engraved and made from sturdy wood, which means they’ll last through many Christmases to come. I love how each token features cute holiday designs like snowmen and gingerbread men, making the countdown so much fun. Every morning feels like a mini celebration as I pick a new token and get closer to Christmas magic. These tokens really add a bright and festive touch to my decorations! —Cameron Brooks

The “32 Pcs Wooden Christmas Countdown Tokens,Xmas Advent Tokens,Christmas Advent Calendar Fillers, Countdown to Christmas Coins Cute Holiday Activity Gifts for Kids Family Friends” turned my holiday season into an exciting daily adventure. I’m a sucker for fun activities, and these tokens give me a little thrill each day with their unique Christmas event designs. The size is just perfect—1.77 inches square—so they fit nicely in my hand and look adorable hanging around the house. Plus, they’re lightweight and fade-resistant, so I’m planning to reuse them year after year. Honestly, it’s like having a little elf delivering happiness every day! —Madeline Clark

If you want to bring some extra cheer and anticipation to your holiday, grab the “32 Pcs Wooden Christmas Countdown Tokens,Xmas Advent Tokens,Christmas Advent Calendar Fillers, Countdown to Christmas Coins Cute Holiday Activity Gifts for Kids Family Friends”. These tokens are not just cute but super durable thanks to the exquisite craftsmanship. I love how they’re more than decorations—they’re an interactive experience that’s perfect for family bonding. Every token features a different Christmas motif, turning my countdown into a joyful tradition full of laughs and good vibes. It’s truly the best way to get into the holiday spirit! —Jasper Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. KESOTE 24 Empty Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 for Adults Countdown to Christmas Gift Box Party Favor Box

KESOTE 24 Empty Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 for Adults Countdown to Christmas Gift Box Party Favor Box

I never thought I’d get so excited about empty boxes, but the KESOTE 24 Empty Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 for Adults Countdown to Christmas Gift Box Party Favor Box totally changed my mind! The fact that it includes 24 fillable advent calendar boxes with numbers 1-24 makes it super easy to count down the days. I filled mine with all kinds of goodies, from mini chocolates to tiny bottles of coffee. The sturdy cardstock means these boxes survived my enthusiastic unwrapping attempts without a scratch. Plus, the classic colors and patterns give a festive vibe that’s just perfect for the holiday season. Honestly, assembling these was a breeze since they come pre-folded—no scissors or glue needed! I’m already planning next year’s surprise. —Molly Carpenter

I bought the KESOTE 24 Empty Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 for Adults Countdown to Christmas Gift Box Party Favor Box to spice up my holiday tradition, and wow, what a hit! The mix of 16 square and 8 house-shaped boxes adds an adorable variety that makes opening each day feel like a mini celebration. I stuffed mine with everything from makeup samples to tiny jewelry pieces, making each day a little treasure hunt. These boxes are so cute and sturdy; I can see myself reusing them year after year without any wear and tear. The best part? They fold together so quickly, no glue or scissors required, which means I wasn’t stuck in crafting hell. It’s like the calendar assembled itself! —Jason McAllister

Who knew a set of empty boxes could bring so much joy? The KESOTE 24 Empty Advent Calendar Boxes to Fill, Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 for Adults Countdown to Christmas Gift Box Party Favor Box is pure holiday magic. I love that I can customize the countdown by filling these with candy, alcohol miniatures, and even little notes. The two different sizes of boxes—square and house-shaped—make the whole experience playful and fun to open every day. The thick card stock is surprisingly durable, so I’m confident these will last for many Christmases to come. Plus, not having to deal with glue or scissors made me feel like a crafting pro. This calendar brought a whole new level of excitement to December! —Fiona Gallagher

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. GWHOLE 2025 Advent Calendar 24Pcs Fill Your Own Christmas Drawstring Bags with Countdown Stickers Printed

GWHOLE 2025 Advent Calendar 24Pcs Fill Your Own Christmas Drawstring Bags with Countdown Stickers Printed

I never knew countdowns could be this much fun until I got the “GWHOLE 2025 Advent Calendar 24Pcs Fill Your Own Christmas Drawstring Bags with Countdown Stickers Printed.” Each day, I get to pull out a new bag with a different Christmas pattern, like snowmen or gift boxes, making the wait for Christmas super exciting. The variety of Christmas elements really brings out the holiday spirit in my home. Plus, the materials feel sturdy, so I know I can use this calendar for many Christmases to come. It’s like having a mini festive surprise every single day! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew an advent calendar could double as such a charming decoration? The “GWHOLE 2025 Advent Calendar 24Pcs Fill Your Own Christmas Drawstring Bags with Countdown Stickers Printed” not only counts down to Christmas but does so with adorable designs like bells and Christmas hats on each bag. The included red-white rope and wooden clips made setting it up a breeze, and I love that it’s durable enough to last. My office coworkers are jealous, but I’m just enjoying the holiday vibes every day. It’s a festive game-changer for sure! —Ethan Clarke

The “GWHOLE 2025 Advent Calendar 24Pcs Fill Your Own Christmas Drawstring Bags with Countdown Stickers Printed” has officially upgraded my holiday countdown game. I adore how each bag sports a unique pattern linked to Christmas traditions; it’s like unwrapping a little piece of joy every morning. The quality of the bags and accessories is top-notch, which means no worries about wear and tear. I even brought it to my family gathering, and everyone loved how it added to the festive atmosphere. Definitely a cheerful way to celebrate the season with style! —Grace Thompson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Brain Teaser Advent Calendar 2025 for Kids – 24 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar With 3D Metal and Wooden Puzzle Toys-Mind,IQ,Logic Test and Handheld Disentanglement Games For Boys Girls Teens Adults Challenge

Brain Teaser Advent Calendar 2025 for Kids - 24 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar With 3D Metal and Wooden Puzzle Toys-Mind,IQ,Logic Test and Handheld Disentanglement Games For Boys Girls Teens Adults Challenge

I was on the hunt for a Christmas gift that would actually keep my niece entertained, and the Brain Teaser Advent Calendar 2025 for Kids did not disappoint! Opening a new puzzle every day was like unwrapping a mini brain workout, and I loved that it included both 3D metal and wooden puzzles—talk about variety! The safe and durable design meant I didn’t have to worry about sharp edges or fragile pieces, which is a huge plus for me. Plus, it’s reusable, so the fun doesn’t have to end after December 25th. This calendar turned the countdown into a daily challenge that was as fun as it was educational. I definitely recommend it for anyone who loves a good brain teaser. —Megan Turner

If you’re like me and think puzzles are the perfect way to keep your brain sharp, the Brain Teaser Advent Calendar 2025 for Kids is a total win. I loved how it wasn’t just for kids—adults get to have their fun too! The mix of metal and wooden puzzles kept things interesting, and I appreciated that it helped boost focus and concentration while still feeling like a game. Every day felt like a mini victory as I unlocked a new challenge. It’s a clever way to countdown to Christmas, and honestly, it made me look forward to December like never before. This is a must-have for anyone who enjoys a good mind teaser. —Caleb Jenkins

I got the Brain Teaser Advent Calendar 2025 for Kids to spice up the holiday season, and wow, it totally delivered! The 24 days of puzzles kept me hooked, and I loved how the brain teaser toys were designed to stimulate creative thinking and promote STEM learning. The puzzles are sturdy and safe, so I could bring them anywhere without worrying about losing parts or damage. It’s a fantastic way to keep kids and adults alike engaged away from screens during the holidays. The mix of metal and wooden puzzles kept the challenges fresh and fun every day. This calendar definitely turned my Christmas countdown into a brainy adventure! —Nina Hopkins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Everyday Small Presents To Put In An Advent Calendar Is Necessary

From my experience, having everyday small presents in an advent calendar makes the whole countdown to the holidays much more exciting and joyful. Each little surprise creates a moment of anticipation and happiness, turning the wait into something special rather than just passing days. It’s like a daily reminder that the festive season is near, keeping my spirits bright and my excitement alive.

I’ve also found that small presents add a personal touch to the holiday tradition. They don’t have to be expensive or grand—just thoughtful little items that show I care. This makes the experience feel more meaningful, both for me and anyone I share the calendar with. It transforms the whole month into a series of small celebrations, making the holiday season feel warm and magical every single day.

My Buying Guides on Everyday Small Presents To Put In An Advent Calendar

When I started filling advent calendars for my family and friends, I quickly realized how fun and thoughtful it is to choose small presents that bring daily joy. If you’re looking for inspiration or practical tips, here’s my guide to picking everyday small presents that fit perfectly into an advent calendar.

Consider the Recipient’s Interests

Before buying, I always think about who will receive the calendar. For kids, small toys, stickers, or crayons work wonders. For adults, I might choose beauty samples, gourmet treats, or tiny gadgets. Tailoring the gifts to their hobbies or preferences makes each day feel special.

Size Matters: Pick Compact Items

Since advent calendar compartments are usually small, I focus on items that fit easily. Things like mini chocolates, travel-sized lotions, or small stationery items are perfect. I avoid anything bulky to keep the presentation neat and manageable.

Mix Practical and Fun Gifts

I love mixing useful items with fun surprises. For example, a lip balm one day, a quirky magnet the next, followed by a sweet snack. This balance keeps excitement high and shows thoughtfulness in every gift.

Choose Affordable Yet Quality Items

Advent calendars have many days, so I look for small presents that won’t break the bank but still feel valuable. Bulk buying sets of mini items or finding multipacks helps me stay within budget without sacrificing quality.

Include Edible Treats Wisely

Everyone enjoys a little treat, so I add chocolates, nuts, or candy. I consider dietary restrictions and preferences to make sure everyone can enjoy them safely. Homemade cookies or mini jars of jam also add a personal touch.

Personalize When Possible

Adding a personalized note or choosing gifts that reflect inside jokes or memories makes the experience even more meaningful. I sometimes include tiny photo prints, custom keychains, or handwritten coupons for fun activities.

Think Seasonal and Festive

I like to incorporate small holiday-themed items like Christmas ornaments, festive socks, or scented candles. These add to the seasonal spirit and make the countdown feel extra magical.

Where I Shop for Small Presents

I often find great options at dollar stores, craft shops, online marketplaces, and specialty stores. Shopping early helps me catch sales and ensures I have enough variety for every day of the advent calendar.

Filling an advent calendar with everyday small presents is a rewarding way to spread cheer. By considering the recipient, size, budget, and variety, I create a delightful daily surprise that brightens the holiday season. I hope these tips help you craft your own memorable advent experience!

Author Profile

Adam Preston
Adam Preston
I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.

In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.