Advent Gifts for Tweens: 50+ Fun Fillers That Aren’t Boring

This post showcases the best Advent gifts for tweens, featuring 50+ fun fillers and small gifts that are anything but boring.

The magic of the holiday season isn’t just about Christmas morning or the sparkle of Christmas trees. 

For tweens, one of the most exciting parts of December is the daily countdown with an Advent calendar.

But if you’ve ever shopped for Advent calendar fillers for older kids, you already know it can feel like a challenge. 

They’re too grown up for little kids’ toys, but not quite ready for more adult gifts. 

That’s exactly why I’ve created this detailed gift guide with over 50 Advent calendar filler ideas that aren’t boring. 

From Harry Potter treasures to beauty products, fidget toys, and practical little surprises, these are perfect advent calendar filler ideas for the month of December.

Why Advent Calendars Are a Great Tradition for Tweens

In recent years, advent calendars have gone far beyond the classic cardboard versions filled with chocolate. 

Families now use wooden advent calendars, reusable advent calendars, or even DIY advent calendars that can be personalized with small items.

Creating your own Advent calendar can make a significant difference for your tweens at home.

You can try to create one with them as an activity or make it a family tradition before the Christmas season.

For tweens, advent calendars are more than just a fun treat. 

They’re a great way to make them feel special during the holiday season, while also giving them little surprises they can use or enjoy. 

Whether it’s a lip balm in their favorite color, a Harry Potter keychain, or a small board game they can play with younger siblings, the tradition of Advent calendars helps create holiday cheer every single day of December.

50+ Advent Gifts For Tweens

Here’s a list of 50+ fun Advent calendar fillers that I’ve selected as the best Advent gifts for tweens.

Feel free to steal any of these ideas!

Small and Affordable Advent Calendar Fillers

Sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest smiles.  Little bag trinkets and dollar store treasures are a great way to keep costs down without losing excitement. 

These small items fit perfectly into reusable advent calendars and are a great option if you want to stretch your budget while still giving your tween something fun each day.

Some ideas include:

1. Pez dispensers with holiday candy refills

A Pez dispenser is a classic Advent filler that never goes out of style, especially when it comes in Christmas characters. Pair it with candy refills for a fun treat that lasts all season and keeps your tween excited to check their calendar every day.

2. Mechanical pencils

Tweens love stationery that feels unique, and mechanical pencils in bright colors or cool patterns are both practical and exciting. They’re small enough to slip into any Advent calendar pocket while still being useful for school or doodling.

3. sticky notes

Sticky notes in fun patterns make schoolwork a lot more enjoyable. They’re affordable fillers that add personality to everyday essentials and give tweens something to smile about during homework time.

4. Mini puzzles

Pocket-sized puzzles are the perfect challenge for a cold December afternoon. They’re engaging, reusable, and just the right size to slip into a reusable advent calendar or wooden advent drawer.

5. Collectible keychains

Whether it’s a Harry Potter charm or a favorite cartoon character, collectible keychains are a fun way for tweens to show off their interests. They can clip them on backpacks, pencil cases, or even a set of house keys, making them both stylish and practical.

Beauty Products and Self-Care Surprises

Tweens love feeling grown-up, and beauty advent calendar inspiration is everywhere. Adding small beauty products is a fun way to let them experiment safely. 

Brands like The Body Shop and other popular beauty advent calendars are full of inspiration, but you can create your own by tucking individual items into a DIY advent calendar.

Consider:

6. Lip balms in holiday flavors

Lip balm is one of those advent fillers that’s both fun and practical, especially when it comes in holiday-inspired flavors like peppermint, sugar cookie, or hot chocolate. It’s a great way for tweens to feel a little more grown-up while keeping their lips soft during the cold December air.

7. Mini bath bombs

Mini bath bombs are a fun way to add some excitement to bath time, especially in festive colors and scents. They’re small, affordable, and turn an ordinary bath into a fizzy treat, making them a perfect advent calendar surprise.

8. Sheet masks

Gentle sheet masks designed for younger skin give tweens a chance to experiment with skincare safely. These self-care surprises feel like a luxury, but they’re compact enough to fit into a little advent bag or reusable drawer.

9. Nail polish in seasonal shades

Nail polish in festive shades, such as red, green, or glittery silver and gold, is a great way to bring holiday cheer into everyday life. Tweens can have fun painting their nails for Christmas Eve or even match their nails to their favorite holiday outfit.

10. Small bottles of body lotion

Mini bottles of scented body lotion are both useful and fun, especially when they come in seasonal fragrances. These little treats are the right size for an advent calendar and encourage tweens to enjoy some holiday-themed self-care.

Fidget Toys and Fun Gadgets

In recent years, fidget toys have become must-have items for tweens. They’re not just fun, they also help with focus and stress relief. 

These small gifts are the right size for Advent doors and are a fun treat to discover before school each morning.

Some fun Advent gifts for tweens include:

11. Pop-it fidget toys

Pop-it toys remain a tween favorite, and finding them in holiday shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or snowflakes makes them even more special. They’re endlessly reusable, quiet, and small enough to tuck neatly into an advent calendar pocket.

12. Mini Rubik’s cubes or twist puzzles

A mini Rubik’s cube or twist puzzle is the perfect way to keep tweens entertained during the holiday season. These pocket-sized challenges are great for building problem-solving skills while also being a fun distraction on cozy December evenings.

13. Slap bracelets

Slap bracelets never go out of style, and modern versions with hidden fidget textures make them even more exciting. They’re playful, wearable, and double as both an accessory and a fun sensory toy.

14. Light-up keychain fidgets

Light-up fidget keychains add a glow of holiday cheer while giving tweens something fun to fiddle with. They clip easily onto backpacks, pencil cases, or keyrings, making them a versatile little surprise that’s perfect for advent calendars.

15. Squishy stress toys in festive designs

Squishy toys shaped like reindeer, snowmen, or Santa hats are a cute and festive way to add a stress-relief toy to the mix. They’re affordable, durable, and a great way for tweens to relax during the busy holiday season.

Trendy Items and Practical Surprises

Tweens love staying up-to-date with trends, and the holiday season is the perfect time to surprise them with practical yet stylish gifts. 

Mixing a few trendy surprises in with other small gifts keeps the month of December exciting and fresh.

A few favorites are:

16. Stanley cups (smaller versions)

Stanley cups have become a huge trend, and smaller versions are perfect for tweens who want to feel on-trend like older kids. They’re practical for school, sports, or outings, while also being a fun way to encourage drinking more water.

17. Water bottles in their favorite color

A colorful, reusable water bottle is a simple yet thoughtful advent filler that tweens can use every single day. Picking one in their favorite color or with a fun pattern makes it feel personal while also being eco-friendly.

18. Reusable straws with carrying cases

Reusable straws are both practical and trendy, and they’re a great way to teach tweens about sustainability. Packaged in a cute carrying case, they slip easily into a backpack for school lunches or hot chocolates during the holiday season.

19. Socks with funny prints

Fun socks with quirky designs are a classic small gift that always gets a smile. Whether it’s Christmas trees, cartoon characters, or silly sayings, socks are useful but still playful enough for an advent calendar surprise.

20. Phone grips or cases

Tweens who already have a phone will love a new grip or case in a fun design. These small accessories let them personalize their device while adding a layer of practicality, making them a great filler for older kids.

Gift Cards and Digital Treats

If you’re struggling with what to buy, gift cards are always a great option. Even small amounts feel exciting to tweens when they get to spend them on their own. 

This is a great way to give them independence while still keeping the gifts small.

You could include:

21. Small-value gift cards for favorite stores

Even a $5 gift card feels exciting when you’re a tween, especially if it’s for a favorite store or Amazon. It gives them the independence to pick out something they really want, making it a thoughtful and useful Advent surprise.

22. iTunes or Google Play credits

For tech-loving tweens, iTunes or Google Play credits are a great way to let them choose music, apps, or games. It’s a digital treat that doesn’t take up any space in the Advent calendar but delivers plenty of fun.

23. QR code with a special video message

Including a QR code that links to a personalized video or holiday playlist is a creative way to make an advent gift feel meaningful. It’s a fun tradition that adds a personal touch and goes beyond store-bought items.

24. Vouchers for family activities

Homemade vouchers for activities like a hot chocolate night, baking festive treats like gingerbread cookies, choosing the movie on Christmas Eve, or a game night in the living room are always a hit. They don’t cost much but create memories that last long after the holiday season.

25. Coupons for Christmas morning surprises

Simple coupons promising little treats on Christmas morning—like picking the first gift under the tree or having extra cinnamon rolls—add to the excitement. They’re a great way to stretch the fun of Advent calendars right into Christmas Day.

Themed Advent Calendar Ideas for Tweens

Tweens love themes, and creating a themed calendar is a fun way to make the countdown extra special. 

A themed advent calendar adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for tweens with strong interests.

It’s maybe not easy to include 24 themed advent gifts for tweens, but if you can find 3-5, that’s totally fine.

Some great ideas are:

26. Harry Potter-themed surprises

Harry Potter never goes out of style, and small themed items like pins, socks, or LEGO Harry Potter minifigures make magical advent fillers. They’re the right size for little bags or drawers and add a touch of wizarding wonder to the Christmas countdown.

27. Star Wars character collectibles

For Star Wars fans, small keychains, stickers, or character figurines bring the galaxy far, far away right into the holiday season. These themed surprises are fun to collect, making each day of December feel like an adventure.

28. LEGO Friends mini builds

LEGO Friends sets can be divided into smaller bags, letting your tween build a little more each day. It’s a fun way to create anticipation while also keeping their hands busy with something creative and constructive.

29. Travel-sized board games

Mini versions of classic board games, such as Uno, Monopoly Deal, or Jenga, are a fun way to include interactive gifts. They’re perfect for playing with younger siblings or friends during the holiday season and are small enough to fit into an Advent calendar.

30. Personalized photo calendar fillers

Printing small family photos or favorite memories to tuck behind each door makes the countdown feel extra special. It’s a sentimental Advent idea that brings holiday cheer while celebrating your family’s own traditions.

DIY Advent Calendar Fillers with a Personal Touch

If you love crafting, DIY advent calendars are a wonderful tradition. They don’t have to be complicated. 

This is a great way to give your tween gifts that mean something beyond store-bought items.

Some ideas include:

31. Handmade bracelets

Check out the tutorial from blog.milllanestudio.com

Bracelets in holiday colors or your tween’s favorite shades are a thoughtful DIY filler. They’re simple to make, lightweight, and give your child something personal to wear and treasure during the holiday season.

32. Notes with holiday traditions or activities

Small handwritten notes suggesting activities like baking cookies, decorating the Christmas tree, or watching a holiday movie are a sweet way to make Advent meaningful. They turn each day into a shared experience, rather than just a gift.

33. QR codes linking to holiday playlists

A QR code that leads to a curated Christmas playlist or a fun family video makes a creative and modern advent surprise. Tweens love techy touches, and this idea adds excitement without needing any physical items.

34. Origami Christmas

Look for ideas at origamiok.com

Folding paper into origami stars, snowflakes, or Santa is a fun and affordable way to add a handmade gift. These little creations fit easily into a reusable advent calendar, bringing a touch of artistry to the countdown.

35. Coupons for family time

Homemade coupons for family activities—like staying up late, choosing dinner, or a pajama day—give your tween something to look forward to. They’re a simple way to build memories while making the Advent tradition extra special.

Stationery and Creative Supplies

Tweens love expressing themselves, and stationery items are both useful and fun.

These little items are affordable, practical, and perfect advent calendar filler ideas for big kids.

Great fillers include:

36. Gel pens in metallic colors

A pack of colorful gel pens is always a hit with tweens who love to doodle, journal, or add flair to school notes. They’re inexpensive, practical, and fun enough to make an advent calendar feel exciting.

37. Washi tape rolls with seasonal prints

Washi tape in holiday patterns or trendy designs is a creative advent filler that encourages imagination. Tweens can use it for decorating notebooks, scrapbooks, or even wrapping small gifts of their own.

38. Mini journals or sketch pads

Small journals or sketch pads are perfect for tweens who love to draw, write, or jot down ideas. Their compact size makes them a great option for fitting into little advent bags or drawers.

39. Stickers for planners or notebooks

Sticker sheets with fun designs—whether seasonal, trendy, or personalized—are an affordable and cheerful surprise. They’re a simple way to brighten up school supplies and give tweens something creative to enjoy.

40. Decorative paperclips

Paperclips shaped like stars, hearts, or animals are little essentials that feel special. These small items are inexpensive but still bring a smile, making them ideal for Advent calendar fillers.

Snacks and Food Treats

The holiday season wouldn’t feel complete without some tasty surprises.

Food is always a hit and can make each morning feel like a mini Christmas Eve celebration.

Beyond candy, you can add:

41. Hot chocolate packets

Nothing says holiday season quite like a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Adding single-serve packets with mini marshmallows makes for a warm and comforting Advent surprise your tween can enjoy on chilly December nights.

42. Small bags of flavored popcorn

Flavored popcorn, from sweet caramel to savory cheese, is a fun snack to slip into an advent calendar. It’s a tasty filler that feels like a treat without being too big or overwhelming.

43. Holiday-themed cookies or chocolates

Festive cookies with snowman, Santa snowflakes, trees, or stars—or chocolates wrapped in shiny holiday foil—are a classic Advent calendar filler. They’re a sweet way to add Christmas cheer to the countdown.

44. Bonne Maman jam jars

Mini Bonne Maman jars filled with seasonal jams or spreads make a unique and delicious surprise. Perfect on toast or with breakfast, these little jars bring a touch of gourmet fun to the Advent tradition.

45. Novelty lollipops

Shaped lollipops, candy canes, or even fun snack bars are a simple but delightful way to mix up Advent treats. They’re small, easy to find, and sure to make any tween smile when they open the day’s door.

Mini Games and Collectibles

Tweens enjoy a little competition, and mini games are the perfect size for Advent calendars.

These are small items that can be played with immediately, bringing joy on cold December afternoons.

Ideas include:

46. travel-sized decks

A standard deck of cards is a fun, affordable filler that tweens can play anywhere. They’re easy to slip into an advent calendar and offer hours of entertainment.

47. Mini puzzle cubes

A small puzzle cube is a great way to keep tweens engaged and challenged during the holiday season. These little brain teasers fit neatly into a calendar pocket and are fun to play with again and again.

48. Dice games

Tiny dice games or strategy sets are perfect fillers for game-loving tweens. They’re portable, interactive, and provide a fun way to spend family time in the evenings leading up to Christmas Eve.

49. Collectible trading cards

Whether it’s Pokémon, sports, or another favorite series, collectible trading cards are always a hit with tweens. They’re small, inexpensive, and add an element of surprise to the Advent countdown.

50. Digital codes for mobile games

For tech-savvy tweens, digital codes for mobile games or in-app purchases make an exciting modern filler. They’re space-saving, practical, and feel like a special treat tailored to their interests.

Accessories and Everyday Essentials

Not every Advent gift needs to be playful. Mixing in essentials helps balance out the fun.

These practical gifts are a great way to make Advent calendars both useful and exciting.

Some options:

51. Hair ties, scrunchies, or clips

Hair accessories, such as colorful scrunchies or fun clips, are small yet practical gifts that tweens adore. They’re easy to incorporate into an advent calendar and add a touch of style to everyday outfits.

52. Small wallets or coin purses

A compact wallet or coin purse makes a thoughtful Advent filler, giving tweens a place to keep their allowance or gift cards. Choose one in their favorite color or with a playful design for extra appeal.

53. Mittens or gloves

Cozy mittens or gloves are both useful and festive during the chilly month of December. They’re a great way to combine practicality with holiday cheer in an advent calendar surprise.

54. Fun socks

Novelty socks with bright patterns, Christmas themes, or silly sayings are always a hit. They’re inexpensive, practical, and add a touch of fun that makes tweens look forward to each day’s reveal.

55. Reusable tote bags

A foldable tote bag with a cool design is an eco-friendly gift that tweens can use for school, sports, or outings. It’s a lightweight and practical filler that promotes sustainability while maintaining a stylish appearance.

Best Ready Advent Calendars for Tweens

Sometimes it’s easier to buy a ready-made advent calendar, especially if you’re short on time.

These are a great gift option if you want something done for you.

Many families now reuse traditional Advent calendars by refilling them each year, which is a fun tradition that saves time in the long run.

The best advent calendars for tweens include:

1. LEGO Advent Calendars

LEGO advent calendars are a holiday favorite because they combine creativity with daily surprises. Whether it’s LEGO Friends, Spider-Man, Minecraft, Harry Potter, or Star Wars, each door reveals a mini build or figure that keeps tweens entertained all December long.

2. Funko Pop Advent Calendar

A Funko Pop advent calendar is a great option for tweens who love collecting. Each day reveals a mini vinyl figure from popular franchises like Harry Potter, Marvel, or Disney, making it an exciting countdown.

3. Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

The Bonne Maman advent calendar is filled with miniature jars of jam and honey in festive flavors. It’s a unique option for food-loving tweens who enjoy trying something new each day during the holiday season.

4. Beauty advent calendars

Beauty advent calendars, such as those from Sephora or other popular brands, are filled with fun self-care items. From lip balms to bath bombs, they provide tweens with a safe and age-appropriate opportunity to explore skincare and beauty.

5. The Grinch Advent calendar

A Grinch advent calendar brings a classic holiday movie to life with themed surprises inside. From small toys to trinkets featuring the Grinch and Whoville characters, it’s a festive way for tweens to celebrate the Christmas countdown.

Conclusion

Finding Advent gifts for tweens doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. 

By mixing small gifts, beauty products, fidget toys, trendy surprises, and personal DIY touches, you can create the perfect advent calendar filler ideas that keep the holiday season fun. 

Whether you use a wooden advent calendar, a little bag DIY project, or a store-bought option, the important thing is to make the countdown memorable for your tween.

This tradition of Advent calendars is a great way to keep the Christmas countdown exciting and to give your kids something to look forward to every single day of December.

Please let me know in the comments which Advent calendar fillers you’ve picked up last year versus this year.

This post was all about Advent gifts for tweens, featuring a selection of over 50 of the best Advent calendar fillers.