8 toy Advent calendars

Celebrate the season in a galaxy far, far away with these Star Wars figures and playmat. You can drive Jabba’s Sail Barge and throw snowballs at a Stormtrooper. Don’t forget to help C-3PO and R2-D2 fly the sleigh! It’s the perfect gift for little Jedis ages six and up. $50, lego.ca

Start a new family tradition with this Advent Calendar that’s ideal for toddler elves. Behind each door is a new festive friend, like Santa, or a holiday accessory, like a Christmas tree. $50, toysrus.ca

Christmas can be very exciting...but so is putting out a fire! This year, little firefighters ages four and up can eagerly await Santa with a new firefighter-themed gift every day. The calendar includes a backdrop, fire vehicles, a water hose, a fire extinguisher and more. Once the whole fiery scene is assembled, pull out the card game for extra fun. $30, playmobil.ca

This year, count down to Christmas with creativity. The Play-Doh Advent Calendar comes with five cans of Play-Doh, a playmat and lots of holiday-themed accessories, like a snowflake stamper and a tree mould. You can shape your own winter wonderland! This calendar is perfect for little sculptors ages three and up. $22, hasbro.ca

While waiting for Saint Nick, why not help build the winter village in Heartlake City? You’ll get a new buildable surprise each day, like sports equipment, a snowman, a Christmas cake and candies. It’s the perfect gift for snow princesses ages five to 12. $40, lego.ca

Do you have a Minions fan who can’t stop screaming “Banana!” at home? Then she’ll love this calendar with 24 buildable surprises. The set includes a Christmas tree, a plane, a snowman, a penguin and three never-before-seen Minions in special holiday outfits. It’s perfect for mischief-makers ages five and up. $40, toysrus.ca

It’s not easy to wait a whole month for Santa to arrive—especially for toddlers. You can make the wait more exciting with new friends to discover each day: a reindeer, a dog, bunnies, a fox and even the Jolly Old Elf himself are included in this woodland scene. $32, playmobil.ca

Choo-choo! This year, your kid can celebrate the season playing with Thomas and the other trains from the Island of Sodor. He can discover a new vehicle each day, and then race them around the cardboard track. Perfect for little train conductors ages three and up. $30, walmart.ca