The best advent calendars for gamers to buy in 2026

I can’t quite believe I’m writing about advent calendars in September either, but here we are. And since advent calendars are already all over shop shelves, enough of you are thinking about buying them. So, it has had me thinking: what gaming-themed advent calendars are out there? Which ones do you absolutely have to fight with yourself over not to bring home from the store?

I remember a time when advent calendars simply had a little chocolate mistletoe or bell behind the door, but it seems those days are long gone. The advent calendar business is bigger than ever, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Daily socks throughout December, a cute little plastic model every day, or maybe even a bigger project that comes together over the advent period.

Whatever type of advent calendar you’re after, I’ve rounded up the best gaming-themed ones right here. You might not be able to open it for a couple more months, but it’s never too early to be prepared… right?

1. Electronic Games Advent Calendar

If you want a project that’s going to keep you busy in the run-up to Christmas, the Electronic Games Advent Calendar from EIGHT is worth your consideration. Designed for tech enthusiasts, curious teens and retro gaming fans, each of the 24 doors reveals a new electronic component alongside clear, full-colour instructions.

Over the course of December, you’ll construct 24 distinct retro-inspired electronic mini-games, including classic arcade-style challenges like Whack-a-Mole, Ping Pong, and Code Breaker. It’s an engaging, educational project that perfectly bridges the gap between retro gaming nostalgia and beginner-friendly circuitry, making it a standout pick for anyone who loves tinkering with tech as much as playing the games themselves.

2. Worms: The Board Game Advent Calendar

Who doesn’t love Worms? Team17’s classic is an iconic piece of video game history, and so this Worms Advent Calendar from Mantic has caught my attention right away. Over the course of 24 days, you’ll gradually assemble a fully-playable Worms-themed board game, which is playable with 2 to 4 players. Each door reveals Worms miniatures, dice and tokens, and there’s also a fold-out play mat for the game to be played on.

The board game itself captures the iconic humour and mayhem of the original video game as players launch attacks on their opponents with weapons that fans of the game are sure to recognise. The beauty here, though, is that whether you’re a Worms stalwart or simply a fan of tabletop gaming in general, there’s something to love. And since the board game itself isn’t exactly festive-themed, it’s something you can enjoy all year around once it’s been unpacked.

3. Minecraft 24-Day Advent Calendar

Of course there’s a Minecraft advent calendar. There are several, actually, but this one from Paladone caught my eye, and while it’s aimed more at children than adults, it’s going to be a good buy for any fan of the blockish crafting game. This is a rather large advent calendar, measuring 12 inches by 8 inches, and behind every window you’ll find a selection of Minecraft gifts.

And not just one gift a day, either. Paladone says there are 52 Minecraft surprises altogether, including playing cards, decals, a mini jigsaw puzzle, bookmarks, rolls of washi tape, a notebook and more. So, if you love Minecraft and you’re young or young at heart, you might consider the Minecraft 24-day Advent Calendar to be the perfect way to count down to Christmas.

4. Fallout Pop-up Advent Calendar

I absolutely love the idea of the Fallout Pop-up Advent Calendar. Rather than giving you unrelated items of Fallout merchandise, this 24-day advent calendar instead gives you an item that you can use to decorate a pop-up tree. The advent calendar folds out to reveal a stunning papercraft tree, and then each of the 24 windows features a Fallout-themed ornament to place on it.

It’s a lovely way to count down to Christmas, and when the big day rolls around, you’ve got a stunning, fully-decorated tree that you can admire while you enjoy a mulled wine or Christmas pudding. Ornaments include popular characters such as Nick Valentine, Dogmeat and Codsworth, and as a bonus, you’ll also get an exclusive metal ornament to hang on your own, real tree.

5. Pokémon Bitty Pop Advent Calendar

The Pokémon Bitty Pop advent calendar isn’t new for this year, but I love it so much that it had to be included. Over the course of 24 days you’ll collect 10 Bitty Pop! figures – tiny vinyls of your favourite Pokémon. The figures can be arranged into a Christmas tree shape for extra festive flair, but these lovely little treasures can be enjoyed year-round long after the holidays are done with.

Along with the 10 vinyl figures, you’ll also get stackable display pieces, magnetic cases, holiday accessories and 2 keychain cases, allowing you to carry your favourites around with you all the time. Exactly what Bitty Pop! figures you’ll get is random, but with Pikachu being on the front of the box, he feels like a dead cert.