Christmas Advent calendars have been a Stough family tradition for as long as I can remember. I have vivid memories of opening each new day’s window with my sister Marla, my mom judiciously cutting the holiday shaped chocolate in half, and the somewhat waxy taste of the inexpensive milk chocolate. Even now in my early…cough…mid 30’s, the yuletide celebration doesn’t quite feel right without the fun daily candy surprises of an Advent calendar. While my family always favored the milk chocolate variety, the past few years have brought on a new Advent calendar trend.
Hearkening loosely back to the calendar’s 19th century Germanic origins, Christmas shoppers can now purchase unique calendars filled with a variety of name brand toys. Familiar companies such as Lego, Playmobile, Hot Wheels, and Play-Doh are just a few of the toy centric Advent calendars on the market. Not to be out done, Disney has entered the fray, and as a self professed Disney fanatic, I just couldn’t wait to purchase this Disney Christmas goodie.
For 2016, my husband Eric and I have bypassed the familiar chocolate Advent calendar, and instead, purchased a Disney Tsum Tsum Advent calendar! (I’m sure I’m the more excited of the two of us). There are multiple versions of Disney Tsum Tsum Advent calendars for purchase, and my husband was firm that I could only purchase one (sigh). Instead of the traditional miniature plush variety (which runs about $385.00 on Amazon.com), I chose the calendar featuring miniature vinyl stack-able Tsum Tsums called Disney Tsum Tsum: Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar, which runs about $28.00 on Amazon.com.
This particular calendar features a new toy for all 24 days leading up to Christmas. The 30 toys include, 6 small tsumies, 6 medium tsumies, 6 large tsumies (all in special holiday attire and glitter), 6 holiday themed accessories, and 6 holiday wardrobe items for the vinyl toys. The thick cardboard Gingerbread house shaped calendar and bright candy designed mat can be used as a play area for the new toys.
Overall, I have been pleasantly surprised with this purchase – it has been a lot of fun unveiling each new Tsum Tsum. I personal like the variety of Disney characters (so far I have gotten Minnie Mouse, Lady, Bambi, Ariel, and Figaro) as well as various sizes offered (three large and two small). The gingerbread house shaped Advent calendar is sturdy and makes a nice display for the new Tsum Tsums and fits in well with my other Disney themed holiday decorations. As for the price point, it may seem a bit steep at first, considering some of the milk chocolate calendars run about $3.00; however, it is on par with the majority of other toy Advent calendars. Keep in mind that some of the parts are tiny, for example, the small sized Tsum Tsums are pretty darn tiny and would not be appropriate for children under 6 or 7 years old.
As you get ready to ring in December 25th, amp up and Disney-fy your holiday celebrations with a special Disney themed Advent calendar.
(Photos from the author’s personal collection.)
Erin Stough has always loved Disney, but the magic of the parks truly captured her imagination during a mother-daughter trip in 2001. The obsession began and Erin hasn’t looked back! When she isn’t devouring Disney related books, Erin spends time with her wonderful (and patient) husband and super pup Milo.
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