What about going for a Lego advent calendar this time? The advent calendar has always been special mainly because it counts down to Christmas with children all over the world trying not to get too enthusiastic as the special day draws near.

Although it isn't a new practice, todays calendars carry little similarity to the ones available in the 19th Century. The custom generally seems to have originated in Germany.

The original ones normally involved someone using a piece of chalk to write on a board and opening windows with hidden treats was unheard of.

The practice disappeared during the war quite likely as a result of a general shortage of paper rather than a lack of celebration.

It came back in the post war years and the exact same principles are used with the present day version. Commencing with the 1st of December, you open a window each day until you reach the 24th of December.

There are different styles of calendar including simple versions where you just open a window to uncover a date, to those which include chocolate to permanent versions developed to get used year after year.

The Lego advent calendar gives a new angle on an old tradition. The children are certain to get huge enjoyment value from constructing the calendar and uncovering the secret items behind every day.

There are many sets each using a particular Lego design. For example the Lego City advent calendar is really popular.

The theory is to assemble something small day after day in the run up to Christmas and also the Lego can be used over and over.

The Lego bits will also be appropriate for several other sets so may very well be played with all year but many children will probably realize that they lose odd bits and pieces.

So it could be far better to keep it safe ready for next time once Christmas day is over. Your kids will likely be swept up in the new toys and gifts. They might even have received new Lego sets as gifts.

Lego, even though it's been around for a long time, is relishing a come back as moms and dads try to look for gifts designed to instruct and amuse without relying on electronics, video games or the TV.

So what sort of Lego advent calendar will you get? As well as the two different Lego City sets, there is also a Lego Castle set and a Lego Pirates advent calendar (whatever have pirates got to do with Christmas?) and a Playmobil edition for younger kids.

According to parents feedback the Lego City Advent Calendar 7687 offers the best value both money wise and entertainment wise through the holidays.

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