NeeDoh's Advent Calendar Has Been Sold Out Since Summer. Here Are 8 Alternatives

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you're just now starting to think about Advent calendars, imagine trying — and failing — to get yours back over the summer! NeeDohs are the "it" toy of 2026, and the NeeDoh 24-day Advent Calendar sold out virtually as soon as it was released. There is a NeeDoh squishy for every sensory preference, from fuzz balls to shaggy globs to crunchy "snow balls," but they are all variations of the basic product, which feels sort of like if a stress ball and silly putty had a baby. NeeDohs are a crossover hit for kids and adults alike — a fun, squeezable fidget toy for the former and a collectible stress-relief tool for the latter.

The calendar craze isn't that surprising, considering NeeDoh products have been selling out as soon as they hit the shelves all year. While there are rumors of calendar restocks, it has been removed from the Schylling NeeDoh website and is listed as currently unavailable on Amazon. It's safe to assume that any store stocking the calendar has sold or will sell out immediately. Let's be real, using toys as incentives can be a sanity saver, especially during the holidays, and a daily toy can be just the ticket for a smoother season. If you were hoping to surprise your kiddo (and encourage their best behavior) with the NeeDoh Advent calendar, here are eight cool alternatives to spread some holiday cheer.

Squishmallows fans will love this 24-day set of MicroMallow plushies. Each plush is 2.5 inches tall and adorned with a winter holiday theme, from a nutcracker bear to a wreath-donning axolotl and an adorable pup wrapped in tree lights. This set is exclusively at Target, but you can also find a 12-day version for half the price at Aldi.

Get the Squishmallow MicroMallows 24-day Advent Calendar for $64.99 at Target.

Made by RMS USA Crazy Fun, Taba squishies are a sister product of the viral mystery Squishy Dumplings. There is a dumplings calendar that is proving just about as hard to find as the NeeDoh, so this mini taba squishy calendar makes a great alternative to both. Enjoy 24 days of holiday-themed squishies with a perfectly sticky texture. Since these squishies are miniatures, this set is for ages 6 and older.

Snag the Mini Taba Advent Calendar at Walmart for $19.97.

For a variety of sensory surprises, snag the 24-day Advent calendar by Creativity for Kids. This little calendar is jam-packed with over 40 mini squishies, slimes, doughs, and toys to delight your kiddo day after day. It's geared for ages 4 and up, and the box comes in a Christmas tree or gingerbread house theme.

We found the Creativity for Kids Sensory Advent Calendar for $14.99 at Aldi.

If your kiddo loves Pokémon, the Funko Pop! Pokémon Countdown Calendar is a must. Each figure is 3.75 inches tall and has a little stand so the figures stay upright, making them perfect for a display. Parents praise the set for its quality and presentation, and say it's a hit with kids. Catch all 24 mini vinyl Pocket Pops Pokémon throughout the holiday season.

The Funko Pop! Pokémon Countdown Calendar is available on Amazon for $49.99.

If slime is more your kiddo's sensory preference, pick up the 2026 Cra-Z-Slimy Holiday Slime Advent Calendar. This one includes many of the same textures as NeeDoh — stretchy, crunchy, fluffy — just in slime form. There are a few extra slime accessory surprises to discover and each day's slime comes in a little container, great for mess-free play.

Find the 2026 Cra-Z-Slimy Holiday 24-Day Countdown Slime Calendar exclusively at Target for $19.99.

Emotional Support Plushies are an adorable, positive-vibes trend that you can gift your kiddo this holiday season. The Emotional Support Plush Advent Calendar gives your kid 24 days of comfort, and includes 12 mini plushie ornaments and 12 cute and cheerful plastic coin ornaments for a new surprise each day. The brand's popular plushie fries, nuggets, and Yeti all promise to make an appearance.

Snag the Emotional Support Plush Advent Calendar on Amazon for $29.99.

If your kid prefers building toys to squishies, LEGO's Advent Calendars are the way to go. They're a hit every year, and this year's collection has something for everyone. Choose from Disney Princess, Marvel, LEGO City, or LEGO Friends calendar themes and surprise your kiddo with a daily mini build featuring their favorite characters and themed accessories.

Shop LEGO Advent Calendars on Amazon. Prices range from around $25 to $45.

The Magna-Tiles microMAGS Advent Calendar is another great option for younger builders. This 34-piece train set adds to the holiday magic each day, building a "microChassis" and two Magna-characters (including Santa) that make a fun addition to their Magna-Tiles collection. Designed for ages 3 and older, it's a stress-free build that your kiddo can make all by themselves. 

You can find the Magna-Tiles microMAGS Advent Calendar at Walmart for $39.99.