Advent calendar gift ideas for gamers and anime fans

Advent calendars aren’t just chocolate in cardboard any more. For gamers and anime fans there’s a whole range of countdowns, from mini brick builds to collectible figures, and there’s the option that often lands best of all: a calendar you fill yourself. Here’s how to choose one, and where to look.

Disclosure: this guide links to our sister site What2Buy, a UK guide site that earns from some retailer links (its picks are for UK shoppers, so if you live elsewhere, use them for ideas and buy locally), and to Nightfandom on Etsy, a fan-merch shop run by the same person as Binge Bulletin. We don’t list prices here; the linked guides and shop are kept up to date. Full disclosure.

First, a timing tip

Advent starts on 1 December, and most calendars have 24 doors. That means it needs to be in their hands by the end of November. Licensed and themed calendars often sell out well before then, and international shipping takes longer than you’d think in the run-up to Christmas. If you’re ordering from another country, or from a small maker, order early.

Brick-built calendars

A building-brick advent calendar is the easy win for a gamer who likes to tinker: a small build every day, minifigures, and something you can actually play with once Christmas is over. What2Buy has compared every LEGO advent calendar for 2026, and the range includes licensed sci-fi and superhero themes alongside the usual City and Friends sets. If they’d rather have one bigger build than 24 small ones, try LEGO sets for gamers instead.

Collectible and licensed countdowns

Game and anime franchises often get their own calendars, typically mini figures, keyrings or trading-card bundles. Which ones are available varies a lot by country and by year, so check the official store for the franchise in your region rather than relying on last year’s list. A few things to watch for:

• Check the contents, not just the box. Some licensed calendars are mostly stickers and sweets with the logo on the front.
• Match the franchise to what they’re into now. Our budget anime fan gifts guide has tips for working out what someone’s currently watching without spoiling the surprise.
• Collectors may want the figures boxed. If so, a calendar they’ll want to open every day may not be what they want.

What2Buy’s advent calendars hub brings all its calendar guides together, with separate lists for teenagers, adults and kids.

The DIY gamer advent calendar

Our favourite option, and the most personal one. Buy a reusable advent calendar with fillable drawers or pockets, or just number 24 small bags or envelopes, and fill them yourself. Some ideas that work for gamers and anime fans:

• Small useful bits: cable ties, a thumb-grip set, a screen-cleaning cloth, a controller charging cable. What2Buy’s gamer gifts under £20 is a good place to start.
• Fan merch: pins, stickers, keyrings and small prints from their favourite show or game. Our own shop, Nightfandom on Etsy, sells fan merch, so check the listings there for what’s available and dispatch times (especially if it’s being shipped abroad).
• Notes and vouchers: “Tonight I’ll play the co-op game you’ve been nagging me about” is free and goes down surprisingly well. Pair it with a pick from our two-player games list.
• A watchlist: one anime recommendation per day, written on a card. Our anime to watch while you wait for the next season list can fill a week of doors on its own.
• Snacks: never fails. Check for allergies and whether it’ll survive shipping.

You don’t need to fill every door with something you’ve bought; mixing notes, small treats and a few proper gifts keeps the cost down and makes it feel personal.

Which type should you pick?

• For a builder or tinkerer: a brick-built calendar.
• For a collector: a licensed calendar, but check the contents first.
• For a partner, close friend or housemate: DIY, every time.
• For a kid who games: see What2Buy’s kids’ advent calendars.

Want the gift that goes under the tree as well? Our Christmas gift guide for gamers and Secret Santa ideas have you covered.