Squishy advent calendars have sold out – here are the alternatives trending on social media

Christmas advent calendars are already flying off the shelves. 

If a Needoh Squishy or Squishy Dumpling advent calendar was at the top of your child's wish list this year, you may be disappointed to find them sold out. 

While it's tempting to snap up whatever is left online, it's worth watching out for unsafe Squishy dupes. 

Instead, consider one of the many other squishy and fidget toy advent calendars that are still available to buy at trusted retailers like John Lewis.

5 trending advent calendars in 2026

We compiled this list with the help of our social media team, who have seen the following calendars trending on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Squishmallows Squish-a-longs Wave 7 Advent Calendar 

We like: Includes 24 mini squishy toys

Watch out for: Selling fast

Get into the Christmas spirit with this advent calendar, hiding a festive-themed character behind each of its 24 doors. 

The satisfying squeezable plastic figures include Jingle the White Christmas Tree, Fleur the Chocolate Yule Log and Channing the Blue Gnome. 

Scrunchems 24 Days Squish Ball Advent Calendar

Pre-order from Menkind (£35)

We like: Includes different textures

We don't like: More expensive than others

If you're hoping to get another fun squishable advent calendar, this one from Scrunchems has 24 toys in all sorts of different colours. 

Some glow in the dark, others have a burst of glitter, and there’s even a colour-changing one. There’s a cute little cat, a strawberry and all sorts of other shapes to play with. 

24 Days Sensory Advent Calendar

We like: Different kinds of fidget toys

We don’t like: Not only squishies

Fidgeters can have hours of fun with this sensory advent calendar, which includes 24 surprises you can squish, spin, stretch, pop and more. 

Unlike other squishy calendars, these toys offer a broader range of ways to fidget. 

Squishmallow Micromallows 12 Day Advent Calendar

We like: Includes fewer toys

Watch out for: You won’t get the full 24-day countdown

You may think 24 surprises is a little over the top, in which case, why not buy a 12-day advent calendar instead? 

This one includes a range of Squishmallow’s tactile characters, such as Jordan the Gingerbread and Tom the Christmas Tree.

If you are collecting Squishy Dumpling or Needoh toy, be careful not to try these viral trends

Scrunchems Fidget Surprise Box

We like: Satisfying squishy toys

Watch out for: It’s not an advent calendar

While not technically an advent calendar, this surprise box has six doors hiding fun squishy toys. 

It includes a mix of sugar-filled, foam-filled and colour-shifting squishies in fun shapes and characters. 

Be careful of unsafe dupes

Given their popularity, it probably won’t come as a surprise to learn that sensory dumpling toys are now being replicated by loads of different manufacturers, but it’s become a bit of a minefield because not all of them meet UK safety requirements. 

While many are sold legitimately by different manufacturers, Swansea Trading Standards has warned that some products fail to meet UK safety requirements.

When buying a dumpling toy, look for the following:

• Clear safety instructions explaining what to do if the product leaks or is punctured.
• A CE or UKCA mark to indicate the product has been safety assessed.
• The name and address of a UK-based responsible person, such as an importer or manufacturer. This is particularly important because, without it, officers may not be able to trace who is accountable for the product if safety concerns arise.
• Be cautious about products that give off a strong or unusual chemical smell. Swansea Trading Standards launched its investigation after concerns were raised about some dumpling toys emitting a noticeable odour, and subsequent testing found some contained hazardous chemicals.

Read more about why you need to be wary about some squishy toys.