You're standing in the middle of a Target aisle or scrolling through Amazon, and there it is. The NFL Funko Advent Calendar. It looks cool. It’s got that bright NFL Shield on the box and the promise of 24 tiny pieces of vinyl joy. But let's be real for a second. We’ve all been burned by advent calendars before. Sometimes you open a door and it’s a cheap sticker or a piece of chocolate that tastes like literal cardboard.
If you’re a football fan, or you’re buying for one, you want to know if these mini Pocket Pops are actually detailed or just mass-produced junk.
It’s about the ritual. Every morning in December, you’re popping a cardboard tab. Maybe you get Mahomes. Maybe you get a punter? (Actually, Funko usually sticks to the stars, but imagine the chaos of a special edition long snapper). Honestly, the 2024 and 2025 iterations of these sets have changed the game for sports collectors who are tired of just buying individual boxes.
What's Actually Inside the NFL Funko Advent Calendar?
Don't expect full-sized Pops. You won't get them. These are the "Pocket Pop" versions, which stand about 1.5 to 2 inches tall. They’re small. Choking hazard small. But the detail is surprisingly tight for something the size of a large grape.
Most years, Funko chooses a mix of the league's "Face of the Franchise" players. You’re guaranteed to see the heavy hitters. Think Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Dak Prescott. The 24-piece set usually spreads the love across the divisions, though some teams definitely get more shine than others. If you’re a die-hard Jacksonville Jaguars fan, you might find yourself staring at a lot of NFC East players before you find your guy. That’s just the nature of the licensing beast.
Funko doesn't just throw 24 random figures in a box and call it a day. They try to theme them. Some years, the players are in their standard home jerseys. Other times, they might sneak in a "Color Rush" variant or a throwback. It’s the thrill of the hunt without having to buy 24 individual blind bags.
The Price vs. Value Reality Check
Let’s talk money. These usually retail between $45 and $60 depending on where you shop and how close it is to December 1st.
Do the math.
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If you bought 24 individual Pocket Pop keychains, you’d be out well over $100. From a pure "plastic-per-dollar" perspective, the NFL Funko Advent Calendar is a steal. But that only matters if you actually like the players included. If you’re a divisional rival hater, do you really want a tiny version of the quarterback who just knocked your team out of playoff contention sitting on your desk?
Some collectors buy the calendar just to use the figures as Christmas tree ornaments. It’s a genius move. You just screw a little eye-hook into the top of their heads, loop some twine, and suddenly you have a themed NFL tree that didn't cost you $15 per ornament at a specialty shop.
Why Some Fans Feel Let Down
It isn't all touchdowns and confetti. There are two major gripes that pop up in collector circles like Reddit's r/Funko or various NFL gear forums.
First, the repetition. Funko has a habit of using the same sculpts. If you bought the 2023 version and then the 2024 version, you might find that the Patrick Mahomes figure looks suspiciously similar, just maybe with a slightly different grass stain or glove color. It can feel a bit "copy-paste."
Second, the "Big Market" bias. The NFL is a business. Funko is a business. They know that a Justin Jefferson figure sells better than someone from a struggling small-market team. Consequently, fans of teams like the Titans or the Panthers often feel left out in the cold. You might get 24 figures, but you’re almost certainly getting a Cowboy, a Steeler, and a Niner. If you want a full roster of your specific team, this isn't the product for you. You'd be better off hunting down team-specific Fanatics exclusives.
Quality Control: What to Watch For
Since these are mass-produced, the paint jobs can be hit or miss.
- Helmet Logos: Sometimes the decal is slightly crooked.
- Jersey Numbers: Look for "bleeding" where the white paint meets the dark jersey color.
- Stands: Most Pocket Pops stand up fine on their own, but occasionally you’ll get a "leaner."
Because they are tucked into tight cardboard slots, sometimes the boxes arrive crushed if the shipping wasn't handled well. If you’re a "New In Box" (NIB) collector who cares about the external packaging, buying this in-person at a Gamestop or a local hobby shop is always better than risking the "Amazon Envelope of Death."
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The "Aftermarket" Strategy
Here is a pro tip that most casual buyers miss. You don't actually have to open the doors in order.
I know, I know. It’s sacrilege. But hear me out.
The NFL Funko Advent Calendar often becomes a hot item for resellers who break them down. If you only want the three specific players from your team, you can usually find people on eBay or Mercari selling the "loose" mini figures for $5 to $8 each in January.
Conversely, if you buy the whole box and find you have 10 players you don't care about, you can flip those individually to recoup almost the entire cost of the calendar. It turns a $50 purchase into a $10 hobby.
Comparing the NFL Version to Other Leagues
Funko does these for Harry Potter, Marvel, and Star Wars too. The sports ones are different. With Marvel, you get "holiday-themed" characters—Groot with tinsel or Spider-Man in a sweater.
The NFL version stays "in-game." You aren't getting Lamar Jackson in a Santa hat (though honestly, that would be awesome). These are sports collectibles first and holiday decorations second. This makes them more evergreen. You can keep these on your man-cave shelf all year round without it looking like you forgot to take your Christmas lights down in July.
Is It a Good Gift for Kids?
Yes. Absolutely.
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Kids love tiny things. There is a specific psychological hit that comes from opening a little door every morning. It’s better than candy because it lasts. It builds anticipation for the Sunday games.
One thing to keep in mind: these are sturdy, but they aren't indestructible. If a kid is playing "full contact" football with these on the living room rug, heads will eventually pop off. They are made of vinyl, not steel.
How to Spot a Fake or Overpriced Listing
As we get closer to the holidays, secondary markets get weird. You'll see "Limited Edition" tags slapped on these by third-party sellers.
Don't fall for it.
These are wide-release items. Unless it’s a specific store exclusive (which will have a sticker on the front), don't pay $100 for this. Check the MSRP. If the price is doubled, wait a week for a restock or check a different retailer.
Also, verify the year. Sellers often try to offload "New" 2022 or 2023 calendars at full price. While the figures are still cool, the player might not even be on that team anymore. Imagine opening a door and finding a quarterback who got traded two seasons ago. It’s a vibe killer.
Actionable Steps for the Smart Collector
If you're ready to pull the trigger on an NFL Funko Advent Calendar, follow this checklist to make sure you aren't disappointed:
- Check the Roster: Look at the back of the box or the product description online. Most listings will show at least 4-6 of the featured players. If you don't see anyone you like, skip it.
- Inspect the Seal: If buying in person, ensure the circular clear tape on the sides hasn't been tampered with. People "peak" in these to swap out popular players.
- Plan the Display: Decide now if you're keeping them in the box or putting them on a shelf. If they're going on a shelf, buy a tiered "stadium seating" acrylic display stand. It makes a world of difference.
- Timing the Buy: The best time to buy is usually mid-October to early November. Any later and prices spike; any earlier and you might miss out on the newest season's roster updates.
- Repurpose the Box: Once the 24 days are over, the box itself usually has great artwork. Cut out the front panel and frame it, or use the inner plastic tray to organize your smaller trading card supplies.
The NFL Funko Advent Calendar isn't a high-end investment piece. It’s not going to pay for your kid's college in twenty years. It is, however, one of the most fun ways to bridge the gap between Thanksgiving and the playoffs. It turns the boring midweek stretch into a daily mini-celebration of the sport. Just make sure you have a spot on your desk cleared out for 24 tiny athletes.