It happens every single year. You hit December 1st, and suddenly you’re staring at a generic grocery store calendar filled with waxy, questionable chocolate that tastes vaguely like the cardboard it's wrapped in. Honestly, it’s a letdown. But for anyone who grew up clutching a Game Boy or staying up too late on a Switch, the advent calendar Super Mario sets from Jakks Pacific or LEGO have basically fixed the holiday countdown. They aren't just for kids. I’ve seen grown adults—collectors with pristine N64 boxes—get genuinely hyped over a 2-inch tall Luigi in a Santa hat.
There's something about the Mushroom Kingdom that just fits the winter aesthetic. Maybe it’s the Penguin Suit power-ups or the "Cool, Cool Mountain" music that plays on a loop in my head the second the temperature drops. Whatever it is, these calendars have become a legitimate staple in the gaming community. They sell out fast. Like, "pre-order in September or pay triple on eBay" fast.
The Reality of the Jakks Pacific 24-Day Surprise
If you've spent any time in the toy aisle, you know Jakks Pacific. They hold the "World of Nintendo" license, and their advent calendar Super Mario is usually the big hitter. Most people think they're just getting a bunch of plastic junk, but the scale is actually consistent with their 2.5-inch figure line. This matters. It means the Mario you pull out on day four actually fits in the Bowser’s Castle playset you might already have on your shelf.
You get the heavy hitters—Mario, Luigi, Peach—but the real value is in the accessories and the "army builders." We’re talking about Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and those tiny little invincibility stars. Last year's version even included a limited-edition Christmas-themed Mario. Is it a masterpiece of high art? No. Is it way more fun than a piece of cheap candy? Absolutely.
The box itself usually doubles as a pop-up environment. It’s a bit flimsy, sure. You aren't going to pass it down as an heirloom. But for twenty-four days, it creates this evolving diorama on your desk or mantel. It's the kind of low-stakes joy that makes the dark, cold mornings in December a little more tolerable.
Why Collectors Are Obsessed with the Micro-Details
Not all figures are created equal. Some years, Jakks includes "exclusive" finishes—think icy Mario or fire-flower variants—that you can't easily buy in the individual blister packs. This drives the secondary market crazy. I've seen individual 2-inch figures from previous years' calendars selling for $10 to $15 on Mercari just because they had a specific pose or accessory.
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If you're a serious collector, you’re looking for the 2024 or 2025 editions specifically because Nintendo has been tightening up the quality control. The paint apps on the eyes are sharper. The mold lines are less obvious. It's a far cry from the bootleg-looking stuff we saw a decade ago.
The LEGO Super Mario Alternative: A Different Beast Entirely
Then there’s the LEGO version. This isn't technically a "traditional" advent calendar Super Mario in the sense that it doesn't always feature the electronic Mario figure (you usually have to buy a starter course for that). Instead, the LEGO 71437 or similar seasonal sets focus on buildable characters.
Building a tiny Shy Guy or a miniature sleigh out of twenty bricks is a different kind of satisfaction. It’s tactile. It’s "fidget-friendly." For parents, this is the gold standard because it actually encourages some level of cognitive engagement instead of just ripping open a door and tossing a plastic toy into a bin.
- Check the box weight: LEGO calendars are notoriously light, but the piece count is what you’re paying for.
- Scan the QR codes: The LEGO Mario app usually has special digital interactions for the advent pieces.
- Don't throw away the spare parts: These sets always include those tiny 1x1 studs that you'll inevitably lose under the sofa.
One thing to watch out for is the "interactivity" factor. If you don't own the Bluetooth-enabled LEGO Mario, Luigi, or Peach, some of the magic is lost. The figures react to the "scannable" tiles on the advent builds, making unique sounds or displaying icons on their chest screens. Without the main figure, you’re basically just building cool, pixelated sculptures. Still worth it? Probably. But definitely something to keep in mind before you drop 40 bucks.
Avoiding the "Scalper Tax" and Spotting Fakes
Look, the internet is full of scams. Since the advent calendar Super Mario is such a hot item, you’ll see "sponsored" ads on social media for $19.99 versions that look amazing. Spoilers: they aren't real. These are often "blind bag" scams from overseas that ship you a bag of generic, non-licensed rubber toys that smell like a tire fire.
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Always stick to reputable retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon (shipped and sold by Amazon, not a third party), or the official My Nintendo Store. If the price seems too good to be true, it’s because it is. A real Jakks Pacific or LEGO calendar will typically retail between $35 and $50 depending on the year and the retailer.
If you missed the boat in November, don't panic. Sometimes Amazon does a "Warehouse Deal" on boxes with slight dings. The cardboard might be crushed, but the toys inside are fine. It’s a great way to save ten dollars if you don't care about the box art being "MINT."
The "After-Market" Strategy
If you're reading this and it's already December 5th, you might think you’ve missed out. You haven't. Honestly, sometimes the best time to buy is the second week of December when retailers start trying to clear shelf space for "post-holiday" inventory. You just open the first five doors all at once. It’s actually more satisfying that way. Instant gratification, right?
Setting Up Your Mario Winter Display
If you want to go full "pro-gamer" with your holiday decor, don't just leave the figures in the box. Get some fake cotton snow from a craft store. Line them up on a shelf. The advent calendar Super Mario sets provide enough characters to populate a pretty decent-sized scene.
- Lighting matters: A cheap string of LED fairy lights makes those translucent "Ice Mario" figures pop.
- Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to put your LEGO builds next to your Jakks figures. The scale isn't perfect, but the vibe is.
- The "Final Boss" Day: December 24th is almost always a Bowser or a "Super Star" Mario. Make sure he has a prominent spot at the top of your "mountain" (or, you know, your bookshelf).
People often ask if these are "durable." Look, they're PVC or ABS plastic. They can handle being dropped. They can handle being played with by a five-year-old. But they aren't indestructible. The thin limbs on characters like Waluigi (if he makes an appearance) or the stems on the Piranha Plants can snap if they’re stepped on. Keep them off the floor.
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Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
Comparing a $5 chocolate calendar to a $40 advent calendar Super Mario isn't really fair. One is a snack; the other is a collection of memories. For a Nintendo fan, those twenty-four days of "What am I gonna get today?" are genuinely fun. It brings back that feeling of opening a new game on a Saturday morning.
The value holds up, too. Unlike chocolate, which is gone in five seconds, these figures stay on your desk all year. I still have a tiny Bob-omb from three years ago sitting on my monitor stand. He’s a permanent part of my workspace now.
Your Next Steps to Secure One
- Verify the Manufacturer: Ensure you are buying either the Jakks Pacific version (figures) or the LEGO version (bricks). Avoid unbranded "gaming calendars."
- Check Piece Counts: Some "limited" versions have fewer figures and more "cardboard cutouts." Read the back of the box carefully; it usually lists every single item included so there are no unhappy surprises.
- Set a Price Alert: Use a tool like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon or Honey to track price drops. These things fluctuate wildly in late November.
- Think About Display: Grab a small tiered display stand or some "museum putty" if you plan on keeping these out year-round. It prevents the "domino effect" where one falling Toad knocks over the whole kingdom.
- Pre-Order Early: For the 2026 season and beyond, the best prices are always found in September and October. Mark your calendar.
The holiday season is stressful enough. Between the shopping and the travel and the weird relatives, you deserve a little hit of dopamine every morning. Opening a tiny door to find a miniature Italian plumber in a raccoon suit might be exactly what you need to get through December. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a whole lot better than a piece of chalky chocolate.
Stick to the official licensed products, avoid the too-good-to-be-true social media ads, and make sure you’ve got a clear spot on your shelf. The Mushroom Kingdom is ready for the holidays—you should be too.