You're standing in the middle of a toy aisle, or more likely, scrolling through a dozen tabs at 11:00 PM, trying to figure out if your kid actually needs more tiny plastic accessories. We’ve all been there. It’s the holiday crunch. But honestly, the Our Generation advent calendar is one of those rare items that manages to bridge the gap between "more stuff" and "genuine play value."
It’s not just a box of cardboard doors.
If you’ve ever owned an 18-inch doll—whether it’s a name-brand Our Generation doll from Target or a pricier alternative—you know the struggle of finding accessories that don't cost a fortune but also don't break the second a six-year-old looks at them. This calendar is basically a starter kit for a winter-themed dollhouse, delivered in 24-day increments. It’s heavy. It’s bulky. And for some reason, kids lose their minds over the tiny cookies and miniature mittens hidden inside.
What’s Really Inside the Box?
Let's get real about the contents. Most years, the Our Generation advent calendar follows a pretty specific theme, usually centered around a "Surprise Holiday" or "Winter Wonderland" vibe. You aren't getting a full doll. Let's make that clear right now so nobody is disappointed on December 1st. Instead, you're getting the world around the doll.
Last year’s iteration, often found at retailers like Target or Kohl’s, featured a mix of wearable items and play-pretend props. We’re talking about tiny snowshoes that actually clip onto the feet of an 18-inch doll. Or a miniature snow globe that actually has a bit of glitter movement. It’s the tactile nature of these pieces that makes them work.
The variety is surprisingly decent. You’ll find a holiday dress or a cozy sweater hidden behind one of the larger doors, usually mid-way through the month. Then there are the filler days. Every advent calendar has them. You might get a plastic letter to Santa or a tiny candle. Some parents think these are "filler," but if you watch a child play, they’re often more obsessed with the "mail" the doll receives than the actual outfit.
Sentence length matters when you're explaining this to a friend: It’s a mix. Some days are huge wins. Some are just okay.
But the quality of the plastic used by Maison Battat (the company behind Our Generation) is consistently high-density. It doesn't have that hollow, brittle feel of dollar-store knockoffs. These pieces survive being stepped on in the dark.
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The Economics of Doll Accessories
Why do people buy this? It’s simple math. If you were to buy a standard Our Generation accessory set—like the "Winter Style" outfit or a small baking set—you’d easily drop $15 to $25 per kit.
The Our Generation advent calendar usually retails between $25 and $35 depending on the season and the specific retailer’s promos. Inside, you’re getting the equivalent of about three or four separate accessory sets.
- A full winter outfit (boots, hat, scarf).
- Food items (cookies, hot cocoa, maybe a tray).
- Decorations (stockings, ornaments, a mini tree).
- Stationery (cards, stickers, checklists).
When you break it down, you’re paying roughly $1.25 to $1.50 per item. Try finding a pair of 18-inch doll boots for $1.50 anywhere else. You can't. It’s basically a wholesale deal wrapped in a festive box. Plus, it solves the "I want a toy every day" problem that peaks in December.
Why It Beats the Competition
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: American Girl. We love the quality, but the price point is often eye-watering. Their advent calendars can run double or triple the cost of the Our Generation version. While the American Girl versions might have slightly more intricate fabric details or "collector" appeal, for a child who is actually going to play with the stuff, the Our Generation version is the clear winner for ROI.
The scale is identical.
That’s the secret. Everything in the Our Generation advent calendar fits American Girl dolls, My Life As dolls (from Walmart), and any other 18-inch figure. You aren't locked into one brand ecosystem.
Common Frustrations (And How to Fix Them)
It isn't all sugarplums and perfect tiny mittens. There are things that will annoy you.
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First, the packaging. These boxes are designed to survive shipping from overseas, which means the plastic inserts holding the toys are tight. Really tight. If you have a younger child (ages 3 to 5), they are going to struggle to pop the items out of the plastic tray once they open the cardboard door. You’ll likely end up being the "designated popper," which sort of ruins the mystery if you’re not careful.
Pro tip: Take a craft knife and very carefully pre-slice the thinnest parts of the plastic backing before you give it to your kid. Don't open the doors, just loosen the grip from the back if the design allows.
Second, the paper items. Some days involve "vouchers" or paper cards. These are the ones that get lost under the sofa or accidentally thrown away with the wrapping paper on Christmas morning. I usually suggest having a small "keepsake box" or a doll-sized trunk ready on Day 1. Every time a new piece is unboxed, it goes in the trunk. It keeps the living room floor clear and ensures the tiny "hot cocoa" mug doesn't end up in the vacuum cleaner.
Real-World Play Value
I've watched how kids interact with these. It’s not just about the unboxing. The genius of the Our Generation advent calendar is that it builds a scene.
By December 10th, the doll has a snack. By December 15th, she has a cold-weather outfit. By the 24th, she has a full holiday party setup. It encourages "slow play." Instead of getting one big toy on Christmas that they play with for twenty minutes, they are forced to integrate one new piece into their imaginary world every single day for three weeks.
It builds anticipation. It’s a lesson in patience, honestly.
And let’s be real, it’s a great distraction. If you need ten minutes of peace to drink your coffee in the morning, "go open your advent calendar" is a highly effective parental tool.
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Sustainability and Storage
People worry about "clutter." I get it. Our houses are drowning in tiny plastic bits.
However, the items in this calendar are "playable clutter." They have a purpose. Unlike a chocolate advent calendar where the joy is gone in ten seconds, or a cheap "trinket" calendar where the toys are broken by lunch, these items stay in the toy box for years.
I know families who have passed down their Our Generation accessories through three different kids. The colors don't fade much, and the plastic doesn't get that weird sticky residue that some cheap toys develop over time.
If you’re worried about the environmental impact of the packaging, the main box is usually recyclable cardboard. The inner tray is plastic (usually PET or PVC), which is a downside, but many local centers accept it.
Where to Find One Before They Sell Out
Here is the thing about the Our Generation advent calendar: it disappears.
Usually, they hit the shelves in late September or early October. By mid-November, you’re looking at third-party sellers on eBay or Amazon marking them up by 50%.
- Target: This is the primary home for Our Generation. If you have a RedCard or a Circle membership, you can often snag them during a "buy two, get one free" toy sale in October.
- Kohl’s: They often carry a slightly different version or the same one with different packaging. Use your Kohl’s Cash here.
- Amazon: Be careful here. Ensure you are buying from the official Battat/Our Generation store and not a scalper.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
Don't just hand the box over on December 1st. To get the most out of your Our Generation advent calendar, follow this small checklist to ensure it actually lasts and provides the value you're paying for.
- Check the Doll Compatibility: Ensure you have an 18-inch doll ready. If this is a gift for a child who doesn't have a doll yet, the advent calendar is a weird place to start. Buy the doll first, then the calendar.
- Create a "Home Base": Clear a small shelf or a corner of the playroom. This is the "Doll’s Christmas Room." As pieces come out of the calendar, they stay in this designated zone.
- The Tape Trick: If the cardboard doors start to tear or look messy (which they will by Day 15), use a tiny bit of clear washi tape to reinforce the hinges. It keeps the box looking like a decoration rather than a piece of trash.
- Inventory on Day 25: On Christmas morning, do a quick sweep. Make sure all 24 items are accounted for before the chaos of the "big" presents takes over. Put them all in a dedicated Ziploc bag or a small bin.
Ultimately, this is one of the few holiday purchases that feels like a "win" for both the parent and the kid. It’s affordable, it’s durable, and it actually fuels hours of creative play. Just make sure you buy it before the November rush hits, or you’ll be left explaining why the doll doesn't have any tiny slippers this year.
Next Steps for Success: First, verify your doll's size—this calendar is specifically for 18-inch models and won't fit smaller 12-inch or 14-inch dolls. Next, set a price alert on Target’s website or app starting in October to catch the inevitable "Deal of the Day" or toy coupon. Finally, once you have the box, store it flat in a cool, dry place; the cardboard can warp in damp garages, making those tiny doors nearly impossible to open cleanly.