A Dumpling Squishy Advent Calendar: 24 Days from One Box of Minis

The simplest dumpling squishy advent calendar is one box of 24 mini mystery squishies: one a day from December 1 to Christmas Eve, with no shopping list and no counting.

It is also the cheapest way in. Our 24-piece box of minis works out at under $3.99 a squishy at today's price — less than any other format we sell. Here is how to turn it into a calendar, and what to know first.

What you need

• One box of 24 minis. Each is about 3.3 cm, the same slow-rise foam as our full-size squishies, drawn at random from the range.
• 24 small pockets. Paper bags, envelopes, an egg box cut in two, or a hanging organiser — anything you can number.
• Ten minutes on a quiet evening to fill them before December 1.

Setting it up

Open the box, lay the 24 minis out, and decide the order yourself — that is the part a store-bought calendar never lets you do.

• Save the best for last. Put the shiniest and rarest-looking minis in the final week, so the calendar builds instead of peaking on day two.
• Use the weekends. Put a favourite on each Saturday and Sunday, when there is time to actually play.
• Day 24 is special. Some families swap the last mini for a full-size squishy, which turns Christmas Eve into the big reveal.

Duplicates will happen

Twenty-four draws from one mystery range will almost certainly include some repeats; the product page says so. Make it part of the game: a "spot the twin" chart, or a pile for trading with friends in January.

Smaller and bigger versions

• Twelve days. The 12-piece box covers the twelve days before Christmas for a smaller budget.
• For younger children. Minis are small parts. Below school age, build a shorter calendar from regular-size squishies instead — one every few days, or on weekends only.
• The grown-up version. Mix minis on weekdays with a few full-size designs on the weekends for a calendar that ends on something to keep on the desk.

When to order

A calendar has to be filled before December 1, so it needs to arrive before then. Orders are prepared within 1–3 business days. Delivery times depend on your address and are shown at checkout. Ordering in the first half of November leaves room for both.

Questions we get

How many squishies do I need?

Twenty-four covers December 1 to Christmas Eve. Add a twenty-fifth — a full-size squishy — if you want Christmas Day included.

Will there be duplicates?

Very likely, with twenty-four random draws from one range. It is part of how mystery minis work, and the product page says so.

What age is it suitable for?

Our squishies are rated 3+ with adult supervision. Minis are small, so for younger children a calendar of regular-size squishies is the safer choice.