BarkBox Advent Calendar
Top PickWhat We Like
- Daily variety with distinct toys and treats keeps dogs engaged across the full 24 days.
- Physical size is larger than previous BarkBox calendars and many competitors, giving a more generous unboxing experience.
- Combining both toys and treats offers better value than single-type calendars of similar price.
Worth Noting
- Some treats are sized for larger dogs and may need to be broken up for toy breeds like Chihuahuas.
- Type
- Toys & Treats
- Size Fit
- Small to large
- Packaging
- Large box
- Ingredients
- Bakery-style
Read the full review
The BarkBox Advent Calendar cuts through the holiday gimmick noise by delivering a genuine daily mix of toys and treats. With 8 plush, squeaky, or crinkle toys and 16 bakery-style cookies, there's enough variety to keep even moderately distractible dogs interested across the full countdown. The box itself is noticeably larger than previous years and many competing calendars, which reflects a more generous portioning of both toy size and treat quantity.
In practice, the toys hold up well during moderate play sessions — the squeakers and crinkle layers add engagement without being overstimulating. Treats are clearly baked rather than extruded, with a texture that most dogs find appealing. The only boundary worth acknowledging: a handful of the cookies are sized for larger mouths, so owners of toy breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies) may need to break them into smaller pieces. This is a usability tradeoff, not a quality issue.
This calendar suits owners who want a shared festive experience with their dog — opening a surprise each day builds anticipation for both human and pet. It works especially well for medium to large dogs that enjoy plush toys with built-in noise elements. Budget-conscious buyers will find the price premium, but the quantity and quality of the contents justify the cost for those who value variety over raw cheapness. Very small dog owners should plan to split the larger treats.
For very small dogs, snap the larger cookies in half before serving to avoid oversized portions.
Bottom line: If you want a countdown calendar that actually gets your dog involved each day — and you're not shopping for a toy breed with tiny jaws — this BarkBox edition is the most substantial all-rounder in the category.