LEGO Friends Advent Calendar Review: Still Worth It?
An earlier LEGO Friends countdown box built around a pet playground, with two mini-dolls and eight pets behind the doors. Why an older edition still makes sense.
Yes, for a kid who loves animals and makes up stories with her figures. Every door adds to a pet playground she keeps playing with after Christmas [1]. Skip it if the point is having this year's box, because this is the 2023 edition [1].
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 28, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Edition | 2023 [1] |
| Set number | 41758 [1] |
| Theme | Pet playground in Heartlake City [1] |
| Characters | Two mini-dolls and eight pet figures [1] |
| Doors | 24 mini builds and surprises [1] |
| Ages | 6 and up [1] |
| Box size | About 9 x 14 x 2 inches [1] |
Pros and cons
- An earlier edition, not this year's box [1]
- Builds are small and quick for older kids
- Mini-dolls do not match classic minifigures
A pet playground, one door at a time
The theme is the reason to pick it. Behind the doors are two mini-doll friends, eight pet figures and small builds that come together as a pet playground by Christmas Eve [1].
For a kid who already lines up toy animals on the windowsill, that is more fun than a calendar of random ornaments.
Mini-dolls, pets and Heartlake City
LEGO Friends uses mini-dolls, a little taller and slimmer than classic minifigures. The listing counts ten characters in all, and the set belongs to the newer Heartlake City that LEGO introduced in 2023 [1].
The pieces mix into any other Friends set, so the pets can move into the café or the vet clinic she already owns [1].
Pets are the main draw here, so the mini-dolls play second fiddle. For a kid who wants dolls and fashion, a different Friends set may suit her better.
Why an older box is fine
This is the 2023 edition [1]. The newest Friends calendar has not been on sale long enough to build the review history this guide asks for, so the older box is the proven one.
A kid opening doors on December mornings will not care which year is printed on the box. Collectors who want the current year should look on LEGO's own site.
Hanging it up and what to add
The box measures about nine by fourteen inches and only two deep, so it leans on a shelf or a dresser without taking over the room [1].
From this guide, add the LEGO Classic Gray Baseplate so the playground stays in one piece, or the Room Copenhagen LEGO Storage Brick for the January cleanup.
FAQ
What is in the LEGO Friends Advent Calendar?
This 2023 edition holds 24 surprises: two mini-doll characters, eight pet figures and small builds that form a pet playground [1]. Each door is a quick build or a figure, and the pieces combine into one scene by Christmas Eve. They also work with any other LEGO Friends set she owns [1]
What age is the LEGO Friends Advent Calendar for?
The listing labels it for ages six and up [1]. Most builds are only a few pieces, so a five-year-old can manage with some help. Older kids still enjoy the pets but may finish each door in a minute. For a kid over ten, a bigger Friends set may be a better gift [1]
Is an older LEGO advent calendar still worth buying?
Usually yes, at a normal price. The builds and figures are the same quality as a new box, and kids care about the doors, not the year [1]. Watch the price: older calendars sold by resellers can cost more than this year's box. At around the usual calendar price, it is a fair buy [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the LEGO Friends Advent Calendar (2023 edition)
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 28, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.