How to Use the Polly Penguin Advent Calendar
By Manhattan Toy | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Turn the Polly Penguin Advent Calendar into a daily holiday ritual. Learn how to hang it, move the fish marker, and make each day's countdown special for kids.
Quick answer
Use the Polly Penguin Advent Calendar by hanging it at kid height, moving the tethered fish to the correct pocket each morning, and letting the plush design double as a cuddly holiday decoration.
Why the Polly Penguin works as a countdown toy
Many advent calendars are cardboard with tiny doors that tear after a few days. The Polly Penguin Advent Calendar is different: it's a soft plush toy with 24 numbered fabric pockets, so it survives daily handling by little hands and can be reused year after year.
Because the calendar is made from various soft fabrics and has a loop on top, it hangs easily on a door, wall hook, or mantel. Its plump head, arms, and feet give it a huggable feel, while the belly pockets stay flat enough to hold small treats or notes without sagging.
Choosing what to put in the pockets
The pockets are sized for small items, so think flat or compact. You can tuck in mini chocolates, stickers, or a slip of paper with a daily activity like 'sing a holiday song' or 'make a snowflake.'
If you plan to reuse the calendar for multiple years, skip edible treats that can crumble or stain the fabric. Instead, rotate small toys or handwritten notes that become keepsakes.
A common mistake is overfilling the pockets, which stretches the fabric and makes the fish marker hard to slide in. Keep each pocket to one small item.
How to set up and use the calendar
- Find a safe hanging spot: Use the loop on top to hang the penguin at a height where your child can reach the pockets easily. Avoid high hooks that turn the calendar into a decorative-only piece. Check that the hook is secure and the calendar doesn't swing into a heat source or fireplace.
- Fill the pockets with small surprises: Place one small item in each of the 24 numbered pockets. Keep items flat and lightweight to avoid stretching the fabric. Write the day number on the outside of any note or treat wrapper. If you use edible treats, wrap them to prevent crumbs and grease from staining the fabric.
- Start the countdown on December 1: On the first day, move the tethered fish to pocket number 1. Each morning, have your child move the fish to the next number, then open that pocket's surprise together. If a day is missed, simply move the fish to the current date and continue—no need to backtrack.
- Use the fish as a visual progress marker: Let your child be the one to move the fish each day. This builds anticipation and gives them a sense of control over the countdown. You can also use the fish to point to the next day's number before bed. Praise the child for remembering the routine; it reinforces the habit without pressure.
- Store the calendar for reuse: After Christmas, empty all pockets and gently spot-clean the fabric if needed. Fold the penguin flat and store it in a dry place. The plush design means it won't crush like cardboard calendars. Keep the tethered fish attached to avoid losing it; it's essential for next year's countdown.
Product details at a glance
- Polly Penguin Advent Calendar: The Polly Penguin Advent Calendar features 24 numbered fabric pockets and a tethered stuffed fish for marking the days till Christmas. The fish marker lets kids physically move a soft piece each day, turning the countdown into a hands-on ritual rather than just opening a door.
Polly Penguin Advent Calendar
