Escape Room Advent Calendar: The Christmas Key (Family Puzzle Book)
✓ Product data checked October 29, 2026
The Christmas Key has vanished and Santa's sleigh cannot leave without it: from December 1 to 24, the family opens one case file a day in this book, solves a riddle, a code or a map, clears an innocent suspect and closes in on the culprit. The publisher built it for kids aged 7 to 12 solving alongside a grown-up, with an optional hint and the answer each day, and says each puzzle takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You only need the book and a pencil. It is rated 4.7 across 121 reviews on Amazon US, at about $20.
Why it makes a good gift
Best for : A family with a 7- to 12-year-old who likes riddles, codes and detective stories.
Best occasion : The Christmas countdown, ideally given in late November so the first case file is ready on December 1.
Why it works : It turns the countdown into a shared ten minutes each evening: the child reads the clue, the parent helps when stuck, and the whole family names the culprit together on Christmas Eve, with nothing to eat and nothing to tidy away.
Avoid if : The child would rather play alone with a toy: this calendar needs an adult at the table most days.
For
Kids
Budget
$$ — Affordable
Frequently asked questions
What age is it for?
The publisher says it is built for kids aged 7 to 12 solving alongside a grown-up.
How long does each day take?
About 10 to 15 minutes, according to the listing.
Do you need an app or props?
No. Everything is printed in the book; a pencil is all you need. A QR code leads to optional bonus puzzles.
