Advent Calendars · Head-to-head
Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41) vs LEGO 43298
Best for Car Lovers
Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41)
7.3/10
$26.99 at Amazon
Check price at Amazon
The short answer
LEGO 43298 comes out ahead overall with 7.9/10 against 7.3/10 for the Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41). LEGO 43298 is stronger on variety & no repeats, presentation & daily experience and value.
- Choose the Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41) if: Car-obsessed kids ages 3+ who want die-cast cars that get played with all year.
- Choose the LEGO 43298 if: Kids 5+ who love Disney and want a calendar that becomes a family game after December 24.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41) | LEGO 43298 |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Taste & Quality | 7.5Standard Hot Wheels die-cast quality | 7.8LEGO-system parts, but builds are small and microdolls draw some customer complaints; no independent review |
| Variety & No Repeats | 6.510 cars out of 34 items; the clips are filler | 7.68 characters plus mini builds; seasonal props add some filler |
| Presentation & Daily Experience | 6.5Ornament clips hang cars on the tree; no track or play scene | 8.2Box becomes a game board with a buildable spinner (LEGO and Target listings); untested by reviewers |
| Freshness, Shipping & Availability | 8.5In stock and sold by Amazon.com | 8.5In stock and sold by Amazon.com |
| Health, Ingredients & Sustainability | 7.0Mattel's small-parts choking warning (not for under 3) | 7.0Standard LEGO small-parts warning (5+); packaging mostly paper-based |
| Value | 7.510 cars plus an exclusive for about $27 | 8.4About 10 cents a piece at the current $30 sale price; less compelling at the $44.99 list |
Specifications
| Spec | Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41) | LEGO 43298 |
|---|---|---|
| Countdown Days | 24 days | 24 days |
| Total Pieces | 34 pieces | 290 pieces |
| Chocolate Types | None (toy calendar) | None (toy calendar) |
| Style (solid / filled / mixed confections) | Die-cast cars + accessories | Brick-built mini builds + microdolls |
| Servings per Day | 34 items over 24 days (some days hold multiple items) | — |
| Reusable / Keepsake Packaging | — | Yes |
| Extras | 10 ornament clips; 1 exclusive vehicle | Box becomes a game board with buildable spinner (up to 8 players) |
| Allergens | None (non-food); small parts | None (non-food); small parts |
| List Price | — | 44.99 USD |
| Minimum Age | 3 years | 5 years |
| Figures / Characters Included | 10 vehicles | Ariel, Cinderella, Moana, Mulan microdolls; Gus, Mushu, Pua, Sebastian |
| Primary Toy Material | Die-cast metal/plastic vehicles | Plastic LEGO bricks |
Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41)
Pros
- Ten 1:64 die-cast vehicles
- Exclusive snow-globe car
- Low price, sold by Amazon
- Recommended by TODAY, Hello! and Mommy Poppins
Cons
- Only ten of 34 items are cars
- Accessories and clips are less durable play value
- Small parts, not for under 3
A good budget calendar for kids who already love Hot Wheels. Expect cars on some days and accessories on others.
Full Hot Wheels 2026 Advent Calendar (JLG41) review →LEGO 43298
Pros
- 290 pieces
- Four microdolls and four animal friends
- Box becomes a game board for up to eight players
- Rated for ages 5 and up
- Strong price per piece at the current sale price
Cons
- Only TODAY recommends it among the outlets we found
- Microdolls rather than larger figures
- Current price is a sale price and may return to list
A fun, good-value pick for Disney fans aged 5 and up, especially for families who want a shared game. Buy it while the sale price lasts.
Full LEGO 43298 review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Toy & LEGO Advent Calendars for Kids of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.