Lego advent calendar: why had I never seen this before?

[momb]

We've never been a lego family. Youngest DD now 11. One of her sisters has an early December birthday so in years gone by we haven't really done advent calendars as we like to keep Christmas at bay until after the December Birthday.
Youngest DD saw a lego calendar on TV and begged for one. She is in a quite grown up friendship group and spends less time playing with toys than her sisters did at the same age. She listens to music, paints her nails, spends lots of time on grooming herself. So in spite of thinking it was a waste of money I bought her the calendar as it may be the last time she ever asks for a toy.
It is just brilliant! I have no idea if it's this years or last years: it has a lake scene and seems to be based on winter sports. She spends an inordinate amount of time chatting to the characters, changing their skates to skis, hair for helmet, arranging mini-Olympic races and then whizzing up in a snowmobile to rush the injured to hospital (apparently off-site). Its an absolute pleasure to hear her chatter away to herself. I just wish these calendars had entered my consciousness before.... we could have been enjoying all kinds of lego adventures every year!
Does everyone get this much out of them or is it just because of the novelty factor for us?

[macnab]

My kids (younger than your DD) got Playmobil advent calendars this year and they love them. Its never been so easy to get them dressed and downstairs of a morning - I am considering buying a perpetual calendar if it means this new morning routine can continue

Its great that your DD is getting so much enjoyment out of it - shows you that 11 is still a little girl in so many ways.

I'm 41 and would still play with dolls if I had the time!

[bogiesaremyonlyfriend]

My mum bought my girls playmobil ones this year- they are awesome! My dd1 is similar to yours sounds and isn't really in to toys but she has had loads of fun with the toys from the calendar. Will get some next year.

[OSETmum]

DS is loving building his, but says he can't play with it til the whole scene is built! I'm sure he will though. It's definitely worth the money and the little figures are so cute!