The Best Advent Calendars to Give or to Get
The best advent calendars are full of surprises—literally. The magic of the holiday advent calendar, which is ostensibly used to count down the 24 days before Christmas or, in some cases, the 12 days of Christmas—there are no rules here—is that you never really know what each day will bring. Think of it as a fun pregame for Santa’s official touchdown, with a new, super-tiny present to open daily until then.
These Christmas countdown calendars often have themes, from annual faves (like Harry Potter, for all the low-key wizards out there) to limited-edition versions and classic options, such as Godiva’s chocolate advent calendar. It’s important to choose wisely, since no one wants 24 days of straight duds. That’s where we come in: We’ve rounded up the best advent calendars to serve as your holiday-spirit hype crew—or, of course, make for a foolproof holiday gift. A word to the wise: They’re going fast, so add to cart and go right to checkout as soon as you find your fave.
Best Beauty Advent Calendars
Maybe we’re biased, but our favorite Christmas advent calendars always seem to have some kind of beauty aspect, be it makeup, nail polish, or 24 days of simply incredible skin-care products. Among our top picks you’ll find L’Occitane’s insane lineup of body lotions, hand creams, and more, as well as a carefully edited 12-day advent calendar full of Atelier Cologne’s impeccable fragrances. More into scented candles? We’ve got you there, too.
Best Food Advent Calendars
Whatever flavor gets you in the holiday mood—sugar-filled gummies, gingerbread, peppermint, milk chocolate, or some totally wacky combination of the above—these calendars deliver. Some also double as Christmas decorations, with packaging so pretty that they merit a spot of honor on the counter. (Or, alternatively, they can be gifted without a gift box needed—we’re looking at you, Palais de Thés tea advent calendar.) Pro tip: If you’ve got your eye on the best-selling, limited-edition Bonne Maman calendar for jams and jellies, we recommending jumping on it ASAP, since it’s sold out nearly everywhere.
Every Other Advent Calendar Imaginable
Most of these advent calendars would be totally at home in any gift guide, but that’s especially the case for this free-for-all category. That Star Wars Mandalorian and Williams Sonoma mash-up is practically begging to be given to a lucky teenager—as is that Lego advent calendar designed to delight kids of all ages. Dad will go wild for the totally unique, musically minded advent calendar featuring a record; it’ll take him back to the ’70s, in a good way. Are you still shipping Jim and Pam? Then consider one inspired by The Office. Whether it’s a DIY situation or a Christmas tree-inspired version designed for little ones, this more niche range of advent calendars delivers.
