Best unique Advent calendars
Williams Sonoma Christmas Popcorn Advent Calendar
What better way to count down the days than to watch your favorite holiday movies with a bowl of popcorn each night? Pop open the doors -- no pun intended -- and discover a variety of premium popping corn and seasonings, including zesty cheddar, sweet caramel, dill pickle and other fun flavors. This is the perfect Advent calendar for someone who loves to indulge but doesn't want candy, because who doesn't love snacks?
The Beatles Collector’s 24-Pack Advent Calendar Socks Gift Set, Special Edition
We all know someone who perpetually loses socks (maybe it's even us). But you won't want to lose any of these iconic Beatles ones. For 24 days, you'll open a new square of this limited edition Advent calendar from Happy Socks. And with these, "happy" is an understatement.
12 Days of Hot Sauce
If you or a loved one is crazy about hot sauce, this Advent calendar is sure to delight. There are 12 1.75-ounce bottles to challenge anyone who likes to spice things up. Spicy gourmet flavors include Habanero Evil, Zombie Apocalypse, Pineapple Papaya BBQ, Psycho Curry and more. This Advent calendar is bound to be a foodie favorite.
Godiva 2024 Holiday Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar
Godiva is a classic when it comes to high-end chocolate and their 24-day Advent calendar is no different. Each day, a new piece of silky smooth chocolate is revealed, either milk, dark or white. And you’ll find some of Godiva’s renowned specialty chocolates inside too, like milk chocolate praline hearts and dark chocolate ganache ones.
Bonne Maman's 2024 Advent Calendar
Bonne Maman's Advent calendar is always popular -- and that's not a surprise. Who doesn't love jam? The Limited Edition 2024 version features 24 different festive flavors, including Apricot with Orange Blossom and Caramel with Coffee, which makes for a sweet Christmas countdown.
Voluspa 12-Day Candle Advent Calendar
Make the Advent season bright -- literally -- with Voluspa's coveted candles from their signature Japonica Collection. Tucked behind the 12 doors of its 2024 Advent calendar are some of the brand's top fragrances, including Santal Vanille, Forbidden Fig and Baltic Amber. Seasonal scents Spiced Pumpkin Latte and White Cypress add a special touch to the holiday season. (We won't spoil the surprise of the other seven fragrances!) Each 2.5-ounce vegan candle is hand-poured and can burn for approximately 25 hours, and the set comes with a wick trimmer, which will help the candles last longer.
Himalayan Dog Chew Best Friend's Dog Advent Calendar
Why should humans have all the fun during the holidays? Treat your pooch to 24 days of cheesy, meaty treats. It's a great way to include your four-legged friend in the holiday excitement, or you can gift it to a fellow dog owner.
Flaviar's Whiskey Advent Calendar
Count down to Christmas with Flaviar's much sought-after whiskey Advent calendar. This year's theme is Hotel Flaviar. The $250 set includes two collectible Glencairn tasting glasses, a tasting booklet and, most importantly, 24 vials of premium whiskey, 50mL each, from award winners to new releases. The gift recipient will also receive a "hotel keycard" -- a free one-year Flaviar Black Membership.
Best candy Advent calendars
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark Advent Calendar
If you haven't tried Williams Sonoma's peppermint bark, let us just warn you that it's highly, highly addictive. Luckily, with this festive Advent calendar, you can savor a sweet treat each day instead of gobbling a whole box down (which has been known to happen). You'll get 24 mini treats in various shapes, like trees, Santas, toy soldiers and snowmen -- all made from the most delectable peppermint bark on the planet.
Sugarfina’s 24 Tastes of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar
For a little daily dose of sugar, this Advent calendar will satisfy your sweet tooth. Each drawer contains a few pieces of delicious candy from the renowned Sugarfina brand, including Peppermint Bark Cookies, Red Apple Gummies, Holiday Hearts and Sparkling Stars.
See's Candies 2024 Advent Calendar
When it comes to chocolate and other sugary confections, See's is a classic. Any chocolate lover will love this Advent calendar, which has 24 pull-out drawers, each featuring a premium See's candy, such as a truffle or Lollypop -- plus, a never-before-seen treat. It comes as no surprise that its Advent calendar is quick to sell out each year.
Dylan's Candy Bar Oh Christmas Tree
New York's Dylan's Candy Bar has a 2024 Advent calendar that's surprisingly budget-friendly. For just $10, you get a daily sweet treat from the iconic candy purveyor, including gummies, candy canes and a Snowman lollypop.
Best food and beverage Advent calendars
Give Them Beer Jerky Advent Calendar
This calendar from Give Them Beer has 12 days’ worth of tasty beef jerky from top brands, including People's Choice, Righteous Felon and Long Beach. Give Them Beer states that it's "a reminder that every day can be a little more savory” -- and we agree.
Personalized Coffee Pod Advent Christmas Tree
This coffee pod Advent calendar will not only satisfy any coffee fiend's daily caffeine fix, but also makes for a nice and unique gift, as the star on top can come engraved. For 40 characters or less, you can personalize the tree and have it say something like "Kim's Christmas Countdown." The tree is handmade from natural birch wood, is about 23" tall and will spruce up (no pun intended) any kitchen or work break room. (And if you want to get it without the coffee pods, it's $45, and then you can fill the tree with your own selections.)
Walker’s 2024 Advent Calendar with Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a fun variation on the typical chocolate Advent calendar -- and this one would pair well with a tea Advent calendar, but is also delicious on its own. It has six varieties of cookies, from stars and hearts to salted caramel squares and Walker's well-known shortbread fingers.
Harry & David Limited Edition 24 Days of Treats Advent Calendar
From chocolate peppermint truffles to vanilla shortbread cookies, this Advent calendar is filled with 24 drawers of delectable treats. Not only does the wooden Advent calendar make a nice keepsake once the holiday season ends, but it also lights up (batteries not included), with Saint Nick and his reindeer flying through a moonlit sky.
Hickory Farms’ 12 Days of Charcuterie Advent Calendar
Calling all charcuterie fans: This Advent calendar is tantalizing for the taste buds. It includes flavorsome products like Sweet & Smoky Turkey Summer Sausage, Jalapeño Cheddar Blend and Strawberry Fig Jam -- as well as some chocolate surprises too.
12 Days of Murray’s Cheese Advent Calendar
Murray’s Cheese Advent Calendar comes with all types of cheese, like Manchego, truffle cheddar and more, with crackers and jams too. It’s perfect for any cheese lovers in your life -- or yourself.
24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar
Start your day off right with a different tea each morning. Palais des Thés' tea Advent calendar includes 24 different gourmet tea bags filled with all sorts of delectable varieties, including black teas, green teas, herbal teas and Rooibos. It's a fantastic gift for the tea lover in your life and can also help take some of the stress out of the holidays.
Best boozy Advent calendars
Wine Advent Calendar
In Good Taste's popular wine Advent calendars sell out quickly each year, and they're back for the 2024 holiday season. This Red, White & Rosé Advent calendar comes with 24 mini bottles, each holding 187mL of premium wine -- including Sauvignon Blanc, a fruity Grenache and a Shiraz -- from wine regions like California, Argentina, Italy -- and more. This calendar makes a festive hostess or office party gift for a wine lover, but we think it's also great to savor solo.
Woodford Reserve 8 Day Cocktail Advent Calendar
Bourbon lovers -- or anyone in your home who enjoys a good cocktail -- will appreciate this 8 Days of Spirit calendar from Kentucky distiller Woodford Reserve. While it doesn't come with bottles of bourbon per se, you'll get a bevy of bitters and mixers to make a satisfying cocktail each evening.
Nipyata Boozy Advent Calendar: 12 Shots of Christmas
If you can't decide what kind of alcohol-based Advent calendar to get someone -- or yourself -- you can get this variety pack, which contains 12 50mL favorites like Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream and Johnie Walker Black. We'll toast to that!
12 Days of IPAs Advent Calendar 2024
If there's an IPA lover in your life, this Advent calendar won't disappoint. Add some cheer to the holidays with this tasty selection from highly rated US craft breweries to help you count down the days to Christmas.
Best beauty Advent calendars
Olive & June 25 Days of Mani Magic
If you want to pamper yourself or a loved one this holiday season, Olive & June is the ultimate at-home mani experience. This year's "25 Days of Mani Magic" features six mini polishes in festive colors -- like Blitzen and Tangled Lights -- as well as mani must-haves, like nail files, a nail art pen and nail art stickers, among manicure accessories. In addition to the 25 Days calendar, Olive & June also sells a Hanukkah calendar ($65).
Lush Advent Calendar
If you or someone you know is into bath bombs and shower gels, this Lush Advent calendar is full of them -- as well as other fun self-care-type items, like Yog Nog Body Lotion, Magic of Christmas Perfume and a calming Hot Toddy Scented Candle. And another perk? You can reuse the artsy box once you open all the Advent surprises inside.
E.L.F. Sleigh the Holidays 24-Day Advent Calendar
Featuring 24 makeup and skincare products -- including makeup tools and new shades of eyeshadows, blush and lip products -- this advent calendar from TikTok-beloved brand E.L.F. will please anyone who's into beauty.
L’Occitane 24-Piece Classic Advent Calendar
If you've ever wanted to try various luxury L'Occitane products, this Advent calendar is perfect for doing so. It features travel-sized samples, like Shea Butter Hand Cream and Verbena Shower Gel. (There is also a Premium Advent Calendar, which includes some full-sized products, for $144.)
Best Advent calendars for kids
Williams Sonoma The Grinch Advent Calendar
In this Advent calendar, the Grinch doesn’t seem to hate Christmas. Each day you’ll find a fun sweet surprise, from milk chocolates to caramels to gummies.
Funko Pop Star Wars Advent Calendar
This Funko Pop Advent calendar is chock-full of Star Wars figures in rare form: all dressed up for the holidays. Believe it or not, Darth Vader is actually wearing red and green instead of his trademark black. Any Star Wars fans will appreciate this calendar, both kids and adults alike.
Super Mario Advent Calendar (Amazon Exclusive)
Super Mario fans will love this Advent calendar, which includes 24 video-game-themed action figures and accessories. You’ll find Santa Mario and Snowman Luigi, among others.
Williams Sonoma Harry Potter Candy Advent Calendar
This Harry Potter Advent calendar is perfect for all the Muggles you know. It’s full of themed treats, like Butterscotch Drops (that’ll remind you of Butterbeer) to Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.
Mattel Barbie Advent Calendar
Barbie is still a fan favorite among kids and adults alike. This Advent calendar is like playing dress-up -- it comes with a Barbie doll and 24 accessories. Each day, a new one is revealed for her to wear, whether it's a jacket, purse, pair of high heels, you name it.
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024
This is fun for all ages -- parents love putting together the Lego creations just as much as their kids. The Advent calendar includes six miniature Star Wars figures -- like holiday versions of Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker -- as well as 18 buildable toys, including favorites like the Millennium Falcon, Yoda's Jedi Starfighter and Darth Vader's Castle.
Elf Advent Calendar
Anyone who loves the movie Elf (and who doesn't?) will be totally enamored with this Advent calendar from Williams Sonoma. It comes with a Mr. Narwhal sugar cookie, cocoa mix, a chocolate penguin and snowman and the kicker: maple syrup.
Build-a-Bear Merry Mission Advent Calendar
This Build-a-Bear Advent calendar is inspired by the "Glisten and the Merry Mission" movie and includes 25 windows to open. Inside, you'll find a total of six mini stuffed animals, as well as 19 various clothing and accessory items to dress them up. And unlike a candy Advent calendar, the fun surprises will last long after Christmas.
Harry Potter Lego Advent Calendar
Harry Potter movies and Legos are fun for all ages, and this Advent calendar is a perfect combination of both. Each year, Lego creates a new buildable Hogwarts adventure. This year's kit includes seven Harry Potter characters -- favorites like Harry himself and Professor Flitwick -- as well as festive accessories, like a Christmas tree with a mini Hogwarts Express Train.
Funko Pop Disney Advent Calendar
Anyone who's a firm believer that Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth will appreciate this Disney Advent calendar from Funko. The collectible brand has created 24 vinyl figurines of all your favorite Disney characters -- but with a holiday twist. It's a lot of fun finding out which character you'll get each day, and you can use them as holiday decorations around your home too.
Play-Doh Advent Calendar
This is a creative DIY Play-Doh kit. Each day, a new mini can of Play-Doh is revealed, along with an accessory, like a star or Christmas tree cutout. It's great for ages three and older.
Best luxury Advent calendars
Swarovski Annual Edition Advent Calendar 2024
This Swarovski Advent calendar defines luxury. Behind each of the 25 doors is a new crystal surprise -- from stars to snowflakes to train carriages -- totaling 5,283 facets.
Williams Sonoma Chuck's Luxury Advent Calendar
If you’re looking for a high-end Advent calendar with a bit of everything, look no further. This 24-day one contains renowned favorites like Bonne Maman preserves, Muraglia Mini Olive Oil and Williams Sonoma’s famous Peppermint Bark. It also contains some non-edible treats, including cookware-inspired ornaments and a votive candle. A single calendar costs $300, though if you want someone else to be able to indulge in it along with you (which we highly recommend), a set of two calendars is $600.
Charlotte Tilbury Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets Advent Calendar
Beauty product aficionados will love this eye-catching Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets full of Charlotte Tilbury products. From Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray to Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil, each product will elevate your giftee’s beauty regimen (or your own if you get it for yourself).
Diptyque 25 Scented Treasures Advent Calendar
This advent calendar from legendary French fragrance house features limited-edition fragrances, candles and body products. Whether it’s a seasonal scent to wear or a candle, each item is sure to enhance your giftee’s life. Plus, the beautiful box it comes in, which was created by contemporary artist Lucy Sparrow, can be used long after the holidays are over.
What is an Advent calendar?
Originally, Advent calendars started out among followers of Christian denominations during Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas. It was a 24-day calendar, leading up to Christmas Day. These days most Advent calendars are secular and some even celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Many calendars still follow the 24-day formula, though some are shorter or longer. Today's Advent calendars come filled with nearly anything you can imagine: chocolate, candy, toys, beauty products, whiskey, wine and so on. There are even Advent calendars for cats and dogs featuring catnip and treats. Each day, a new window or door is opened, revealing the day’s treat inside.
When do you start an Advent calendar?
Many Advent calendars begin on Dec. 1 and have 24 days’ worth of treats, which means they end on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. But there are also plenty of alternatives available, like eight or 12 days, which means you can start them whenever you’d like.Keep in mind that just because Advent calendars start on Dec. 1, that doesn’t mean you should wait to purchase one. Many of the most popular Advent calendars sell out months in advance. So if you have your eye on one (or several), order them sooner rather than later. Most companies will tell you when they’ll be shipped, which will usually be in late October or November.
How much does an Advent calendar cost?
Prices typically range from $10 for simple selections to $300 and up for calendars with luxury items like beauty products or alcohol. When it comes to the cost of an Advent calendar, the sky’s the limit -- really. First, you should decide what kind of Advent calendar you’re looking for, whether you want one with candy or chocolate, beauty products, Legos, alcohol, you name it, and then go from there.
Where can you buy an Advent calendar?
You can buy an Advent calendar nearly everywhere, from online merchants to brick-and-mortar locations like Target, Walmart, World Market, Barnes & Noble, Williams Sonoma and more. However, keep in mind that some Advent calendars are only sold online, especially ones from niche brands. Since many types of Advent calendars are available through Amazon, you might want to consider becoming an Amazon Prime member, if you’re not one already, to ensure fast delivery. Read our tips on how to get a free Prime membership.