Though we’ve not yet passed Halloween or Thanksgiving, we’re already bookmarking the best Advent calendars to come. These gift-filled presentations are one of the greatest features of the holiday season. Each box is filled with windows that count down the 24 days before Christmas (or, in some cases, the 12 days). Every day, you open one little door to reveal a surprise. These special packages extend the magic of the holiday season, make for some of the best gifts, and are such a fun annual tradition to share with your loved ones (and yourself).
Traditionally, chocolate advent calendars reigned supreme. Today, however, the market has expanded to include pretty much every delight and passion you can imagine. There are still the ever-popular sweet boxes stuffed with cookies and candies—but there are also luxe days-of-beauty Advent calendars that give you a taste of bestselling skin care; themed toy and craft Advent calendar for kids and teens; and for adults, wine and even sex-toy calendars. Seriously.
December is still a ways away, but here’s the thing about Advent calendars; they’re often limited-edition gift sets that run out quickly and, if you’re a procrastinator, you’ll look up, and it’s November 30, and you’ve missed the window (or windows, really) to take part in one of most joyous activities of the holiday season. To avoid this, we’ve rounded up some of the best Advent calendars from retailers like Amazon and Williams Sonoma that you can go ahead and stock up on now. Check this guide throughout the fall, as we’ll keep updating it when the most popular sets are finally for sale.
Best Beauty Advent Calendars
Every year, we eagerly await the beauty Advent calendar drops. These boxes give you tastes of some of the most desirable and luxury cosmetic and skin care products. Brands like Kiehl’s, Augustinus Bader, Sephora, Ulta, and L’Occitane offer minis and full-size bottles of their cult-favorite lotions, creams, serums, and make-up. Right now, Wet’n’Wild (one of our favorite drugstore beauty brands) is selling its 12-day calendar full of shimmery, sparkly goodies and staples—grippy primer, mascara, brow gel, blush, and eye shadow. Last year, Charlotte Tilbury’s calendar was a huge hit with a collection of full-size producs like its Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara and Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. It’s available now in this gorgeous heart-shaped tower which definitely deserves a forever home on your dresser.
Best Advent Calendars for Adults
Advent calendars are certainly not reserved for kids anymore (though, we’ve got some great options for them below). Plenty of retailers develop more grown-up offerings, many of which focus on self-care, wellness, home décor, food, and entertainment. On our wish lists right now: 12 days of delicious-smelling Voluspa candles, a wine Advent calendar, and a delicious nod to one of the best holiday movies in recent history (cough, Elf), which is full of Mr. Narwhal sugar cookies, dark chocolate hot cocoa, and maple syrup. Real fans know.
Best Advent Calendars for Teens
Tough-to-please teens may give you a glimpse of child-like glee when they arrive for breakfast on December 1 and one of these calendars is waiting for them. After all, a love for Disney and Marvel transcends decades, and this W7 teen gift provides them with a range of simple beauty products to play around with (perfect if they’re beginners to makeup).
Best Advent Calendars for Kids
If you remember that fluttery feeling in your stomach every time you unboxed an Advent calendar as a kid, then you’ll definitely want to impart such pure bliss to the little ones in your life. This Barbie Advent calendar for kids was a hit last year (as was Lego’s), and we’re sure this will continue into 2024. Fuel their love for science and nature with this cool National Geographic DIY STEM gift box, which is full of gemstones and exciting science-experiment kits. Just say it’s all from Santa.
Best Chocolate Advent Calendars
Trying to find a great gift for a family member? Hear us out: Chocolate Advent calendars. They’re gratifying and won’t take up any space once all the treats have disappeared into your loved one’s stomach—if they can restrain themselves from stuffing every single day’s candy into their mouth. You can already preorder some of the show-stopping calendars from artisan patisseries and French chocolatiers like Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Right now, you’ll also find a festive calendar with over a pound of See’s fine chocolates inside that’s ripe for shopping.
Best Advent Calendars for Men
What do you gift men who claim they already have everything they need—but will still pout if they don’t get a present? Try an upscale Advent calendar that would feel right at home in James Bond’s abode. Cigars and cocktails, anyone?
Best Food Advent Calendars
Whatever flavor gets you in the holiday mood—gummies, gingerbread, fresh fruit, jams, truffles, tea, hot sauce, milk chocolate, cheese, olive oil, or some wacky combination of the above—the best food Advent 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 to everyone on your list, no wrapping needed.) Here’s what’s making our stomach grumble right now: a calendar full of savory jerky and another with drawers of sugary delight.
Best Jewelry Advent Calendars
Our favorite jewelry brands make special gift boxes for December—and they’re some of the first to fly off the shelf (and out of stock). You’ll find 12- and 24-day Advent calendars that contain simple buildable charm bracelets for kids (see below), but also giant, gilded displays that hide diamond studs, personalized pendants, and real gemstone necklaces from brands like Abbott Lyon, Liberty, Astrid & Miyu, and Fortnum & Mason.
Best Sex Toy Advent Calendars
Though sex toy Advent calendars are technically also for adults, we figured they deserved their own category, since there’s such a range. These gift boxes add some sexy surprise to your winter. We’re partial to this whopper from Lovehoney. It’s brimming with some of the best vibrators we’ve written about (like the Womanizer Liberty 2 suction toy and We-Vibe Sync Lite long-distance vibrator), dildos, cock rings, BDSM gear, and accessories like paddles, blindfolds, massage candles, and lube. There’s something for everyone.