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The 40 Best Advent Calendars to Kick Off Your Christmas Countdown

Let the countdowns begin!

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Dasha Burobina for PureWow

When it comes to the holidays, there are two types of people: Those who believe the Christmas season starts on November 1 (bring on the decorations!) and those who prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving to get into the holly jolly spirit. Regardless of which camp you fall into, however, there's one holiday item you won't want to sleep on: the best Advent calendars.

Gone are the days when Advent calendars were just for chocolate (not that we’d complain about receiving one of those classics). Now, you can find an Advent calendar for just about anything. Know a Friends fanatic? (RIP Matthew Perry.) There's an Advent calendar ($27) for that. Does your kid like to craft? You guessed it! There's an Advent cal ($40) for that. Basically, there's one for almost any type of person, from the wine-obsessed (try the In Good Taste cal, $140) to the nail buff (go with Olive & June's Christmas calendar, $65). We looked at countless top-rated Advent calendars of all types to bring you 40 of the best of the best.

If you shop now, you'll have plenty time to scroll the virtual shelves and pick the ones that’ll bring the most holiday joy to you and yours, but if you wait until December, you may not be as lucky. 

Never bought one? All you need to know is that these countdown calendars get you hyped to celebrate, with many starting on December 1 and lasting through Christmas Day (though no judgement if you're too impatient to wait to open each exciting window ahead of schedule).

The Top 10 Best Advent Calendars at a Glance

1

Best Jewelry Advent Calendar

Awe Inspired Season of Awe Advent Calendar

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2

Best Beauty Advent Calendar

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets Advent Calendar

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3

Best for Self Care

Rituals 3D Advent Calendar

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4

Best Ornament Advent Calendar

Swarovski Disney100 Advent Calendar

read more

5

Best Coffee Advent Calendar

Nespresso Vertuo Advent Calendar

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How We Chose the Best Advent Calendars

When looking for the best Advent calendars, we considered options in a wide range of categories to suit as many interests as possible. We also took our personal experience with some of the items into account, as well as customer ratings and price points, including options for everyone from the big spender to the gal on a budget.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

Jewelry

Best Jewelry Advent Calendar

1. Awe Inspired Season of Awe Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • high-quality
  • company gives back
  • ethically sourced

What We Don't Like

  • expensive
  • some lower-value items

Awe Inspired

Awe Inspired is one of Commerce Director Nicole Briese's top three favorite jewelry brands, and its Advent sets are a prime example of why. With a mix of ethically sourced accessories and goddess-affirming products, the quality of the jewelry is unrivaled for the price. With this pick, you'll get a pair of earrings, an affirmation necklace that's worth $260 alone and a charm necklace with room for up to three pendants. It doesn't tarnish (Briese has owned some of the company's pieces for years), it's gorgeous and the company's mission to empower shines through in each and every piece. Better yet, one percent of every purchase goes back to a charity of your choice.

If you have the funds to spare, the brand is also offering a pricier, over-the-top set that includes more jewelry (four necklaces, three pendants, a bracelet and earrings, to be exact), plus a few other goodies to boot.

Fast Facts

  • Value: more than $700
  • Number of items: five
  • What’s included: two necklaces, a pair of earrings, ritual mist and a tarot deck

Best Variation

2. Liberty London 12 Days of Jewelry Advent Calender

What We Like

  • includes 12 different brands
  • mix of classic and trendy pieces

What We Don't Like

  • no silver option

Liberty London

Jewelry is highly personal, and a brand that speaks to one person may not be right for another. That's why we love this Advent cal, which features not one, not two, but 12 different jewelry designers, for a high likelihood that the receiver of this set is going to like something inside. Styles range from the tried-and-true (there are several styles of classic gold hoops and chains) to the edgy (we're loving the included Aligheri hand-shaped token of love necklace, $220). The only bummer is that if your giftee happens to be a silver girlie, they may not be as enthralled with these picks, which are largely comprised on 9- to 24-carat gold or gold-plated options.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $1,450
  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: Astley Clarke hoops, Alighieri necklace, Rachel Jackson necklace, Auree bracelet, Anna & Nina huggie hoops, Liberty bracelet, Otiumberg studs, Shyla hoops, Tbalance bracelet, Maria Black necklace, Dinny Hall studs, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace

Best Personalized Advent Calendar

3. Abbott Lyon Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • five custom options
  • two-year warranty
  • luxury gift wrapping
  • recycled materials

What We Don't Like

  • pricey

Abbott Lyon

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: A personalized gift is a can’t-beat-it way of showing someone you selected something special for them and only them. This jewelry Advent calendar is customizable in several ways: You can select their birthstone for three pieces with stone accents, their initial for a signature pendant and their preference of gold vs silver. Even the box is bespoke, with the name of the recipient in gilded cursive across the front. Each of the 11 items are elegant and understated, and the company claims that the plating process means they won’t tarnish. We also like the sustainable packaging and 60 percent recycled materials. (Psst: Use code TAKE20 to get it at a discount.)

Fast Facts

  • Value: $570
  • Number of items: 11
  • What’s included: four pendants, two bracelets, two rings, two pairs of earrings and a necklace

Best for the Ear Stacker

4. Astrid & Miyu 12-Day Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • recycled materials
  • four exclusive pieces

What We Don't Like

  • several single-hole pieces
  • daintier jewels are ultra-delicate

Astrid & Miyu

While Astrid & Miyu is generally a favorite of the Beckhams, the Advent calendar is for a *specific* shopper. Having vetted 2022's version, our main complaint was the inclusion of so many single-ear items (there are four), which, unless you have individual earring holes or like to mix and match your earrings, were less exciting. (If you're building a stack, however, this will be your jam.) We also found that the daintier pieces had extremely delicate posts, which was disappointing for the price. That said, we love some of the exclusive pieces that can only be found in this set, like the moon charm crystal hoops and the cosmic dome mini hoops, and the fact that you can choose from a rhodium-plated recycled sterling silver or an 18K gold-plated recycled sterling silver.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $850
    Number of items: 12
  • What's included: four pairs of hoops, three pairs of huggies, three studs, a barbell and an ear cuff.

Beauty

Best Beauty Advent Calendar

5. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • high-quality makeup
  • great for testing
  • reusable packaging

What We Don't Like

  • saves on staple products

Charlotte Tilbury

Anyone who believes their makeup routine can't be transformed overnight hasn't heard of Charlotte Tilbury's Advent calendar. Within 12 days, they'll uncover ten miniature products and two full-sized ones to take their beauty game to the next level. You’ll spot some TikTok favorites in this set, from the brand's beloved setting spray to the Beauty Light Wand ($42) that has sold out multiple times. It's a great way to test out a pricier brand to find out which items you like best (we're big fans of the mascara), and if you're buying it for yourself, you'll save $69.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $279
  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: a full-sized lipstick in Glowing Jen, Charlotte's Magic Lip Oil, mini Magic Cream, a mini Magic Serum, a mini blush wand, a mini highlighter wand, a mini collagen lip bath, a mini eyeliner, a mini mascara, a mini lip liner, a mini setting spray and a mini complexion brush

Best for Self Care

6. Rituals 3D Advent Calendar

Rituals

The holidays can get stressful, which is why this 3D Advent calendar is pure genius. Set the 3D display up (like a real Christmas tree, it's got working lights) and for the 24 days ahead of Christmas, you can treat yourself or someone special to a beautifully wrapped bath product, candle, fragrance stick or other calm-inducing indulgences. By the big day, you should be feeling good and zen.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $214
  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: four mini candles three shower gels, a soap bar, a face mask, shower gel, body mist, shimmer oil, a repair balm, a body scrub, shampoo, conditioner, body cream, a scrub glove, a milk bath satchet, a body oil, a hair mask, a body scrub, a travel-sized fragrance and mini fragrance sticks

Best Value

7. Bloomingdale's Beauty Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • elegant packaging
  • string lights included

What We Don't Like

  • some items are worth much more than others

Bloomingdale's

Beauty Advent calendars are the new chocolate Advents: They’re everywhere, and it’s hard to know the quality you’re going to get until you’ve already committed and have started popping those windows open. You won't find many that give you more bang for your buck than this Bloomingdale's option, however. A luxurious mix of makeup (hello, Estée Lauder, YS and Valentino), skincare (LaPrairie and Augustinus Bader, anyone?) fragrance and candles, this 25-day set actually contains 31 items for more than $800 worth of product. And if the killer selection inside wasn’t enough, the box itself is display-worthy, with an iconic print inspired by the flagship store.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $800
  • Number of items: 31
  • What’s included: A La Prairie sleep mask, a Parfums de Marly candle, a YSL mascara, an SK II facial treatment, Prada Infusion d'Ylang Eau de Parfum, a Shiseido concentrate, a Laura Mercier eyeshadow stick, a Laura Mercier setting powder, MAC skin cream, a Sisley Paris skin formula, a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick, a Charlotte Tilbury eye cream, a Hermetica Verticaloud eau de parfum, a Kiehl's facial cleanser, Clé de Peau eye contour, Bumble and Bumble hair serum, a Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 mini candle, an Estée Lauder eye crème, an Estée Lauder face cream, Valentino V primer and highlighter, an Amorepacific eye cream, an Elemis face cream, a RéVive eye mask, a Sulwhasoo face cream, a Sulwhasoo serum, a Penhaligon's The Coveted Duchess rose eau de parfum, a Penhaligon's Constantinople eau de parfum, a Decorté AQ Meliority emulsion, a Decorté AQ Meliority eye cream, Aa ugustinus Bader The Rich Cream and a Le Labo Santal 33 eau de parfum

Most Affordable Beauty Advent Calendar

8. Revolution 25 Days of Glam Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • cruelty free
  • vegan
  • mostly full-sized products

What We Don't Like

  • some of the items are very inexpensive when purchased individually

Revolution

For a more affordable option, there's this beauty calendar from Revolution. Since it's not considered a luxury brand, you'll get more for your money: Most of the 25 items that are included are full-sized. And sure, a few are on the more inexpensive side, but the remainder of the assortment makes up for it. The packaging is fully Barbiecore, too, making for an eye-catching package whether or not you choose to wrap it,

Fast Facts

  • Valued: $145
  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: two lipsticks, two liquid lipsticks, two cream eyeshadows, a powder puff, lip liner, makeup sponge, brow pencil, kohl liner, eyeshadow brush, eye brush, lipliner, gloss glaze, lip oil elixir, a contour powder, a brow gel, a mirror, a brush quad, a highlighter, a brow crayon, a blush, an eyeshadow palette and a mini baking powder

Royal-Approved

9. Bobbi Brown 12 Days of Glow Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • trustred brand
  • three full-sized products
  • cool packaging

What We Don't Like

  • no eyeliner or mascara

Bobbi Brown

From the brand Kate Middleton trusted on her wedding day (it's Bobbi Brown, ICYMI), comes this ornament-shaped Advent calendar complete with everything you'll need for a holiday glow. It's got three full-sized products (a good amount for a 12-product calendar) and even includes some of the products Middleton used before she walked down the aisle, like the miniature Shimmer Brick (the princess used Pink Quartz) and a lip color (Middleton's was Sandwash Pink). Throw in the fact that it's all packaged in one of the cooler displays on our list, and we're officially sold.

Fast Facts

  • Valued: $290
  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: a lip tint, mascara, a shadow stick, a mini foundation brush, a travel-sized face base, highlighting powder and blush and a deluxe-sized cleansing oil, two deluxe shadow sticks, a deluxe lip color and a deluxe makeup remover

Best for Nail Buffs

10. Olive & June Christmas Calendar

What We Like

  • full manicure essentials
  • reusable items
  • high-quality brand

What We Don't Like

  • too many decals for the price

Olive & June

Our favorite nail care brand delights us with its Advent calendar year after year, and we’re thrilled that it’s back for 2023. Yes, we're talking about Olive & June, and for 25 days after its arrival (and beyond), your nails will look poppin'. This is all thanks to the six cheerful polishes, hand and nail treatments (think cuticle serums, nail strengthener, the works) and more items you'll uncover daily. We've gotta warn you, though: You will be tempted to open them all from the jump.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $127
  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: six mini polishes in long-lasting and quick-dry finishes, two mini top coats in glossy and quick-dry finishes, mini dry drops, a mini nail strengthener, a mini cuticle serum, a mini hand treatment, a mini remover pot, a polish bottle handler, mini nail files, a mini buffer, nail art stickers, gold ribbon French press-on nails, a nail art pen and a satin scrunchie
Best advent calendars: A beauty calendar from Saks

Best Luxury Advent Calendar

11. Saks 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • luxury brands
  • Saks exclusive

What We Don't Like

  • no full-sized items

Saks Fifth Avenue

Leave it to Saks to put out an Advent calendar so luxurious, it houses Gucci, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Augustinus Bader all in one box. The total value of the items found within are worth more than double the price, and the brands are all top-notch. While we do wish there were a few full-size items in the bunch, the miniatures found in each day's boxes should still plenty big enough to put a smile on your recipient's face.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $560
  • Number of items: 25
  • What's included: a Guerlain watery oil, Clé de Peu eye contour cream, a Cellcosmet gel, Sisley Paris volumizing spray, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum, a RéVIVE masque, 111SKIN retinol, an Olaplex mask, a Charlotte Tilbury mascara, a Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, Aesop hand wash, Philip B. shampoo, Balmain salt spray, Christian Louboutin eau de parfum, Christian Louboutin mascara, Kjar Weiss blush, Parfums de Marly shower gel, Molton Brown shower gel, Gucci Flora mini perfume, Maison Francis Kurkdjian mini candle, Peter Thomas Roth eye tightener, Peter Thomas Roth body cream, Nest votive candle, Kevyn Aucoin mascara, Diptyqu mini candle, Orveda The Vital Sap

Home

Best Ornament Advent Calendar

12. Swarovski Disney100 Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • fully exclusive
  • can be used to decorate a tree
  • special-edition

What We Don't Like

  • expensive

Swarovski

We know, we know: This one’s a real splurge. But for a Disney lover, there’s no better Advent calendar around. Not only does this extravagant set commemorate the brand's 100th anniversary, it'll give you the sparkliest Christmas tree on the block with the 22 colorful and exclusive Swarovski crystal Disney ornaments that are packed inside. (You'll also get two necklaces (!) and a set of stickers.) Basically, it’s a once in a lifetime purchase for fans of the house of mouse—and holiday elegance.

Fast Facts

  • Number of Items: 25
  • What’s Included: 22 ornaments, two necklaces and stickers

Best Wood Advent Calendar

13. Magnolia Wood Alpine Calendar

What We Like

  • allows for creativity
  • reusable
  • real wood

What We Don't Like

  • requires prep

Magnolia

This Advent calendar arrives completely empty, so you can put whatever treats you want your family to find inside. Reviewers say the square boxes are just the right size for candy, though you can get as creative as you'd like. It's also made of a real, sturdy wood, so you can use it year after year. Wrote one happy buyer: "This is, by far, the cutest Advent calendar I've ever seen and I know a lot about Advent calendars, since I'm from Europe. It has a small footprint and oh so much charming detail. If you like the farmhouse style and don't like clutter, this is the advent calendar for you."

Fast Facts

  • Value: TBD
  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: wood calendar only

Best Candle Advent Calendar

14. Voluspa Japonica Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • 15-hour burn time per candle
  • wick trimmer included
  • pretty candle jars

What We Don't Like

  • candles aren't full size

Voluspa

There's no better way to unwind at the end of a long day than with a warm, delightful-smelling candle, and this Advent calendar has 12 of them from Voluspa. Each of the signature scents comes in a beautiful glass jar you'll want to reuse. There's even a gold-tone wick trimmer, so you can keep your them burning evenly throughout the season. While the candles aren't full-size, the company claims each one burns for 15 hours at a time, so they should last a good long while, too.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 13
  • What’s included: 12 votive candles and a wick trimmer

Food and Drink

Best Coffee Advent Calendar

15. Nespresso Vertuo Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • both seasonal and standard coffees included
  • recyclable pods

What We Don't Like

  • doesn't specify types of coffee
  • Nespresso machine needed

Nespresso

Know a die-hard Nespresso stan? This calendar will be a slam dunk. It's got 24 pods for their Vertuo coffee maker in both regular and seasonal flavors for a festive boost of caffeine that will get each day off to an energized start. They can sip their flavorful brew in the included limited-edition mug, and the pods themselves are recyclable. While these won't work with a Keurig, we highly encourage making the Nespresso switch—once you get used to that sweet, sweet coffee crema this machine produces, you'll never go back.

Fast Facts

  • Number of Items: 25
  • What’s Included: 24 Vertuo coffees, limited-edition mug

Best Wine Advent Calendar

16. In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • sustainably made
  • varietals from different countries

What We Don't Like

  • no full-sized options

In Good Taste

If this holiday season has you staying local instead of traveling the world, this Advent calendar will let you experience flavors inspired by cultures around the globe from your cozy couch. Its white, red and rosé varietals come from countries all over (we're talking everywhere from France and Spain to Portugal and California), giving you a culinary trip within each bottle. (Actually, make that each quarter of a bottle, since that's how much is inside each one.) If you're extra nice, you can share a glass or two with your favorite wine-drinking pal, or pick them up an extra one of their own.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: red, white and rosé wines

Best Chocolate Advent Calendar

17. Godiva Snowglobe Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • budget-friendly
  • good variety
  • larger pieces

What We Don't Like

  • several reviewers noted missing chocolates

Godiva Chocolatier

When in doubt, you can always rely on Godiva. With a mix of milk, dark and white chocolate decorated with caramel, ganache and praliné inside, this calendar caters to just about every type of sweet tooth there is. You'll also get the chance to have a second of your favorite, since there are 12 types of chocolates and 24 windows, meaning there are doubles of each. Some 2022 reviews noted missing chocolates in some of the windows, but it’s a new year and a new box, and we think Godiva’s worth the gamble.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: milk chocolate praliné heart, milk chocolate lion of Belgium, milk chocolate praliné crescent, milk chocolate caramel embrace, milk chocolate ganache bliss, dark chocolate caramel embrace, dark chocolate ganache heart, white chocolate praliné heart, twilight swirl, midnight swirl, mint medallio, almond marquise

Best Packaging

18. Onyx Coffee Lab Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • exclusive flavors
  • wide variety
  • large amount of coffee for price

What We Don't Like

  • need a grinder

For the coffee purist who swear by whole beans comes this gorgeously packaged Onyx Coffee Lab pick. Designed like a rolodex, it makes for a super cool display and each of its 24 slots contains a bag of coffee from a different origin, producer and terroir. They will need a grinder ($60) to enjoy each bag, since they're all of the whole bean variety, but the flavor will be unrivaled, according to most coffee connoisseurs. Buyers say you also get a good amount of java per day.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: 24 bags of whole bean coffee

Best Beer Advent Calendar

19. Give Them Beer Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • variety of beer styles

What We Don't Like

  • cost is higher than individual products

Give Them Beer

This one's all in the name. Whether your giftee loves stouts, IPAs or pale ales or they're an equal opportunity beer drinker who loves to try new things, this calendar, which features 12 craft brews from around the country, will be right up their alley. The cost is higher than your average six-packs and the exact beer offerings are a mystery, but we like to think the anticipation makes it all worthwhile.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: 12 beer varieties, including IPAs, stouts and ales

Best Advent Calendar Set

20. Waterdrop Advent Calendar Set

What We Like

  • reusable
  • encourages water drinking
  • limited-edition flavors

What We Don't Like

  • pricey

Waterdrop

From the extra drink or two (or three…) to the salty snacks, the holidays can be a time of...dehydration. This Advent calendar set will keep their H20 intake flowing all month long, since it's full of drops that will make their agua more flavorful. Between the included large Advent calendar, which retails for $190 on its own, and the small calendar, they'll have 35 windows to open ahead of Advent. The bigger version is stuffed with both signature miniature water enhancers from the brand and high-end reusable accessories, like a limited-edition water bottle, to keep the hydration going long after the last cube is sipped, and the mini version focuses on drink enhancers that you can either keep or give to a pal who needs a boost.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $326
  • Number of items: 35
  • What’s included:
    • Small: 17 microdrinks, two microenergies and six microlyte packets
    • Large: 66 microdrinks, three microenergy packets, six microlyte packets, a scented candle, a refillable pen with an extra cartridge, a cleaning brush, a bottle carrying strap, reusable ice cubes, a bottle sleeve, a steel cup, a sip lid, a carrying kit, a carrying bag, a loop lid, cleaning beads, a bottle dryer, a thermo bottle and a life planner

Best Food Advent Calendar

21. Harry & David Best of Harry & David Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • variety of salty and sweet treats

What We Don't Like

  • some items are perishable when opened

Harry & David

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory to munch on, this Advent calendar will have what you’re craving.  Full of flavored popcorn, holiday cookies and yes, even a summer sausage, it's essentially a snackers’ dream. While it's on the pricier side for a food calendar, it’s bursting with seasonal treats, and reviewers say they’re “large portions” that are big "enough to share with the family,” so we think it’s worth the price. 

Fast Facts

  • Number of Items: 24
  • What’s Included: a Royal Riviera Pear, three packs of Moose Munch popcorn (milk chocolate holiday, milk chocolate and dark chocolate), Elevation Artisan Meats smoked pork summer sausage, pepper and onion relish, two packs of trail mix (signature and mesa verde), mixed nuts, Paradise dried fruit mix, yogurt-covered pretzels, cinnamon swirl, baklava, four dark chocolate-covered peppermint cookies, six blackberry galettes, six gingerbread sandwich cookies, six raspberry tree shortbread cookies, chocolate-covered holiday pretzel twists, milk chocolate mini mints, milk chocolate-covered cherries, milk chocolate peppermint truffles, milk chocolate truffles, dark chocolate peppermint bark and milk chocolate-covered almonds

Best Whiskey Advent Calendar

22. Flaviar The Lost Art of Distillation Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • award-winning varietals included
  • one-year membership included

What We Don't Like

  • small samples

Flaviar's

If they like to end their day with a Netflix show and a glass of whiskey in hand, then this box will be right up their alley. Not only will it supply them with 24 top-shelf samples of the stuff from eight different countries, Flaviar will keep the party going for a full year afterwards with a free one-year black membership ($40), which allows for early access to tasting boxes, discounts of up to 40 percent and free shipping on select items. The calendar itself also contains a sipping glass, a leather coaster and a tasting journal to allow for a true connoisseur's experience.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 28
  • What’s included: 24 whiskey samples, Glencairn glass, leather coaster, tasting journal, one year Flaviar black membership

Best Hot Cocoa Advent Calendar

23. Williams-Sonoma 12 Days of Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • Dutch-processed
  • good variety

What We Don't Like

  • only one serving per packet

Williams-Sonoma

There's nothing like curling up by the fire with a rich cup of hot cocoa, and this Advent calendar from Williams-Sonoma means you'll get 12 different flavors to try—all with marshmallows, of course. Each packet is Dutch-processed, which means the cocoa beans have been washed with a solution that makes them less acidic and gives them a smoother yet slightly more mild flavor according to Taste of Home. Expect seasonal delights, like salted caramel and peppermint, along with your classic milk and dark chocolate. Want to enjoy one for the whole month of December? Buy the two-pack for $100!

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: two packets of dark chocolate cocoa, two packets of doucle chocolate cocoa, two packets of hazelnut cocoa, two packets of creamy vanilla cocoa, two packets of peppermint cocoa and two packets of salted caramel cocoa

Best Sample Sizing

24. Vintage Wine Estates Wine Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • larger bottles
  • can select red or mixed assortment

What We Don't Like

  • white assortment sold out
  • no expedited shipping

Vintage Wine Estates

If you're the type who likes to do things to excess, allow us to introduce you to the Vintage Wine Estates Advent calendar. Unlike most Advent clanedars, which give you teeny tiny samples of wine, this baby features 12 half-sized bottles to enjoy alone or with a friend. You’re able to choose red or a mix of reds and whites (the all-white assortment has already sold out), and each one features included tasting notes to guide you through your sampling. This package ships ground only, however, so it’s good to get a head start on ordering if you’re looking to sample these during the holidays—particularly since this one is going fast.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: 12 12.68-ounce bottles of wine

Best Tea Advent Calendar

25. Sips By Holiday Tea Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • available in 12 or 24 day sizes
  • multiple servings per day
  • reusable

What We Don't Like

  • needs sizeable wall space for hanging

Sips By

We came for the tea and but are staying for the adorable, reusable calendar. Each day contains enough loose-leaf tea to brew a full pot (perfect for sharing with holiday guests) and the reusable calendar can be folded up for storage to celebrate seasons to come. It can also be cleverly transformed into a clutch to take your stash on house calls. As an added bonus, there's an adorable Christmas tree tea infuser ($12) that you can use year-round to keep the spirit alive.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 14 to 26
  • What’s included: 12 to 24 loose-leaf tea blends, reusable Advent calendar, tea infuser

Best Candy Advent Calendar

26. Sugarfina Santa's Candy Shop Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • each day is a different candy
  • ships immediately

What We Don't Like

  • only a sampling amount of the candy in each packet
  • not suitable for those with nut allergies

Sugarfina

For those with a hankering for something other than chocolate, there's this this candy-filled Advent calendar from Sugarfina. The Santa's workshop design leaves room for 25 of the brand's unique candies—think chocolate-covered cookie dough bites, snowman gummies, sprinkle donut cookies and more. Once you've emptied each cube, you can add it to Santa's workshop display, allowing for a fun element of decor, too. Note that nuts may be included in some of the items, so it's one to avoid if you or a giftee has an allergy.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: 14 gummy shapes, sprinkle donut and birthday cake cookies, chocolate covered-cookie dough bites, candy cane caramels, island pineapples, cookies and cream chocolate bites, raspberry Eiffel Towers, ice cream cones, rainbow bears, peach hearts, milk chocolate donuts

Best Cocktail Advent Calendar

27. Bartesian 2023 Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • can be used to make cocktails or mocktails
  • six new drinks included

What We Don't Like

  • all cocktails are on the sweet side
  • meant to be used with a Keurig machine

Bartesian

Whether you tend to indulge around the holidays or prefer to partake in mocktails, these mixers will provide the base for 12 drinkable delights. They're meant to be used with the brand's cocktail maker, but they come alcohol-free, so you can reach for the seltzer instead if your liver needs a break. We also like that six brand new flavors are included, so even those who regularly order these pods will find something new. They do all err on the sweeter side, but for those who love a sugary cocktail without the headache in the morning, this set will scratch the itch.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: Clausmopolitan, Gingerbread Cookie Martini, Holiday Spiced Old Fashioned, Mistletoe Margarita, Mrs. Claus's Nightcap, Peary Christmas, Peppermint Patty Martini, Santa's Punch, Sugar Plum Fairy, Sweater Weather, The Grinch Appletini and Yuletide Hurricane

Toys

Best Doll Advent Calendar

28. American Girl Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • accessories aren’t doll-specific
  • no fashion or beauty accessories

What We Don't Like

  • items can get repetitive

American Girl

Whether you’re buying this for a Kirsten or a Samantha, American Girl doll lovers are sure to adore this set of adorable doll-sized houseware and cooking accessories. Focused around holiday baking, it's got all the cookie cutters, rolling pins, baking sheets and more that their miniature bestie will need to make pretend holiday cookies while you have some real ones baking in the oven for Santa.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: star, gingerbread cookie and ornament cookie cutters, a piping bag, a striped rolling pin, a pair of containers, several candy canes, a lollipop, a nutcracker, two cups of cocoa, a cup of punch, a glass of milk, a teacup, a plate, a tray and a glittery snow globe

Top-Rated Toy Advent Calendar

29. Lego City Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • calendar turns into a playmat
  • no batteries required

What We Don't Like

  • some pieces are very small

Lego

For kids who love to create Lego worlds year-round, this holiday adaptation of the crowd-pleasing toy will keep their excitement at a high all month long. With seasonal twists on recognizable characters, like carolers, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their adorable pets, their new Lego set is full of new friends. The back of the calendar even folds out to create a play mat. Overall, it has close to a 5-star review from parents, who say it's worth it just for the extra builds. "I bought the set just for more winter-themed mini figures. A lot more enjoyable than I expected, the builds were quick and easy but fun," one fan wrote, adding, "Some cute detailed pieces. Recommend for any Lego fan."

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: calendar play mat, a Santa, a Mrs. Claus, a carol singer, an ice hockey player, an ice sculptor, a snowman, a a reindeer, a puppy, a kitten and 15 more figures

Best Interactive Advent Calendar

30. Disney100 Storybook Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • encourages family time
  • reusable
  • beloved characters

What We Don't Like

  • packaging may damage books

Disney

Storytime will be more exciting than ever thanks to this 24-book Advent calendar celebrating 100 years of Disney. You'll get 24 paperback books appropriate for kids as young as 3 in a mix of classics and special Christmas-themed stories. Characters range from Dumbo to Wall-E, so both Disney and Pixar fans will be satisfied, and it helps to create special moments between parents and kids throughout the month. Each book is 24 pages long, and the paper is mostly recycled.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: 24 miniature paperback books

Best Puzzle Advent Calendar

31. Andy Warhol 12 Days of Puzzles Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • made from mostly recycled materials
  • iconic puzzle prints

What We Don't Like

  • all puzzles are the same size and difficulty

Galison

If you’re a puzzle junkie, an art lover or both, this Advent calendar will keep you entertained through many a long winters’ night. It comees with 12 full 80-piece puzzles printed with Andy Warhol’s whimsical holiday prints plus an image of each if you need a little help finding the right centerpiece. We also love that the puzzles are printed on primarily recycled materials, so you can feel good about the impact (or lack thereof) on the environment while you have fun bringing these Christmas pictures to life.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: 12 puzzles, 12 puzzle inserts

Best for Kids

32. Kids Crafts Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • interactive
  • teaches kids crafting skills
  • no sewing or glue
  • fun extras

What We Don't Like

  • no traditional calendar

Kids Crafts

Our favorite Advent calendar for kids not only gives them something to look forward to each day, it helps to give them skillsets that will go far beyond Christmas. That's because it's packed with everything they'll need to make 25 felt Christmas ornaments to decorate the tree (no glue or sewing required), teaching them crafting skills while also keeping them entertained. Better yet, the lid of the box features a word find and a word scramble for some extra fun. If you're looking for more of a traditional calendar setup, however, this may not be for you.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 25
  • What's included: self-adhesive felt stickers and picture instructions

Other

Best Pet Advent Calendar

33. Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend's Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • high protein
  • good for dental and breath care
  • good value for money

What We Don't Like

  • packaging can be difficult to open
  • treats may need to be split up for smaller canines

Himalayan Pet Supply

Yes, dog Advent calendars are a thing, and you and your furry friend can spend 24 days opening each numbered door together, revealing all-natural, gluten- and lactose-free cheese, bacon, chicken and peanut butter-flavored treats. The brand claims they'll even improve your pup's dental health. Dogs certainly seem to love them, with one pup parent writing, "There are tons of different types of treats in here, so it was great to use to figure out what kind of treats my dog likes. They're kind of big, so I had to cut them up into smaller pieces for my dog (3 pounds), but he really liked them!"

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: peanut butter ubits, salmon cubits, bacon cubits, mix, cheesy bear peanut butter, cheesey bear bacon, chicken bites, yaky charms, bacon bits cookies, chicken pot pie cookies, carrot cake cookies, peanut butter cookies, barkeetos peanut butter, barkeetos cheese, barkeetos bacon, barkettos cheese, happy teeth bacon, happy teeth peanut butter, happy teeth cheese, happy teeth cheese-char, yaky puff cheese,yaky puff peanut butter, yaky puff bacon, yakypuff chicken

Best Adult Advent Calendar

34. Lovehoney Rose Sex Toy Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • includes items for solo and partner use

What We Don't Like

  • balm is menthol infused so may not be best for sensitive skin

Lovehoney

If you're looking to give joy in the bedroom, this calendar includes an internet sensation rose vibrator that's famed for its otherworldly stimulation, as well as 11 other toys and treats that’ll knock you (and your significant other's) socks off. The rose alone is worth $50, so you'll be getting plenty of bang for your buck, and the bullet vibrator works interchangeably with the G-spot dildo and the beads for an extra powerful punch.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $240
  • Number of items: 12
  • What’s included: rose suction stimulator, bullet vibrator, metal plug, G-spot dildo, satin blindfold, kegel balls, G-spot vibrator, two die, jingle bell clamps, silicone beads, orgasm balm

Best Themed Advent Calendar

35. Insight Editions Friends The Official Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • each item references a fan- favorite episode
  • more than 40 trinkets inside

What We Don't Like

  • items are inexpensive

Insight Editions

We may have just lost one of our favorite Friends, but the show lives on to provide joy and laughter throughout the Christmas season and beyond. If you know someone who has it on repeat, this Advent calendar will give them additional smiles with each window opened. While the items are on the inexpensive side (think tiny ornaments reading "You're the Joey to my Chandler"), consisting largely of paper goods and small trinkets, its low cost means you can feel good about buying one for you and each and every one of your own friends.

Fast Facts

  • Number of Items: 25
  • What’s Included: pictures, quotes and trinkets

Best Paper Advent Calendar

36. FreshCut Paper Woodland Wonderland Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • interactive
  • paper is 100 percent recyclable
  • one tree planted for each calendar sold

What We Don't Like

  • additional cost for customized card
  • can be tricky to make it fully pop open right

FreshCut Paper

If you want to engage your children in the holiday countdown with something a little less...chocolatey, this beautifully designed paper winter wonderland calendar will get them excited about each day’s surprise. Each square reveals a different woodland creature sticker that they can place anywhere inside the foldable winter scene their little hands desire. It's perfect for displaying on a mantlepiece or countertop, and the set also comes with a blank holiday card. (If you plan on gifting this sweet scene, you can add a customized message for an additional charge.)

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: forest landscape scene, 24 peel-and-place figures, matching note card and mailing envelope

Best Reusable Advent Calendar

37. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Light-Up Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • reusable
  • can be filled with anything you want

What We Don't Like

  • no included gifts
  • not real wood

Pottery Barn

If you’re looking for a fully customizable Advent calendar you can reuse year after year, you can’t get more festive than this nostalgic option. Inspired by Clark Griswold's love of holiday lights in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, it's durably constructed and lit with LED lights that make each window glow and backlight the tiny treats you choose to place within. You'll have to find and place the gifts in the windows yourself, but we see this as an opportunity to make it entirely your own. It also means this calendar will be reusable year after year.

Fast Facts

  • Value: TBD
  • Number of items: one
  • What’s included: calendar only

Best for the Mystic

38. Smudge 10 Days of Magical Self-Care

What We Like

  • guided rituals included with each item
  • pretty

What We Don't Like

  • shorter calendar

Williams Sonoma

We get it: Between stacked social calendars and family obligations, you may need a moment to recharge. Why not take ten with this mystical calendar that's designed to reset your energy and intentions? Collectively, its beautiful Brazilian-sourced crystals are meant to energize and balance, provide strength and motivation and fight stress. They're pretty enough to display as well, so you’ll be getting some chic decor and healing all in one.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: ten
  • What’s included: "let it go" crystal trio, clear quartz point, pyrite cluster, "chill out" crystal trio, happy spritz essential oil towelettes, rose quartz sphere, power crystal mix, goldmine adaptogen powder, selenite stick, "charmed life" crystal trio and labradorite palm stone

Best Hanukkah Advent Calendar

39. Sips By 8 Nights of Tea Hanukkah Calendar

What We Like

  • certified-kosher teas
  • mix of caffeine and caffeine-free options

What We Don't Like

  • not suitable for those with nut allergies

Sips By

If your family is more Hanukkah bush than Christmas tree, you can still get in on the Advent fun with this interactive DIY Hanukkah calendar. Comprised of a cute pom pom rope with attached Hanukkah illustrations in shades of cream and soft blue, it's stuffed with eight certified-kosher teas for a cup a night while you light the candles of the menorah. They can all be brewed in the included silver heart infuser, too.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: nine
  • What’s included: eight certified-kosher tea blends, an infuser, DIY calendar kit

Most Unique

40. Happy Socks Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • fun prints
  • reinforced heels and toes
  • sustainability mission

What We Don't Like

  • only crew lengths included

Happy Socks

We all know someone who loves to show off their socks of the day with fun novelty prints. Now, they won’t have to wait for laundry day to pull out their favorite ones. This Advent calendar comes with 24 adorable and high-quality pairs, each one with a reinforced heel and toe. The company is seriously committed to sustainability efforts, so your purchase will be a kinder one to the environment, and there are even more prints to choose from here.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: 24 pairs of novelty socks

What Is an Advent Calendar?

Advent calendars have roots that date back to the 19th century. According to a deep dive by NPR, the first printed Advent calendar was produced in Germany in the 1900s, with chocolate finding its way behind those distinctive doors in the 1950s. Since then, the versions have become endless, with as many options as there are categories of shoppable goodies.

What Are the Best Advent Calendars for 2023? 

The best Advent calendars for 2023 will vary by your recipient's interests, but for the most part, they should hit the marks of variety and value. You should look for calendars that are reputed to be worth more than the sticker price (check out the value bullet on our list versus the cost) and include a worthwhile surprise each day.

How Much Does an Advent Calendar Cost?

The price of an Advent calendar depends on the products it houses and can vary widely—the ones we've chosen range from $20 to $1,300. Prices generally start around $30 for a basic chocolate version you can buy at your local drugstore, but can range much higher when talking about luxury beauty or jewelry. The good news is that there’s an Advent calendar here at almost every price point, so you won’t need to miss out if the pricier ones are out of your budget.

How Long Is Advent? 

Per NPR, “The four-week period begins on the Sunday closest to the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle (Nov. 30) and lasts for the next three Sundays.” Advent calendars, however, generally start on December 1 and run through Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for consistency from year to year. Not all calendars cover the entire 25 days though, so look at the number of items on our list to decide what best suits your needs.


Anna headshot

Freelance Writer

Anna Vognsen received her B.A. in English Literature from Trinity College. She has been writing commerce content for PureWow since 2023 and is forever and always a deal hunter...

Destinee Scott

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

Destinee Scott is PureWow’s Associate Sales and Deals Editor. She’s been chasing sales and deals for a decade and knows a good one when she sees one for fashion, home, beauty...

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