Christmas will be here before you know it—and nothing brings on the holiday spirit quite like snagging one of the best advent calendars ahead of time. There’s a treat-filled countdown for every type of reveler, from those who enjoy gourmet chocolates to ones who love pampering themselves with luxe beauty products. There are also 12-day calendars for more impatient celebrants (like this set of a dozen Voluspa candles) and family-friendly options that pack games, puzzles and DIY activities.
It’s worth considering some more unique countdown boxes as well, which are filled with everything from jam spreads and whiskey to stationery and socks. Because there’s a lot to sort through—and the best advent calendars sell out quick—I’ve done the research for you and rounded up 59 of the best options to gift your loved ones (or buy for yourself) this year.
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Best Advent Calendars At A Glance
- Best Advent Calendar Overall: Sugarfina 24 Tastes Of Christmas Candy
- Best Value Advent Calendar: Bonne Maman Mini Spreads Advent Calendar
- Best Cookie Advent Calendar: Harry & David Advent Cookie Calendar
- Best Chocolate Advent Calendar: Vosges Haut-Chocolat Calendar
- Best Coffee Advent Calendar: Keurig Advent Calendar Variety Pack
- Best Puzzle Advent Calendar: Mudpuppy Ho Ho Howl! Countdown Set
- Best Beauty Advent Calendar: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beauty Treasure Chest Of Love Beauty Advent Calendar
- Best Skincare Advent Calendar: La Mer Wonder Express Advent Calendar
- Best Personalized Advent Calendar: Twelve Days Of Leatherology Advent Calendar
- Best Jewelry Advent Calendar: Astrid & Miyu 12 Day Advent Calendar
- Best Luxury Advent Calendar: Swarovski Annual Edition Advent Calendar
- Best Unique Advent Calendar: Papier 24 Doors Of Desk Delights
- Best Advent Calendar For Kids: Elf On The Shelf Shelf Sweet Spinners Advent Calendar
- Best Pop Culture Advent Calendar: Williams Sonoma The Grinch Advent Calendar
- (SPONSORED) You May Also Like: Total Wine 24-Day Wine Advent Calendar
Best Advent Calendars Overall
Varied Sugary Treats In A Classic Gingerbread House
Sugarfina 24 Tastes Of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar
Sugarfina’s candies always make great gifts, and this year’s advent calendar is right on the money. Resembling a gingerbread house, the 24-day countdown has four pieces of candy in each one of its drawers. They’ll find everything from delicious peppermint bark cookies and red apple caramels to cute gummies shaped like snowmen and Christmas trees.
A Variety Of Sweet And Savory Holiday Snacks
Harry & David Best Of Harry & David Advent Calendar
Harry & David always delivers on the variety front, and this year’s “Best Of” advent calendar (our favorite food advent calendar overall) is no different. Behind its doors, the decorated box is brimming with 24 days’ worth of snacking delights including mixed nuts, chocolate truffles, cookies, popcorn, sausage, relish and more.
Best Value Advent Calendars
Cheerfully Illustrated And Features 24 Mini Spreads
Bonne Maman 2024 Limited Edition Mini Spreads Advent Calendar
Bonne Maman’s classic advent calendar is back for 2024, and this year’s version should please any holiday-loving foodie. They’ll find 24 mini jars of preserves inside the illustrated box, with limited-edition flavor blends (think: Caramel With Coffee, Guava And Raspberry, and Apricot With Orange Blossom) that are worth savoring.
Premium Trending Products For A Fraction Of The Price
FabFitFun Advent Calendar 2024
I tried FabFitFun’s advent calendar and I must say, you really do get a lot for the price. The drawers of the festive box are mostly stocked with full-sized beauty products from popular brands like Fenty Beauty, Tower28 and Thrive Cosmetics (you’ll also get a Malin+Goetz candle and a sparkly jewelry surprise from Adina Eden). The items are all pretty great, but when you factor in their collective worth—the contents of the box is valued at over $350—you’ll realize what an actual steal it is to only shell out $90 for such a trove. To get the deal, you do need to sign up for a FabFitFun membership—but it already ranks as one of our best subscription boxes for women, so it’s worth the investment.
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An Expertly Curated Collection Of Wine
It’s The Most Winederful Time Of The Year Wine Advent Calendar
Adventurous wine drinkers are bound to enjoy this festive advent calendar from Total Wine. Each box includes 24 single servings (187ml bottles) of different varietals from around the world, including Argentinean malbecs, French pinot noirs and South African sauvignon blancs. Note that the wine selection may vary by location, and shipping is not available to every state; store pickup may be an option depending on where you live.
Best Cookie Advent Calendars
Jolly, Delicious Cookie Flavors
Harry & David Advent Cookie Calendar
Another great option from one of our favorite gift basket purveyors, this Harry & David advent calendar boasts strictly cookies. But there are all kinds here, with festive flavors like Chocolate Cherry and Chocolate Peppermint, plus gingerbread sandwiches, raspberry-filled shortbread cookies and more.
A Bundle Of Traditional Austrian Delicacies
Vienna Cookie Company Advent Calendar
With 24 treats made by an Austrian baker, the Vienna Cookie Company’s advent calendar is a daily delight. The creative assortment includes coconut balls, chocolate-walnut truffles and classic gingerbread people behind its holiday-themed doors. Sweet but simple.
A Buttery Selection Of Scottish Shortbread Cookies
Walker’s 2024 Shortbread Advent Calendar
Sometimes, less is more—and Walker’s shortbread cookie advent calendar is proof. The countdown box includes 24 of the traditional buttery delights from Scotland, with six varieties including star-shaped shortbread, chocolate-chip and salted caramel squares.
Best Chocolate Advent Calendars
Magical Sweets Tucked Away In A Charming Forest Chalet
Vosges Haut-Chocolat 2024 Chocolate Calendar Of Advent
For a delicious and stunning advent calendar, look no further than Vosges Haut-Chocolat. This year’s offering is designed to look like a Nordic forest chalet; behind each door, you’ll find unique treasures ranging from caramels and mini exotic chocolate bars to happy hedgehogs and magical gnomes. At the push of a button, Christmas music starts to play as glowing lights illuminate the scene. Having seen this one in the flesh and, as a huge fan of the brand’s chocolate, I can say that it’s a serious showstopper—and you’ll still be dreaming of the treats long after Christmas Day.
Premium Chocolates In An Enchanting Gift Box
Compartés Gourmet Chocolate Advent Calendar Gift
Inspired by a wintry evening spent under the northern lights, this advent calendar by Compartés’ (which also makes our gift editors’ favorite Valentine’s chocolate) boasts a beautiful design and delicious sweets. Each door opens to reveal a different treat, with 24 flavors to discover in total. It’s elegant and downright delectable.
24 Days Of Classic Chocolate Confections
Godiva 2024 Holiday Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar
Having sampled Godiva’s advent calendar, I am happy to confirm that it is the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. With perfectly festive yet decidedly simple packaging, it’s a no-frills experience that focuses on the task at hand: surprising its recipient with decadent bites for 24 days straight. But for a very reasonable $40, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious assortment of milk, dark and white chocolates that’s hiding behind two dozen doors.
Best Coffee And Tea Advent Calendars
A Seasonal Assortment Of Very Convenient K-Cups
Keurig Advent Calendar Variety Pack
Keurig users, rejoice. The brand’s 24-pod holiday sampler features seasonal coffees from roasters like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Lavazza, Caribou Coffee, Cinnabon and La Colombe Coffee Roasters. There are also K-Cups that make hot cocoa, iced beverages and one-step lattes, which contain coffee, sweetener and dairy all in one recyclable K-Cup, and brew at the touch of a button.
A Medley Of Assorted Flavorful Teas
Tea Forté Warming Joy Holiday Herbal Tea Advent Calendar
Tea Forté’s Warming Joy advent calendar lives up to its name—it will, in fact, keep you nice and toasty come December. I received both versions of this countdown—the red box that contains 24 black, green, white and herbal teas and the white box that’s filled with a dozen assorted tea blends. Both advent calendars feature the brand’s signature pyramid infusers and will please any teatime enthusiast, so really, it just comes down to a choice of blends. You could also opt to receive them as a pair, should you want to enjoy two cups per day like I did (or treat a fellow tea-drinking companion).
Best Drink Advent Calendars
The Ultimate Whiskey Tasting Journey
Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar 2024
This advent calendar will get any whiskey fan in the holiday “spirit.” The set from Flaviar (which also makes our favorite spirits subscription box) contains two dozen 50ml vials of the good stuff—bestsellers and new releases alike—so you’re sure to discover a few favorites. You’ll also get two Glencairn tasting glasses and an interactive booklet with notes for each sample. Cheers to that.
A Festive Mix Of Premium Wines From Small Wineries
Woman-Owned
Maker Wine Advent Calendar 2024
This calendar is for the vino appreciators who want to discover new wines as they count down to Christmas. Maker Wine’s set of 12 cans features a combination of limited-edition red, white, rose and sparkling wines made by minority- and female-led small production wineries. Also included: complimentary tasting videos for each wine and an optional gift note. Note that, if you’re shopping for a wine lover in your life, this advent calendar won’t ship until early November 2024—but you can pre-order it now.
Velvety Beverages Made From Easy-To-Melt Chocolate Flakes
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Advent Calendar
Hot chocolate lovers are in for a treat (or 24 of them) with this advent calendar from British chocolate maker Hotel Chocolat. The packets don’t contain mere hot cocoa powder; instead, they’re made with flakes of real chocolate (made from Ghana-grown cacao) that melt once whisked into warm milk. You’ll get a different prominent tasting note in each cup, from peppermint to salted caramel. You might also want to pair this calendar with the Velvetiser hot chocolate maker, which makes the process of making velvety-smooth European-style hot chocolate—and cleanup—a lot simpler.
A Festive Set Of Expertly-Crafted Canned Cocktails
Straightaway Cocktails 12 Nights Of Cocktails
The 12 Nights Of Cocktails set by Straightaway Cocktails comes with 12 delicious expertly-crafted drinks like a maple old fashioned, Thai gimlet and espresso martini sure to get anyone in a festive mood. It’s a great hostess gift if you don’t want to bring a standard bottle of wine to the party, or just a fun way to taste test new drinks at home. You can pre-order the bundle now and it will ship by November 18.
Best Puzzle Advent Calendars
A Dog-Themed Set Of Mini Puzzles
Mudpuppy Ho Ho Howl! Countdown Puzzle Set
Mudpuppy’s 12-day countdown may look like it’s just for kids, but it’s actually a delight for dog lovers of all ages. I found it hard not to smile the moment I opened the cartoon canine-covered box; inside, its windows are filled with a dozen 48-piece mini puzzles that can be done solo or as a family activity. Naturally, each completed puzzle features festive pups engaging in holiday traditions of their own. Trust me when I say that each one is cuter than the last.
A 24-Day-Long Mystery With Riddles To Solve
Exit: The Game Advent Calendar (The Missing Hollywood Star)
Any escape room–loving family will enjoy the Exit: The Game Advent Calendar. A 24-day-long puzzle, it centers on the mystery of a Hollywood star who has disappeared while filming a Christmas movie. Each door holds a card with an important riddle; solve one clue and you’ll find out which door to open next. It’s recommended for adults and kids age 10 and up.
12 Days Of Iconic Art-Themed Puzzles
Andy Warhol Christmas Countdown
I could tell that this whimsical 12-day countdown from Galison would be a good one before I even opened the first door. The advent calendar includes a dozen 80-piece puzzles, each of which features one of Andy Warhol’s famous Christmas drawings or paintings from the 1950s. While it would be a particularly great gift for any noted Warhol fan, you really don’t have to be an art enthusiast to appreciate piecing together the iconic holiday-themed designs here. For another festive option, the brand’s Winter Lights Christmas Countdown puzzles depict seasonal city scenes that are also quite fun.
Best Beauty Advent Calendars
A Jewelry Box Filled With Makeup And Skincare Favorites
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beauty Treasure Chest Of Love 12 Door Beauty Advent Calendar
It’s no secret why Charlotte Tilbury’s advent calendar is called the Beauty Treasure Chest Of Love. The heart-shaped 12-door keepsake felt special from the moment that I unboxed it—so much so, I didn’t even want to spoil the magic for myself in order to write this review (don’t worry, I did). Inside, I found a mix of full-sized and mini products, with some of my personal favorite Pillow Talk-hued essentials (including the cult-favorite lip liner) along with the brand’s best-selling skincare and makeup essentials. Once the countdown is complete, the chest is meant to be reused as a jewelry box—and I can say with certainty that I will be filling its jewel-handled drawers with my own favorite sparklers.
Luxury Beauty Products In A Box That Doubles As Art
Sisley Paris Advent Calendar
Sisley Paris went all out for its 2024 advent calendar. The box itself pays tribute to the City of Light, decorated with intricate illustrations by British artist Fee Greening. Inside, it houses a luxurious assortment of the brand’s best-selling skincare, fragrance, hair and makeup products. You’ll find full-sized items—lipstick, eye contour mask, eyeshadow—as well as travel-sized versions of decadent creams, volumizing hairspray, perfume and more.
Best Skincare Advent Calendars
Decadent Products For A Winter Glow
La Mer Wonder Express Advent Calendar
La Mer is one of the most luxe skincare brands out there, so naturally, its advent calendar is the epitome of top-tier indulgence. The stunning green-and-gold box features 12 days of beauty surprises that range from silky serums and moisturizing creams to revitalizing hand, eye and lip treatments. The iconic Crème De La Mer is included as well.
Rich Creams And Serums With A Cult Following
Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader
Skincare junkies, this one’s for you. Augustinus Bader’s 12-day countdown is as on-brand as they come, with regal blue and gold packaging to match that of its in-demand products. The stash itself is made up of a dozen science-backed serums, rich face and body creams, eye masks, lip balms and then some. It’ll keep you (or any lucky recipient) glowing all winter long.
Best Personalized Advent Calendars
A Storybook-Inspired Set That You Can Personalize
Abbott Lyon Made More You Advent Calendar
For an extra-special Christmas countdown, treat your giftee to Abbott Lyon’s personalized Made More You Advent Calendar. I received the storybook-shaped box, which was customized with my name to read “Sam’s Advent Calendar” on the front cover. What’s really special here is that 4 of the 12 silver or gold-plated pieces can also be personalized; I was pleased to discover both a bracelet and charm with my initial on it, as well as jewelry featuring my birthstone (a heart-shaped pendant and a sweet little ring). Other standouts included a tennis necklace with a matching bracelet and two pairs of pavé-set earrings. Valued at over $600, this one makes for a lovely present—it literally has their name on it—and the box is worth saving as a functional keepsake.
A Sophisticated Set Of Custom Leather Accessories
Twelve Days Of Leatherology Advent Calendar
This Leatherology countdown is all about the accessories—and let me tell you, they are chic. It all starts with the large decorative black croc box, which is made from Italian leather and retails for $220 on its own. Obviously you’ll want to put that on display after unwrapping the 12 goodies inside (I know I did), but it’s worth taking your time to savor the daily discoveries. Among the neutral-hued, on-the-go essentials I was excited to discover a very handy drawstring pouch, a scrunchie and an Airpod case; but it’s the luggage tag, card case and keychain that can be personalized (with up to three initials in gold, for no extra fee) that really seal the deal.
Best Spa Advent Calendars
Body Scrubs, Oils And Creams In The Freshest Scents
Sabon 31-Day Advent Calendar 2024
With Sabon’s advent calendar, you get a whopping 31 days of spa-worthy presents to unbox. That’s right: you’ll receive one standard 24-day countdown, plus an extra 7-day box to keep the fun going right up until the end of 2024. The total selection includes full- and travel-size bath and body faves ranging from body scrubs and oils to shampoos and hand creams, all in the brand’s popular fresh scents (lavender vanilla, delicate jasmine, green rose and more).
Spa-Worthy Skincare Infused With Nourishing Ingredients
L'Occitane 24 Days Of Beauty Classic Advent Calendar
L’Occitane’s advent calendar includes a selection of 24 bestsellers ($115 worth of them), and while they may seem no-frills, they’re properly indulgent and perfect for at-home pampering. The essential oil–infused assortment will boost both skin and hair radiance. Combined with the brand’s signature beloved scents (like Néroli & Orchidée and Verveine & Agrumes), it’s pretty hard to beat.
Pampering Products For Head-To-Toe Self-Care
The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar
The Body Shop’s pop-up advent calendar has everything they’ll need for a month of self-care. Pampering bath products include fragrant soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, while moisturizing shea body butter, an almond milk hand balm and a vitamin E face mask will have their skin glowing all winter.