There's Still Time—Order One of Our Favorite Advent Calendars for Counting Down to Christmas (2024)

This charming 3D snow globe calendar from Rifle Paper Co. is on the small side compared to many of the picks on this list, making this the best option for those with limited space. Perfect for a mantle, sideboard, or console table, this advent calendar's design lets it stand on its own—no need to prop it against a wall—and features four cozy, holiday-themed scenes. Each day for 25 days, you'll open a small flap to uncover a special illustration. Plus, beautiful gold foil accents will make this advent calendar sparkle when placed next to a Christmas tree or a flameless candle.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.5 x 10 x 12.25 inches | Materials: Paper | Contents: None

If you want to break free from the sugary tradition of advent calendars, the Oliviers & Co Advent Calendar is the best choice for adults. Inside is a food lover's delight with gourmet selections made using ingredients from France, Portugal, Morocco, and Italy.

The daily advent calendar is designed as if you were opening a food cupboard. Behind the louver-style doors are the 24 daily advent surprises inside. Inside of the doors, you’ll find flavor-infused olive oils and vinegars, chocolate truffles, jam, honey, and herb salts. You are sure to feel inspired to try out new recipes to complement your discoveries.

With the olives and vinegars being only 0.68 ounces, the jam and honey only 1.41 ounces, and the chocolates 0.25 ounces, your biggest challenge will be sharing with anyone else around you.

Product Details: Overall Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 2.5 inches | Material: Cardboard | Contents: Olive oils, vinegars, truffles, jams, spreads, and herb salts

Make the countdown to Christmas delicious with the Bonne Maman 2023 Limited Edition Advent Calendar. In this advent calendar, there are 23 jars of mini spreads and one jar of honey.

In this calendar's 2023 release, you'll savor new creations, such as caramel with cinnamon, raspberry chocolate, and more. Spread them on toast, pancakes, muffins, or whatever baked goods you have planned for the Christmas season.

Each jar is about 1 ounce, giving you a chance to enjoy them without overstuffing your cabinet with full-sized jelly jars. Plus, these blends are exclusive for the holiday season, so it's sure to be a one time experience that will last long in the memory of your tastebuds.

There are limited quantities of this advent calendar, so if you want to partake in this advent calendar, you don't want to wait.

Product Details: Dimensions: 12.64 x 12.2 x 4.8 inches | Material: Cardboard | Contents: 23 fruit spreads, one jar of honey

When it comes to choosing an advent calendar for you and your loved ones, you want the balance of affordability and enjoyment. That's why the Michael Storrings 12 Days of Christmas Advent Puzzle Calendar is such a wonderful choice for celebrating the holiday festivities.

Created using art by Michael Storrings, each day of advent features a puzzle with 80 pieces depicting a snowy or Christmas scenery. It encourages you to experience the spirit of the season in different ways, as revealed in the illustrations. The puzzles are 5 x 7 inches, making it easy to glue and frame once you've completed the puzzle.

However, the advent calendar is only 12 days rather than the traditional 24. Even so, that won't take away from the charm and the beautiful illustrations you'll discover in each puzzle.

Product Details: Dimensions: 11.25 x 8.25 x 5.25 inches | Material: Cardboard | Contents: 12 puzzles

We love how this tea-themed advent calendar by Sips By doubles as wall decor thanks to the DIY garland kit it comes with. The kit features 24 single-serve, loose-leaf teas packaged in adorable mini envelopes with a winter-themed illustration, plus 24 mini clothespins, a pom-pom rope, and four tassels so you can create your own garland. A gold Christmas tree tea infuser is also included for a festive way to brew each day's cup of tea. For a reusable advent calendar, check out Sips By's holiday tea advent calendar.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Materials: Paper, metal, wood, and fabric | Contents: Tea, garland kit, tea infuser

Sometimes advent calendars are reusable and can become a part of your family's tradition year after year. We love this Pottery Barn Merry & Bright advent calendar that features a cheery snowman appliqué, bright pom-poms, and 25 pockets for stashing goodies. The pockets are 4.5 x 4 inches, which gives you plenty of room to fit small trinkets that you can curate to your own family's favorite things.

While the calendar adds a cozy feel to where it's displayed thanks to its wool material, and, for an extra fee, you can customize the advent calendar with your family's name for a personal touch. Just choose your font style, color, and text.

Product Details: Dimensions: 22 x 37 inches | Materials: Wool | Contents: None

Inspire your child's creativity with an advent calendar for kids: KiwiCo's Christmas Village. Suitable for kids ages 5 and above, this enchanting set contains 24 colorful envelopes they can string up like a traditional paper advent calendar. Concealed in each envelope are step-by-step instructions to build a craft that will eventually reveal a festive little town.

Your child will have everything they need to complete their Christmas town, thanks to the jam-packed supply kit. Many of the features of the quaint village, such as the general store and the Christmas tree, are fully customizable, so they can add their personal touch. While the craft is designed to be accessible for most children, younger ones may need extra help with the trickier crafts.

Each day of advent will be a pleasant surprise that encourages their imagination and creativity. Once their creation is complete, they can display their Christmas village on top of the included snowy setting, making it a charming addition to your holiday decor.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Materials: Cardboard | Contents: 24 crafts with the supplies complete them

For those who love keeping their feet warm, you'll want this advent calendar for socks: the Gertex Christmas Themed Socks Advent Calendar. Inside the giftable box, you'll discover 12 pairs of socks that pair perfectly with the most wonderful time of the year.

The crew-style socks are decorated with holiday prints, such as snowflakes, snowmen, holly berries, and more. Made with a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex, they feel snug but soft against your feet, whether you are lounging around the house or donning them inside of boots in the cold weather.

However, you can only purchase these socks in one size. Women with shoe sizes between 5 and 10 will find these socks fit them the best. If your shoe size is outside of this range, you may not find these socks comfortable to wear.

Product Details: Dimensions: 13.78 x 9.29 x 1.73 inches | Material: Cardboard | Contents: 12 pairs of women's socks

The snack enthusiast will love this popcorn advent calendar from Williams Sonoma. This Christmas tree-shaped advent calendar has 24 doors that each contain popcorn kernels, gourmet seasoning, or popcorn recipes.

There are several different types of kernels behind the door, as well as seasoning flavors that include zesty cheddar, dill pickle, creamy ranch, bacon, and more. With kernels such as sweet baby blue and mushroom, you’ll be able to try new varieties as you countdown to Christmas this holiday season.

Product Details: Dimensions: 15 x 3.25 x 20.5 inches | Materials: Cardboard | Contents: Popcorn kernels, popcorn seasoning, and popcorn recipes

If your teen has a penchant for puzzles or games, they'll love Thames & Kosmos Exit Advent Calendar: The Silent Storm. It's a Christmas-themed story of being locked inside Santa's workshop, taking you on the journey of an escape room challenge. Each day of advent unlocks the key to getting out of the predicament, leading closer to their final goal of saving Christmas.

What makes this the best option for teens is the unplugged nature of this game. It breaks your teen free from their electronics and focuses them on an activity that you may just want to play right along with them. Although it offers only a one-time experience, since it spans all 24 days of advent season, your teen will extract a great deal of enjoyment from this calendar.

While appropriate for ages 10 and above, even older teens are sure to find themselves challenged in this advent.

Product Details: Dimensions: 17.7 x 13 x 2.2 inches | Materials: Cardboard | Contents: Riddle cards and other material and instructions necessary for the game

If you are looking for a way to splurge on holiday fashion, you'll love Sterling Forever's 24 Days of Jewelry. This advent calendar contains a pair of sparkling sterling silver or 14K gold-plated earrings tucked inside each of the small drawers. You can expect to discover a wide array of jewelry styles, including hoops, ear cuffs, and studs.

Whether it's a gift you give yourself or someone you love, the daily surprises will become a highlight of your seasonal ensembles. You'll want to seek ways to show them off, whether it's in photos or at holiday parties. Fortunately, silver jewelry is easy to clean, so there is minimal upkeep with these advent surprises.

You’ll also want to make sure you have a jewelry organizer since you’ll have 24 new pairs of earrings after the holiday season.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Materials: Cardboard | Contents: 24 earrings

We love how this beautiful pop-up paper Woodland Wonderland advent calendar doubles as decor on a fireplace mantle or a console table. Each day day reveals a festive woodland creature that you can add to the accordion-style winter wonderland scene. Children and paper enthusiasts alike will be charmed by the intricate drawings. Plus, little touches like gold foil make this calendar literally shine on cozy nights in next to the fireplace or some holiday candles. If you wish to send this advent calendar as a gift, it comes with a matching blank notecard, or you can add a personalized card for an extra fee.

Product Details: Dimensions: 15 inches tall | Materials: Paper | Contents: None

For coffee lovers, the Bean Box 2023 Specialty Coffee Advent Calendar is the best pick for you. The coffee-themed advent calendar comes with 12 holiday-flavored coffees, and you can choose from ground coffee or whole coffee beans. Each packet of coffee has specific instructions for brewing as well as tasting notes.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Materials: Not listed | Contents: 12 packets of coffee

For those who want humankind's best friend to partake in the advent calendar tradition, you'll love the Bonne et Filou Dog Treat Advent Calendar. With packaging inspired by French patisseries, you'll love the upscale ambience it evokes, even if your pup may not fully appreciate the allure.

Behind each artistically-designed cardboard door is a handmade treat, including 12 dog bones, eight dog truffles, and four dog macarons. Made of human-friendly ingredients, you can even try one yourself if you'd like.

Product Details: Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.43 x 2.44 inches | Material: Cardboard | Contents: 24 dog treats

While there are many, Saks Fifth Avenue 25 Days of Beauty stands out as the best beauty advent calendar. Inside of the luxury department store's glitzy gift box, there is a multitude of beauty, hair health, and skincare surprises within each numbered drawer.

At this price point, you can expect some of the most opulent brands, such as Guerlain, Clé de Peau Beauté, Cellcosmet, Sisley, and Charlotte Tilbury. Inside the drawers, you can find beauty products such as shampoo, eye cream, shower gel, perfume, body cream, and more. It gives you the chance to try out some high-quality products before you decide to move forward with a full-sized purchase.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Cardboard | Contents: 25 beauty, hair care, and skincare products

Taking care of yourself this holiday season comes with a variety of techniques. However, if releasing the burdens of the day in a hot bath is at the top of your list, you'll love the Body & Earth Bath Set Christmas Advent Calendar.

Behind every door, you will find a bath and body treat that will enhance your nightly soak and relaxation rituals. There are bath bombs, lotions, foot soaks, shampoo bars, and more. You also receive some adorable Christmas accessories, such as reindeer hair clips, Santa socks, and a mirror.

Their warm, wintery fragrances will soothe your tempered mind this holiday season. You may even feel inspired to turn your bathroom into a spa in honor of your new advent calendar.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Cardboard | Contents: 25 creams, lotions, soaps, and other bath and body products

The best option for tea is the Vahdam India Tea Advent Calendar. You'll expand on your experience of tea by indulging in the flavors and aromas of 24 black, green, oolong, white, and herbal teas. With combinations, such as chocolate vanilla herbal tea tisane, blooming rose black tea, or sweet cinnamon masala chai tea, you are bound to find your favorite flavor in this advent.

Within each day of the advent calendar, you'll discover a petite tin which generously provides enough loose leaf tea to serve up to 10 cups. This abundance of tea allows you to comfortably share in the experience with others.

For those new to the art of brewing loose leaf tea, you'll need a steeping ball or infuser at home. However, considering the nuanced flavors that come with loose leaf tea, it will be worth the extra effort.

Product Details: Dimensions: 13.58 x 9.61 x 4.21 inches | Material: Cardboard | Contents: 24 tins of various tea blends

For adults who want to expose their palate to an array of wines this advent season, you won't want to miss In Good Taste's 24 Nights of Wine Advent Calendar. Arriving in a Christmas-inspired decorated box, you receive 24 individually packed bottles of wine sourced from California, Sicily, and beyond.

Along with your wine, you will receive tasting notes, curated food pairings, and wine-inspired recipes. Chosen as the best advent calendar for wine, you can enjoy savoring your glass of wine while exploring your culinary curiosity.

You will also receive daily emails telling you more about the wine to encourage your sipping experience. Each bottle is 187 millimeters, which amounts to about one glass of wine.

Product Details: Dimensions: Answer TK | Material: Answer TK | Contents: 24 mini bottles of wine

Get in the holiday spirit with the Woodford Reserve 8-Day co*cktail Advent Calendar. Designed with a moody winter theme, the countdown calendar has eight doors that contain essentials to make a holiday co*cktail.

Each door has either a mixer or bitters that you can combine with your favorite bourbon to create a festive drink. Some of the hidden treats include orange bitters, chocolate bitters, and an old fashioned co*cktail mixer. While other advent calendars on our list have either 12 or 24 compartments, keep in mind that this one only has eight.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Materials: Cardboard | Contents: Bitters and mixers

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a glass every now and then, Vinebox's 12 Nights of Wine let's you sample some of the top wines from around the world, making it one of the best options for fans of red or white wine. Choose the Cozy Collection option for a 12-day advent calendar full of rich reds or the Chill Collection for a mix of 12 whites, chillable reds, and rosés. For the full 24-day experience, select the 24 Night option, which sends you both the Cozy Collection and the Chill Collection.

Each option comes with a tasting guide and pair recommendations as well as a video of a sommelier talking you through the tasting of each wine. Plus, shipping is free.

Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Materials: Not listed | Contents: White wine, red wine, or both, depending on selection

Calling all savory snackers. If chocolate-filled calendars aren't your style, this nut mix option is the best pick for you. It comes with 12 2-ounce tins that each contain a different nut-based snack, including coconut curry peanuts, butter cinnamon pecans, salted corn nuts, and more. Once advent is over, you can repurpose the decorative tins for storing small items or gifting tiny presents.

Product Details: Dimensions: 4.68 x 11.61 x 2.48 inches | Materials: Not listed | Contents: Nut-based snack mixes

Advent calendars are a fun way for kids to count down to Christmas, and this KiwiCo Santa's Railroad calendar is one of the best advent calendars for kids. Each day for 24 days, little ones will open up an envelope and find a small project to complete, such as a railway station, train, elves, and lampposts that light up. The finished projects coordinate together to create a snowy Santa's railroad scene. Plus, kids can put a personal touch on each project with the included art supplies.

This advent calendar ships for free, but you'll want to order by November 20 to have it time to start the calendar on December 1.

Product Details: Dimensions: 36 x 12 inches | Materials: Paper, wood, chipboard, felt, foam, and yarn | Contents: Craft projects

Calling all licorice lovers. This advent calendar features 24 days of sugary treats from the famous Danish confectionery, Lakrids By Bülow. Tucked behind each door are two candies, making this one of the best advent calendars for couples. Licorice is the main feature, with flavors like chocolate, blueberry, and salted caramel, but you'll also find some sweet-and-salty treats inside as well.

Product Details: Dimensions: 11.25 x 11.12 x 1.5 inches | Materials: Cardboard | Contents: Candy

If you enjoy quilting and sewing, this is the advent calendar for you. The Stitch Supply Co. Advent Calendar features 24 days worth of surprises (all sewing related) in modern numbered boxes designed by artist Giucy Giuce. The contents are curated from several artists and small businesses, and while the items are a surprise, last year's advent calendar included a wool pincushion, sewing scissors, and iron-on labels and patches.

Although the advent calendar could be personalized with your name if you ordered before October 1, you can still purchase the advent calendar now—it'll just include the standard, non-personalized items.

Product Details: Dimensions: 12 x 13 x 3 inches | Materials: Not listed | Contents: A variety of sewing-related items

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this pet-themed LEGO Friends Advent Calendar. Behind each of the 24 doors is a mini project, doll, or pet that come together to create a festive scene, complete with a train and pet playground. The kit includes 231 LEGO pieces as well as a playmat that kids will be able to use beyond the holiday season since the items can be rearranged and connected to create imaginative new scenes.

Product Details: Dimensions: 9 x 14 x 2 inches | Materials: Plastic | Contents: 24 mini-build projects

Filled with cheesy goodness, the 12 Days of Cheesemas Advent Calendar is the perfect choice for the cheese fanatic in your life. The cheeses all come from the Wisconsin-based Cheese Brothers and are made from milk sourced from small dairies in the state.

Inside the calendar, you'll find smoked gouda, 3 Amigos Spicy Gouda, smoked cheddar, mango habanero gouda, Fratello, honey sriracha gouda, Trappiste ale-washed gouda, 8-year aged cheddar, classic cheese curds, garlic and dill cheese curds, and bloody mary cheese curds.

Product Details: Dimensions: 17.5 x 10.5 x 4 inches | Materials: Not listed | Contents: 12 cheeses

Create your own custom advent calendar with a set of these Advent Collection Cookie Cutters. Since the cookie cutters are sold in sets of six, you can customize the length of your advent calendar, whether you want 12 days or the traditional 24. There are six sets to choose from, featuring winter designs like ice skates, penguins, ornaments, mittens, and candy canes.

You can make the cookie cutters themselves the special surprise in a DIY advent calendar for the baker in your life or use them to whip up a batch of cookies that you hide inside an advent calendar (the cookie cutters are 1.75 to 2 inches in size, which should allow them to fit in most blank advent calendars). A wide grip make them comfy to use, and thin sides let them cleanly cut through dough.

Product Details: Dimensions: 1.75 to 2 inches per cookie cutter | Materials: Plastic | Contents: Cookie cutters

The Bottom Line

Overall, the best advent calendar is the Bonne Maman 2023 Limited Edition Advent Calendar. It includes 24 seasonal flavors that pair well with holiday baking. Plus, you won't need to break the bank to purchase it. There are also a wide variety of advent calendars for specific ages, such as the KiwiCo Christmas Village Advent Calendar for children, and other ones according to your specific treat desires, such as the Vahdam India Tea Advent Calendar.

What to Know About Advent Calendars Before Shopping

Dimensions

Before purchasing an advent calendar, make sure you have a designated place to store or display it during the holiday season. The sizing will help you understand exactly how much room you will want to make in your home if you plan to use it as decor, such as with the Olive & Cocoa Chalet Lit Advent Calendar.

Material

The most common material of the advent calendar that contains the surprises is cardboard, so you can easily toss it in the trash after the holiday season. However, if you want one to last you beyond a single season, you will want a more durable material such as wood or canvas.

Your Questions, Answered

When do advent calendars start?

Traditionally, most advent calendars start on December 1 and last for 24 or 25 days, ending on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. However, some are only 12 days long, so you would start your countdown to Christmas on December 12.

Where can you buy advent calendars?

Most major retailers, such as Amazon, Nordstrom, or Williams Sonoma carry advent calendars. However, since some are limited edition or exclusive, you may need to purchase it directly from the retailer's website.

Who We Are

Nicole Pyles is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. Her writing has also been published in Best Colleges, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Mental Floss, and WOW! Women on Writing. She loves finding products that she can talk about with others. For this article, she researched and compared numerous advent calendars to find the best ones.

There's Still Time—Order One of Our Favorite Advent Calendars for Counting Down to Christmas (2024)

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