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The Spruce / Lecia Landis
The best thing about an advent calendar is the daily element of surprise leading up to Christmas Day.
To make your holiday countdown exciting and fun this year, we researched the best advent calendars for kids and adults. Our favorite picks include a delicious cheese option from Harry & David, a fun buildable wooden train station from Hape, and Vinebox's 12 Days of Wine to help mom and dad unwind this holiday season.
When researching our advent calendar selections, we kept in mind price, quality, and delivery time. While it may not even officially be fall just yet, many popular advent calendars sold out fast last year, so it's best to get your hands on these as early as possible.
Read on and get in the holiday spirit with our picks for the best advent calendars.
Godiva 2022 Holiday Luxury Chocolate Advent Calendar
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Godiva
Chocolate is a classic option for an advent calendar, but if you want to elevate your daily sweet treats, opt for this indulgent one from Godiva. A tasty step up from the chocolate calendars you might find at your local grocery store, this pick features 24 luxury chocolates in festive shapes and flavors. Satisfy your sweet tooth daily with Milk Caramel Embrace, Raspberry Star, Dark Mint Medallion, and more.
Price at time of publish: $40
Pottery Barn Christmas In The Country Advent Calendar
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Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn's stunning advent calendars come at a high price point, but for a good reason. The Christmas in the Country calendar showcases a gorgeous showy scene complete with woodland animals and beautifully decorated trees. What really sets this calendar apart is the five LED lights that truly make it shine on a mantle or tabletop so it doubles as display-worthy decor. It comes empty, so you can add your own gifts and reuse it year after year.
Price at time of publish: $99
Funko Harry Potter 2022 Advent Calendar
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Funko
Harry Potter fans of all ages will delight at this magical Funko Pop advent calendar. Each day, receive a new mini figure of one of the beloved characters from the wizarding franchise. After collecting them all, little ones can have hours of fun recreating the classic stories with their new figures, while older recipients will surely enjoy adding these Funko Pops to their collections.
Price at time of publish: $50
Workman Publishing Company 'Tis the Season for Elf-Care Advent Calendar: 24 Ways to Celebrate Your-Elf Over the Holidays
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Workman Publishing Company
With the stress of the holiday season, we can all use some extra "elf-care." This adorably illustrated advent calendar is sure to keep you in a cheery mood and offers daily ideas to help you stay relaxed. Examples include "go for a walk" or "have a silent night." As an added bonus, the jolly reminders double as paper ornaments to add to your tree.
Price at time of publish: $16
Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine
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Vinebox
No matter which list of Santa’s you’re on, you’ll find a wine that perfectly pairs with your day. This bundle comes with 12 single servings of wine sourced from around the globe. Enjoy crisp white wines and bold reds sure to add to your holiday cheer. Shop this calendar early because it's sold out for the past six years straight.
Price at time of publish: $129
Personalization Mall Countdown To Christmas Personalized Advent Calendar Stockings
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Personalization Mall
Turn your child's stocking into a unique advent calendar with this customizable pick from Personalization Mall. Your child's name will be embroidered on the top for a special touch, and they'll have fun moving the candy cane around to count down and build up anticipation for Christmas. You can also add small candies or notes in the pockets so they have a surprise to open each day.
Price at time of publish: $17
Etsy Personalised A Date A Day Couples Advent Calendar
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Etsy
Clara and Macy on Etsy have the perfect joint present for a friend or family member and their spouse. Or, you can buy it as a present for your partner and enjoy it together. This personalized advent calendar has 24 unique date night ideas to spice up your December. The fun ideas are just a starting point and don't include anything too costly or difficult to accomplish, but rather ways to connect and spend quality time with that special someone. Think putting on music to dance together, playing a board game, or reminiscing on favorite memories.
Price at time of publish: $43
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2022
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LEGO
The LEGO Star Wars calendar is a yearly favorite for kids and adults alike. The interactive calendar includes five mini-figures, three droid figures, and 16 mini-builds to complete with friends or family this holiday season. This advent calendar will provide hours of fun for Star Wars fans in December and beyond. LEGO's advent calendars tend to go fast, so be sure to snag this one before it inevitably sells out.
Price at time of publish: $45
West Elm Wooden Tree Advent Calendar
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West Elm
Fill each of this homey calendar's 24 wooden drawers with your own small treat—think an ornament, a piece of chocolate, or a small toy—as you countdown to Christmas. The box is topped with colorful, snow-covered pine trees and can be reused year after year for holiday lovers young and old.
Price at time of publish: $85
DAVIDsTEA 24 days of matcha advent calendar
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DAVIDsTEA
There's so matcha to love about this holiday countdown calendar option. Tea advent calendars have become more and more popular with every holiday season, but this year, DAVIDsTEA is offering a 24-day calendar stocked solely with matcha. Try out 24 unique loose tea blends including banana, candy cane, and strawberry matcha. Each day includes two servings, so a partner or friend can get in on these tasty sips too.
Price at time of publish: $65
Hatchimals Advent Calendar with Exclusive Characters & Paper Craft Accessories
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Courtesy of Amazon
If Hatchimals are on your kid's wish list, they'll go bananas for this advent calendar that includes 10 exclusive Hatchimals, plus accessories, stickers, and more. As the month goes on, your child can craft a fun holiday scene, complete with Christmas trees, a fireplace, and even a sled for their Hatchimals to ride.
Price at time of publish: $40
Williams Sonoma Holiday Advent Calendar: 24 Days of Baking Cookies
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Williams Sonoma
Avid bakers need this sweet advent calendar from Williams-Sonoma. Every door holds a baking necessity for Christmas cookies, cakes, brownies, and more. From cookie cutters to spatulas to piping bags, the resident baker in the family will love trying out their new tools on Christmas day for the dessert spread of the century.
Price at time of publish: $70
DreamBone Holiday Advent Calendar with Limited Edition Holiday Dog Treats
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Courtesy of Amazon
Your pup definitely made the nice list, right? Reward your dog's good behavior with a tasty rawhide-free treat every day. This calendar includes eight sweet potato mini-bones, eight mini-candy canes, and eight miniature chicken-wrapped sticks to ensure your furry friend feels just as spoiled as the rest of the family this holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $15
QueenBeeInspirations Countdown to Christmas
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QueenBeeInspirations
Cheery elves, flying reindeer, and cute little animals will help you count down the days until the big 2-5 on this calendar. You can fill each of the 24 doors with a piece of candy or a small present. The top can be personalized with your child’s name for a holiday keepsake he or she will have forever.
Price at time of publish: $90
Uncommon Goods Stitch a Day Advent Embroidery Calendar
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Uncommon Goods
Get creative this holiday season and take up a new hobby with the Stitch a Day advent calendar from Uncommon Goods. The embroidery wheel features 12 festive designs to stitch as you count down to December 25. Creator Amanda Watson provides simple instructions suitable for beginners. At the end, you'll have a beautiful keepsake to hang up and admire year after year.
Price at time of publish: $45
Lovepop Advent Calendar: Pancake the Penguin's Christmas Adventure
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Lovepop
Thanks to Lovepop, advent calendars can also be a great way for families to spend quality time together. This unique calendar is actually a story and tells the tale of Pancake the penguin on an epic winter adventure with new characters and twists revealed every day. Kids will love playing with the included pop-up figures as parents read the engaging story. It's an excellent excuse to snuggle up with the whole family by the fire every night.
Price at time of publish: $39
Uncommon Goods Holiday Scratch Off Advent Calendar Playlist
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Uncommon Goods
This advent calendar comes with a unique and thoroughly modern twist. Each day, scratch off the designated number to reveal a QR code. Scan the code with your phone to receive a download of a holiday carol sung by an emerging artist. For music or tech lovers, this one-of-a-kind gift is a fun way to help them build a holiday playlist or discover their new favorite artists.
Price at time of publish: $25
Benefit Cosmetics Mini Sincerely Yours, Beauty Advent Calendar Set
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Benefit Cosmetics
A makeup-themed advent calendar is the ultimate way to try out new products just in time for glitzy holiday parties and family gatherings. This one features 12 best-selling mini products from Benefit Cosmetics, including mascara, bronzer, face powder, and more. After trying out all your new products, you can shop for the full-size of your faves.
Price at time of publish: $65
Bonne Maman Limited Edition Advent Calendar
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Bonne Maman
Satiate your sweet tooth and expand your culinary palette with Bonne Maman's 2022 advent calendar. Discover 23 limited-edition fruit spreads and one honey, all packaged in adorable tiny glass jars that can be repurposed afterward. Pair with cheese, fruit, or crackers for yourself, or put them out as part of a charcuterie spread for your holiday party.
Price at time of publish: $40
Rifle Paper Co. Advent Calendar
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Rifle Paper Co.
Rifle Paper Co. offers an affordable, simple advent calendar to brighten up any tabletop or entryway. The paper calendar stands vertically in the shape of a beautiful Christmas tree. Each door reveals a gorgeous illustration for a sweet daily surprise. We love an advent calendar that doubles as holiday decor.
Price at time of publish: $20
Harry & David 12 Days of Cheese
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Harry & David
If chocolate isn't your thing, consider Harry & David's 12 Days of Cheese calendar. The dozen cheeses arrive in a gorgeous wooden crate complete with holiday decorations. The box also includes information on the artisan cheese makers behind every pick, from smoked cheddar to manchego to garlic and herb jack. We're drooling already.
Price at time of publish: $200
Hape Buildable Train Station Advent Calendar
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Hape
Known for high-quality wooden toys, Hape's new advent calendar for 2022 results in a beautiful train station play set. Each day reveals a new piece of the station, so kids and adults can build as they go. Once complete, the calendar itself doubles as a stunning backdrop for the new station so kids can play as they wait for Santa to arrive.
Price at time of publish: $40
Ritual 3D Advent Calendar
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Ritual
Not only is this advent calendar packed with luxurious goodies from the beloved skincare brand, but it also makes for beautiful holiday decor. The calendar is designed as a mini Christmas tree with each product as its own branch. Perfect for skincare lovers or those who need a little more self-care in their lives, this beauty advent calendar is a great value for all of the luxury items it includes.
Price at time of publish: $125
New York Puzzle Company Janet Hill Advent Calendar
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New York Puzzle Company
Spend some downtime this December clearing your mind by completing a jigsaw puzzle—or 24. New York Puzzle Company's advent calendar comes with 24 mini puzzles. Each 100-piece small puzzle measures 7 x 9 inches and features beautiful artwork by Janet Hill. Each puzzle reveals a festive scene, like a garland strung on a fireplace or reindeer with light-covered antlers.
Price at time of publish: $195
GiveThemBeer Beer Advent Calendar 2022
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GiveThemBeer
Beer aficionados can experience the best breweries in the US right from their home as they cheers to a successful holiday season. Open a beer a day for 12 days with this craft beer-themed box from GiveThemBeer. Every brew is one of the highest-rated craft beers of 2022, so you or your recipient are sure to find a new favorite brew or two.
Price at time of publish: $79
Apotheke 12-Day Advent Calendar Candle Set
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Apotheke
Your home will smell like a winter wonderland thanks to Apotheke's 12-Day Advent Calendar Candle Set. Each mini candle comes in a gorgeous tin and features an even more stunning scent, from sea salt grapefruit to Earl Gray bitters. This is a great way to try out tantalizing new scents from Apotheke before splurging on a full-size candle.
Price at time of publish: $98
What to Look For in an Advent Calendar
Price
Depending on the contents of an advent calendar, the price will vary. There are luxury options including skincare products, perfumes, and fancy food items. Then, there are also many cheaper options including toys and even socks. No matter what you want to fill your advent calendar with, there will be cheaper and more expensive options to fit every budget. It is important to remember that you are paying for 24 items rather than just one, so a higher price tag is normal. Considering that this gift continues for 24 days and often includes items that your recipient can continue to use after that period (other than food-based calendars), it can make sense to splurge. You can also purchase an empty advent calendar to reuse year after year and add with your own goodies to further control the price.
Delivery Time
Advent calendars are a time-sensitive gift, so paying attention to shipping times is extremely important. Most advent calendars begin on December 1, so shopping early is vital. Some retailers offer the last date to order a certain calendar to ensure its delivery by the first of the month. For others, you may have to pay extra for expedited to get your gift in on time.
Other calendars only contain 12 items, so you have a little more leniency on when to order. Still, ordering early is always advised for gifts of any kind, especially ones meant to be enjoyed on certain days (and given the current chain supply issues).
Allergen Information
One of the most classic options for advent calendars is chocolate. For this and other food-based options featuring popcorn, caramels, candies, jams, honey, and more, it becomes very important to consider the allergen information of the person receiving the advent calendar. Luckily, retailers selling advent calendars containing food usually list all of the allergen information and ingredients on their website. Be sure to scan this section before purchasing!
Another important note for food-filled advent calendars is that certain choices may require a signature upon delivery. This is especially relevant to ones containing alcohol or perishable foods. Take your recipient's schedule into account when choosing a delivery time and maybe give them a head's up (without revealing the gift, of course).
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What is an advent calendar?
An advent calendar is a fun way to count the days until Christmas. With this type of calendar, you're counting up to the days before Christmas, often starting from December 1. An advent calendar has windows with images or small boxes, or a similar type of container, that are filled with surprises. Each day you'll open a box that contains a small candy or toy, leading up to a bigger prize on the last day. The number of boxes you open will help you count the days until Christmas.
While advent calenders traditionally count down to Christmas, you don't need to celebrate the holiday or be religious to enjoy the small daily surprises.
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How does an advent calendar work?
An advent calendar works by counting the days up to Christmas. You start opening the boxes either 24 or 12 days before Christmas, depending on how many items your advent calendar has. The number one box is opened first and then with each day you open a new box. Each day you open a new box, adding to your collection of prizes. The number of the box you open tells you how close you're getting to Christmas Day. Of course, there are no specific rules for how you should open or use your advent calendar. It may be fun to buy a few leading up to December to open in October and November, as well. Always remember that everyone can enjoy the fun of advent calenders no matter their religious beliefs.
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When should you start an advent calendar?
You should start an advent calendar on December 1 for a 24-item advent calendar or on December 12 for one that just has 12 items. This will help you count the days until Christmas. Start by opening the box with a number one printed on it. Each day you'll open a new box until you reach the last one, which you'll open on December 24th.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, interviews with experts, and more.
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