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The 45 Best Advent Calendars to Kick Off Your Christmas Countdown

Let the countdowns begin!

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best advent calendars
Vintage Wine Estates/Revolve/Man Crates

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 '90s TV fanatic? There's a Friends Advent calendar ($27) for that. Is your kid obsessed with a certain blue heeler?  Snag them a Bluey Advent calendar ($25). Basically, there's one for almost any type of person, from the wine-obsessed (try the In Good Taste Advent calendar $145, $127), to the nail buff (go with Olive & June's Christmas calendar, $75). We looked at countless top-rated Advent calendars of all types to bring you 45 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 judgment 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

Editor Favorite Beauty Advent Calendar

Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar

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2

Best Jam Advent Calendar

Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

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3

Best Candle Advent Calendar

Voluspa Advent Calendar

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4

Best Pet Advent Calendar

Chewy Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend's Advent Calendar

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5

Best DIY Jewelry Advent Calendar

Great Pretenders Build-a-Bracelet Advent Calendar

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How I Chose the Best Advent Calendars

When looking for the best Advent calendars, I considered options in a wide range of categories to suit as many interests as possible. I also took my personal experience with some of the items into account, polled fellow PureWow editors, combed through customer ratings and tried to satisfy a range of 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.

Editor Favorite Beauty Advent Calendar

1. Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • cute reusable briefcase
  • 27 products spread over 24 days
  • includes six full-size products

What We Don't Like

  • some samples are single-use

Revolve

"I got Revolve's advent calendar in 2023, so I'm very excited to grab this year's goodies," says PureWow beauty and cultures editor Chelsea Candelario. "They always have a great selection of brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Color Wow, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Olaplex and more. Plus, it comes in a cute little briefcase that can definitely be repurposed." Inside said pink briefcase you'll find six full-sized products ranging from Charlotte Tilbury's Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand Highlighter to Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil, plus sample sizes from Olaplex, ELEMIX, Dr. Dennis Gross and Oribe. The 24-day advent calendar contains 27 goodies, for a total value of $539.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $539
  • Number of items: 27
  • What's included: Benefit Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint, Briogeo Farewell Frizz, Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand Highlighter, DIBS Beauty Glowtour, Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, Agent Nateur Holi(water) Pearl and Rose Hyaluronic Essence, Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Sealant, Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream, Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Balm, Goop Goopglow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator, Jouer Cosmetics ICE Highlighter, OLAPLEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, OLAPLEX No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, Oribe Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Creme, OSEA Undaria Cleansing Body Polish, OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque, Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Rich Barrier Moisturizer, Salt & Stone Black Rose & Oud Body Wash, slip Skinny Scrunchies, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 in Sunris, tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara, Tower 28 ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly

Most Trendy Home Advent Calendar

2. West Elm Light-Up Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • reusable
  • built-in lights
  • easy assembly

What We Don't Like

  • treats not included

West Elm

"When it comes to decorating the table, ditch the florals and replace them with a wooden, winter wonderland village instead," recommends PureWow associate editor Sydney Meister. "They add a whimsical touch to the room, and thanks to luxe retailers like Arhaus and contemporary ones like West Elm, this year's versions are made from real wood (so you can still get an organic modern vibe that fits with the rest of your decor). It's another item TikTokers have been searching for this season, with the term 'wooden village advent calendar' already amassing 6.6 billion views." I love this one for its simple set-up, built-in lights and sleek design that ensures timelessness no matter the trends. All that's left is to stock up on some good holiday candy for 24 days of sweat treats. 

Fast Facts

  • Value: $120
  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: light-up winter wonderland village with 25 individual houses

Best French Beauty Advent Calendar

3. Typology Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • most items are full-size
  • brand is French girl approved
  • Advent calendar and product packaging are made from partially recycled materials

What We Don't Like

  • products are suitable for sensitive skin, but may not work for everyone

Typology

PureWow associate editor Marissa Wu (that's me!) tried French makeup and skincare brand Typology earlier this year and was immediately obsessed. There's a lot to love: eco-friendly packaging and natural, minimalistic formulas that give you the polished, no-makeup makeup look that French women nail. Plus, all the products are easy to apply and last throughout the day. The brand's 24-piece advent calendar includes 15 full-size products, for a total value of $534. My favorites are the lip oil, nine-ingredient moisturizer and vitamin C drops. The recyclable box features nature-inspired relief artwork by artist Erwan Bouroullec, in a minimalist design that's très chic.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $534
  • Number of items: 24
  • What’s included: 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer, Purifying Moisturizer 4% Zinc PCA + Bamboo Extract, Hydrating Serum 3% hyaluronic acid + 2% B5, Serum for Dark Circles and Bags 5% Caffeine + 5% Niacinamide, Purifying Botanical Blend Peony Cells, Radiance Serum 11% Vitamin C + Silk Tree Extract, Purifying Mask Charcoal + Organic Nettle, Organic Orange Blossoms Hydrolate, Organic Peppermint Hydrolate, 9-Ingredient Soothing Serum,l Antioxidant Serum with 3% Ferulic Acid + Ashitaba Eye Cream for Fine Lines and Wrinkles 1% Q10 + Prickly Pear Oil, Targeted Blemish Treatment 1% Bakuchiol + Tea Tree Extract, Coral Orange Lip Oil, Hand and Nail Serum 1% Plant Keratin + 2% Hyaluronic Acid, Nourishing Serum 100% Olive Squalane, Mattifying Serum 10% Azelaic Acid + Bamboo extract, Untinted Lip Oil, Plumping Serum 3% Polyglutamique Acid + Red Seaweed Extract, Lash and Brow Serum 2% Pea Peptides + Castor Oil, Lip Mask, Glow Drops Vitamin C + Aloe Vera, Tan-Complexion Botanical Blend Buriti Oil, Shimmering Dry Oil Vitamin C + 5 organic botanical oils

Best Stationery Advent Calendar

4. Papier Christmas Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • packed with the brand's bestsellers
  • wide variety of products
  • fully recyclable packaging

What We Don't Like

  • stationery on the pricier side

Papier

"Need a gift for the Virgo in your life or that one friend who always seems to get 'lost' in the desk supplies section at Target? Well look no further than Papier's advent calendar," declares PureWow associate fashion commerce editor Stephanie Meraz. "It's filled to the brim with some of the cutest bestsellers from the brand, like a couple of weighty rollerball pens (one in gold!) that write like a beaut, endless bookmarks that look and feel extremely luxe and—wait for it—stickers! Plus, a ton more goodies that I'll let you discover on your own. The inner child in me is beaming."

Fast Facts

  • Value: $250
  • Number of items: 33
  • What's included: A6 Softback Notebook, A6 Paper Photo Frame, Wave Bookmark, Small Stamp Set, Groove Rollerball Pen, Paper Clips & Tabs, Fineliners, Highlighters, A7 Notebooks, List Pad, Stickers, Pen Clip, Rollerball Pen, Envelopes & Notecards, Ballpoint Pen, Post It Sticky Tabs, Mini Thank You Note Sets, Washi Tape, Mini Puzzle, PU Bookmark, Shaped Sticky Notes, Mini Dividers, Elastic Pencil Case

Best Jam Advent Calendar

5. Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • wide variety of flavors
  • single serving

What We Don't Like

  • no full-size jars

Bonne Maman

"Two words: fancy jam. This Advent calendar is the most fun I've ever had in December," raves PureWow editor-in-chief Jillian Quint. "Every day you get a new tiny flavor to try!" I, too, am a big fan of Bonne Maman, having discovered it while living abroad. Bonne Maman is to France what Smuckers is to America—but much, much better. For 24 days, pull a small glass jar of jam or fruit spread out of the box to try. My favorites are the Four Fruits, Wild Blueberry and Raspberry Rose. They pair excellently with toasted baguette and butter, but I'm not blaming you if you eat it right off the spoon.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: Apple and Quince with Honey, Apricot and Peach, Apricot with Orange Blossom, Caramel with Coffee, Cherry with Honey, Cherry with Pink Peppercorn, Four Fruits, Guava, Lemon with Elderflower, Mango with Raspberry and Lime, Mirabelle Plum, Mixed Berries, Orange with Yuzu and Grapefruit, Pear and Cocoa Nibs, Pineapple and Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Zuzu, Purple Fig and Cinnamon, Quince, Raspberry and Rose, Rhubarb and Strawberry, Rhubarb with Spice, Strawberry and Wild Strawberry, White Nectarine and Peach, Wild Blueberry with Maple Syrup 

Best Candle Advent Calendar

6. Voluspa Advent Calendar

Voluspa

Every year, I gift one of my good friends a giant Voluspa candle, and this year I may need to upgrade her gift from one candle to one Advent calendar with 12 of them. Inside are a gold-plated wick trimmer and a dozen 2.5-ounce candles from the brand's best-selling Japonica and Holiday collections, each with a burn time of 25 hours. The hand-poured candles use a coconut wax blend and natural wicks.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 13
  • What's included: Gold-Plated Wick Trimmer, 12 Candles: Sparkling Cuvé, Spiced Pumpkin Latte, French Cade Lavender, Forbidden Fig, Santal Vanille, Baltic Amber, Moso Bamboo, Goji Tarocco Orange, Gilt Pomander & Hinoki, White Cypress, Noble Fir Garland, Foraged Wildberry

Best Value

7. Olive & June Christmas Calendar

What We Like

  • everything you need for a complete at-home manicure
  • under $100

What We Don't Like

  • no full-size products

Olive & June

My favorite nail care brand delights me with its Advent calendar year after year, and I'm thrilled that it's back for 2024. I swear on this brand, which has lasted me up to two weeks, no chips. Yes, I'm 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 mini polishes (in Tangled Lights, XOXO, To Me You are Perfect, Blitzen, Fiddlefig and Freshwater), hand and nail treatments (think cuticle and hand serums and nail strengthener) 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: $144
  • Number of items: 25
  • What's included: 3 Mini Long Lasting Polishes Polishes, 3 Mini Quick Dry Polishes, Mini Super Glossy Top Coat, Mini Quick Dry Top Coat, Mini Sparkle Fairy Top Coat Effect, Mini Metallic Pink Poppy, Mini Red Nail File, Mini Red Polish Nail File, Mini Hand Serum, Mini Nail Art Stickers, Mini Remover Pot, Mini Dry Drops, Mini Cuticle Serum, Mini Buffer, Mini Nail Strengthener, Sweet Gingerbread Super Stick Press-Ons, Into The Trees Chrome - Instant Mani Press-Ons, Limited Edition Polish Bottle Cookie Cutter

Best Luxe Beauty Advent Calendar

8. Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader

What We Like

  • sample the brand's bestsellers
  • full-size products included
  • proprietary Trigger Factor Complex

What We Don't Like

  • pricey

Augustinus Bader

For the luxury skincare connoisseurs in your life, the Augustinus Bader Advent calendar will be a must-have, as many PureWow editors will attest. Yes, it's *expensive*, coming in at nearly $600, but it's a great way to sample the brand's best sellers and new products. That means both sample and (small) full-size bottles of tried-and-true classics like The Rich Cream, The Serum and The Eye Cream. What gives these beauty staples cult status? The brand's proprietary Trigger Factor Complex (amino acids, vitamins, peptides) created after 30 years of research and clinical study.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $585
  • Number of items: 12
  • What's included: The Eye Patches Single Pack, The Cream, The Serum, The Rich Cream, The Eye Cream, The Cream Cleansing gel, The Essence, The Face Oil, The Body Cream, The Lip Balm, The Tinted Balm Shade, The Retinol Serum

Best Tea Advent Calendar

9. Palais des Thés Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • 24 different tea sachets
  • mix of herbal and caffeinated blends
  • festive calendar design with gold embossing

What We Don't Like

  • single serving only

Palais des Thés

When I lived in Paris, I quickly learned that Palais des Thés was one of the go-to spots for some quality loose-leaf or sachet—the location in the Marais was always buzzing. I'm super excited to see their festive Advent calendar, bedecked like a sparkling sapin de Noël (Christmas tree) hiding 24 whole-leaf and herbal teas within its branches. Each day reveals a new flavor packaged carefully in a hand-stitched cotton tea bag. I'm particularly eager to try the Détox Balinaise (apple, ginger, lemongrass, mango and papaya), L’Herboriste No. 74 (apple, orange peel, chamomile, lemon verbena and lemon balm) and Grand Jasmin Chun Feng (green tea and jasmine flowers).

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: Joyeux Thé!, Thé des Lords, Sencha Ariake, Vive les Fêtes, Détox Balinaise, Thé du Hammam, Big Ben, Le Bruit des Vagues, Thé des Moines, Genmaicha Yama, Paris for You by Night, L'Herboriste, Pu Erh Impérial, Vive le Thé, Rooibos des Vahinés, Grand Yunnan Impérial, Grand Jasmin Chun Feng, Jardin Andalou, Long Jing, Thé du Louve - Côté Cour, Sur un Nuage, Paris for You By Day, Darjeeling Margaret's Hope, Thé Vert No. 25

Top-Rated Toy Advent Calendar

10. Lego City Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • under $50
  • can turn box into play surface
  • engaging daily activity

What We Don't Like

  • not suitable for children under 5

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. "We love the LEGO advent calendars," says PureWow senior director of special projects & royals Rachel Bowie. "They offer a mini activity on each day (building whatever figurine is behind each door) and I like that we can factor the pieces into my son's everyday LEGO set on the other side of the holiday, which feels less throwaway."

With seasonal twists on recognizable characters, like carolers, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their adorable pets, the 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: 24 pieces, including calendar play mat, a Santa, a Mrs. Claus, dog and Christmas-sweater sporting figures

Best Overall Jewelry Advent Calendar

11. Astrid & Miyu 12-Day Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • recycled materials
  • four exclusive pieces

What We Don't Like

  • delicate construction

Astrid & Miyu

Astrid & Miyu is generally a favorite of the Beckhams, and the Advent calendar is most definitely luxe, from the jewelry itself to the 3D calendar that houses it. Having vetted 2024's version, I can tell you that you're in for a treat. Inside are five pairs of earrings, an opal charm bracelet and necklace, three single earrings and a voucher. Admittedly, the single earrings are less exciting unless you have individual earring holes or like to mix and match your earrings. (If you're building a stack, however, this will be your jam.) In past iterations, I've noticed some of the more dainty pieces have extremely delicate posts, which was disappointing for the price. That said, I love some of the exclusive pieces that can only be found in this set, like the opal studs and the pearl charm hoops, plus the fact that you can choose from a rhodium-plated recycled sterling silver or an 18K gold-plated recycled sterling silver.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $1,050
  • Number of items: 12
  • What's included: 6 pairs of earrings, individual hoop, barbell, ear cuff, bracelet, necklace, voucher

Best Pet Advent Calendar

12. Chewy 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: Himalayan Cheese Treats: Barkeetos Cheese, Chicken, Peanut Butter - Happy Teeth Cheese, Bacon, Charcoal, Peanut Butter - Cheese Puff Cheese, Bacon, Chicken, Peanut Butter - Himalayan Cheese Charms - Cheesy Bears; Cookies: Carrot Cake, Chicken Pot Pie, Bacon, Peanut Butter;  Cubits: Bacon, Peanut Butter, Salmon, Freeze-Dried Chicken

Best DIY Jewelry Advent Calendar

13. Great Pretenders Build-a-Bracelet Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • suitable for kids and tweens
  • wide variety of charms
  • under $50

What We Don't Like

  • no customization options

Great Pretenders

For the tiny jewelry enthusiast in your life, this build-your-own bracelet advent calendar provides 24 days of sheer delight. Included are two bracelets and 22 clay charms, from gingerbread to polar bears, mistletoe and holiday candies. Lobster clasp closures allow for easy attachment to the bracelets, one of which is rose-gold colored, and the other, beaded. The box hides the charms in a cozy winter wonderland, sending your little jeweler-in-training on a snow-covered adventure. 

Fast Facts

  • Value: $650
  • Number of items: 26
  • What's included: two bracelets, 22 clay charms

Best Custom Jewelry Advent Calendar

14. Abbott Lyon Made More You Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • four 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 two pieces with stone accents, their initial for two signature pendants and their preference of gold vs silver. Even the box is bespoke, with the name of the recipient included on the front. Each of the 12 items are elegant and understated, and the company claims that the plating process it uses ensures the jewelry won't tarnish. Pieces are made from 60 percent recycled stainless steel, 80 percent recycled brass or 90 percent recycled sterling silver. And, Abbott Lyon also incorporates sustainable packaging and is plastic-free.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $650
  • Number of items: 12
  • What's included: Sphere Chain Necklace, Initial Bracelet, Fine Tennis Necklace, Fine Tennis Bracelet, Crystal Star Ring, Mini Heart Birthstone Ring, Crystal Clover Pendant, Pavé Star Pendant, Mini Heart Birthstone Pendant, Mini Initial Pendant, Pavé Star Earrings, Pavé Star Huggie Hoop Earrings

Best Advent Calendar for Carnivores

15. Man Crates Dad-vent Jerky Calendar

Man Crates

Your resident carnivore won't be able to turn down a beef jerky advent calendar. With Man Crates' Dad-vent calendar, your man can snack on 25 types of jerky leading up to Christmas, with interesting flavors like whiskey maple, root beer habanero and sesame ginger. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper gift if the calendar didn't include a terrible dad joke on the inside of every flap.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 25
  • What's included: 0.5-ounce jerky bits in various flavors including black pepper, garlic, honey bourbon, whiskey maple, root beer habanero, ghost pepper, sesame ginger and root beer

Best Luxury Jewelry Advent Calendar

16. Swarovski Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • limited-edition crystal
  • can be worn as jewelry or used as holiday decoration

What We Don't Like

  • expensive

Swarovski

If you—or someone you know—collects crystal like they're chocolate, Swarovski's dazzling Advent calendar is sure to earn squeals of delight. The octagonal calendar hides within itself 25 sparkling charms, ranging from snowflakes to trees, mistletoe and woodland creatures. Each can be strung on a ribbon or chain to wear as jewelry or as a Christmas tree ornament. While $1,200 isn't funny money, it's still a steal, considering that buying one-off pieces of the same size will run about $120 or more. (So that times 25 makes the value of this calendar nearly $3,000.)

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 25
  • What's included: various crystal charms in shapes including snowflakes, trees, stars and mistletoe

Best Advent Calendar for the Cocktail Connoisseur

17. Woodford Reserve Cocktail Advent Calendar

Woodford Reserve

Now here's the best Advent calendar for the cocktail connoisseur: Woodford Reserve's features four types of bitters and four cocktail mixers that will make five 'o clock merry and bright. Flavors include chocolate and orange bitters, as well as spiced apple and spiced cherry cocktail mixers. The kit allows you to punch up Manhattans, old-fashioneds and bourbons with a festive little kick.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 8
  • What's included: old-fashioned cocktail mixer, aromatic bitters, chocolate bitters, whiskey sour cocktail mixer, spiced cherry old fashioned cocktail mixer, orange bitters, spiced cherry bitters, spiced apple cocktail mixer

Best Chocolate Advent Calendar

18. Godiva Snowglobe Advent Calendar

Godiva

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. (Care to share?)

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: Midnight Swirl, Milk Chocolate Lion of Belgium, Almond Marquise, White Chocolate Praliné, Praliné Crescent, Salted Caramel Lion of Belgium, Dark Caramel Embrace, Milk Chocolate Praliné Heart, Dark Chocolate Mint Medallion, Almond Crunch, Dark Ganache Heart, Lady Godiva

PureWow Readers’ Favorite Beauty Advent Calendar

19. Anthropologie Beauty Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • beautiful artwork by Nephthys Foster
  • under $100

What We Don't Like

  • no full-size products

Anthropologie

PureWow readers are obsessed with Anthropologie's beauty advent calendar, and one quick glance shows it's an excellent pick. First, the box, valued at $304, comes in at just under $100 for 24 sample-size products, including brands like L'Occitane, Elemis, First Aid Beauty and Juliette Has a Gun. From Sunday Riley's C.E.O. brightening serum to Grande Cosmetic's popular GrandeLASH-MD, it's packed with the season's trendiest beauty buys. The beautiful calendar features the whimsical artwork of Nephthys Foster, who has created charming illustrations for each day and product.

Fast Facts:

  • Value: $304
  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: Slick Hair Co SLick Stick, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, Lanolips 101 Delicious Glazed Donut, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Solinotes Tonka Mini Eau De Parfum, Poppy & Pout Daisy Tinted Lip Balm, Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Peeling Gel, NEST New York Lychee Rose Eau de Parfum, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume, Nails INC Call Me In Covent Garden Quick Drying Nail Polish, Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide, Supergoop! Glow Screen, Verb Ghost Weightless Hair Oil, Lavender Stardust Roll On Glitter Gloss, Tocca Lucia Eau de Parfum, Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Body Wash, Phlur Vanilla Skin Body Fragrance Mist, Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel Mini, Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Kopari Golden Aura Body Oil with 24k Gold & Hyaluronic Acid, Kopari Golden Aura Body Oil with 24k Gold & Hyaluronic Acid, Mermade Mini Wax Stick, Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD

Best for Kids

20. Kids Crafts Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar

What We Like

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

What We Don't Like

  • not packaged like a 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

Best Beauty Advent Calendar for Perfume Aficionados

21. Bloomingdale's Fragrance Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • includes luxe brands like Maison Margiela, Parfums de Marly, DS & Durga and Diptyque
  • striking emerald design

What We Don't Like

  • no full-sized product

Bloomingdale's

This fragrance advent calendar will be a delight to perfume lovers keen to try the latest and most popular scents. There are 12 featured brands: Maison Margiela, DS & Durga, Initio Parfums PRivés, Diptyque, Vilhelm Parfumerie, Parfums de Marly, Acqua di Parma, Mind Games, Byredo, Bond, Memo Paris and Armni/Privé, providing a great mix of couture and luxury indie offerings. My personal favorite is Diptyque's Eau Rose, and I'm also excited to see Parfums de Marly, DS & Durga and Initio Parfums in the lineup—all of which have had some great launches this year. The calendar, valued at $275, packages all the scents in a beautiful emerald green box.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $275
  • Number of items: 12
  • What's included: Maison Margiela REPLICA By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette, DS & Durga I Don't Know What Eau de Parfum, Initio Parfums Privés Oud for Greatness Eau de Parfum, Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette, Vilhelm Parfumerie Poets of Berlin Eau de Parfum, Parfums de Marly Delina Body Cream, Acqua di Parma Signatures of the Sun Zafferano Eau de Parfum, Mind Games J'Adoube Extrait de Parfum, Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum, Bond No. 9 New York Greenwich Village Eau de Parfum, Memo Paris Marfa Eau de Parfum, Armani/Privé Santal Dan Sha Eau de Toilette

Best Puzzle Advent Calendar

22. 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. And, it's a perfect way to introduce your child to some veritable art history. The calendar comes with 12 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 Advent Calendar for Bluey Fans

23. Bluey Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • exclusive figurines
  • great variety of accessories

What We Don't Like

  • small pieces not suitable for young children

Bluey

Perhaps you're a secret Bluey fan yourself—and in that case, it's a double win if you pick up this Advent calendar for your kid, too. Bluey's calendar includes 25 delights, including 16 stickers, 5 stickers, a mini Christmas tree and three figurines: Bluey, Bingo and Bartlebee—with Bluey and Bingo sporting their best Christmas sweaters.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: 16 accessories, 5 stickers, mini Christmas tree, Bluey, Bingo and Bartlebee figurines

Best Royal-Approved Beauty Advent Calendar

24. Bobbi Brown Dazzle & Glow Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • royal-approved
  • includes full-size products

What We Don't Like

  • pricey and only has 12 days of gifts

Bobbi Brown

From the brand Kate Middleton trusted on her wedding day (it's Bobbi Brown, ICYMI), comes this gorgeous copper-toned advent calendar complete with everything you'll need for a holiday glow. It's got three full-sized products (Extra Plump Lip Serum in Bare Pink, Smokey Eye Mascara in black, Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in golden bronze) and even includes the princess's favorite lipstick (her shade 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: $299
  • Number of items: 12
  • What's included: Extra Plump Lip Serum, Soothing Cleansing Oil, Mini Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum, Smokey Eye Mascara, Vitamin Enriched Face Base, Highlighting Powder, Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Bronze, Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Moonstone, Luxe Lipstick, Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss, Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover, Full Coverage Face Brush

Best Advent Calendar for the Future Vet

25. Littlest Pet Shop Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • can repurpose calendar into a play surface
  • variety of pets and accessories
  • under $30

What We Don't Like

  • no gift wrap available

Littlest Pet Shop

Have a kiddo in your life who's obsessed with animals? Make their Christmas with this Advent calendar by Littlest Pet Shop. Over 24 days, they'll collect eight pets, plus 16 accessories for their new friends. That includes plenty of festive gear, like scarves, a campfire, fun collars and headbands. Plus, the box itself can transform into a play surface by folding down the front flap for hours of fun.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $35
  • Number of items: 25
  • What’s included: 8 pets, 16 accessories, collector’s card

Best Overall Beauty Advent Calendar

26. Benefit The Gorgeous Grocer

What We Like

  • four full size products
  • everything you need for a full skincare and makeup routine

What We Don't Like

  • heavy on the mascara samples

Benefit Cosmetics

Let's face it: grocery shopping doesn't get much better than this. Benefit upends the traditional advent calendar in favor of a cute hot pink grocery basket (with working handles) stuffed with 24 iconic products. That includes four full size bottles (The POREfessional primer, BADgal BANG! Mascara, 24-HR Brow Setter and Roller Liner Eyeliner), and a bevy of fun and sample size blushes, mascaras, lip tints and brow enhancers. This might just be the best advent calendar for beauty enthusiasts because it'll stock you up on a complete skincare AND makeup routine for under $200. 

Fast Facts

  • Value: $322
  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: The POREfessional smoothing face primer, BADgal BANG! Bigger, Badder mascara, 24-HR Brow Setter, Roller Liner Eyeliner, Willa blush, Terra blush, Starlaa blush, Cloudia blush, Hoola bronzer, The POREfessional Good Cleanup cleanser, The POREfessional Deep Retreat clay mask, The POREfessional Tight 'n Toned toning foam, Plushtint Red Velvet lip tint, Plustint Quilty Pleasure lip tint, Splashtint Heat Wave lip tint, Splashtint Honeymooner lip tint, Benetint lip & cheek stain, Roller Lash mascara, Fan Fest mascara, They're Real mascara, Fluff Up Brow Wax, The POREfessional: Super Setter spray. Precisely, My Brow Pencil, Gimme Brow+ brow gel

Best Advent Calendar for the In-Laws

27. Crown Royal Tasting Calendar

Crown Royal

PureWow vice president of news and entertainment Philip Mutz gifted the Crown Royal Tasting Calendar to his father-in-law, to rave reviews. Your recipient will sample six flavors of Canadian whiskey, ranging from peach and salted caramel to apple and the brand's Black Blended Canadian whiskey. The calendar includes two 50ml bottles of each flavor, so you can share with a friend. (Though, no judgment if you're hoarding them all to yourself.)

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 12
  • What's included: 12 50ml bottles in six flavors: peach, salted caramel, Black Blended Canadian, Fine De Luxe Blended, Regal Apple, vanilla

Best Skincare Advent Calendar

28. Beekman 1802 There's No Place Like Home Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • majority full-size products
  • fun book-themed packaging

What We Don't Like

  • no returns

Beekman 1802

Treat the skincare enthusiast in your life to Beekman 1802's nourishing goat-milk products, which are microbiome-friendly and packed with 31 clinically-proven nutrients. The total value of this advent calendar (adorably packaged as a book) is $400—but you get 16 full-sized products and eight minis for under $180. This is by far the best Advent calendar if you're looking to maximize the full-size beauty product haul. That includes best-sellers like the Golden Booster Vitamin C serum, Mushroom Milk eye cream, Dream Booster Bakuchiol serum—and more.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $400
  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: Golden Booster Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream, Milk Scrub Oat & Goat Milk Exfoliating Cleanser, Mini Potato Peel Rapid Resurfacing Milk Facial, Dream Booster Bakuchiol Better Aging Serum, Milkshake Hyaluronic Acid & Squalane Facial Toner Mist, Oh! Mega Milk Fermented Barrier Boosting Facial Oil, Bloom Cream Daily Moisturizer, Milk Drop Ceramide Serum, Reusable Kindness Eye Patches, Sunshine Lemon Lip Balm, Lilac Dream Lip Balm, Pure Cuticle Serum, Ginger Cream Cookie Whipped Body Cream, Honey & Orange Blossom Whipped Body Cream, Glacial Mint & Eucalyptus Whipped Body Cream, Sunshine Lemon Hand Cream, Lilac Dream Hand Cream, Pure Bar Soap, Vanilla Absolute Bar Soap, Spiced Orange Bar Soap, Honeyed Grapefruit Bar Soap, Glacial Mint & Eucalyptus Bar Soap, Exclusive Limited Edition Goatie Mystery Pin

Best Whiskey Advent Calendar

29. 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

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, 2 Glencairn glasses, tasting journal, one year Flaviar black membership

Best Joanna Gaines-Approved Advent Calendar

30. Magnolia City Street Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • charming cityscape design
  • 24 pull-out drawers for trinkets

What We Don't Like

  • doesn't come with treats

Magnolia

Similarly to the West Elm rendition, this Advent calendar arrives completely empty, so you can put whatever treats you want your family to find inside. Of course, the fact that it's Joanna Gaines-designed makes it all the more tempting. 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 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: $64
  • Number of items: 25
  • What's included: wood calendar only

Best Luxury Home Advent Calendar

31. Maison Margiela Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • variety of home and body care fragrances
  • unique Bianchetto overpaint design

What We Don't Like

  • only seven days' worth of product

Maison Margiela

The Maison Margiela seven-day Advent calendar features a mélange of perfumes, candles and body care products from their Replica fragrance line. Meister is particularly excited about the Jazz club scent, noting, "Jazz revival is my top trend for 2024—and the Jazz Club Candle in this set instantly transports me to a night at the Django, thanks to a blend of rum absolute, tobacco leaf and vanilla. And while I'd buy this for that candle alone, it also includes miniatures of the brand's coziest perfumes, candles and body products. Everything is inspired by familiar scents that remind me of childhood in NYC from 'Lazy Sunday Morning' to 'By The Fireplace.'"

Fast Facts

  • Value: $169
  • Number of items: 7
  • What's included: Beach Walk Eau de Toilette, Jazz Club Eau de Toilette, Lazy Sunday Morning Mini Shower Gel, Lazy Sunday Morning Mini Body Lotion, Lazy Sunday Morning Scented Candle, Jazz Club Scented Candle, By The Fireplace Eau de Toilette

Best Wine Advent Calendar

32. In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • individual servings
  • shareable
  • no corkscrew required

What We Don't Like

  • can't mix and match

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 Beer Advent Calendar

33. 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 (approximately 12 ounces each) 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 Hydration Advent Calendar

34. Waterdrop Advent Calendar Set

What We Like

  • includes resuable accessories
  • makes hydration fun

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 50 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 glass cup and thermos, 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: $217
  • Number of items: 35
  • What's included:
    • Small: 17 microdrinks, two microenergies and six microlyte packets

Best Food Advent Calendar

35. 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: Royal Riviera Pear, Moose Munch Premium Popcorn, Smoked Summer Sausage, Pepper and Onion Relish, Mesa Verde Trail Mix, Signature Trail Mix, Mixed Nuts, Paradise Dried Fruit Mix, Yogurt-Covered Peppermint Tree-Shaped Pretzels, Cinnamon Swirl, Baklava, Dark Chocolate-Covered Peppermint Cookies, Blackberry Galettes, Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies, Raspberry-Filled Tree-Cutout Shortbread Cookies, Milk Chocolate Mini Mints, Milk Chocolate-Covered Cherries, Milk Chocolate Peppermint Truffles, Milk Chocolate Truffles, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark, Milk Chocolate-Covered Almonds, Milk Chocolate-Covered Reindeer

Best Hot Cocoa Advent Calendar

36. 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.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 12
  • What's included: Two packets of: Dark Chocolate Cocoa, Hazelnut Cocoa, Peppermint Cocoa, Salted Caramel Cocoa, Double Chocolate Cocoa, Milk Chocolate Vanilla Cocoa

Best Sample Size Advent Calendar

37. Vintage Wine Estates Wine Advent Calendar 

What We Like

  • larger bottles perfect for sharing

What We Don't Like

  • no custom options

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 calendars, which give you teeny tiny samples of wine, this baby features 12 half-sized bottles to enjoy alone or with a friend. Each calendar includes a mix of red and white wines, with 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: Laetitia Moscato, Kunde Rose, Cosentino Pinot Grigio, Ray’s Station Pinot Grigio, Firesteed Chardonnay, Swanson Chardonnay, Tamarack Merlot, Cartilage & Brown Merlot, Girard Pinot Noir, Viansa Pinot Noir, B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Candy Advent Calendar

38. 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 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, strawberry shortbread 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: 96 (24 candies, 4 candies per box)
  • What's included: Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough, Sparkle Pops, Red Apple Caramels, Peppermint Bark Cookies, Snowman Gummies, Holiday Hearts, Sugar Lips, Red Apple Gummies, Sparkling Stars, Strawberry Shortbread Cookies, Pink Diamonds, Confetti Caramels, Magic Mangos, Peach Hearts, Gingerbread Cuties, Gold Pearls, Island Pineapples, Sour Rainbows, Ice Cream Cones, Baby Whales, Baby Butterflies, Rainbow Bears, Strawberry Kiwi Hearts, Christmas Trees

For the Guy Obsessed with Holiday Lights

39. 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

Have a Clark Griswold in your life? Then they need this Advent calendar, stat. Inspired by the protagonist's love of holiday lights in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, this calendar is 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

  • Number of items: one
  • What's included: calendar only

Best Adult Advent Calendar

40. 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 from the brand behind the internet sensation rose vibrator offers 24 toys and treats that'll knock you (and your significant other's) socks off. That includes the $89 We-Vibe Sync Lite, Womanizer Liberty 2 ($99) and other accessories for both you and your partner that will keep the bedroom sizzling until December 25.

Fast Facts

  • Value: $500
  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: Womanizer Liberty 2, We-Vibe Sync Lite, bullet vibrator, toy gel, cleaning wipes, G-spot dildo, penis stroker, blindfold, butt plug, vanilla massage oil, velvet handcuffs, cock ring, mini paddle, sex position snap card game, G/P-spot sleeve, body massager, mini wand vibrator, dice, ankle cuffs, kegel balls, couple's rabbit cock ring, nipple clamps, finger vibrator sleeve, under-mattress restraints, menthol orgasm balm

Best Themed Advent Calendar

41. 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 yourown friends.

Fast Facts

  • Number of Items: 40+
  • What's Included: recipes, buttons, ornaments and other keepsakes

Best Paper Advent Calendar

42. 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 Hanukkah Advent Calendar

43. Williams Sonoma Hanukkah Countdown Calendar

What We Like

  • certified Kosher
  • beautiful calendar design

What We Don't Like

  • only sample sizes of goodies

Williams Sonoma

For those who celebrate Hanukkah, Williams Sonoma has created an exclusive countdown calendar filled with eight days of sweet treats. Think Jordan almonds, a selection of caramels, hard candy and milk chocolate gelt—all certified kosher, of course. Everything is wrapped up in a pretty blue box and tied with a bow.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items:
  • What's included: Jordan almonds, Taffy Town caramels, milk chocolate gelt, jelly beans, Champagne bubble gum drops, Hammond's candy stars, Hammond's ribbon candy, hard candy stars

Best Sock Advent Calendar

44. Happy Socks Advent Calendar

What We Like

  • fun prints
  • reinforced heels and toes

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 made of combed cotton, each one with a reinforced heel and toe. While the brand only offers crew-cut socks, rest assured, you'll be on-trend with Gen Z.

Fast Facts

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

Best Advent Calendar for the Baker

Williams Sonoma

Any baker would be over the moon to receive this cookie cutter Advent calendar as they ramp up their Christmas cookie operations. This set, exclusive to Williams Sonoma, includes 24 stainless-steel, enameled and copper-plated cookie cutters in a variety of sizes. Think snowflakes, angles, mistletoe, ornaments and Christmas trees, for starters. Each cookie cutter is nestled in its own festive box, and the inner flaps of the calendar include recipes for royal icing and sugar cookies. Time to set out a plate for Santa.

Fast Facts

  • Number of items: 24
  • What's included: stainless steel, enameled and copper-plated cookie cutters in a variety of shapes

Frequently Asked Questions

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 2024?

The best Advent calendars for 2024 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 $1,200. 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.

What Are the Dates of the Advent Season?

In the Christian tradition, from with Advent originates, the season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (between November 27 and December 3) and concludes on Christmas Eve, December 24.


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. She covers verticals including beauty, parenthood and fashion. Prior to covering shopping content, Anna worked in the fashion industry for 17 years in trend forecasting as a market analyst, womenswear and children’s apparel sales. Most recently, she managed the U.S. education program for Canada Goose.

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Associate Sales and Deals Editor

  • Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
  • Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
  • Studied Journalism at St. John's University

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.