The best Advent calendars are full of surprises—literally. The magic of the holiday Advent calendar, which is ostensibly used to count down the 24 days before Christmas or, in some cases, the 12 days of Christmas (there are no rules here) is that you never really know what each day will bring. Think of it as a fun pregame for Santa’s official touchdown, with a new, super-tiny present to open daily until then.
These Christmas countdown calendars often have themes, from annual faves (like Harry Potter, for all the low-key wizards out there) to limited edition options, such as Vosges’ chocolate Advent calendar or La Mer’s luxe edit of moisturizers, serums, and cleansers ideal for the beauty lover on your list. It’s important to choose wisely, since no one wants 24 days of straight duds. That’s where we come in: We’ve rounded up the best Advent calendars to serve as your holiday-spirit hype crew—or, of course, make for a foolproof holiday gift. A word to the wise: They’re going fast, so add to cart and go right to checkout as soon as you find your fave.
Best Beauty Advent Calendars
Maybe we’re biased, but our favorite Christmas Advent calendars have some kind of beauty aspect, be it makeup, perfume, or simply incredible skin care products. Among our top picks you’ll find L’Occitane’s insane lineup of body lotions, hand creams, and more goodies, as well as a carefully edited 12-day Advent calendar full of La Mer’s iconic beauty products. More into nail polish? We’ve got you there too with over half a dozen OPI minis.
Best Food Advent Calendars
Whatever flavor gets you in the holiday mood—sugar-filled gummies, gingerbread, peppermint, milk chocolate, or some totally wacky combination of the above—these calendars deliver. Some also double as Christmas decorations, with packaging so pretty that they merit a spot of honor on the counter. (Or, alternatively, they can be gifted, no wrapping needed—we’re looking at you, Vosges Advent calendar.) Pro tip: If you’ve got your eye on the best-selling, deluxe Bonne Maman calendar for jams and jellies, we recommending jumping on it ASAP, since it sold out last year. Tea lovers, don’t fret. We also included two limited edition advent calendars to keep you hydrated (and moderately caffeinated) every day throughout the holiday season.
Every Other Advent Calendar Imaginable
Most of these Advent calendars would be totally at home in any gift guide, but that’s especially the case for this free-for-all category. That Missoma calendar is practically begging to be given to a jewelry-obsessed teenager—as is that Harry Pottery Holiday Magic calendar designed to delight kids of all ages. Dad will go wild for the totally unique, musically minded Advent calendar featuring a record; it’ll take him back to the ’70s, in a good way. Whether it’s a DIY situation or a Christmas-tree-inspired version designed for little ones, this more niche range of Advent calendars delivers.
