The Best Advent Calendar for Everyone on Your List
Updated: Nov. 30, 2022It's almost time to count down to Christmas! Get a head start with the best Advent calendars for 2022. These top picks are ready to buy or pre-order.
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What is an Advent calendar?
It’s fun to celebrate the holidays with the Christmas tradition of an Advent calendar. This practice dates back to the mid-19th century, when German Protestants put chalk marks on their doors to count down the days leading up to Christmas.
Today, our Advent calendars have a little bit more spirit. From chocolates and coffee to boozy beverages (and everything in between), the choices are endless.
Do you start at 1 or 24 on the Advent calendar?
The choice is yours! Because it’s technically a calendar, it’s recommended to start at day 1 to correspond with each day’s date. That will also help you keep track of what days you’ve completed already without having to do any math. Some Advent calendars also feature the best surprises at the end of the calendar, so it’s fun to lead up to them.
But, of course, if you want to spice things up you can also start at 24 and count backwards to the days leading up to Christmas.
For calendars with 12 surprises, start opening on December 13.
Best Overall Advent Calendar: Harry & David Countdown
For a little bit of everything, you can’t go wrong with our pick for best overall Advent calendar. This Harry & David countdown features 24 tastes of the brand’s most iconic products. Think Moose Munch popcorn, dried fruits and nuts, cookies, trail mix and even a Royal Riviera pear. Weighing in at over seven pounds, this bountiful Advent calendar is big enough for the whole family. It also makes for a wonderful food gift.
Best Tea Advent Calendar: Vahdam Teas Countdown
There’s nothing better in the winter than curling up with a cup of tea. And this winter, you can give your favorite tea lover (or yourself) the gift of some seriously gourmet tea. The brews in this Christmas tea Advent calendar range from authentic Indian masala chai to a cookies and cream herbal tea, so you’re guaranteed a variety of choice.
Best Coffee Advent Calendar: Bean Box 12 Mornings of Coffee
Last year, Bean Box’s coffee Advent calendar sold out “faster than reindeer can fly.” So, you’ll need to be speedy if you want to snag the 2022 version. Enjoy waking up to delicious holiday coffees, all curated from specialty roasters. Madi Koetting, Associate Shopping Editor for Taste of Home, tried the Bean Box calendar. “With flavors like figgy pudding and ski lift, these are blends you simply won’t find in grocery stores,” she says. “I love waking up to a new coffee surprise each morning. Not to mention they fill my whole apartment with Christmas aromas!” It’s one of the best gifts for coffee lovers on the market. Peppermint mocha, anyone?
Best K-Cup Advent Calendar: Keurig 24 Cups of Cheer
If single-cup brews are more your style, add a K-cup Advent calendar to your cart. This affordable option includes a mix of coffees, cocoas and lattes from brands such as Caribou Coffee, Green Mountain and Panera Bread. While you’re shopping, pick up these genius Keurig cleaning pods, too.
Best Latte Advent Calendar: Copper Cow Holiday Sampler
If a morning coffee shop run is out of the question, order up the next best thing. This latte Advent calendar makes it easy to indulge in a warming pick-me-up every day. Look forward to flavors like peppermint, ginger and salted caramel. Senior Shopping Editor, Katie Bandurski, is a big fan of this countdown. “I love the unique flavors, and the pour-over design is genius. There’s no mess! Plus I love that I can control how sweet I want my drink, thanks to the included creamer packet.”
Best Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar: Williams Sonoma 12 Days of Hot Cocoa
Is there anything better than a sweet, warm beverage on a cold, snowy day? Warm up the days leading up to Christmas with this hot cocoa Advent calendar. Kids and adults alike will enjoy flavors like creamy vanilla, hazelnut and salted caramel. We recommend serving with marshmallows and copious amounts of peppermint bark. It’s the ideal hot chocolate gift!
Best Wine Advent Calendar: Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine
Holiday happy hours just got better. Our pick for the best wine Advent calendar comes in two styles—Holi-Day or Twas-the-Night. Both options include a mix of reds, whites and rosés, all handpicked by certified sommeliers. And, thanks to their gorgeous black-and-white boxes and sleek, wine bottle tubes, these beauties are ready for gifting to a wino—no bow required. Get the full scoop on this Vinebox wine Advent calendar.
Best Beer Advent Calendar: Brewvana 12 Beers of Christmas
Beer lovers, this one’s for you. This beer Advent calendar features 12 cans from craft breweries across the country. Look forward to imbibing in everything from IPAs to stouts. Plus, as an added bonus, this countdown includes access to nightly virtual beer tastings. Cheers!
Best Whiskey Advent Calendar: Flaviar Whiskey Countdown
This whiskey Advent calendar is pricey—but it’s worth it. Not only do you get 24 whiskey samples from all around the world, but you’ll unwrap a slew of other surprises, like a tasting journal and Glencairn glass. Plus, the packaging is impeccable. This is the ultimate gift for whiskey lovers or home bartenders.
Best Cocktail Advent Calendar: Woodford Reserve 8 Days of Spirit
Making spirits bright just got more literal. This cocktail Advent calendar features eight cocktail mixers and bitters for crafting everything from an old fashioned to a whiskey sour. Just add bourbon!
Best Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar: Harry & David 12 Days of Bubbles
‘Tis the season to be merry. And this sparkling wine Advent calendar will help put you in a jolly mood. Unwrap 12 mini bottles of Barefoot bubbly: cuvée, brut rosè, moscato spumante and pink moscato. We’re tempted to use this beauty as a New Year’s countdown, too. Browse more canned, bottled and bubbly options with these wine Advent calendars.
Best CBD Advent Calendar: Molly J. CBD Gumdrops Countdown
Don’t succumb to holiday stress. This CBD Advent calendar will keep you cool, calm and collected for a full 24 days. Opt for either a 25 mg or 50 mg dosage wrapped into a sweet, gumdrop package. Relax with our favorite CBD sparkling water, as well.
Best Candy Advent Calendar: Sugarfina 24 Tastes of Christmas
Many Advent calendars are loaded with chocolate, so if you’re a sweet tooth who loves gummies, sours and sprinkles, don’t sleep on this candy Advent calendar from Sugarfina. We won’t give too much away, but you can look forward to unwrapping rainbow bears, watermelon slices, apple frogs and dark chocolate sea salt caramels, among others.
Best Chocolate Advent Calendar: Godiva Luxury Countdown
It really doesn’t get any better than a luxury chocolate Advent calendar from Godiva. Every day brings a new flavor, including fun pieces like a jolly Santa, festive snowman, wintry penguin and other Christmas chocolates. It’s so irresistible you’ll want to eat the whole calendar all at once.
Best Cookie Advent Calendar: Cheryl’s Keepsake Countdown
Look forward to a soft, sweet treat—just like the ones grandma used to make—in this cookie Advent calendar. 18 snack-size buttercream-frosted cookies and six snack-size brownies are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, they’re tucked inside a darling Santa wall hanging that you can re-fill next year.
Best Baking Advent Calendar: Williams Sonoma 24 Days of Baking Cookies
We’re not sure if we’ve ever seen a cuter countdown than this baking Advent calendar. With a festive patisserie-style box that opens to reveal 24 darling boxes, this gift for bakers is guaranteed to bring a smile. Unwrap surprises like spatulas, cookie cutters, and icing tools. Homemade Christmas cookies await!
Best Baking Advent Calendar for Kids: Uncommon Goods Cookie Making Countdown
Little ones who love to help out in the kitchen will appreciate this cookie-making Advent calendar for kids. 25 windows hold all kinds of surprises, including cookie decorations, decorating tools and recipe cards. Ready, set, bake!
Best Jam Advent Calendar: Bonne Maman Countdown
Bonne Maman’s countdown sells out quickly every year, so order yours early. Each window in this mini jam Advent calendar reveals a one-ounce jar of fruit spread or honey. With 24 unique flavors, your taste buds will always have a little something sweet to snack on. This has to be one of the best Advent calendars for 2022, because it gives you a reason to make homemade biscuits or toast every day in December.
Best Cheese Advent Calendar: Harry & David 12 Days of Cheese
Christmas charcuterie, anyone? This cheese Advent calendar is loaded with 12 full-size noshes. We can’t decide which one we want to try first, from the Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue cheese to the Rising Sun Farms pesto and sun-dried tomato cream cheese torta. Pass the crackers, please!
Best Popcorn Advent Calendar: The Popcorn Factory Countdown
For a sweet and savory option, consider this popcorn Advent calendar. A group of adorable penguins, snowmen and polar bears look on as you sample fun popcorn flavors, chocolate-covered pretzels, wafer cookies and other holiday treats. Still shopping for holiday gifts? Send over a food of the month club.
Best Spice Advent Calendar: Williams Sonoma Spice Countdown
Add some flavor to December days with this spice Advent calendar. You’ll enjoy 24 spice packets, each designed for veggies, sides, fish, meat or dessert. And, since this countdown is purveyed by a Parisian spice specialist, you know the quality shines. Stock up on our favorite holiday spices, too.
Best Hot Sauce Advent Calendar: Uncommon Goods 12 Days of Hot Sauce
Everything from taco night to morning eggs just got more exciting. This flavor-packed hot sauce Advent calendar will bring a little heat to even the coldest winter day. Hot sauce fanatics can look forward to blends like pineapple papaya BBQ, smokey horseradish and garlic reaper.
Best Chef’s Advent Calendar: Oliviers & Co. Countdown
Shopping for chefs and home cooks can be tricky. After all, it’s hard to know exactly what tools, gadgets or ingredients they’ll need to whip up a culinary masterpiece. Luckily, this chef’s Advent calendar covers all of the bases. It features herb salts, gourmet olive oils, vinegars, spreads and truffles for foodie indulgences every day of December.
Best Keepsake Advent Calendar: Harry & David Reusable Countdown
Get the best of both worlds with this keepsake Advent calendar that blends the delicious eats of Harry & David with the practicality of a reusable Advent calendar. Each of the 24 drawers is filled with candies or cookies, and, once empty, it can be re-filled for next year’s countdown.
Best Dolly Parton Advent Calendar: Williams Sonoma Holly Dolly Countdown
Every day from the first of December until the night before Christmas, Dolly Parton has a surprise for her fans. This “Holly Dolly” Dolly Parton Advent calendar is packed full of her favorite treats, including chocolates and caramels. While you’re waiting for your calendar to arrive, try Dolly’s cake mix line.
Best Harry Potter Advent Calendar: Williams Sonoma Candy Countdown
It’s not quite an invitation to the Yule Ball, but this Harry Potter Advent calendar is the next best thing. Potterheads will revel in their haul of lemon sherbets, themed gummies and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, among other sweet treats. Alohomora! Unlock these other Harry Potter gifts, too.
Best Star Wars Advent Calendar: Lego Countdown
Have yourself a merry little Sithmas! With 329 pieces, your Lego aficionado won’t be disappointed. You’ll get 24 Lego characters and mini builds in this Star Wars Advent calendar. Each new day reveals a mix of classic and festive-themed Star Wars icons, including Luke Skywalker, R2-D2 and Darth Vader.
Best Disney Advent Calendar: Storybook Countdown
December bedtime stories just got way more exciting. This Disney Advent calendar includes a short, themed paperback story featuring the characters you know and love. You can make Christmas morning even more special by adding Mickey waffles to the menu!
Best Playmobil Advent Calendar: Santa’s Workshop Countdown
Your preschooler will find 24 surprise items—one for each day leading up to Christmas—in this Playmobil Advent calendar. Once all the pieces are opened, your child can enjoy a magical ball with the royal family. The set includes a backdrop, four figures, a decorated tree, presents, a table and chairs and a toy train and sleigh.
Best Plush Toy Advent Calendar: Build-a-Bear Beary Merry Countdown
If your kiddo can’t get enough furry friends, this Build-a-Bear Advent calendar is the perfect present. Little hands can unwrap 25 gifts, including tiny plush animals, clothing and accessories. Just wait until you see the festive frog donning his holiday best.
Best Thomas & Friends Advent Calendar: Mini Trains Countdown
Choo-choo! This Thomas & Friends Advent calendar contains 24 mini engines, each with its own special design. Little ones will look forward to unwrapping—then collecting, racing and trading.
Best Candle Advent Calendar: Etsy 12 Days of Candles
Christmas candle lovers, this one’s for you. This 12-day candle Advent calendar is guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit one day at a time. It’s neatly assorted with custom labels on each tin, so you know exactly when to burn. Plus, there are no repeating scents. This cozy countdown will keep your home smelling festive all December long.
Best DIY Advent Calendar: Uncommon Goods Ornament Craft Countdown
Feeling crafty? Little makers will love piecing together a new felt ornament every day in December with this DIY Advent calendar—no glue or needles required. Each ornament comes together with felt and self-adhesive stickers. Here are some more Advent calendars for kids. Also, read up on more gifts for crafters, as well as the best craft kits for kids.
Best Mental Advent Calendar: Uncommon Goods 12 Days of Brainteasers
This brainteasers Advent calendar will quickly become a family tradition. In the 12 days leading up to Christmas, give your brain a little extra exercise with this mix of picture puzzles, trivia questions and metal mind-benders.
Best Paper Advent Calendar: Rifle Paper Co. Countdown
Sure, it’s not technically filled with anything. But we still think this Nutcracker-inspired paper Advent calendar is pretty magical. It includes graphics of the ballet’s beloved characters, all dancing through a darling Christmas tree shape.
Best Ornament Advent Calendar: Village Ornaments Countdown
Decorating your Christmas tree is a snap with these holiday village countdown ornaments in tow. 24 brightly decorated cabins instill that there really is no better place than home for the holidays. But that’s not even the best part. You can open each roof to stash a holiday treat inside.
Best Nails Advent Calendar: Olive & June Countdown
You’re going to want to look your best for all those holiday photos! And this manicure Advent calendar gets the job done. Explore 25 mini surprises, including polish, sticker packs and nail tools. Plus, on average, this entire countdown costs less than a single spa manicure.
Best Beauty Advent Calendar: The Body Shop Countdown
‘Tis the season for pampering. The Body Shop’s Advent calendar is just the thing for some quality R&R all December long. Enjoy hand creams, lip butters, face masks, bath bubbles and other surprises that will help you look (and feel) your best.
Best Aromatherapy Advent Calendar: Uncommon Goods Shower Steamer Countdown
Meet the bath bombs more practical cousin. This shower steamers Advent calendar has 24 individually wrapped fizzers that guarantee an aromatherapy experience every. single. day. Indulge in scents like orange clove, peppermint and rosemary fir. And for a spa-like treatment, use the steamers as an exfoliating scrub.
Best Jewelry Advent Calendar: Sterling Forever 24 Days of Jewelry
We won’t lie, this jewelry Advent calendar is expensive. But every pair of earrings in this stunning countdown is timeless. Plus, each piece is set in sterling silver or plated in 14-karat gold. Talk about a glamorous start to the holiday season!
Best Makeup Advent Calendar: Benefit Cosmetics Mini Countdown
Look your best this December with this makeup Advent calendar from Benefit Cosmetics. All 12 days feature miniature versions of best-selling products for your brows, eyes and face.
Best Dog Advent Calendar: Bark Box Elf Treat Countdown
This editor-tested pick comes highly recommended by Deputy Affiliate eCommerce Editor, Megan Wood. “I don’t want to land on my dog’s naughty list, but last year when he was gifted with a dog treat Advent calendar, I threw most of the treats out,” she says. “They were loaded with cane sugar and preservatives! The BarkBox Elf Advent treat calendar is completely different. 25 holiday-shaped treats are made with healthier ingredients like rolled oats and apple flour. I took a sneak peek at Day One (don’t tell Santa!) and was happy to find a wreath-shaped crunchy treat that my dog happily devoured. This year, he’ll enjoy a tasty surprise every day!” If you don’t have a BarkBox subscription, we also recommend the Wufer’s dog cookie calendar.
Best Cat Advent Calendar: Cat Toy Countdown
Your furry feline friend deserves to get in on the fun! This cat toy Advent calendar has 12 festive surprises, including balls, feather toys and Christmas mice.
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