The Best Advent Calendar for Everyone on Your List
Updated: Oct. 07, 2021It's almost time to count down to Christmas! Not all of the Advent calendars will be available quite yet, so keep an eye out for products to be in stock.
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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 tradition 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 certainly have more spirit!
From chocolates to bath products and everything in between, the choices are nearly endless. Here’s a closer look at the top-rated Advent calendars our editors couldn’t resist.
Harry & David Cookie Calendar
This selection of gourmet cookies just screams Christmas. The Harry & David calendar has a distinctly European selection, with raspberry galettes and vanilla shortbread on the list, so you can travel this winter without having to hop on a plane.
Cookie Making Advent Calendar
Know someone who loves to bake Christmas cookies? This cookie-making calendar is the perfect present. It has 25 days of ingredients, tools and recipes to keep your favorite baker inventing at the oven all December long. We hear that flavors like hot chocolate, peppermint and shortbread will make an appearance.
Holly Dolly Advent Calendar
Every day from the first of December until the night before Christmas, Dolly Parton has a surprise for her fans. This Advent calendar is packed full of Dolly’s favorite treats, including chocolates and caramels.
CrateChef Advent Calendar
Perhaps instead of a baker, you’ve got a culinary whiz on your hands. In which case, CrateChef’s Advent calendar is just the thing you need. With 24 numbered boxes featuring gourmet surprises, we wouldn’t be surprised if this year’s box sold out within a week!
XO Marshmallow Advent Calendar
Winter is all about hot chocolate, and what’s a mug without some marshmallows? Jazz up your favorite Christmas drink with these specialty marshmallows, which come in a variety of flavors. They’re all meant to be a surprise, but XO has produced Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows and Butterbeer Marshmallows in the past, so they’re sure to be delightful.
Starburst All Pink Calendar
Remember when Starburst came out with heart-shaped jelly beans? Well, they’re taking the love one step further—self-love, that is. You don’t have to wait for December to start opening this 30-day calendar. It features prompts, inspirational quotes and challenges, lots of surprises and of course, tons of Starburst All Pink.
12 Days Buffalo Plaid Advent Calendar
If you’re really into Christmas and love all things plaid, this is the best Advent calendar for you. You can open up something cozy every morning until December 25. This plaid box includes a hat, scarf, gloves, leggings, and so much more to fall in love with. Make sure to move quickly, though—these cozy calendars won’t be around for long.
Funko Harry Potter Calendar
For Funko Pop! fans who also love Harry Potter, the countdown to Christmas doesn’t get any better than this. Funko’s Harry Potter Advent calendar contains 24 pocket pops of all your favorite characters, like Ron, Hermione and Harry Potter himself.
Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar
Each delicious bite of Cadbury chocolate marks one day closer to Christmas and offers up a sweet treat to enjoy at the end of the day. Chocolate and reading go hand in hand for a relaxing evening. Bonus: This Cadbury Advent calendar comes in a two-pack, so you’ll have one to share.
Vinebox “Women in Wine” Calendar
If you want to treat yourself to some fine reds, whites and rosés, as well as support women in the wine industry, this is the calendar you need. Vinebox’s 12 Nights of Wine “Women in Wine” edition includes 12 glasses of world-class wines. If this is right up your alley, don’t miss our full list of the best boozy Advent calendars!
Pukka 24 Days of Christmas Tea Calendar
This Pukka Advent calendar has a collection of organic herbal teas to help you relax during the holidays. You get 24 sachets of their best-loved teas, including Three Ginger, Turmeric Active and Lemon Matcha Green. Enjoying a cup of tea at the end of the day is a tasty way to reduce the stress of the season—and any tea lover will crave these adorable tea-inspired gifts.
Bonne Maman Jam Calendar
Bonne Maman’s limited-edition Advent calendar sells out quickly every year, so order yours early! Each window reveals a one-ounce jar of fruit spreads or honey. With 24 unique flavors, your taste buds will not be disappointed. This has to be one of the best Advent calendars for 2021, because it gives you a reason to make homemade biscuits or toast every day in December.
DreamBone Advent Calendar for Dogs
Check out DreamBone’s holiday Advent calendar so your furry friend can get in on the holiday countdown, too. It comes with 24 chicken chews for small dogs. Your pooch will love the three varieties: sweet potato mini bones, mini candy canes and mini chicken wrapped sticks.
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar
With 335 pieces, your Lego aficionado will not be disappointed! You’ll get 24 Lego characters and mini models in this Star Wars Advent calendar. Each new day reveals a mix of classic and festive-themed Star Wars icons, including Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca and a Porg.
Playmobil Advent Calendar
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, along with a toy train, sleigh and other accessories.
Thomas & Friends Advent Calendar
Fisher-Price offers a Thomas & Friends Advent calendar with 24 mini engines, each with its own special design. This set also includes six special edition minis in Christmas-themed designs. Each door opens up a new surprise, perfect for collecting, racing and trading.
The Body Shop Advent Calendar
This Advent calendar from The Body Shop offers a collection of 24 carefully chosen products from their most popular bath and body collections. This includes special seasonal items, along with favorites you know and love. Get ready for some downtime with 100% vegetarian body butters, hand creams, shampoos, bath bombs and more. If that’s not enough, give these Aldi Advent calendars a browse!
Vahdam Teas Calendar
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 teas in this Advent calendar range from authentic Indian masala chai to a chocolate vanilla herbal tea, so you’re guaranteed a variety of choice.
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