The 55 best Advent calendars to buy right now before they sell out
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We’ll say it here first: It’s never too early to start shopping for Advent calendars. Though they’re primarily used in December, every year the best ones sell out earlier and earlier. Also, why wait to open up those little doors filled with treats when you can simply treat yourself now?
No matter what you like — from candles and chocolates to beauty products — there’s a calendar to tickle your fancy. Heck, there’s even a calendar out there waiting for your dog. (And that’s why they make even better gifts.) Below, we rounded up our favorite Advent calendars to buy right now before they sell out. See more of our favorite gifts for men, gifts for women, Nordstrom gifts, Amazon gifts and holiday gifts for everyone else here.
$39.99 at Amazon
Elevate December breakfasts with a mini jar of one of Bonne Maman’s iconic jams or honeys. New flavors for this year’s calendar include Chestnut Orange Cinnamon, Mirabelle Plum and Spices and Strawberry Star Anise. The brand is including a sample of its new herbal tea too. Is the above sold out? Check out the Bonne Maman 12 Days of Christmas Set then too.
$15 at Dylan’s Candy Bar
If you want to gift a traditional chocolate Advent calendar like the ones you had as a kid, but they all seem so flimsy and blah, turn to iconic candy purveyor Dylan’s. Just looking at the cheerful box makes us smile. Inside they’ll find different shapes and sizes of Dylan’s classic milk chocolate wrapped up as chunky, colorful foil characters. And when each little door is opened, a holiday activity idea is revealed along with the goodies.
$69.95 at Williams Sonoma
Give your favorite baker — or yourself, if you want to make sure that this is the year you finally bake Christmas cookies from scratch — this super-fun Advent calendar. The gifts run the gamut from the essential, like cookie cutters and a sugar shaker, to the extra namely, like fluted biscuit cutters and snowflake gift bags.
$40 at Uncommon Goods or $50 at Amazon
A favorite amongst candy connoisseurs year after year, the current calendar shows off original artwork from New England artist Cindy Hendrick. Inside, find 24 caramels in flavors that are beyond sophisticated. Cape Cod Sea Salt, Cinnamon Clove or Anisette, anyone? And, reassuringly, they’re free of seven of the most common allergens.
$40 at Godiva
One word: Godiva. Raspberry stars. Milk ganache bliss. Dark mint medallions. Enough said.
$70 at Godiva
Need something a little richer? This Godiva pick comes with not chocolates — but truffles. Flavors include Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Christmas Cookie, Dark Chocolate Cranberry, and Milk Chocolate Roasted Almond.
$99.99 at Harry & David
For the chicest person you know, there’s never going wrong with Harry & David. This calendar filled with deluxe truffles and mints isn’t just a joy to open up daily but a joy to look at too.
$110 at Food52
It’s hard to argue with an Advent calendar filled with Ladurée. Inside you’ll find 24 days worth of caramel candies, nougats, chocolates, jam, and calissons (a delicious French fruit and almond concoction).
$60 at Food52
Who loves black licorice? Oh, that’s OK. You’re about to be converted. The twin treats awaiting you each day in December look like fancy malted milk balls, but they’re actually candy-coated nuggets of Danish black licorice. Even if you’re #teamredvines, you’ll be amazed at what a wonderfully sweet surprise these are, whether it’s, say, the salted caramel or its specialty, passionfruit.
$54.95 at XO Marshmallow
Whether smooshing s’mores, sipping cocoa or nom-nom’ing them straight out of the bag, who doesn’t like the pillowy puffs of joy that are marshmallows? And the ones inside this holographic-printed carton are way better than what’s in any bag. We’re talking handmade and in calendar-only flavors, including black cherry, peaches and cream, butterscotch and gingerbread. It’ll be a marshmallow world in the winter for sure.
$80 at Goldbelly
Bonbons! What better season for these fanciest of chocolate indulgences? This gorgeous box filled with red velvet crunch bites, apple cider jellies, almond cake bites, crunchy cereal balls dipped in matcha-infused white chocolate and more is crowned with a Manhattan-skyline snow globe. Since it comes with a really nice gift bag, expect to be torn over whether to keep or gift it.
Jewelry and accessories Advent calendars
$385 at Mignonne Gavigan
All we want for Christmas is bling. You as well? We’re all in luck, then. Take a look at this sumptuous indulgence (you’ve totally earned one this year, no?) from Mignonne Gavigan. It’s the brand’s very first Advent calendar. They’re going to have a hard time topping this one, though. The 12-drawer curation represents the bestsellers from its collection of attention-grabbing baubles as well as a few calendar exclusives.
$130 at Etsy
This is a unique Advent option for a) the fashionista who likes quirky accessories, b) someone who prides themselves on unique collections, c) a crafty person who appreciates high-quality handmade wares or, ofc, anyone who just likes pins. This stand-up calendar yields a different enamel pin for 24 days straight. Make no mistake: These aren’t the cheap things scattered on tables at conventions. They’re solid little pieces, with secure rubber clutches and metal in an array of cool colors.
$16 at Target
It’s sometimes tough to find a remotely useful Advent calendar for a guy. Not so this time. We’ve got just the one — for less than 20 bucks! Tempt him to play footsie with witty space-themed socks.
$605 $300 at Abbott Lyon
For those on the (very) nice list is this bespoke jewelry calendar. For the bracelets, pendants, rings and more inside, you can select gold or silver, a birthstone and an initial. Even the case can be personalized with a first name.
$465 at Astrid & Miyu
You know how the 12 Days of Christmas, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6, can feel sort of anticlimactic? Ummm, not this year, for whoever is lucky enough to have this gift lavished on them. Inside the spectacular vessel is $800 worth of ear adornments. Those would include 11 pairs of huggies, drops, studs, barbells, and hoops, some with crystals, others etched. And one $50 gift voucher.
$149.99 at Harry & David
If you love the idea of a wooden Advent calendar that can be kept for years but fret you’ll run out of energy to actually fill them, this option is a win-win. The drawers come pre-stuffed with yumminess, from classic chocolate coins and sugar cookies to Harry & David’s famous truffles. Plus, the winter scene is backlit, giving it an extra-homey look.
$78 at Anthropologie
At the ready to become a treasured heirloom, this light-up wooden Advent calendar has 24 little but impeccably crafted drawers to fill with whatever wee surprises you dream up. It would look stunning on a fireplace mantle or even as a buffet centerpiece.
$105 at Kiehl’s
You know that skin care maven whose bathroom is brimming with Kiehl’s gold standard goodies? Oh, that’s you? Consider your Christmas made. Travel-size cleansers, face masks, moisturizers and more await. The calendar is made with 100% recycled paper and zero plastic, so it’s a gift to the environment too.
$200 at Charlotte Tilbury
We’re swooning over this year’s Advent offering from the cult-favorite British beauty brand. Each jewel-handled drawer contains a present more exciting than the last. Expect a full-size Magic Lip Oil, Airbrush Flawless Filter Setting Spray and Pillow Talk Push Up! Lashes.
$125 at Rituals
Is this not gorgeous? A beauty Advent calendar that doubles as elegant decor! Each ornament opens to yield a bath and body extravagance. Among those are The Ritual of Karma Body Scrub, Homme Foaming Shower Gel and Elixir Collection Miracle Keratin Recovery Hair Mask. It even comes with string lights! And it arrives gift-wrapped, in a shiny gold box tied with a midnight blue satin ribbon, so if you’re giving it away (we salute that kind of generosity), you’re all set.
$99 at Sabon
Take a deep breath and savor a bit of seasonal serenity each December day with this pretty calendar. With all the body oils, shower gels, rich creams and lotions, scrubs and more you’ll find behind its doors, you’ll be prepped for self-pampering.
$38.99 at Amazon
Equip yourself for a nightly stress-busting soak. These bath treats are handmade in Texas with natural ingredients and essential oils. And the scents — gingerbread! Frankincense and myrrh! — may help you forget your in-laws are staying an extra day this year. But the artisans even include a “soothing detox” treat, just in case.
$45 at Sephora
This cult-favorite Sephora Advent calendar naturally comes with 24 gifts, but the real news here is that 10 of them are actually full-size. The set includes top-rated beauty favorites from Sephora Collection’s makeup, hair accessories and skin care categories that will delight any true beauty lover. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, this mini 12-item Advent calendar is just $25.
$65 at Sephora and Benefit
Benefit beauties, you know who you are. Your calling cards are perfectly primed skin, fluffy brows and fluttery lashes. Nab all you need in this calendar, stocked with pretty much all the cult faves. You’ll score purse-size Gimme Brow+, 24-HR Brow Setter, POREfessional Primer, Roller Lash and eight more mini marvels.
$65 at Olive & June
Ooooh, pretty! From classic red to sparkly silver, this classy calendar will let you deck out your digits all season long. Aside from polish, you’ll find gold stickers, press-ons, cuticle oil and handy-dandy little tools.
$249 at The White Company
A bit of pampering every day during the holidays? Sign up right here with this covet-worthy calendar enrobed in elegant white. From the Fireside Fragrance Oil to a Fir Tree Votive and Tuberose and Cashmere Hand Cream, this indulgence is setting you up for spa days at home the entire winter.
$129 at Florence by Mills
Flower power! Spread groovy seasonal vibes over 12 days with full-size (no puny samples here) vegan and cruelty-free beauty treats and a rose gold ornament. You’ll notice that everything has a touch of whimsy. Examples: pretty purple What’s My Line? Eyeliner and the Hit Snooze Lip Mask that looks like the most adorable pot of Jell-O. Even the Under Eye Gel Pads are cute, shaped like little whales.
$140 at L’Occitane
It’s a beauty bonanza! This premium calendar really is, well, premium, bursting with the brand’s fan favorites, including Almond Shower Oil, Divine Cream and Immortelle Overnight Reset. Talk about Christmas magic.
Coffee and tea Advent calendars
$54.99 at Etsy
Caffeine is exactly what the elves ordered. This reusable and customizable pine K-Cup calendar will bring charm to your kitchen. Plus, the star can be personalized. Yes, it comes with the coffee pods, and they’re all different.
$59.99 at Amazon
The soothing sachets in this old-timey calendar will end hectic December days on a relaxing note. You (or your favorite tea lover) will be sampling all kinds of Indian teas, from Earl Grey Citrus to Turmeric Spiced. In each cubby, find five individually-packaged tea bags — not just one — of the same type. Worthy of note, especially at this time of year: A percentage of proceeds goes to help educate the tea growers’ children.
$64 at Beanbox
But first, coffee. If there is ever a time that a java jolt is needed, it’s the week or two before Christmas. Why not make your morning routine holiday-special? The small-batch coffee found inside each “storybook” in this cute calendar have festive tasting notes like figgy pudding, spicy gingerbread and roasted chestnut. You can choose either ground or whole bean. (We’re doing ground. Every minute counts when Santa is almost here.)
$59 at Amazon
Even hardcore coffee drinkers feel like a nice cup of Christmasy tea at this time of year. Equip them to enjoy those peaceful moments amid the holiday madness with Tea Forte’s calendar. It contains 24 fancy pyramid tea bags filled with an assortment of black, white, green and herbal teas. Think Cherry Marzipan, Winter Chai and Sweet Orange Spice. All they’ll need is a merry mug and a cozy throw.
$9.99 at Chewy
Odds are your pupper doesn’t get salmon with sweet potatoes all too often. Make their month with this calendar of 25 human-grade, grain-free nibbles. And if you have more than one dog, the price makes it easier to buy multiples.
$18.99 at Chewy
A Christmas cookie for you, a yummy treat for them. Seems only fair, right? So let your fur baby indulge with this calendar, packed with all-natural treats. The only preservative is vinegar! The drool-worthy flavors include chicken, cheese, bacon and peanut butter.
$18.50 at Bocce’s Bakery
Each day in December, pamper your pup with a soft, chewy, US-baked treat in flavors like banana and carob. They’re grain-free, so pups with a wheat sensitivity can join in the holiday fun too.
$59.95 at Amazon
Human Christmas cookies will give Bella a bellyache, but the hand-decorated delights inside this retro-sweet calendar are perfectly palatable for pups. Each cookie is made in North America with human-grade ingredients, and wrapped in recyclable plastic for freshness.
$29.99 at Amazon
This veritable breakfast buffet contains full-size cans of Fancy Feast, all protein-rich formulas. They’ll be grazing on gravy-covered turkey, tuna, chicken and beef. A fun touch are the QR codes for holiday music and recipes behind the door flaps. Also new in 2022’s version of this popular kitty calendar: Savory Cravings treats. Expect daily leg circling.
$27.99 at Petco
A little catnip each day keeps holiday mischief away! This collection of 12 organic catnip toys, treats and surprises will have Luna rolling, purring and playing. And with any luck, it will distract her from your tree and roll of curling ribbon.
$79.99 at Harry & David
Why is a popcorn calendar in the home decor section? Look at the boxes! Each house is sturdy and adorable, and seasonal without being red-and-green traditional. The top of the house slides up smoothly so you can get at the individual bags of popcorn in four winter-special flavors. And just a thought: Save a few for perfect little co-worker or neighbor gifts.
$28.99 $19.99 at Personalization Mall
Custom embroidery in any of 33 colors makes this handy hybrid — stocking, Advent calendar and cheery decor — one of a kind. Just move the candy cane to mark the days until Santa comes to town. It’s lined with strong fabric, so it’ll be livening up your living room for years to come.
$158 at Nordstrom
This may just be the best-smelling way to pass the time until Christmas. Tucked into this chic calendar are 12 of Voluspa’s bestselling coconut wax candles. A golden wick trimmer is included. Each full-size candle is imbued with an indulgent fragrance and hand-poured into an embossed glass vessel. Will it be Baltic Amber or French Cade Lavender today?
$45 at Uncommon Goods
Savor quiet time amid the hubbub of the holidays with this clever, crafty take on an Advent calendar. You can stitch a new design every day. (No worries; they include easy directions for newbies.) The final finished piece will be a cheery homespun decoration for many Christmases to come.
$148 at MacKenzie-Childs
The iconic checkered, whimsical design of the brand seen in many a celebrity kitchen has taken over Advent calendars. And we’re here for it! This year’s incarnation is a showstopper, crafted of solid wood with the gold MacKenzie-Childs plaque on the back. The drawers slide in and out easily, ready to fill with your family’s favorite treats or whatever little surprises you think up.
$44.99 at Disney
For 24 days, your kid will feel like a Jedi building vehicles, posable characters — including C-3PO and R2-D2 in holiday sweaters and a Gonk Droid dressed as Santa — and a beach scene for Darth Vader on vacation. The Force will be with your family all season, that’s for sure.
$40 at Uncommon Goods
Need help channeling your littles’ antsy seasonal excitement? Keep them busy with Kirsten Field’s calendar. It’s stuffed with 25 different felt ornament crafts. They’re easy (and neat!) since they don’t require sewing or glue. Encourage the spirit of giving by suggesting your child gift a few, to a teacher or Grandma, perhaps?
$49.99 at Barnes and Noble
This is the escape room version of an Advent calendar, set to a mystery adventure story involving an avalanche and, you guessed it, a cave. To get out of the icy prison, your kid has to solve a riddle a day and piece the clues together. This is a great option if you’d like to keep your older kid exercising their smarts over the holiday break.
$21.99 at Amazon
By Christmas Day, your tot will have conjured up two jolly scenes with this calendar. Will the favorite be the snowman or the gingerbread man? Behind each and every door is a wee can of Play-Doh — including sparkly — and little tools to make all manner of crafty creations. So fun.
$36 at Etsy
“’Tis the season to be kind” is the theme of this rainbow glitter tree — and that’s a message that’s extra important to remember these days. Kids hang an “ornament” on the tree once they complete that day’s (simple) act of kindness. For example, they may be prompted to extend a compliment, or write a thank-you to your mail carrier. The star is placed on Christmas Eve by one rightfully proud child.
$49.99 at Amazon
Here’s a really wonderful Advent calendar for a teen with an artistic side. A collab with London artist Diane Hill, it’s stuffed with art supplies, including a paintbrush, acrylic paints and markers, plus project ideas. Don’t be surprised if you get a homemade holiday card for the first time in years.
$37.99 at Amazon
Got a Thomas fan at home? Cue the squeals of delight. This compact calendar is filled with 24 Thomas trains and other vehicles. By Christmas Day, your little conductor will have a whole railroad. So much imagination-boosting play ahead!
$32.95 at Walmart
Just when you thought your family couldn’t possibly have any more fun with that mischievous imp, now there’s an Elf on the Shelf Advent calendar! Each day, your child will find a new character, vehicle or prop to create a winter wonderland play set even Santa himself would approve of.
$49.95 at KiwiCo
This is just about the cutest idea ever. Your child will build a little town, one day at a time. Each festive envelope contains everything needed to craft a complete project. They even include instructions on how to turn all those envelopes into a garland to deck out their room. This should keep them busy while you wrap.
$39 at Lovepop
The shiny box contains 25 numbered pouches with pop-up paper sculptures that, as they’re set up day by day, teach the story of the birth of Jesus. The adorable resulting play set can easily be saved to display next year.
$59 at The White Company
Just feel him! Soooo soft. With 25 embroidered pockets for stuffing with your child’s favorite treats, this frosty fellow will be a pal long after New Year’s … quite possibly forever. Name him Marshmallow. It fits.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers’ listed price at the time of publication.
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Source: https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/gifts/best-advent-calendars?iid=CNNUnderscoredHPcontainer
