Our 20 Favorite Advent Calendars of 2024
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There's something undeniably exciting about Advent calendars. To me, they were the first example of a little treat. I'd get done with a hard day of being an 8-year-old and come home to crack open a cardboard door to eat some powdery chocolate. As an adult, spending just a moment every single day with a special little treat or gift can help you stop feeling overwhelmed by all the tree trimming and gift wrapping—enough so you can start enjoying the ride.
Advent calendars are cooler now than they ever were when I was a kid, and the contents aren't limited to novelty Santa-shaped chocolates anymore. I painstakingly tore into several cardboard doors to get to the bottom of the best Advent calendars. My favorites are below. Even if you start cracking into your calendar after December 1, don’t worry; a lot of Advent calendars are just 12 days. Plus, who needs rules? Just double up on treats if you start late!
Updated November 27: We've added new Advent calendars for makeup, moonshine, men, and more.
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- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for Coffee Lovers
Onyx Coffee Labs Coffee Advent CalendarThis Advent calendar is absolutely stunning. You'll get a large box with inlaid art that opens like an accordion and has a magnetic closure. Inside are several different pockets, plus a gorgeous guide to the calendar listing all of the curated offerings. Every day you'll have a tiny 2-ounce bag of whole coffee beans waiting for you. The guide has notes on the variety of beans, the region they come from, and any processing notes. The back of the guide has information on coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, brew times, and troubleshooting tips. When I'm not making espresso, I'm a pour-over girlie, so I'm really excited to use each blend to its full potential (and to re-use the box when it's empty). This calendar is one of the most giftable out of all the ones I've tested this year, and I'm sure any coffee fan would appreciate it.
- Photograph: Lush
Best for Self-Care
Lush Advent CalendarI didn't think it was possible for there to be an Advent calendar that was heavier than Bonne Maman's (see below), and then this gigantic, reusable box from Lush appeared on my doorstep. In total with packaging I'd estimate it to weigh around 10 pounds, and the box measures about 12 by 7 inches. The cardboard box has a locking clasp on the top and a drawer on the bottom. The design is stunning and so are the calendar's contents. This calendar is made up of 25 delicious-smelling Lush goodies, including holiday-themed bath bombs, Bubble Bars, lotions, lip masks, shower gels, and more. There's even a candle! And 11 of the products are Advent calendar exclusives, so you can't get your hands on them elsewhere. This beautiful and reusable box offers a lot of value—and tons of opportunities for a decadent bubble bath.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for Doll Lovers
Mattel Barbie Advent CalendarBarbie Advent calendars are nice because you always know what you're getting. Each one includes a doll and 24 different accessories. That usually includes mostly fashion accessories and outfits, plus a little pet or something similar. The version I received has a brown-haired Barbie, brightly colored accessories, and a sweet silver jacket that I wish I could wear in real life. There's another popular version out this year that features a pink-haired Barbie doll that can be transformed into a mermaid or a fairy, which I think is arguably cooler. Either way, any kiddo that likes to play with dolls will probably be thrilled.
- Photograph: Godiva
Best for Chocoholics on a Budget
Godiva Holiday Classic Chocolate Advent CalendarKiss that fat-bloomed, powdery chocolate of yesteryear goodbye. Godiva's 24-piece chocolate Advent calendar isn't the most expensive you can buy, but it is frickin' delicious. My partner and I agreed to split a piece every night—one day a salted caramel dark chocolate delight, the next a nougaty praline masterpiece. Then we decided we were adults and made quick work of the whole thing. There's a solid mix of white, dark, and milk chocolate distributed throughout the box, and none of the pieces I received were damaged during shipment.
- Photograph: Compartés
Best for Chocoholics on a Bigger Budget
Compartés Gourmet Chocolate Advent CalendarThe 24-piece Compartés Chocolate Advent Calendar can only be described as “delightful.” There are three different themes to choose from. I received the Winter Fox Forest box, which is covered in a breathtaking and sweet scene featuring a fox frolicking with his friends. (Say that three times fast.) Every truffle has a stunning design printed on it featuring some of the characters and themes of the box itself. There are tons of flavors—my box featured Vanilla Custard, Black Forest Gateau, and Linzer Cookie, to name a few. And it's a small touch, but I appreciated that the box has a magnetic closure to keep things extra-fresh. The brand also offers a No Melt Shipping Guarantee. Good luck to those of you who plan on eating only one of these scrumptious truffles per day.
- Photograph: Amazon
Best for Kids
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty Advent CalendarI was a little frustrated when I first tried testing this Advent calendar, because some of the tins are a little hard to open with my short nails. That frustration quickly dissipated as soon as I got my hands on the contents. This calendar comes with eight tiny .07-ounce tins of Thinking Putty, plus a variety of mix-ins and rubber holiday charms. In total there are 24 surprises. I think someone younger than 31 would get a kick out of the alchemy aspect of it. But I was plenty content to just roll the thinking putty around in my hands while I thought of what to type next. If you've got a slime-obsessed youngster or you have a penchant for fidgets, this calendar is well worth the money.
- Photograph: Fly By Jing
Best for Adventurous Eaters
Fly By Jing Winter in Sichuan Advent CalendarThis Fly By Jing Winter in Sichuan Advent calendar is full of 12 delicious and unique chili sauces and spice blends. You'll get some of the iconic flavors the brand is known for, including its classic Sichuan Chili Crisp, but there are some even more unique items such as Sweet Shallot Sauce (which is so unbelievably scrumptious on eggs) and Doubanjiang Paste, which is deeply savory, a little spicy, and somehow keeps making its way into every recipe I cook. The contents of the calendar are vegan and perfect for any foodie with a penchant for spicing things up. Each 2-ounce jar is TSA approved.
- Photograph: FabFitFun
Best for Beauty
FabFitFun Advent CalendarThis Advent calendar, by my calculations, contains nearly $300 worth of goodies. I don't want to spoil all of the contents, but I'll say that I discovered a new product that I can't live without, three of the items immediately went inside my purse, and for the two that didn't work out for me, they are absolutely regiftable. Most of the products in this calendar are full-size. It's very heavily beauty focused, so if you're someone who oohs and aahs over those kinds of products, this is a fantastic way to treat yourself for 12 days this December. (Or give yourself a really big treat all at once.)
- Photograph: Kat Merck
Best for Holiday Spirits
Moonshine Advent CalendarThe perfect Advent gift for the adventurous drinker who’s tried it all, this sturdy cardboard box printed to look like a wood crate kicks off (or, more likely, ends) each of 12 days with one 50-millileter container of craft moonshine. The little bottles and jars contain a range of unique flavors—many are seasonal, like apple pie and butter pecan, but there are plenty of off-season surprises as well. And lest you worry about going blind, rest assured each jar comes from a well-known, legal US distillery like Sugarlands, Ole Smoky (repped by Travis Kelce), or Sip Shine. Committed as I am to journalism, I tested each flavor and was surprised to find I enjoyed them all, even ones I was initially worried about (looking at you, “Sour Razzin’ Berry”). Be forewarned, though, that while the jars look small, they pack a punch, as proofs range from 25 all the way up to 80. (Best to save that one for the day relatives arrive.) —Kat Merck
- Photograph: Kat Merck
Best for Puzzlers
New York Puzzle Company New Yorker Advent CalendarWhether you’re a fan of our sister publication The New Yorker or just puzzles in general, this puzzle-a-day calendar is an Advent activity the whole family can participate in. Twenty-five numbered boxes each contain a 100-piece puzzle depicting a holiday-themed New Yorker cover—some as old as the 1920s, others more contemporary. The puzzles are easy enough to complete in a day, but the pieces are irregularly shaped so more advanced puzzlers won't be too bored. My family especially enjoyed getting to see the evolution of art styles. There’s also no year associated with this one, so you can regift it or pack it away when Christmas is over to be used year after year. Start a new tradition! —Kat Merck
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for After Christmas
Sephora Collection After Advent CalendarThe concept behind the Sephora After Advent Calendar is so cute. It's meant to be opened on the days between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Each of the seven doors has a beauty treat behind it, and most of the Sephora Collection products are full-size. It's a good way to brighten up the days between events. You'll also end up with nearly an entire makeup look, which I think makes this calendar an excellent value compared to its low cost.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for Tweens
Sephora Collection Advent CalendarI'm gonna be honest: I think this calendar is overpriced. It's worth looking at the list of spoilers before deciding whether or not to buy it. Some of the 24 items are cute and worth the $2 per item cost, like a lip marker and a travel-size pack of makeup remover wipes. Others had me raising an eyebrow, like the clear nail polish and the nail files. Overall I think this calendar makes sense for youngsters who are just getting curious about beauty products since it's got a lot of tools and not too many bold colors. But if you're an adult looking to be wowed, another calendar might be a better pick.
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- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for Nail Lovers
Glamnetic Nail Lover's Gift SetThis Advent calendar has seven days of doors to open. You'll get six press-on nail sets and a bottle of nail glue. It's a little unconventional since these nails usually last me for at least a week, so opening each daily door is more about looking forward to the nail sets you can wear in the future. But the kit has great value since these nail sets usually cost $15 to $20 apiece, and one of the sets—the viral La Perle, a short squoval shape—is exclusive to this kit. If you or a loved one like to wear artificial nails on a regular basis, this set is a good way to stock up.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for Supporting an Indigenous-Owned Business
Cheekbone Beauty Seven Gifts for Your Best Self SetThis peel-and-reveal beauty gift set is nice because it's not explicitly an Advent calendar—you can open the seven doors any time. They're not numbered, so you give yourself a surprise gift any time you'd like. It comes from Indigenous-owned Cheekbone Beauty, and the set is themed around the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Each door contains a lesson and a full-sized beauty product that represents the teachings. Bravery—aakode’ewin—is represented by a bold eyeshadow. Love—zaagi’idiwin—is represented by a lipstick. This set is thoughtful, vegan, and sustainably made, and is the perfect way to share a little wisdom with yourself or a loved one.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for Toy Cars
Mattel Hot Wheels 2024 Advent CalendarThe Hot Wheels Advent calendar includes eight cars and 16 accessories in total. The coolest part is that the box doubles as a playmat where kids can race their vehicles around a decorated track instead of all over your countertops. My favorite is the little reindeer hitch and the snow yeti. There's even a car with a Christmas tree on top!
- Photograph: Bonne Maman
Best for Bread Lovers
Bonne Maman 2024 Advent CalendarThe box the Bonne Maman Advent calendar arrives in is heavy—the calendar itself weighs over 5 pounds. That’s because behind each of the calendar’s 24 cardboard flaps, you'll find a mini glass jar of fruit spread (except for one compartment that has Caramel With Coffee). Each of the adorable 1-ounce jars contains a flavor bound to shake up your loved one’s palate. Highlights from my tasting included the balanced and bright Cherry-Honey spread, the summery White Nectarine and Peach spread, and the truly unique Lemon and Elderberry spread. I've tried a lot of things, but I've never tried anything like some of these ooey-gooey flavors. Bonne Maman is a French brand that doesn’t use any high fructose corn syrup or preservatives, so this calendar is for somebody who enjoys starting their day with all-natural jam on toast or augmenting their afternoon tea with a sweet little treat. It's currently sold out on Amazon, but hopefully will come back in stock in time for last-minute shopping.
- Photograph: Kat Merck
Best for Water Enthusiasts
Waterdrop Advent CalendarIf someone you love got a certain tumbler last Christmas—or is just trying to drink more water—make sure they have something to put in their cup this year with Warerdrop’s hydration-themed Advent calendar. Twenty-five pink and purple boxes of varied shapes and sizes compose a quaint, vaguely Bavarian village (Waterdrop is a German company, for context) belying multipacks of Waterdrop hydration cubes—one individually wrapped cube lends a hint of flavor to 12 to 14 ounces of water. There are plenty of different flavors and varieties of Waterdrop, of course, but I was also impressed with the broad range of hydration accessories and surprise gifts, which included everything from a cup, ornaments, and a tote bag to a 2025 planner. (All pink and purple, be forewarned.) As an added—and also somewhat German—bonus, the sturdy, lidded cardboard box it comes in doubles as storage for your goodies post-holiday.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Best for Craft Soda
Jones Soda Advent CalendarFun drink Advent calendars can be found in abundance, and this is one of the funnest. It arrives in two big, heavy boxes. Under each cardboard flap you'll find a pocket with a present. It might be a craft soda—some with specialty flavors, like the Nuka Cola from Fallout that made me yell out loud with joy, or the elf-themed Strawberry Lime soda—or it might be an energy drink or juice, or it might be a sweet piece of merch like a hat or a sticker. I never knew what to expect when tearing into this box, but I was always excited.
- Photograph: Straight Away Cocktails
Best for After Hours
Twelve Nights of Cocktails Advent CalendarThe Twelve Nights of Cocktails Advent calendar is gorgeous, and so are its contents. Each of the 12 100-milliliter canned cocktails in this box packs a punch, but there's a handy chart that tells you more about each drink's ingredients and alcohol content. You can pour the cocktails into a glass and garnish at your leisure, but I opted for sipping straight from the can like some sort of goblin. I found the drinks tasty and balanced—the espresso martini will sneak up on you—and it was nice to try drinks I wouldn't usually order on a night out. Apparently, I like gin. Who would've thought?
- Photograph: Immortal Perfumes
Best Fragrance
Immortal Perfumes Gothic Perfume Advent CalendarI'm confounded as to how the best-smelling Advent calendar isn't from Lush. But let me emphasize that I was wholly and utterly shook by this luxurious Gothic calendar from the micro-perfumery Immortal Perfumes. The reusable cardboard box is stunning, for one, with 25 individual drawers. Each contains a mass of tissue paper, at least one tiny vial of perfume, and a piece of cardstock explaining the notes and story behind each scent. You'll also get a voucher for a free 15-milliliter roll-on perfume of your choice (valued at $75)—or you can pick which scent you want upon checkout, but the company recommends choosing the voucher if you haven't tried its perfumes before. One drawer contains both Hades and Persephone—the former a cologne with notes of opium and belladonna, the latter a sweet blend with white musk and pomegranate. Another drawer has a cologne tribute to Henry VIII with notes of tobacco and balsam, as well as its counterpart perfume, Boleyn, with notes of champagne and violets.
You can wear these duo-day scents alone or pair them together. So far my favorite has been Voodoo Queen, a single perfume that “smells like a cross between a love potion and a curse”—at once beautiful, morbid, and curious. If you love being the best-smelling person in the room, this calendar is worth every penny. Shipping adds $20 in the United States but you can pick up the calendar for free in Seattle.
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