The only thing better than opening up a bunch of big presents on a single day? Opening up one little present every day for an entire month. Spending the holidays with an Advent calendar is an easy Christmas activity that adds a little bit of extra magic to the season. But what are the best Advent calendars? Which option is best for you and your family?
Advent calendars are a fun and festive way to countdown to Christmas and reward your loved ones (or yourself) for making it through yet another chaotic holiday season. While we may associate these present-giving datebooks with treats or small gifts, their original intent was much more religion-focused.
Before Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays dominated the last few months of the year, there was the season of Advent. This four-week period began on whatever Sunday fell closest to St. Andrew the Apostle Feast Day (Nov. 30) and continued for the next three Sundays. Because this tradition occurred back in the fourth (yes, fourth) century, there's no way to know precisely what Advent was for. However, many scholars believe the season was designed to prepare for baptizing new Christians in the coming new year.
The calendars themselves didn't appear in the U.S. until after World War II when German publisher Gerhard Lang invented the door-opening calendar we've come to know, love, and look forward to. Today, you can find an Advent calendar for almost anything you (or your gift recipient) could possibly imagine, from traditional chocolate treats to watching your way through classic Christmas movies. It's become a beloved Christmas tradition families look forward to every year.
So, without further ado, here are 35 unique Advent calendars that will make counting down to Christmas even more exciting.
For the Tea Lover
Amazon
Nothing beats a warm mug of tea on a chilly December morning. This Advent calendar includes 24 different tea blends, including yummy flavors like cookies and cream and sweet cinnamon.
For the Lego Builders
Amazon
The builder in your life will love spending the next few weeks slowly constructing a Lego Christmas tree. It comes with 1,066 total pieces that they'll use to build one section of the tree per day.
For the Car-Obsessed Kids
Amazon
The perfect gift for the little car lover in your life. This Advent calendar includes a built-in playmat, eight cars, and winter-themed accessories they'll receive throughout the month.
For Those in Need of Some Self-Care
Amazon
After a year of chaos, who wouldn't appreciate an Advent calendar filled with self-care products? This one includes 24 days' worth of makeup, hair accessories, and beauty tools.
For the Potterheads
Amazon
Calling all fans of the boy who lived! If you also associate the franchise with Christmas, this Advent calendar of trinkets, collectibles, and keepsakes is a must.
For the Coffee Lovers
Amazon
Move over, tea lovers. For the caffeine-obsessed in your life, this coffee Advent calendar has 12 full-pot bags with some seriously delicious holiday flavors. Mistletoe Mocha, anyone?
For the Brainiacs
Amazon
Not all Advent calendars have to be about treats and trinkets. This one is all about keeping your mind sharp and entertained with 24 days' worth of brain teasers and puzzles. Great for kids—and adults.
For the 'Friends' Fans
Amazon
Keeping your feet warm is a must during those cold December days. And with 12 days of "Friends" themed socks, you can do so in style while you catch up on your favorite "Friends" Christmas episodes.
For the Bathtime-Loving Littles
Amazon
Bathtime just got a lot more fun with this adorable duck-themed Advent calendar. With 24 days' worth of different rubber ducks—all decked out in holiday and winter gear—you'll have a collection that even Ernie from "Sesame Street" would envy.
For the Kids (& Parents) Who Can't Get Enough 'Bluey'
Amazon
If your kid has serious "Bluey" fever, they'll love counting down the days with this Advent calendar. It comes with Bluey, Bingo, and Bartlebee figures and a bunch of fun accessories.
For the Play-Doh Loving Creatives
Amazon
Anyone who loves to get their hands dirty will be all about this Play-Doh Advent calendar. Every day reveals a small tub and a fun mold to create holiday-themed shapes.
For the Puzzle People
Amazon
Puzzles are the perfect activity for a cozy night in, and this Advent calendar has 25 boxes of puzzle pieces to do over the course of December. Each day reveals a new section that will eventually complete a festive, 1,000-piece holiday scene.
For Everyone With a Sweet Tooth
Amazon
Who doesn't love getting a delicious piece of chocolate every day leading up to Christmas? This deluxe Advent calendar from Godiva Chocolatier includes an assortment of 24 gourmet chocolates, including milk chocolate caramels and dark chocolate ganache hearts.
For the Hot Chocolate Afficianados
Amazon
Another sweet tooth option, this Advent calendar features gourmet hot chocolate bombs in various decadent flavors like salted caramel donut and coconut cream. Perfect for snuggling up on a cold winter night while enjoying your top 10 Christmas movies.
For the Dog Owners
Amazon
Fido deserves some Christmas fun, too! This Advent calendar is filled with 25 days of Himalayan cheese, cookie, and freeze-dried whole-meat dog treats.
For the Amateur Sleuths
Etsy
A little spookier than most Advent calendars, this one is perfect for mystery lovers. Each day reveals a new clue (think torn photographs and cryptic notes) to solve a shocking murder.
For the Christmas Movie Experts
Etsy
If you and your family are always fighting over which classic Christmas movie to watch, this Advent calendar will solve all your problems. It suggests 24 holiday movie titles to watch throughout the month of December—and includes fun trivia facts for each one from romantic Christmas movies like "Love Actually" to family favorites like "The Grinch."
For Those Who Enjoy Tea Time (or Just Love Breakfast)
Amazon
For the breakfast lovers out there, this Advent calendar features 24 different gourmet jams and fruit spreads from Bonne Maman. Enjoy a new flavor every morning with your toast or scones or make your holiday season a bit fancier with afternoon tea time.
For the Candy-Obsessed Crowd
Amazon
Of course, why stick to jam when you could indulge in a yummy piece of Sugarfina candy every day? From gummies to chocolates, this Advent calendar is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
For the Traditional Winos
Vine
For those who prefer a more adult Advent calendar, this 24-night box features wines from Italy, France, Spain, and California. Perfect for sipping and unwinding after a long day of holiday festivities.
For the Wine in a Can Winos
Maker Wine
Prefer your wine in can form? This Advent calendar has got you covered. With 12 cans of bubbly and still wine, it's perfect for those who want to enjoy a glass without committing to opening a whole bottle.
For the Old-Fashioned Popcorn Fans
Williams Sonoma
Movie nights just got a whole lot tastier thanks to this popcorn-themed Advent calendar. Behind each of its 24 doors lies something that will take your popcorn game to the next level—think gourmet seasonings, kernels, and even inspirational recipes.
For the Skincare Gurus
Sephora
'Tis the season for self-care, and this Advent calendar from Sephora has all the essentials for glowing skin. With 24 mini products, including cleansers, serums, masks, and more, you'll have everything you need for a full month of pampering.
For the Mixologist
Williams Sonoma
Mixology can be a bit of a bear to master, but this 8-day Advent calendar offers all the tools and ingredients needed to create delicious cocktails at home. Between spiced cherry bitters and whiskey sour mixes, your bar cart will be the go-to spot for holiday parties.
For the Fashionistas
Astrid & Miyu
Why limit Advent calendars to just candy and treats? If you really want to spoil the style icon in your life, this jewelry-filled calendar is perfect. From dainty earrings to cuffs, each day brings a new piece of gold jewelry to add to their collection.
For the Foodies
World Market
Nothing beats a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. With this 12-day Advent calendar, you'll get to sample 12 different organic Italian soups in flavors like Tuscan vegetable and porcini mushroom. Pair with some warm crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal experience.
For the Candle Collectors
Sephora
Another cozy night-in must-have? Holiday candles—and lots of 'em. This 12-day Advent calendar features mini versions of Voluspa's most beloved scents that'll make your home smell like a winter wonderland.
For Good Brews and a Good Time
Give Them Beer
Wish the beer-lover in your life hoppy holidays with this unique Advent calendar. Featuring 12 craft beers from across the country, this gift is great for anyone who loves discovering new beers or just appreciates the gift of good brews.
For the Holiday Planners
Amazon
If planning fun holiday activities is your jam (or the jam of someone on your gift list), this Advent calendar is full of 24 festive ideas. From crafts to recipes, each day brings a new way to celebrate the holiday season and make lasting memories with loved ones.
For the Make-up Artists
Bare Minerals
This 12-day Advent calendar from bareMinerals features everything you need to create a flawless holiday look. From lip glosses to eyeshadows and bronzers, each day brings a new surprise that will have you looking your best for all those festive celebrations.
For the Aspiring Jedi
Credit: Lego
Great for both Lego and Star Wars fans, this 24-day Advent calendar features mini-builds of iconic scenes and characters from the franchise. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it's a fun and unique way to count down to the holidays.
For the Old School Traditionalists
IKEA
If you want to kick it old school and fill your own Advent calendar, these cute boxes from IKEA are perfect. You can fill them with anything from candy and small trinkets to handwritten notes or mini gifts. Plus, they make for a great holiday decoration in any home.
For Spicy Food Fanatics
Uncommon Goods
For the spicy food lovers in your life, this 12-day Advent calendar is filled with a variety of hot sauces guaranteed to pack a punch. From Pineapple Papaya BBQ to Sweet Onion Habanero, they'll have no shortage of opportunities to add some heat.
For the Bakers
Williams Sonoma
Baking enthusiasts will be over the moon opening this 24-day Advent calendar filled with all the baking essentials they need to make their kitchen smell like Christmas. From cookie cutters to icing bags, each day brings a new tool or ingredient to create delicious holiday treats.
For Those Never Without Chapstick
Amazon
For those who can't leave the house without their trusty Chapstick, this is the perfect Advent calendar. Featuring 12 different flavors (like Sugar Cookie and Vanilla Latte), it's a practical and fun gift for anyone on your list.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
