The 34 best advent calendars for every interest in 2023
It may only be October, but ’tis the season to start ordering your Christmas advent calendars. The most popular options typically sell out long before the season even starts.
Advent calendars are so popular because they make counting down the days to Christmas a little more special. The daily ritual can be as simple as hanging an ornament on a tree or brewing a cup of winter-blend coffee. More involved calendars include putting together a Lego figure or reading a special story.
We rounded up a ton of advent calendars for adults, teens, and children, whether you want a mini project to work on, something you can fill yourself, or a delicious treat from Vosges or Sugarfina.
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Best beauty advent calendars
Cult Beauty’s advent calendar goes above and beyond with 39 gifts totaling over $1,100 worth of value. Products include gifts from popular brands like Dr. Dennis Gross, Olaplex, Ouai, Supergoop, and Sunday Riley.
This advent calendar will bring joy to any devotee of The Body Shop with 25 days’ worth of favorites. It includes some of the brand’s most popular bath and skincare products.
Fresh’s pretty blue box holds 24 samples of some of the brand’s best-loved products, including its Sugar Lip Treatment, Soy Face Cleanser, and Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream.
Can’t get enough skincare samples? Beloved Provence brand L’Occitane’s box offers 24 body lotions, soaps, and hand creams in its signature scents.
Charlotte Tilbury makes some of Insider Reviews’ favorite makeup products. The company’s advent calendar is stocked with 12 products, five of which are full-size. Some of the travel-size products include the Beauty Light Wand, Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, and Charlotte’s Magic Cream moisturizer.
From blush to pore primer, this advent calendar has everything you need for a full skincare and makeup routine. You’ll get 24 different best sellers in a mix of full and mini sizes with a total value of over $300.
One of the most elaborate advent calendars we’ve ever seen, this tree-shaped structure from Rituals is a piece of decor in and of itself. There’s even a star for the top and battery-operated lights. And what’s inside is equally as impressive, with 24 divine-smelling goodies, including shower gel, shampoo, candles, and more.
If you’d rather try out a mix of brands instead of committing to one, check out Saks’ advent calendar, which is filled with luxury products from Olaplex, Charlotte Tilbury, Diptyque, and many more.
Best food and drink advent calendars
Candy connoisseurs will be thrilled to sample 24 unique confections from Sugarfina with this advent calendar. Plus, each drawer is stocked with four pieces of candy each, so there’s plenty to share (or savor on your own).
Vosges makes some of the best chocolate, and there’s a great selection of it in the company’s advent calendar. Every bit of the calendar is made to delight, from the light-up facade, musical drawers, and whimsical gnome- and mushroom-shaped chocolates.
There are 24 1-ounce jars in Bonne Mamman’s boxy offering. Each day promises a new flavor, and many go beyond the typical grocery store fare: orange, grapefruit, and yuzu; pear with cocoa nibs; fig with cardamom; and more.
Fans of winter-blend coffee will certainly find something to love in this box. Bean Box’s advent calendar includes 12 2-ounce bags of beans or grounds. (You can choose which when you order.)
Insider Reviews really like Sips by’s tea subscription because it’s a great way to discover new blends. Its advent calendar is also a festive way to try several new teas. The hanging organizer has pouches for packets that you can arrange however you like.
Vinebox’s advent calendar comes with a dozen tubes of wine, each holding 3.3 ounces. There’s a mix of whites, rosés, and reds, and an accompanying card gives you information about the wines, including tasting notes.
While there’s nothing edible in this advent calendar, each day you’ll unwrap a tool to aid in cookie baking, from a spatula to cookie cutters. This one is a sweet treat for the baker in your life.
Potterheads will delight in this advent calendar, filled with treats from the books and films. Each day you’ll unwrap a wizardly delicacy, from Lemon Sherbets to Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
California-based Compartes is known for its fun flavors and pretty packaging, and its advent calendar is no exception. You’ll get 24 of the brand’s delightful bonbons, though you may need to buy a second if you don’t like to share.
If 12 nights of wine doesn’t seem like enough, try out In Good Taste’s calendar, which offers 24 mini bottles in pretty packaging. The wines are a mix of whites, reds, and roses from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and California.
Best advent calendars for kids (and kids at heart)
Slime is all the rage right now, so what better way to celebrate the season than with 24 different slimes and accessories? Each day you or your kid will unwrap a new slime to play and fidget with.
For fans of weird and cool science, Nat Geo’s advent calendar has 24 days of fossils, experiments, and rocks to explore. Some of the experiments include making a test tube glow and growing a crystal tree.
Nintendo fans will enjoy this Mario-themed calendar with holiday figurines. Once you unwrap ‘em all, you can use the fold-out on the box to display your Mario scene.
This advent calendar hits two interests: Lego and Star Wars. Each day reveals a mini figure or micro set to build. This is one of several themed advent calendars Lego makes.
Each day you get to unwrap a toy to help Bluey celebrate Christmas with her family. While there’s only one of each toy, siblings can take turns opening the doors each morning.
Play-Doh is similar to slime, but more moldable so you can sculpt with it. Each day of this calendar offers both a mini tub of Play-Doh and an accessory to help with your creations.
Each day of this calendar comes with a new toy or accessory that ultimately creates a snowy Paw Patrol scene. The box also doubles as a play mat.
Best reusable keepsake advent calendars
Twenty-four wooden dogs and their accessories await you in Meri Meri’s advent calendar suitcase. We also love the woodland and dinosaur versions.
There’s room for a tiny treat behind the 24 doors on Pottery Barn’s battery-operated advent calendar. The soft lights accentuate the glittery cardboard construction of the cozy cottages.
Combine two Christmas traditions with this set of advent ornaments for your tree. Each little home is uniquely decorated and can be filled with a small surprise.
This beautiful wooden display features 24 tiny drawers underneath a winter ski village. Made from hand-painted European linden wood, the sturdy construction gives this piece the potential to be a family heirloom.
Advent calendars for pets
Spoil your pup with 25 days of treats this year. These heart-shaped meaty snacks are a Christmas present your dog will love.
This advent calendar features eight toys for your cat to play with during the holiday season. The plushies are themed so that you’ll enjoy opening the calendar as much as your cat will.
Your pup will love this cookie advent calendar. Featuring 24 individually packaged treats that range from frosted to sprinkled, these cookies will have your dog howlin’ for the holidays.
This advent calendar will have your cat playing with something other than the Christmas tree this year. These string, catnip, and crinkle plush toys are perfect for ushering in holiday cheer.
Wish your pup a yappy holiday with this reusable calendar. You can fill the 25 pockets with your dog’s favorite snacks to celebrate the best time of year.
