As a kid, our annual advent calendar was probably one of the most exciting things for my siblings and me during the holiday season. Being one of four kids also meant that we had to take turns of who got to eat the chocolate each night, and while I am sure my parents had to put up with a lot of whining and disappointment when it wasn’t our day, but I always remember the thrill of getting to open that little perforated square and eat the chocolate inside.
Fast forward to many years later when advent calendars have taken on a new meaning from drug-store-bought chocolates that countdown the days to the holidays to fancy packages and offers from jewelry to designer items. If you were on social media last year, you’d remember the Chanel Advent Calendar debacle, in which the offerings each day were, well, let’s just say, less than stellar. Yet, many brands from fancy chocolatiers and beyond are still putting something fun out there, and to be honest, I think it’s one of the best gifts to give to kick off the season. In fact, consider this a great hostess gift this Thanksgiving week.
The Candy-Filled Options
While you can’t go wrong with classic options, this whimsical carousel from Sugarfina will entice everyone! It contains 24 treats in a carousel design with intricately detailed animals.
There’s this gluten-free option for the allergy crew, which my family is part of. This is a thoughtful option if you know someone with Celiac disease!
This is a bit more classic, and at a marked-down price, so you can’t go wrong.
Having a hot cup of cocoa during the holidays brings me immediate joy, so this advent calendar is quickly hitting the top of my list!
Beauty-Focused
Again, this is a brand so many of us love and this calendar is filled with 24 different L’Occitane products. The price is insanely good too!
This is ideal for the luxury lover who wants to try something from many different brands, and Neiman Marcus has curated a selection of 25 deluxe options from its buyers’ favorites.
The beloved beauty innovator, Dr. Barbara Sturm, has this calendar which offers 24 items from full size to deluxe and miniature. You can hed right into the holidays with good skin!
For the Kids!
This is in my cart for Millie, as lately she has loved hair accessories and these clips are going to make her so happy each day to open and see a new one. The only problem will be keeping her from opening them all in one day!
This is the other item in my cart for Millie, and I keep going back and forth because charms and necklaces are also something she loves! This set from Meri Meri contains a necklace, case, 6 tassels, and 17 charms.
This is a beautifully wood-crafted Advent calendar holder, meaning, you and your family can curate and place the items inside. This is really nice if you have kids of different ages and tastes, so you can make this work for the people opening the little doors each day!
Lego Advent Calendars are a huge hit and if you don’t purchase early, you’ll miss out! Thankfully, there are still some options like this Guardians of the Galaxy and a Harry Potter one.
Clothing & Home
Actually, this isn’t clothing, this is undergarments, but Hanky Panky is the go-to when it comes to this arena for so many and for the right person, this is an ideal gift. There’s a low rise and regular rise option available.
This is a great hostess gift, in fact, I’d grab this ASAP as it is marked down. Give the gift of a great-smelling house with this Voluspa candle advent calendar. There are 12 candles in this set so you can see which scent you love to future, full-sized candle, purchasing!
They don’t really let on what you may be receiving in this advent calendar, but if you know someone who loves MacKenzie Childs, it’s worth trying it out! The tree shaped box and design showcases everything the brand does best!
Personally, I am a tea girl, and while my tea cabinet is overflowing, I usually like to stick to what I know. But being able to sample different flavors and see if there’s something I’ve been missing, would be an ideal gift.
This advent calendar from Wedgwood comes in a period-style house and contains 24 mini ornaments made from porcelain inspired by the brand’s iconic blue and white jasper.
The Over-the-Top
Nothing says a luxe holiday season like a Dior advent calendar! This limited edition piece is crafted from wood with cotton lining and days 1-23 contains a creation from La Collection Privée Christian Dior. Day 24 has a special treat, a scented ornament!
There’s this $68,000 jewelry-filled advent calendar from the quirky and fun jeweler Sydney Evan. Funny enough, when I first saw it I thought it said $6,800 and I thought to myself ‘what a deal’.
I was wrong.
In its defense, this custom package contains 22 items total, all made from 14-karat yellow gold and diamonds.
