Hot take: while I love everything about the holidays, nothing beats a good advent calendar. I grew up with a mom who would sneak away in the intervening days between Thanksgiving and the beginning of December to purchase all the candy my sisters and I loved. One by one, she’d fill the felt-formed days of our family advent calendar with treats for the three of us. And for a child—ahem, even a young adult home from college for the holidays—nothing made me happier than the simple, everyday joy of opening up a new treat every day.
Now, as a full-blown adult on the cusp of 30, I have to say: advent calendars still slap. While I love reveling in the small delights myself, there’s nothing more gratifying than packaging up these little joys for your family and friends. With that in mind, I’m on the hunt for the best advent calendars in 2023—and I’m taking you along for the ride.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
Why all the fuss over advent calendars?
With Instagram-worthy design and much-loved products, the advent calendar’s rise in popularity is two-fold. First, besides the fact that opening a present every day is just incredibly fun, advent calendars are a practical way to try a new product before committing. With an assortment of favorites in adorable mini form—plus the occasional full-size treat—to open daily, the countdown to holiday is among the best of rituals.
Second, you won’t find a more affordable way to amass an assortment of products. With favorites like Olive & June, Papier, Bloomingdale’s, and more offering a literal sample platter of products sold below retail value, you’re getting the best deal on the products you’ve always wanted to try.
Image by Michelle Nash
When do 2023 advent calendars go on sale?
The short answer? NOW. Friends, we are rounding out the month of September and already, there are advent calendar launch notifications in my inbox. However, many will become available around mid-October. Because brands produce these limited-edition products in smaller stocks and at such great prices, you can expect them to sell out quickly.
Image by Teal Thomsen
The Best 2023 Advent Calendars
Pick your poison. The best calendar for you (or for a gift) truly comes down to whatever you’re drawn to—be it edible treats, stationary, beauty, or a little mix of everything. Ahead, we’ve collected the best ones that we know about so far. Trust, in the wide world of advent calendar shopping, there’s always a surprise in store.
Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Best Advent Calendars for Stationary Lovers
Papier Stationery Advent Calendar
When Papier’s gorgeous advent calendar arrived on my doorstep, my first thought was: this is way too cute—how can I possibly wait until December 1st to open it? But open it, I did, and the surprises inside were a delight to behold. (Hey, research!) Any fan of the written word will anxiously await the opportunity to peek inside each of the 24 beautifully-wrapped boxes. Because if you know Papier, you know no one does stationary quite like the British brand. And of course, the box itself is beautiful, with foiled details fit for this magical time of year. Bonus: All the boxes are reusable, so if you’d like, you can even use them to wrap up the tiny trinkets you’ll be gifting this year.
Price: $132 (valued at $210) | Availability: Available to shop beginning October 3rd.
What’s inside: Green washi tape, Navy pocket sticky notes, Rainbow pen clip, Circlets bookmark, 4 x paper clips, Green pocket sticky notes, Mini sticky tabs, 2x mini notebooks, Ink refills, 4x notecards, 4x envelopes, Green mini highlighter, Papier pen, Pencil sharpener, Fountain pen, Stickers, Eraser, Index tabs (wiggle), Pencil, Quotes pad, Notebook band, Blue washi tape, To do pad, Notebook
Rifle Paper Co. Snow Globe Advent Calendar
For those who enjoy a little holiday whimsy, this cutie from Rifle Paper Co. does just the trick. The scenic holiday illustrations—in the brand’s signature style—add a fun touch of festivity to any Christmas display. Hidden behind each door is a surprise illustration, delivering a lovely delight to little ones who may be too young to enjoy advent calendar gifts. It’s the most affordable option on this list, but nonetheless makes a great addition to your holiday home.
Price: $20) | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: Surprise illustrations from the beloved stationary and design brand.
Best Wellness Advent Calendars
The White Company Advent Calendar
While I’m more than happy to receive sweet treats in my advent calendar, as I grow older, I can appreciate small touches of luxury woven into my day. This sleek and sophisticated calendar exudes indulgence, with daily gifts covering all categories of self-care, including candles, home sprays, body care, and skin care. This advent calendar doesn’t hold back—while some of the gifts are minis, it includes full-size beauty products and candles. Purchase for a really special someone in your life (hint: that person can be you!). When you compare the price to the value, it’s an easy yes.
Price: $249 (valued at $342) | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: Winter Signature Candle, Tuberose & Cashmere Signature Candle, Seychelles Bath & Shower Gel, Sea Salt Votive Candle, Fir Tree Mini Home Spray, Oakmoss Mini Home Spray, Winter Star Pomander & Spray, Tuberose & Cashmere Shower Gel, Myrrh Mini Hand & Nail Cream, Lime & Bay Mini Hand Cream, Grapefruit & Mandarin Body Lotion, Grapefruit & Mandarin Shower Gel, Pomegranate Body Lotion, Sea Salt Hand Wash, Lime & Bay Bath & Shower Gel, Bergamot & Cedar Mini Home Spray, Wild Mint Hand Wash, Bergamot & Cedar Hand Wash, Bergamot & Cedar Hand & Nail Cream, Nourish Intensive Lip Mask, Nourish Cloud Cream, Spa Restore Shower Gel, Spa Restore Muscle Gel, Noir Body Lotion, Noir Body Wash
Elemis First Class Skincare Advent Calendar
Price: $260 (valued at $749) | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser, Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel, Pro-Collagen Night Cream, Pro-Collagen Eye Vitality, Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence, Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum, Pro-Collagen Morning Matrix, Superfood Facial Oil, Superfood Fruit Vinegar Liquid Glow, Superfood Midnight Facial, Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator, Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser, Superfood Glow Cleansing Butter, Superfood Facial Wash, Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask, Clarifying Clay Wash, Rehydrating Ginseng Toner, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask, Dynamic Resurfacing Skin Smoothing Essence, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, Frangipani Monoi Body Cream, Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream, Cleansing Cloth
Palais Des Thés 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar
A new tea for every day of the month? Yes, please. Palais Des Thés pulled out all the stops with this affordable advent calendar. During a time of year when we’re craving any bit of calm we can get, this 24-day calendar comes as a welcome invitation to brew a cuppa and savor a few minutes of peace. Pair with your favorite mug and perhaps a baked good or two. This advent calendar is proof that oftentimes, it’s the simplest things that can bring the most joy.
Price: $36 | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: Le Thé Magnifique (2023 Limited Edition), Chai Imperial, Saint-James, Scandinavian Detox, Sahara Tea, Darjeeling Margaret’s Hope, Hammam Tea, Lover’s Tea, Grand Yunnan Imperial, Dreamy Tea, Montagne Bleue, Big Ben, Thé Des Vahines, Long Jing, Holiday Garden Herbal Tea N°25, Genmaicha Yama, Tea of Wonders (2022 Limited Edition), French Garden, Pu Erh Imperial, L’Herboriste N°108, Rooibos Des Lords, Sencha Ariake, Blue of London, Grand Jasmin Chun Feng.
Best Beauty Advent Calendars
Dr. Barbara Sturm Skin Care Advent Calendar
Dr. Barbara Sturm yet again delivers the chicest design—a white jewelry box filled to the brim with luxury products, both mini and full-size. You’re 24 days away from your most radiant self—yes, even through the madness that is the holidays. Indulge in science-backed cleansers, serums, balms, and more, several of which feature the anti-aging regenerative superhero, purslane.
Price: $560 (for reference, serums alone are in the $100 range—here you’re getting multiple, plus several more products) | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: Super Anti-aging Cleansing Cream, Lip Balm, Darker Skin Tones Hyaluronic Serum, Face Cream, Face Mask, Super Anti-Aging Night Cream, Better B, Super Anti-Aging Face Cream, Lifting Serum, Hyaluronic Serum, Anti-Aging Body Cream, Balancing Toner, Clarifying Mask, The Good C, Molecular Hair & Scalp Comb, Super Anti-Aging Neck & Decollete Cream, Super Anti-Aging Eye Cream, Anti-pollution Drops, Calming Serum, Make-up Remover, Enzyme Cleanser, Clarifying Face Cream, Night Serum, Super Anti-Aging Hand Cream, Glow Drops.
ULTA Beauty 24 Days of Self Care Advent Calendar
If there’s anyone to look to for the ultimate gift(s) of self-care, it’s ULTA. All your favorite beauty and skincare brands in one place? Not a tough sell. Highlights include Sunday Riley, Supergoop, Kopari, and my favorite Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Gloss. For the beauty lovers out there, this advent calendar is fun and functional. Because please, is there really such a thing as too many products?
Price: $60 | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, Cosrx The Retinol 0.1 Cream, Dermalogica Deluxe Daily Microfoliant, Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Sealant, Exuviance Overnight Transformation Complex, Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo, Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Youth Serum, Perricone Cold Plasma Plus+ Sub-D/Neck, Philosophy Smooth Glow Moisturizer, Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer, Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Spf 40, Tan Luxe The Face Light/Medium, Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Gloss, Vacation Eau de Toilette, Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask, Kopari Beauty Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream Deluxe, Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment, Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, Patchology Flashpatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels, Peace Out Skincare 10-Dot Acne Dots, Strivectin Tl Advanced Tightening Neck Cream, Tula Skincare The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
Bloomingdale’s 25-Day Beauty Advent Calendar
Bloomingdale’s is straight-up name-dropping and I’m here for it. You’ve got Valentino mingling with Le Labo and Prada. There’s an appearance by (our faves) Augustinus Bader and Charlotte Tilbury. Plus, it’s hard to resist the calendar’s design, depicting Bloomingdale’s iconic 59th Street flagship at Christmastime.
Price: $300 (valued at $800) | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask, Parfums de Marly Delina Candle, YSL Beauty Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, Prada Infusion d’Ylang Eau de Parfum, Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in Rosegold, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, M·A·C Hyper Real SkinCanvas Balm Moisturizing Cream, Sisley-Paris Ecological Compound Advanced Formula, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Catwalking, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue, Hermetica Verticaloud Eau de Parfum, Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cleanser, Clé de Peau Beauté Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme, Bumble and bumble Bond Building Repair Oil Serum, Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Mini Candle, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Eye Crème, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Sculpted Transformation Cream, Valentino V-Lighter Face Primer & Highlighter, AMOREPACIFIC Time Response Eye Reserve Cream, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, RéVive Masque Des Yeux Instant De-Puffing Gel Eye Mask, Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum, Penhaligon’s The Coveted Duchess Rose Eau de Parfum, Penhaligon’s Constantinople Eau de Parfum, Decorté AQ Meliority Intensive Revitalizing Emulsion, Decorté AQ Meliority Intensive Regenerating Eye Cream, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
2023 George & Viv Beauty Advent Calendar
Have we given Anthropologie the crown yet for what’s perhaps the most festive and fun assortment of holiday goodies? If not, this advent calendar seals the deal. Filled with 24 samples from the brand’s bath and beauty line, George & Viv, this comes at a more accessible price point for those who still want to take part in the beauty magic without spending their entire holiday shopping budget. Featuring artwork by Canadian artist Emily Taylor, the entire calendar is thoughtfully designed to surprise and delight each day of December.
Price: $88 | Availability: Available for pre-order and estimated to be available around October 9th.
What’s inside: LanoLips Baby Strawberry 101 Ointment, Tocca Stella Eau de Parfum, Neom Real Luxury Magnesium Body Butter, Sunday Riley C.E.O. Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream, Ellis Brooklyn SALT Eau de Parfum Deluxe Rollerball, butter LONDON Mini Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in Her Majesty’s
Red, Outremer Eau De Toilette Vanille, Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, Tan Luxe The Face Self-Tanning Drops: Light/Medium, NCLA Sugar Sugar Peppermint Mocha Lip Scrub, Leonor Greyl Crème Moelle de Bambou Shampoo for Dry/Frizzy Hair, Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-Tox™ Hydrator, Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Eye Cream, Jouer Essential Hydrating Lip Oil in Natural Shine, Lalicious The Oil, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Floral Street Sunflower Pop Eau de Parfum, Bastide Rose Oliver Hand Cream, Nest Fragrances Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil, Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum, Laboratory Perfumes Amber Eau de Toilette, Lollia Imagine Little Luxe Eau de Parfum, Virtue Labs Healing Oil, Esker Restorative Body Wash
Best Advent Calendars for the Mani-Pedi-Obsessed
Olive & June 25 Days Of Mani Magic Advent Calendar
The annual Olive & June advent calendar is here and it’s a good one. If you’ve yet to venture into the lovely world of at-home manis, allow me to gently suggest, you’re missing out. Olive & June not only provides the tools to do it yourself, but they also provide the knowledge. I have learned heaps about nails—and my own ability to do them—from their helpful tutorials and the free mani masterclass. The O&J advent calendar sells out every year for good reason, but here’s my favorite: full-size polishes will almost always expire before you have a chance to use them all. The seven mini polish inclusions here allow you to play with best-selling colors minus the waste.
Price: $65 (valued at $127) | Availability: Pre-orders are available now (until they sell out) and calendars will ship mid-October.
What’s inside: 25 gifts including: 3 Mini Long-Lasting Polishes (Glitter Elf, ES, Frosted Gloss), 3 Mini Quick Dry Polishes (Rudolph, Penny, Swan), Mini Super Glossy Top Coat, Mini Quick Dry Top Coat, Mini Gold Poppy, Mini Nail Files, Mini Overnight Hand Treatment, Mini Nail Art Stickers, Mini Remover Pot, Mini Dry Drops, Mini Cuticle Serum, Mini Buffer, Mini Clean Up Brush, Mini Nail Strengthener, Gold Ribbon French Press-On Nails (Oval Medium), Nail Art Pen (OJSM), Red Satin Scrunchie
Helpful Review: “This is such a great quality advent calendar. It’s perfect for someone just getting into O&J or someone who has been using their products for a long time. I love the mini sizes of various products so that you can try some things or they are excellent for traveling.”
Olive & June 8 Nights of Mani Magic Advent Calendar
For those who celebrate Hannukkah, Olive & June’s “8 Nights of Mani Magic” is just as wonderful. The Mini Remover Pot is enough to change your life (makes removal so easy), plus the Dry Drops allow you to paint and go for those quick touch-ups. And eight nights doesn’t mean skimping on the goods—this set still includes 18 giftable surprises.
Price: $55 (valued at $105) | Availability: Pre-orders are available now (until they sell out) and calendars will ship mid-October.
What’s inside: 18 gifts including: 3 Mini Long-Lasting Polishes (Sparkle Sufganiyot, Velvet Pouf, Baby Starfish), 3 Mini Quick Dry Polishes (Dreidel, Suited, Rink), Mini Super Glossy Top Coat, Mini Quick Dry Top Coat, Mini Overnight Hand Treatment, Mini Cuticle Serum, Mini Silver Poppy, Mini Nail Strengthener, Mini Nail File, Mini Buffer, Mini Remover Pot, Mini Nail Art Stickers, Nail Art Pen (OJPAS), Midnight Shimmer Press-On Nails (Round Short), Blue Satin Hair Scrunchie
Helpful Review: “I bought two, one for me and one for my daughter and it was the best! I am buying this every year it is available! We have never had the opportunity to participate in advent calendars since we are Jewish, so this was a really special addition to our Hanukkah celebrations!”
Best Luxury Advent Calendars
Best Edible Advent Calendars
Williams Sonoma Christmas Popcorn Advent Calendar
There’s something about the holidays simply synonymous with dipping our hands into big bowls of popcorn. Whether it’s while watching our favorite Christmas movies, trimming the tree, or simply when we need a festive snack, popcorn always does the trick. (And who else loves string classic popcorn garlands around the tree?) Behind each of the 24 doors is a blend of sweet and savory kernels, ranging from mushroom to salted caramel to, of course, movie theater seasoning. This would make a lovely, thoughtful gift for whoever’s hosting you this Thanksgiving.
Price: $70.95 | Availability: Available now, estimated to ship mid-October.
What’s inside: Big & Yellow Kernels, Purple Kernels, Red Kernels, Sweet Baby Blue Kernels, Tiny & Tender Kernels, Mushroom Kernels, Hull-Less Kernels, Salted Caramel Seasoning, French Toast Seasoning, Bacon Seasoning, White Cheddar Seasoning, Zesty Cheddar Seasoning, Movie Theater Seasoning, Buttery Jalapeño Seasoning, Sweet Caramel Seasoning, Creamy Ranch Seasoning, Dill Pickle Seasoning, Fresh Picked Buttered Sweet Corn Seasoning
Whittard Of Chelsea The Hot Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar
Hot chocolate is a holiday season must. And when it comes from the longstanding British purveyor of fine foods (selling coffees, teas, and chocolates since 1886), you know you’re in for a treat. The flavors are inventive but comforting—each is the perfect small, sweet treat for a post-dinner indulgence.
Price: $125 | Availability: Available for pre-order, shipping date not yet posted.
What’s inside: 12 flavors including: Rocky Road, Salted Caramel, Christmas, Luxury White, Luxury, Raspberry Ripple, Orange, Mint, Brulee, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Peanut Butter
Best Advent Calendars for Candle Lovers
Voluspa Japonica 12 Day Advent Calendar Candle Gift Set
I’m low-key obsessed with Voluspa’s hand-poured candles. The California-based brand released the most delicious advent calendar for the scent-obsessed. I’m already imagining scent-hacking (I’m making it a thing) my life by pairing each month of the year with a corresponding candle.
Price: $158 | Availability: Available now.
What’s inside: 12 2.5-oz. glass votive candles and a wick trimmer.
Little Karma Co. Advent Scented Christmas Candle Gift Set
While this is the smallest advent calendar of the bunch, I love the intention behind it. Four candles for each of the four Sundays help you set the routine of enjoying a small flicker of grounding light before the busyness of each week. It’s the perfect way to support a small business and prioritize inner peace during the holiday season.
Price: $68 | Availability: Now
What’s inside: Four candles, including: Woody Evergreens, Twisted Lavender, Cinnamon, and Spiced Chai Latte.
Also Worth Mentioning:
An Advent Calendar With 24 Mini Puzzles
Not sure about you, but puzzles are a mainstay at my house during the holiday season. I am truly OBSESSED with this idea of doing a puzzle day for two reasons. One, instant gratification every night. And two, a 100-piece puzzle does not require a semi-permanent card table topped with an in-progress puzzle. Meanwhile, I’m praying my kids will keep their lovely but sticky hands away.
Price: $200 | Availability: Now
What’s inside: 24 holiday-themed 100-piece puzzles
On our watchlist:
Finally, watch this space. Last year some of our favorites released truly stunning beauty advent calendars, but as of this publication, we’ve yet to hear a peep. Our eyes are on Soko Glam, Revolve, Anthropologie, and, of course, Target. (Your move, Bullseye.)
