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The 50 best advent calendars for 2024 that are still in stock
'Tis the season for Christmas countdowns full of chocolates, Lego builds, beauty products and festive fun for the whole family.
The countdown to Christmas is just as exciting and enchanting as the actual day, don't you think? And if you ask me, the best way to get into the jolly spirit of the season is by opening up tiny delights each day leading up to the holiday. Since Thanksgiving is almost here, you've got a few days left before you can start your advent calendar adventure — and right now, you can scoop up a bunch of this year's best advent calendars from popular brands. Some are already sold out — and if history repeats itself, the others will be gone before Black Friday even hits (especially since a bunch of 'em are on sale). So, if you haven't snagged yours yet, consider this your sign to do so.
Opening numbered drawers, doors and flaps to reveal foil-wrapped chocolates and tiny toys is a beloved holiday tradition. But these days, it seems like every brand is getting in on the advent calendar fun — and as a result, there are countdowns for every niche appetite, interest and budget. This year, for instance, you can cast a glow with an assortment of mini candles, round out your jewelry collection with a dozen Kendra Scott bestsellers or fuel up for the festivities with different Nespresso blends. And that's not even half of it.
Really, there's an advent calendar for everyone, at every age. Do you like to end your day with a little sweet treat? Go with a classic chocolate-filled countdown from Lindt or Harry & David. Are you trying to sleigh your self-care routine? I've included some of the best beauty advent calendars full of body oils, hand creams and other skin care staples (psst, Dermstore's chest has all of this and more). Or, ya know, you could always go for one stocked with mini bottles of wine, tea or coffee — whatever you like to sip on throughout the season.
And, of course, they make great pre-holiday gifts. I've included tons of options for kids, tweens, teens and pets, too. Not sure which route to take? A reusable advent calendar is a safe bet since you can switch up what's inside each year.
Consider this list of the best advent calendars my Christmas gift to you. We're in the thick of advent calendar season, so I'll update this list as countdowns are released — and inevitably sell out.
Best advent calendars for kids (and kids at heart)
Invite Elsa, Tiana, Ariel, Mirabel and Moana to your holiday table. Build a small scene for each princess — including Ariel's undersea palace — then flip over the box to play the built-in board game with up to five other Disney fans.
Kids love magic — and this countdown will teach them 15 new tricks to take to the stage. On the other days, they'll learn how to float coins on water, write secret messages and conduct scientific fun.
Alright, I know the last thing a parent wants is more stuffed animals, but you'll be happy to know that this 25-day countdown only comes with six mini plushies that can easily be stored away. On the other days, your little one will uncover a new festive outfit or accessory for their new furry friends.
Let your little sculptor's imagination run wild this advent season. They'll get 24 fresh tubs of dough, plus festive molds and accessories to create their very own snowy scene.
Hooray, the holidays are nearly here! Bluey, Bingo and the rest of their crew will take young (and old) readers on an adventure (make that two dozen adventures) in the lead-up to Christmas. There are 24 mini books in total — a mix of short stories, coloring pages and kid-friendly activities.
Or if you want something tangible to inspire free play, then this Bluey countdown is your best bet. They'll uncover a new surprise behind each window, including a decked-out Bluey and Bingo, festive accessories and themed stickers.
School may be out of session for part of December, but that doesn't mean the learning has to stop. Some days, your little scientist will experiment with floating coins, secret messages and growing crystals; other days, they'll get a new gemstone to add to their ever-growing collection.
Sure, you could just wrap up a decked-out charm bracelet for Christmas morning, but what's the fun in that? This advent calendar will take her on an arm candy adventure this December, unveiling a new charm or tassel each day.
Disney fans, listen up: This interactive advent calendar sells out every year — without fail. Snag one while it's still in stock, so the whole family can enjoy 24 days of heartfelt tales, quizzes, puzzles and other games led by your favorite characters.
Stock the shelves of a Disney store one mini at a time. Think: a tiny Tinkerbell doll in its packing, The Little Mermaid VHS tape, Mickey plushie and other nostalgic finds. It's a treat for kids and adults alike.
Follow step-by-step instructions to build a working (!) train over 12 days. Made for ages 7 and up, this build-your-own advent calendar will teach them how to hook up an electric motor, assemble cargo cars and so much more.
Best advent calendars for adults
Assemble a mini puzzle daily, then connect 'em on Christmas Eve to see all 1,000 pieces in their glory. The daily jigsaws are on the smaller side and reviewers say they only take a few minutes to complete, so they won't suck up what little downtime you have this time of year. "The puzzle pieces are marked on the back so they can be returned to the correct individual box for future use," one reviewer pointed out.
Best believe you'll be bejeweled this winter. Treat yourself to a dozen of Kendra Scott's bestsellers — including their signature Elisa pendant necklace, plus an array of bracelets and earrings. Sure, the upfront price is pretty steep, but it's worth $655— that means you're getting this selection of jewels for half price!
Now here's a fintastic advent calendar for anglers of all ages. Once the 24 days are up, you'll have a collection of fishing lures for all, er, fishy situations, everything from topwaters for catching bass and trout to spoons that are better suited for deeper dives.
Crack a Christmas mystery one puzzle at a time. It'll be harder to solve it solo, so team up with a few trusted minds to track down Santa and save Christmas as we know it. "The little daily riddles and quests are challenging enough to keep us entertained and varied enough that everyone in our family of five has been able to make a contribution to solving," one five-star fan wrote, adding that their 19-year-old son loves it as much as their younger kids.
Get twelve days of holiday scents — some are sweet (and a touch spicy), others bring the outside in. The candles have a six-hour burn time, so you can light a new one each day or save a couple to enjoy after the season wraps.
Create your own woodland wonderland with 24 paper cut-outs — sweater-clad bears, owls and cardinals, to name a few. The entire thing fits in a paper envelope, so you can store it safely once the season wraps.
You know you're an adult when you get excited about a stocking full of socks. I see your stocking and I'll raise you this sock-filled advent calendar. Yep, you can refresh their sock drawer with 24 funky, somewhat festive pairs, one day at a time.
High-quality stationery is one of the best gifts to give and get — and Papier knows this all too well. This year's advent calendar is supposedly "bigger and brighter than last year's," with $250 worth of pretty pens, paper goods and journaling must-haves. It sold out in just three weeks last year, so snag one while you still can.
Best food and chocolate advent calendars
Lindt and Godiva — been there, ate your way through that. Switch things up this year by going with Kinder's countdown, which gives a different crispy or creamy chocolate each day. It has all of their heavy hitters, including the much-loved Happy Hippos and Bueno Minis.
It's simple: Christmas isn't complete without crushing a Lindt chocolate bear (or two). Luckily, this 24-piece countdown comes with two of 'em, along with an assortment of solid chocolate balls, bite-size bars and creamy truffles.
You've seen it, I've tried it, and let me tell you this jam-filled advent calendar is all it's cracked up to be. Spread the love with 24 gingham-lidded minis of the brand's beloved fruit spreads (like Mixed Berries and 4 Berries) along with several limited-edition flavors.
Some like it sweet. Others like it sour. If you're shopping for the latter, then go with this colorful countdown with 48 individually-wrapped pieces, which are perfect for sharing.
Nothing screams "Christmas" quite like a Godiva advent calendar. Pull back the cover to reveal 24 doors — each one has a decadent milk, dark or white chocolate tucked inside. Some are straight chocolate, while others are filled with salted caramel, almond crunch and sweet ganache.
Walker's shortbread cookies are as classic as it gets. Trade Santa-shaped chocolates for 24 buttery delights, everything from the brand's iconic fingers to chocolate chip and salted caramel squares.
One advent calendar, 104 individually wrapped chocolate truffles and mints. Pull out a numbered drawer to reveal a sweet surprise and inspiration for a new holiday tradition. Hold onto this and repurpose it during future Christmases.
Does someone need a hug? Nope, you just need 12 days of holiday cheer in the form of peppermint taffy, maple syrup and a Mr. Narwhal sugar cookie.
Best coffee and tea advent calendars
The holidays are brewing — and so is your Keurig machine. Each morning, pop a new pod into your machine and brew up a cup of cheer. Sip on a variety of festive flavors from brands like Green Mountain and Caribou Coffee. And in the event that there's a morning or two that you want a break from the caffeine, this 24-door countdown has a couple of Swiss Miss hot chocolate K-cups.
If you own a machine from Nespresso's Vertuo line (like our best-tested VertuoPlus),then pick up this caffeinated countdown to get a whole latte coffee. You'll get 23 capsules varying in strength, flavor and caffeination, plus a limited-edition mug to hold your fresh brew.
Oprah's a big fan of Vahdam tea — so much so that the brand earned a coveted spot on Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2018 and 2019. See what the hype is all about by sampling a selection of their loose-leaf black, green, oolong, white and herbal teas. Just make sure you have an infuser handy.
I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we like options.This pick from Pukka has 23 (!) different tea varieties — yep, there's only one duplicate in the whole set. Some will make sure you start your day off right (like the aptly-named morning berry), while others will help you wind down (chamomile with vanilla and honey).
Here's one way to guarantee that your Christmas is filled with matcha happiness. Try out 12 fresh and fruity flavors fit for the season, including toasted marshmallow and gingerbread. Get two servings of each — that's 24 heartwarming cups!
Best beauty advent calendars
Pamper yourself from head to toe with this 12-day countdown. Get an assortment of tried-and-tested favorites from Cetaphil and Olay, along with buzzy releases like Byoma's gel cream cleanser.
A four-pack of Burt's Bees lip balms usually goes for about $10 — and with this advent calendar, you can get a set of 12 for just $25 (which is seriously good deal, if you ask me). Uncover a new flavor each day, ranging from vanilla maple to coconut and pear.
Don't let dry, cracked lips get your tinsel in a tangle this holiday season. Prepare for the inevitable with this calendar, which comes with a dozen full-size lip balms in a variety of fun flavors like sugar cookie, candy cane and vanilla mint.
You without your nails done is like a Christmas tree without any ornaments. It just doesn't make any sense. But instead of rushing off to the salon to dress up your tips, just power up this mini LED lamp and get gel nails right at home. This countdown comes with all the essentials — six mini polishes, double-sided nail files, nail stickers and more.
Get glowy this Christmas! Each year, CT releases a 12-drawer chest with all of their top products — and this year's is stuffed to the brim with their viral highlighter wand, cult-favorite Pillow Talk lipstick and makeup setting spray, to name just a few of the all-stars.
It's not an advent calendar per se, but this beauty comes with 21 of Dermstore's best in makeup, skin and hair care from the last year. There are a number of full-size products thrown into the mix, including a SkinCeuticals moisturizer, BeautyStat vitamin C serum and Tarte Cosmetics eye highlight. Work your way through this chest over a couple of weeks or open everything at once — your secret's safe with me.
Best advent calendars for dogs and cats
Your pup only has one thing on their mind during the howl-idays: treats, and lot's of 'em. While you're snacking on cookies and chocolates, they'll join in on the festive fun with bone marrow bites or crunchy peanut butter biscuits.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a ball to play fetch with. On the second day, they gave me a rope for tug-of-war. Then came the plush toys that crinkle and squeak. This 12-day countdown will make for a dog-gone good Christmas — need I say more?
Chances are, your cat's feline festive too. And while they may view the Christmas tree and decorations as toys, this 12-pack will ensure they always have a ball, plush or wand to play with. Four toys contain catnip for when they're on the nice list.
Best wine advent calendars
Celebrate the most wine-derful time of the year by popping open a flap to reveal if you'll be pouring a glass of red, white or rosé. You'll get 12 half-bottles — it's up to you if you drink them all before Santa's big day or hold onto a few for the new year.
Dreaming of a white Christmas? What about a red winemas? Well, you'll get a bit of both (plus, some rosé!) in this 24-day wine countdown. Each mini bottle gives you a six-ounce pour — sip on one solo while you make your list (and check it twice) or save 'em to share with loved ones at holiday parties.
Shipping note: This advent calendar ships in November.
Best reusable advent calendars
Turn the festive fun into a teaching moment. By the time Rudolph lands on your rooftop, this tannenbaum will be decked out with 24 magnetic ornaments and a gold star at the very top.
A wooden train on a decked-out mantel just screams "Christmas." Everyone will think this four-car choo-choo is a mere seasonal knickknack — until you explain that there are tiny treats behind each numbered window.
This is a must-have for any chocolate lover. There's a decadent treat behind each door — some of Lindt’s signature chocolates crafted by master chocolatiers. The charming seasonal design adds a touch of joy to your holiday décor in addition to the chocolatey bliss each day reveals.
Want a holiday filled with intrigue and fun? This is the advent calendar for the person who can't get enough games. In each niche, there's a new clue, puzzle or riddle to help solve Professor Charlie's global mystery.
'Tis the season for candles. This set lets you start each day with a little scented luxury. It adds a cozy glow to the festivities with scents like vanilla, cinnamon or pine.
WE're never too far from Mario. This calendar blends nostalgia with holiday cheer — you get a new surprise from the Mushroom Kingdom each day.
Adding magic to a magical seasonal is gilding the lily, but that's what this time of year is all about. This one is packed with Harry Potter-themed figurines or accessories that glow in the dark for the little wizards in your life.
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