Start celebrating - the 20 best advent calendars right now
It’s that time of year - pick out your perfect advent calendar or two to keep a little holiday magic in the countdown to Christmas. So where do these originate - “Advent” season refers to the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The calendars themselves originated in the 1800s when German Protestants found different ways to count down to the Christmas holiday. Click here for a great NPR piece on the evolution of advent calendars through the years including how they made their way to the U.S. post World War II. From Harry Potter to Fortnum & Mason; Star Wars to….seeds? There’s something for everyone to bring a little joy this holiday season.
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This chic Palais des Thes advent calendar brings all the "“Joyeux Noel” indoors. 24 different teas from darjeeling to rooibos - for the tea lovers in your life (or treat yourself). Runs around $38.
FORTNUM & MASON’S CHILDREN’S CHOCOLATE ADVENT CALENDAR - chockful of organic chocolates in premium packaging designed to delight. Almost as good as an actual visit to the merchant of magic in London? Runs around $99.
HARRY POTTER LIMITED EDITION 2023 ADVENT CALENDAR - The “Knight Bus” that launches Book 3, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” is here in advent calendar form. 24 magical toys and gifts from the Wizarding World from Patronus socks, a Hogwarts tea towel, a Chocolate Frog paperweight, a Hogwarts Express luggage tag, and a Golden Snitch bookmark. Only for the very biggest Harry Potter fans. Runs around $149.
FORTNUM & MASON CHRISTMAS TEA LOVER’S ADVENT CALENDAR - a sumptuous selection of the best of Fortnum teas in beautiful packaging. One tea bag for each day of advent from classic Earl Grey to Plum Infusion…and we can’t wait to try Mint Humbug. Runs $80.
LINDT HOLIDAY ADVENT CALENDAR WITH TEDDY BEAR CHOCOLATE! For everyone from kids to adults - all little “mini bears” from double milk chocolate to hazelnut milk chocolate. All delicious. Runs around $9.96.
TEA TIME WITH VAHDAM’S ADVENT CALENDAR - 24 kinds of loose leaf brews from India including black, oolong, green, white and herbal teas. From the low caffeine Sweet Himalayan to the caffeine free Turmeric Speed, tasty varieties with no artificial ingredients and a beautiful gift box. Runs $89.99.
SEEDS ADVENT CALENDAR Merry little packets for a variety of seeds - start planning your spring as the snow comes down! Runs around $26.99.
OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE ADVENT CALENDAR - for ages 3 and up. Disney takes you “Into the unknown” with this Frozen-themed calendar that won’t have your children saying “let it go.” Countdown to Christmas with 25 collectible figures from “Frozen.” Runs $74.99.
MOLTON BROWN ADVENT CALENDAR - 24 of the best of Molton Brown across bathing, fragrance and looks like a tiny candle. A gorgeous box perfect for mom, sister or whomever would feel properly indulged by receiving this golden beauty. Runs around $295.
VILLEROY & BOCH CHRISTMAS MEMORY ADVENT CALENDAR (AND TREE!) 24 beautiful porcelain hanging figurines for each day of advent inside each. You can simply hang the figurines on the porcelain tree included in the set. Runs $375.59.
HARD-TO-FIND-WHISKY ADVENT CALENDAR - for the scotch lover in your life. 24 wax-sealed drams of the best from distilleries ranging from Glenfiddich to Lagavulin. Runs around $249.
FUNKO POP! ADVENT CALENDAR: STAR WARS - HOLIDAY - Darth Vader has never been so festive! All your favorite Star Wars characters with a Funko Pop twist. Runs $54.95.
RUBBER DUCK ADVENT CALENDAR 2023 - you can’t help but smile opening this advent calendar every day. A rubber duckie for every day of the advent season. The manufacturer says they are “crafted with care, child-safe, and non-toxic. Meet US toy standards. Safety test approved.” Runs $25.99.
BONNE MAMAN 2023 ADVENT CALENDAR - who doesn’t love mini jams? Open with toast! Runs around $44.99.
L’OCCITANE HOLIDAY CLASSIC ADVENT CALENDAR - All your favorite L’Occitane time-tested scrubs, lotions, soaps, and more. Runs $80.
THE BODY SHOP’S 25-PIECE HOLIDAY BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR - from Strawberry Shower Gel to Shea Hand Balm; an Aloe Sheet Mask to Mango Hand Balm, it’s the best of TBS’ skin, hair, body and bath products in small advent sized containers. And in the season of celebration, “Inside every box, you’ll also find a little act of kindness so you can share some selfless love and joy with your friends, family and community.” Runs $125.00.
BURT’S BEES BUNDLE UP WITH 12 HOLIDAY FINDS - wait til you get your lips on this. Hydrate and plump. Festive matte moisturizers for your lips, 12 days worth. Runs $28.99.
PUKKA HERBS HERBAL TEA ADVENT CALENDAR - 24 eco-friendly tea bags, all organic. A different tea every day of advent. Put the kettle on and enjoy with some shortbread. Runs $19.99.
WALKER’S 2023 ADVENT CALENDAR WITH SHORTBREAD COOKIES - Straight from Scotland. Six cookie varieties, 28 in total in a limited edition cookie box including all butter shortbread and salted caramel squares for every day of advent. Put the kettle on when you open this…. Runs around $30.
GODIVA CHOCOLATIER 2023 ADVENT CALENDAR Delicious variety of the best of Godiva chocolates from milk chocolate caramel to a dark chocolate ganache heart. 24 pieces. Runs around 445.