If you plan on giving one of these to your friends (or yourself), you should buy one now

We’re officially entering the holiday season, with Christmas just around the corner. Counting down the days until Christmas is one of the best ways to build excitement and get everyone involved in a fun holiday tradition. To make this activity both effortless and fun, opt for an Advent calendar full of your favorite goodies, from Squishmallows to beauty must-haves to delicious chocolates. 

While Advent calendars first took root in Germany, they’ve since spread to nearly every country, giving kids and adults a daily reminder of the holiday season. With their rise in popularity, the top Advent calendars are known to sell out early every year. So, if you want to beat the crowd, these are the best Advent calendars for yourself or a friend.

In this article: Ulta Beauty 24 Days of Self-Care Advent Calendar, L’Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar and Yankee Candle Signature Votive 12 Days of Christmas Candle Advent Calendar

Advent calendar features to consider

• Pre-filled vs. refillable: The two main types of Advent calendars are pre-filled Advent calendars and refillable Advent calendars. Pre-filled options are popular since they require no extra work and remain a surprise for every person in the family. Once the door for each day is opened, it doesn’t close back up to be re-used the following year. While pre-filled Advent calendars are effortless, some don’t appreciate the waste they incur or the cost each year. If that sounds like you, a refillable Advent calendar is a perfect option. It’s usually made of sturdier material with doors that close back up or pockets that can be refilled year after year. Another benefit of refillable Advent calendars is that you know you or your kids will love the goodies every day. 
• Material: The most common Advent calendar materials are cardboard, plastic, fabric and wood. Cardboard Advent calendars are usually single-use with a door that is cut or punched open. If you do opt for a refillable Advent calendar made of wood, fabric or plastic, you’ll want to make sure you store it carefully so it can be used again the next year.
• Display: Do you want to display your Advent calendar on a shelf or hang it on the wall? If you have a specific amount of space or an idea of where you want the Advent calendar to go, be sure to look for an option that matches your preferences. 
• Type: Perhaps the most important feature of your Advent calendar is what’s inside it. If it’s a fun tradition you’re setting up for your kids, consider a LEGO, cartoon character or Advent calendar filled with treats. For those who value self-care, choose an option stuffed with beauty products, perfume, lotion or other goodies. There are also religious options with Bible verses or nativity scenes. 

Best adult Advent calendars you can get right now

Ulta Beauty 24 Days of Self-Care Advent Calendar

Beauty lovers and fans of self-care will love counting down the days until Christmas with this Ulta Beauty Advent calendar. Being surprised with brightening vitamin C serum or face moisturizer will also help keep their sanity during the hectic holiday season. 

L’Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar

Is your friend obsessed with L’Occitane? Or maybe you want to see what all the fuss is about. Regardless, this Advent calendar features all of the brand’s must-have products in mini bottles, plus six full-sized products to enjoy.

Godiva Chocolatier 2024 Deluxe Snowglobe Advent Calendar

If there’s ever a good time to splurge on chocolate, it’s during the holiday season. And Godiva has had the best gourmet chocolate for decades. This Advent calendar is filled with an assortment of sweets, including dark chocolate, praline hearts, caramels and more. 

Sephora Collection Advent Calendar

Whether you love Sephora or want to try all its products without breaking the bank, this Advent calendar is the way to go. It comes with 24 goodies, including makeup, skin care, bath accessories and more. 

Anthropologie Holiday Collection Beauty Advent Calendar

Anthropologie’s Advent calendar is a must-have for beauty lovers. Each day will reveal fan-favorite products, from cleansing balm to hair gel to fragrances. Plus, the cute graphics are perfect for displaying anywhere in the house or dorm room.

Yankee Candle Signature Votive 12 Days of Christmas Candle Advent Calendar

Is there such a thing as too many candles? We don’t think so, but if you want to try new candles without committing to one scent, this Yankee Candle Advent calendar offers 12 minis with amazing scents, each with a seven- to 10-hour burn time. 

Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar

Get organized with this Advent calendar full of desk delights for working in the office or at home. It comes with 24 doors stuffed with desk must-haves, including pens, stickers and even a picture frame. 

FabFitFun Advent Calendar 2024

Say goodbye to travel-sized products because FabFitFun’s iconic Advent calendar comes with 12 full-sized goodies. With skin care staples and trendy fashion finds, you’ll get over $350 worth of products from well-known brands. 

Hogesa Crystals Advent Calendar 2024

This Advent calendar comes with 24 gemstones, each day unveiling a new, beautiful treasure. Gemstones include a diverse range, from calming amethyst to empowering citrine. You’ll also get a velvet bag and adjustable necklace rope. 

MyLune Home Survival Kits for Men Advent Calendar

Whether you’re a teen or adult who loves cool gadgets and learning about survival skills, this Advent calendar will kick your skills up a notch. It comes with everything you need for the outdoors, from hunting to fishing to camping. 

National Lampoon Advent Calendar 2024

Instead of merely watching National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” every holiday season, make it a month-long celebration. This Advent calendar comes with 24 mini figurines that allow you to slowly create your own scene from the movie.  

Exclusive 2024 Specialty Coffee Bean Advent Calendar

This Advent calendar comes with 25 different whole-bean coffee packs that are resealable for freshness. They’re hand-roasted and single-origin specialty coffees.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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