The Best Advent Calendars To Shop This Year
There’s truly no better way to count down to Christmas than with a daily treat. An advent calendar is the perfect way to get into the spirit and add some cheer to the long and busy month of December. (It may seem far away right now, but we promise it’s coming quicker than you think!)
Here, we’ve rounded up the must-have advent calendars to snag up before they fly off the shelves, from beauty products to boozy bottles to cozy games. Whether you’re keeping them all to yourself or buying one for a loved one, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
What is an adult advent calendar?
Filled with delightful treats—think truffles, tea samplers, candles and beauty goodies—an adult advent calendar puts a luxe spin on the waxy chocolate-filled dollar store one you got as a kid. Think of it as a nostalgic way to build up anticipation for the holidays.
But it’s not just the surprise factor that makes advent calendars so popular. Hidden behind each door, you’ll typically find minis (or, if you’re really lucky, full-size versions) of a brand’s bestselling products. It's the perfect way to try collections you’ve had your eye on and discover new favourites for the year ahead. Plus, advent calendars are often a great deal from a cost perspective, too.
The Best Beauty Advent Calendars
Sephora Collection 7-Day After Advent Calendar, $48
Want to add a little magic to the slow stretch between Christmas and New Year? This “after” advent calendar reveals joy-sparking beauty faves from Sephora’s house brand daily from Dec. 25 through Dec. 31.
Yves Rocher 24-Day Advent Calendar, $79
Skincare, makeup, haircare, perfume—French brand Yves Rocher does it all really, really well. Stock up on bestsellers with this collection of minis worth $143.
Saje Well Wishes 12-Day Advent Calendar, $135
This selection of relaxing aromatherapy goodies is perfect for days when you need a breather. It contains a mix of bestsellers and products exclusive to the calendar, like an ornament diffuser to hang in your tree to keep the relaxation going throughout the season.
Purdys Chocolatier Holiday Tree Advent Calendar, $30
E.l.f. The Glitz is ELFing Glitzing 24-Day Advent Calendar, $124
From lippies to eyeshadows, mascara and makeup brushes, this advent calendar—a $216 value—is filled with mini and full-size makeup treats. You'll find plenty of viral sensations in there, including the Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray.
OPI House of OPI’cing 12-Day Mini Advent Calendar, $65
Give the gift of a perfect mani with this set of 12 high-shine mini polishes. Discover a mix of iconic shades (Funny Bunny!, Bubble Bath! Lincoln Park After Dark!) and limited-edition holiday hues.
Clarins 12-Day Advent Calendar, $145
Looking to refresh your beauty routine? Try this curated selection of the brand's most-loved skincare and makeup products, including a full-size tube of its glossy Lip Comfort Oil.
The Body Shop 24-Day Classic Beauty Advent Calendar, $99
Brimming with skincare and bodycare bestsellers, this advent calendar is the perfect way to stock a loved one’s beauty stash—or your own. It contains classics, like the truly excellent Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter, as well as shower essentials in some of the brand’s most beloved scents, including Shea, British Rose, Strawberry and Coconut.
Kitsch North Pole Post 12-Day Advent Calendar, $229
Hair clips, pins, barrettes and a slew of treatments—this is the perfect pick for anyone who has a standing blowout appointment.
Benefit Cosmetics Glam Cube 24-Day Beauty Advent Calendar, $201
You don’t need to solve a puzzle to get your daily treat with this Rubik’s Cube-inspired calendar. From skincare to brow essentials to mascaras and blushes, every door reveals a beauty favourite.
Shoppers Drug Mart 15 Days of Beauty Exclusive Brand Advent Calendar, $52
Unwind from the stress of the holiday season with 15 days of pampering. Behind each door, you'll find a surprise from a Shoppers Drug Mart-exclusive brand, including Quo Beauty, Pixi and Jason Wu.
Tatcha 12 Days of Treasures Advent Calendar, $297
Do you know a skincare-obsessed beauty lover—or are you one yourself? This collection of minis is a one-way ticket to glowing skin. Discover the brand’s stellar lineup of cleansers, serums and moisturizers, as well as a mini Kissu Lip Mask, a Chatelaine favourite.
Holt Renfrew 24-Day Beauty Advent Calendar, $475
Valued at over $999, this advent calendar by the luxe Canadian retailer is jam-packed with mini and full-sized beauty treats. It features makeup, skincare, fragrances and tools by beloved luxury brands such as Diptyque, Byredo, La Mer and more.
The Best Food Advent Calendars
David’s Tea 12 Days of Caffeine-Free Holiday Teas, $49
Steep yourself a little me-time amid the happy chaos of the holiday season with a selection of delicious caffeine-free teas, including seasonal blends like Sleigh Ride and Silent Night.
Nespresso Vertuo Advent Calendar, $70
If you love starting your day with a cup of Nespresso coffee, you'll love this advent calendar. It contains a mix of bestselling permanent and festive flavours to delight every coffee lover. Spoiler: On the last day, you'll unbox a limited-edition porcelain mug made in collaboration with Kenyan artist Thandiwe Muriu.
Kanel 24 Karat 24-Day Advent Calendar, $79
The foodie in your life will love this treasure trove of unique spice blends, salts and cocktail rimmers by Montreal-based brand Kanel, each accompanied by a recipe to use it in.
Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffle 24-Day Advent Calendar, $29
Enjoy a decadent bite every day with this affordable-yet-luxurious advent calendar filled with Lindt’s iconic truffles. Smooth, rich and creamy, they’re the perfect small indulgence.
C’est Bonbon DIY 24-Day Advent Calendar, $35
This DIY advent calendar by Montreal brand C’est Bonbon is a crafty project for the whole family. It comes with 24 boxes to assemble and an assortment of candy to fill each one.
Purdys Braille 24-Day Advent Calendar, $30
In 2021, Canadian chocolatier Purdys worked with the blind and partially sighted community on an accessible box of chocolate featuring a Braille chocolate legend. Inspired by that sold-out gift box, this year’s advent calendar features doors with Braille numbers. Inside, you’ll find the delicious, creamy chocolate the brand is known for.
JP Chenet 12-Bottle Advent Calendar, $85
Celebrate the season with a daily glass of sparkling wine thanks to these 24 mini bottles from French brand JP Chenet.
Bonne Maman 24-Day Advent Calendar, $58
Need a little pick-me-up to start the day off right? Snap up this perpetually sold-out box of mini jam jars, featuring inventive flavours like Cherry with Pink Peppercorn, Fig with Cardamom and Mango and Ginger.
The Best Cozy Advent Calendars
Soja & Co. 24-Day Advent Calendar, $165
For the holidays, Montreal-based brand Soja & Co. packaged 24 pint-sized winter-themed candles to discover daily. We won't spoil it all for you, but scents include Cashmere + Green Tea, Pine + Basil and Guaiac Wood + Smoked Vanilla.
Galison Home for The Holidays 500 Pieces 12-Day Puzzle Countdown, $33
Calling all homebodies! Countdown to Christmas in the coziest way with 12 mini puzzles that come together to form a festive masterpiece.
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Andréanne Dion is the senior editor, style, beauty and travel at Chatelaine. She is also a contributing editor at FASHION and Hello! Canada.
