No Seriously, It’s Time—These Are the Best Advent Calendars to Buy This Year

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 2024—and I’m taking you along for the ride.

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.

When do 2024 advent calendars go on sale?

The short answer? NOW. Friends, it’s only the beginning of October, but there are already advent calendar launch notifications in my inbox. However, many will become available around the middle of the month. Because brands produce these limited-edition products in smaller stocks and at such great prices, you can expect them to sell out quickly.

The Best 2024 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 me, in the wide world of advent calendar shopping, there’s always a surprise in store.

Let me cut to the chase: if it’s not sold out already, go get your hands on Papier’s stunning stationery advent calendar like, NOW. The premium paper company doesn’t disappoint with this year’s iteration of their cult favorite box full of gifts. Designed in London, you’re instantly transported to chilly city streets and filled with holiday cheer with every expertly crafted parcel. And the delight doesn’t stop there—24 gifts from pens to paper (including best-sellers that I won’t spoil) make for a collection that will leave the recipient’s desk stocked and ready for the year ahead.

Price: $175 (valued at $250) | Availability: Available now

What’s inside: A6 softback notebook, A6 paper photo frame, Wave bookmark, Small Stamp Set (of 4), Groove rollerball pen, Paper clips & tabs, Fineliners set of 3, Set of 2 highlighters, Set of 2 A7 notebooks, List pad, Stickers, Pen clip, Rollerball pen, Envelopes & notecards, Ballpoint Pen, Post it Sticky Tabs, Set of 4 mini thank you note sets, Washi Tape, Mini Puzzle, PU bookmark, Shaped sticky notes, Mini dividers set of 4, Elastic Pencil Case

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: Full-size Winter Signature Candle, Bergamot & Cedar Body Lotion, Fir Tree Mini Diffuser & Reeds, Sea Salt Handbag Cream, Winter Hand Wash, Winter Hand & Nail Cream, Nordic Wood Mini Home Spray, Fireside Votive, Amalfi Lemon Eau de Toilette, Spa Restore Shower Gel, Pomegranate Mini Home Spray, Santa Rosa Hand & Body Lotion, Full-size Sea Salt Bath & Shower Gel, Amalfi Lemon Hand & Body Wash, Tuscan Grove Hand Wash, Lime & Bay Shower Gel, Sleep Bath Soak, Amalfi Lemon Luxury Hydrating Lotion, Fir Tree Votive, Seychelles Shimmer Balm, Spa Restore Hand & Body Balm, Full-size Seychelles Bath & Shower Gel, Tuscan Grove Hand & Nail Cream, Santa Rosa Eau de Toilette Rollerball, Full-size Pomegranate Signature Candle

Every holiday season, I find myself searching for little moments of joy, and this year, I’ve discovered a true gem: FabFitFun’s 2024 luxury advent calendar. It’s not just an ordinary countdown—it’s a delightful treasure trove filled with 12 full-size beauty products. I was thrilled to see familiar brands that I love and trust, each handpicked to help elevate the holidays.

As I unwrapped each surprise, I felt like a kid again—anticipation building with every day. (Yes, I did break into it early.) From skincare to wellness essentials, each product felt thoughtfully curated to lend a sense of indulgence to your day. Even though it’s only 12 days, the joy will keep coming long after you open the last box.

Price: $89.99 (valued at over $350) | Availability: Available now.

What’s inside: Products from brands including Fenty Beauty, Thrive Causemetics Tower 28, Murad, and Malin + Goetz.

Dr. Barbara Sturm yet again delivers the chicest design—a burgundy 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 (valued at $1,863) | Availability: Available now.

What’s inside: Make-Up Remover, Cleanser, Enzyme Cleanser, Balancing Toner, Hyaluronic Serum, Calming Serum, Glow Drops, Lifting Serum, The Better B, Face Mask, The Super Anti-Aging Cleansing Cream, Eye Cream, Clarifying Mask, Face Cream Rich, Glow Cream, Lip Balm, Anti-Aging Body Cream, Face Cream, Facial Scrub, Dark Skin Tones Face Cream, Face Cream Men, Night Serum, Super Anti-Aging Eye Serum, Hair Clips

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: $38 | Availability: Available now.

What’s inside: Joyeux Thé! (2024 Limited Edition), Grand Yunnan Impérial, On a Cloud, Grand Yama, Tea Of Lords, Paris For You By Night, Long Jing, Grand Jasmin Chun Feng, Balinese Detox Tea, Thé Du Louvre – Courtyard Tea, Sencha Ariake, Vive Les Fêtes, Hammam Tea, Big Ben, By The Sea , Tibetan Monks Tea, L’Herboriste N°74, Pu Erh Imperial, Cheers To Tea, Tahitian Rooibos, Andalusian Garden, Paris For You By Day, Darjeeling Margaret’s Hope, Holiday Green Tea N°25

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: $75 (valued at $144) | Availability: Pre-orders are available now (until they sell out) and calendars will ship mid-October.

What’s inside: 3 Mini Long Lasting Polishes (Tangled Lights, XOXO, To Me You are Perfect), 3 Mini Quick Dry Polishes (Blitzen, Fiddlefig, Freshwater), Mini Super Glossy Top Coat, Mini Quick Dry Top Coat, Mini Sparkle Fairy Top Coat Effect, Mini Metallic Pink Poppy, Mini Red Nail File, Mini Red Polish Nail File, Mini Hand Serum, Mini Nail Art Stickers, Mini Remover Pot, Mini Dry Drops, Mini Cuticle Serum, Mini Buffer, Mini Nail Strengthener, Sweet Gingerbread – Super Stick Mani (Short Round), Into The Trees Chrome – Instant Mani Press-Ons (Medium Oval), Limited Edition Polish Bottle Cookie Cutter

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.”

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: $165 | Availability: Available now.

What’s inside: 12 2.5-oz. glass votive candles and a wick trimmer.

Hot chocolate has always been a must during the holiday season, and this year, I’ve found a delightful twist with the Compartés chocolate advent calendar. Each day in December leading up to Christmas reveals a beautifully crafted chocolate that feels both inventive and wonderfully comforting. I love how they capture the essence of the season—think rich dark chocolate with a hint of spice or creamy milk chocolate with seasonal flavors. They’re just the right size for a little post-dinner treat.

Price: $109.95 | Availability: Available now.

What’s inside: Apple Pie, Cocoa & Marshmallows, Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Latte, Cookie Butter, Maple Walnut, Holiday Gingerbread, Pecan Pie

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.)