What's the one-holiday tradition from my childhood that I miss the most? Advent calendars. To date, I can still remember rushing through my nighttime routine to spring downstairs — in hopes of beating my brothers — and be the first to open up our advent calendars that night.
It feels like yesterday! And fast-forward almost a decade later? I've yet to find a holiday tradition that made me as excited as that one did. Which is why this holiday season? I'm bringing my childhood tradition back.
This holiday season, I'm looking to take the road less traveled when it comes to bringing cheer to my loved one's life. And, how am I mixing it up? By which gift I chose to give them. Instead of reaching for candles or chocolates (as I so often do), this season, I'm taking my normal gifts to the next level; and investing in advent calendars.
Now, advent calendars have come a long way since my childhood days! But that is not necessarily a bad thing. From beauty to skincare, and every offering in-between, continue reading to see our top 15 choices for the best advent calendars.
Apothecary 14-Piece Advent Calendar l for $75 + an extra 15% off at checkout, with promo code: CBTY20SF, at Saks Fifth Avenue
Hoping to avoid the restlessness that comes with the holiday season? So are we — and we highly recommend this 14-piece kit to keep everyone in your life as refreshed as ever.
Charlotte Tilbury Bejewelled Beauty Chest Advent Calendar l for $200, at Sephora
Charlotte Tilbury is Hollywood's most sought-after makeup artist — and her clients include everyone from Penelope Cruz to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, so when we saw this all-inclusive 12-piece kit? We were sold. From skincare to makeup, it's nothing short of your new go-to, treasure chest.
Jo Malone London 3-Pc. Christmas Candle Gift Set l (Was $250), Now $212.50 with promo code: FRIENDS, at Macy's
Sure, sure, $250 for a candle set seems a bit steep, but when compared to buying each of these 200g candles individually? It's a bargain. Here, shoppers will receive three mood-boosting scents that will be a personal favorite no matter who is on the receiving end.
Wonderhouse Standing House Advent Calendar l for $25, at Target
Are you someone who's all about the personal touch? If so, this advent calendar is just for you. Fill every single day (or night) with a new candy, toy, or money for your recipient's piggy bank. It's a special something, everyone will enjoy for years to come.
Voluspa 12-Day Candle Gifting Advent Calendar l for $120, at Anthropologie
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me? This 12-piece candle set that offers something sweeter every single day.
Atelier Cologne Clémentine California Advent Calendar Perfume Set l (a $192-value) for $108, at Sephora
Any perfume lovers in your life? Give them the most fragrant gift of all courtesy of this 20+ piece set. Here they'll find everything from mini perfumes to leather cases, and even the cutest charms to decorate their Christmas trees with!
Fortnum & Mason Advent Calendar l For $56.95, at Williams Sonoma
Nevermind chocolate this season! Savor the countdown to Christmas with this set of 24-tea bags, which await behind every door. From India to the Far East, and every rare tea in-between, this advent calendar will be a tea-lovers dream!
Ferrero Golden Gallery Advent Calendar l for $53.97, at Amazon
Sure, sure, we know we said this year to treat your loved ones to something besides chocolate. This is why we're highly recommending this 25-piece chocolate set. Featuring everything from dark, to medium and even light chocolates — it's the assortment everyone needs.
Clarins Limited-Edition 12 Day Advent Calendar l (Was $60), Now $51, with promo code: FRIEND, at Macy's
Shopping for the best skincare is a lot like shopping for the best mattress — it's an investment that takes a lot of consideration. To ease yourself into any new products this holiday season, opt for this 12-day set that will help weed down what you need vs. what you don't need.
Ciate Mini Mani Manor Nail Polish Advent Calendar Holiday Edition Gift Set l for $145, at Amazon
Any nail-lovers out there? This 20+-piece kit will put a smile on anyone who's missing the nail salon's face.
Vintage Wine Estates 12 Days Holiday Advent Calendar 12 Bottle Set l (Was $98) Now $89, at QVC
Who needs a partridge -- or a pear tree, for that matter? Celebrate the holiday season with something a little practical (and a lot more desired) with this 12-bottle holiday advent calendar. Certainly, they'll be nothing to wine about here!
Drybar Mix & Mingle Interchangeable Styling Iron Kit l (a $287-value) For $199, at Sephora
If you've read our best hair dryer's guide, you know that we don't mess around when it comes to the best-of-the-best beauty products — and this all-inclusive set is no different. Here, you can enjoy all of Drybar's bestselling products to style your hair whether you're in the comfort of your own home or when on-the-go!
Tatcha Special Edition Luxury Kit l (a $416-value) for $315, at Sephora
The one thing Kim Kardashian-West and Tatcha have in-common? They're synonymous in our book, and the A-lister can't live without this bestselling brand — and now we don't have to either? This seven-step kit includes everything you'll need to ritual, cleanse protect and nourish for all skin types. Making the higher price-point worth it.
Kurt S. Adler Snowman & Tree Christmas Advent Calendar l (Was $109.99), Now $74.79, at Kohls
Want to continue the fun all-month-long? Opt for this 24-piece advent calendar that offers festive fun each and every night.
Williams Sonoma Chuck's Luxury Advent Calendar l for $299.95, at Williams Sonoma
Want a little bit of everything? This season opt for this luxury advent calendar. From jams to olive oil and even William Sonoma's famous peppermint bark — this monthly calendar has all the cookware-inspired ornaments, seasonings sweets we could ever want (and so much more!).
Still, want more? Check out additional advent calendars below:
- L'OCCITANE Holiday Advent Calendar
- Godiva 2020 Holiday Luxury Chocolate Advent Calendar
- Valmont La Maison Valmont Féerie
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Brittany Romano is a Shopping Editor, based in New York City. From her start as a fashion market assistant at Marie Claire to building a highly profitable commerce vertical at Us Weekly and AMI brands, Brittany has produced award-winning content covering everything from celebrity beauty hacks to must-have items from online sales. She is a graduate of New England College. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brittany indulging in yet another DIY project or cheering on her beloved Boston Bruins.
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