Of course you do.
But you’d better buy it now.
It’s an old tradition. Advent calendars are traditionally used to count down the days of Advent—the month or so leading up to Christmas Eve, starting four Sundays before Christmas. They tend to feature small numbered doors or flaps, one of which is opened on each day of Advent, uncovering a small gift or treat. Growing up, this often meant a piece of chocolate or another piece of candy. But you've probably noticed that advent calendars have become big business lately. If gift-giving has exploded into a huge blockbuster event, then the advent calendar has become like the theatrical trailer. Just as splashy and indulgent, but on a much smaller scale.
These days, advent calendars are as much for adults as they are for kids. There's one for every taste and interest, be it for yourself or someone on your gift list. Treat yourself or someone you love to a whole joyful month of daily surprises. And seriously, there's something for everyone: traditional sweets, third-wave coffee, luxury fragrances and grooming products. There are even calendars for your pets. To help you kick off the season (and because they always sell out fast), we're sharing a few of current favorites.
For those who take their morning cup seriously, this handsome calendar box opens up accordion-style to reveal 24 bags of coffee—your choice of whole bean or pre-ground. Each bag features a coffee of a different origin, producer and terroir, inviting you to discover the unique flavors, attributes and intricacies that coffee has to offer.
$175 by Onyx Coffee
This old-timey candy countdown is filled exclusively with a whole pound of the California chocolatier's premium pieces—from the Scotchmallow and Bordeaux, to chocolate Lollypops and even a brand-new treat not yet available to the public. It opens up like a storybook, featuring whimsical pop-up illustrations and sturdy reusable drawers.
$75 by See's Candies
This shape-shifting tacklebox from the French fragrance house was inspired by the world of artist Lucy Sparrow. It parts down the middle to uncover 25 small drawers, each packed with a festive olfactory surprise. There are, of course, candles and colognes of various sizes, along with soaps, shower gels and lotions. These are such nice items, they could easily sub-in for last-minute gifts, should you need one in a pinch.
$495 by Diptyque
Remedy all the stress of the holiday season with this 12-piece collection curated to revitalize, support rest and spark relaxation and joy. Saje is known for its potent and proven essential oil blends and this calendar includes a few exclusives along with all-star formulas, and best-selling blends—all powered by nature.
$121 by Saje
Game your way through the holiday countdown with an inventive calendar that tasks techies with building a new electronic challenge every day—complete with diagram instructions. The complexity increases with each door opened, and includes a variety of games, like code cracker, wire maze, slot machine, roulette, and more.
$30 at Uncommon Goods
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You don't need a kid or have to be a kid to enjoy this one—but you likely have to have watched a few Harry Potter films at the very least. It's packed with collectible characters, mini build toys and accessories. So it's not just a surprising little gift, but a quick activity, too.
$44.99 by LEGO
You used to have to fly to Paris to taste Ladurée's sweet confections, but this advent calendar will bring the charming shop front straight to you. Inside, you'll find 24 days' worth of caramel candies, nougats, chocolates, jams and calissons. They all come from the French sweets maker (famous for its macarons) that started back in 1862.
$189 at Food52
Japan Haul already specializes in monthly boxes of sweets and snacks from big brands and artisanal makers across Japan. Their new advent calendar takes it to the next level with a fun design based on a winter retreat at a traditional ryokan. The curated selection includes Japanese-made homeware and keepsakes, along with delicious delights like green tea and wagashi sweets.
$150 by Japan Haul
This year's weightiest whiskey calendar is one for true experts—or anyone wanting to become one. Based on a globetrotting couple's luxury travel, it not only comes with 24 1.7oz vials of world-class samples (including some from $150+ bottles), but also two Glencairn glasses and a complimentary Flaviar Black membership for an entire year.
$250 by Flaviar
Snoopy chocolates,
$39.99 by Peanuts
Elf' 12 Days of Cheer,
$39.95 by Williams Sonoma
Assorted chocolates,
$24.99 by Tony's Chocolonely
Teddy bear chocolates,
$9.97 by Lindt
The tradition of advent calendars arose in Germany in the late 1800s and soon spread throughout Europe. First made of paper, then wood, their popularity took off in the U.S. when Newsweek published a photograph of then-President Dwight Eisenhower’s three grandchildren posing with one.
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