SHOPPING

14 Advent Calendars That Are Actually Worth It

From ultra-luxe skincare samplers to 25 days of sweet treats.

by Ali Hoffman

Images courtesy of the brands. Collage by Ashley Peña
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

With the holiday season in full swing, advent calendar season is officially upon us. What began as a simple Cadbury chocolate-a-day countdown until Christmas now offers the likes of everything from 24 bacon-wrapped dog treats to twelve nights of sex toys (which begs the question, how many vibrators is too many vibrators?). And it makes sense, right? Who doesn’t love waking up each morning in December to a special little treat tucked in a beautifully wrapped teeny tiny drawer? Traditions are nice and holidays are fun! But before committing to a pantry full of hot sauces or two dozen candles you can’t stand the smell of, consider turning to our foolproof list of advent calendars that won’t just leave you with extra stuff to ditch in the new year. Ahead, fourteen advent calendars that offer a bang for your buck and are jam-packed with little surprises.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar 2024

Featuring a mix of travel and full-size products, as well as a mix of all-time favorites and new formulas, Sturm’s cult-favorite skincare brand’s advent sells out almost every year. The price tag might seem steep, but for 24 truly transformative products, it’s more than worth it. And yes, the glow drops are in there.

Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader

This year marks the luxury skincare line’s first dabble into the advent world—and it’s not playing around. Featuring favorites like The Rich Cream and The Retinol Serum, the 12-product collection will give your holiday season that extra boost of TFC8.

Bonne Maman Jam 24-Day Advent Calendar

Honestly what sounds more fun than trying a different flavor jam on your toast every morning in December? Also, the teeny-tiny glass jars are an adorable keepsake.

Crate & Barrel 2 Days Popcorn Advent Calendar

Behind on the year’s best movies? Skip the holiday parties and spend December prepping for awards season with 12 nights of popcorn.

Davines Advent Calendar

Davines is beloved for its sustainable haircare products that actually work. Its advent together brings twelve cult faves together to provide you with a month of great holiday hair days.

Manicurist Paris Let it Glow Advent Calendar

Although Manicurist is known as the minimalist of nail polish brands, its countdown calendar does not skimp. With 24 full-size products, the vegan and cruelty-free range will make for that perfect, “quiet luxury” manicure.

Marissa Zappas Advent Calendar

Find your perfect fragrance by testing out every offering in the New York perfumer’s beloved range.

Molly J. Advent Calendar

Home-for-holidays stress is inevitable, so why not be prepared? Molly J’s 25 handmade gummies are equipped with the power to help you stay “chill” when your mother-in-law says that one thing that always triggers you.

MoMA Super NYC Chocolate 24-Day Advent Calendar

Leave it to MoMA to give the classic advent calendar a fresh kick. This Big Apple-themed edition is merry, bright, and packed with French chocolates.

Onyx Coffee 2024 Advent Calendar

Okay, let’s start with this gorgeous accordion shape! Java lovers are buzzin’ over Onyx’s 24 days of great coffee, with each day offering enough beans for a full pot of coffee. Also, when you think of it as 24 fewer visits to your local coffee shop this month, the price seems much more reasonable.

Pacas Sock Advent Calendar

Lean into the cozy with twelve pairs of the brand’s buttery soft socks made from alpaca fiber.

Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights

To the stationery, to-do-list-loving enthusiast, this one's for you. Offering the brand’s best pens, stickers, notebooks, and pads, consider this your gateway to an organized 2025.

Typology Advent Calendar 2024

If you’ve been tempted to try the cult French skincare brand for some time now, now’s your chance. Including 24 products (15 of which are full-sized) and valued at double the price point, this one will likely sell out quickly (just like last year).