Which Advent calendars are best?

It’s that time of year: The countdown to the holidays has begun. And what better way to cross off the days than with a fun and festive Advent calendar? It’s a tradition marked across the globe, with modern twists that everyone can enjoy. Here’s how to pick the best Advent calendars of 2024.

How do Advent calendars work?

Advent calendars are traditionally used to count down the days until Christmas. Advent is the reflective period of time leading up to the celebrated birthday of Christ, but modern observations of this activity can be secular, too.

The first door or small present on the calendar is opened on Dec. 1, and the last is revealed on Christmas Eve.

Advent calendar considerations

Theme

Consider an appropriate theme. Do you love spicy food? Gourmet candies? Toys? Crafts? Chances are good you’ll find something that offers the perfectly tailored surprise.

Age

If you’re not shopping for yourself, you’ll need to consider the age of the recipient. Small pieces in Advent calendars for children can be a choking hazard.

Dietary (or other) concerns

Like it or not, dietary challenges don’t disappear over the holidays. If your recipient is avoiding gluten, allergic to dairy or going alcohol-free, choose appropriately.

Form

Traditional Advent calendars consist of small cards or boxes that sit on a table or hang on the wall. Depending on the space you have for display or the type of calendar you select, you might also consider stacked boxes or a simple calendar, with the goodies hidden elsewhere.

Best Advent calendars of 2024

National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar

Perfect for the budding geologist, this gemstone advent calendar features 24 polished gemstones that include agate, green aventurine, hematite, sodalite, turquenite, tiger’s eye, blue calcite and others. The final gemstone is revealed from a mini dig brick. It comes with five jewelry settings so kids can make a craft, too.

Pukka | Advent Calendar 2024 Organic Tea

Celebrate the season with a different warming tea blend every day. It’s packaged in recyclable sleeves with gold foil details and has some of Pukka tea’s most popular blends. The teas are ethically sourced and include herbal, fruit-flavored and green teas.

Bonne Maman 2024 Limited-Edition Advent Calendar

Behind beautifully illustrated doors, these 23 jams and one honey are a delightfully spiced holiday favorite. Special holiday jams include Caramel with Coffee, Apricot with Orange Blossom, Guava and Raspberry & Rose and more. Order early, as these delicious calendars sell out quickly.

Mindfulness Advent Calendar

If the rush of the holiday season is overwhelming, or dietary restrictions make food Advent calendars impossible, this mindfulness calendar is the perfect solution. Each day offers a gentle reminder to be present.

Godiva Chocolatier 2024 Deluxe Snowglobe Advent Calendar

There are 24 individually wrapped chocolates waiting behind the doors of this red snow globe box. It’s assorted dark, milk and white chocolates in flavors that include almond, caramel, mint and more.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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