Each year, the Christmas Gals curate a list of some of the very best advent calendars available. I must say….this year is one of our most fun!
WHAT IS ADVENT?
‘Advent’ refers to the coming of Christ, or the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.
Advent calendars have been used since the mid-1800s by Lutherans who marked off each day of Advent starting with December 1 until December 24, the day before Christmas. About 50 years later, these calendars were printed in Hamburg, Germany for its newspaper readers.
Today, advent calendars are available in endless themes and with unique and fascinating goodies to excite all ages (and price ranges).
HINT
Advent calendars are one of the EASIEST gifts to give! You can send now (before December 1) and check those folks off your Christmas gift list. With the availability of food, drink and themes, it’s really easy to find the perfect gift for even your hard-to-buy-for friends and family.
FOR THE KIDDOS
Celebrate the Marvel Universe with this Funko Pop Advent Calendar. These wildly popular collectibles often are ‘retired’ and will only gain in value over the years. At the time of this post, the calendar is an extra 40% off at $36.99 on Amazon.
Step aside toys, science has a place at Christmas, too. National Geographic offers a variety of science themed advent calendars. Each day of December as Christmas approaches, kids will open an exciting science experiment to conduct! As we post this, the calendar is on sale for only $31.99 at Amazon.
Looking for a more traditional advent calendar? This tabletop wood tree advent calendar includes 24 handmade vintage-inspired wood ornaments your little ones can add to the tree each day! Available on Amazon for $31.99.
I’m not sure you will find a cheaper advent calendar than this zodiac bracelet and charm advent calendar for kids! At the time of this post it is less than $10 on Amazon! Each day of the calendar reveals a zodiac or Christmas inspired charm.
Craft through advent with this sweet and simple diamond painting advent calendar set. Not sure what diamond painting is? Check out our blog from a few years ago about this craft. Pssst….its fun for kids or adults! For just under $30, you will receive 24 keychain charms to make.
FOR HIM
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach….and jerky may be the very best way! Have a very MEATY Christmas with 25 different flavorful jerky samples. Available on Amazon for $89.99.
If your man grew up in the 80s, then this is the perfect gift for him. Definitely not your traditional advent calendar, but this D&D themed calendar offers daily mini-books and mementos inspired by the iconic game. Only $26,99 at time of post!
FOR HER
Give us ALL the jewelry! Treat a special person to these daily jewelry gifts through the advent season. At only $24.99, don’t expect high end pieces, but lots of fun and sparkle for the holidays!
Pamper someone with a makeup or spa inspired advent calendar. This Sincerely Yours advent calendar offers a daily treat of lipstick, eye shadow and other beauty products. $65 at Ulta Beauty. Also, be sure to check out other advent calendars offered through Ulta!
There is no better White Elephant gift than this sexy eye candy advent calendar! Buy a few and share with your gal pals this season. Less than $10 on Amazon!
FOR THE FAMILY
If your family is like ours, the holidays mean there is always a puzzle out! This is a new way to spread out the puzzle fun. Each day a box is opened with 48 different puzzle pieces. $33.99 now on Amazon….and there are several other holiday inspired themes!
This non-traditional advent book offers your family some great holiday inspired jokes and trivia! Its festive and funny and the perfect conversation starter at the dinner table. Only $14.99 for the paperback!
Hold the chocolate and pass me the cheese! Each day you can sample cheese from the world. Available for less than $50 on Amazon! Also, look for similar cheese calendars at Sam’s Club and Aldi…not available online but oftentimes spotted in-store.
JUST FOR FUN
Just a ‘happy little’ advent calendar….inspired by everyone’s favorite big-haired artist Bob Ross! Each day includes an ornament or activity. Only $26.99 on Amazon.
ChapStick addiction is a real thing…and I have it! Although this isn’t a traditional advent calendar with 24 days of gifts, the 12 days of ChapStick will be a favorite of other chappy addicts! Less than $20 on Amazon.
Take your family on a fun-filled journey to the manger this Christmas season! Learn more about Bible characters related to the Nativity and help teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas. Only $9.99 on Amazon and Oriental Trading.
OVER THE TOP
Appropriately named the ‘Trunk of Dreams,’ this exceptional advent calendar includes 24 days of exclusive perfume and beauty products by Christian Dior. Selling at boutiques or through Dior for $3,500!
