Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Holidays & Entertaining
  3. Holidays
  4. Christmas
  5. The 25 Best Advent Calendars for 2021

The 25 Best Advent Calendars for 2021

Headshot: Lisa Milbrand
By Lisa Milbrand Updated November 01, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
best-advent-calendars
Credit: food52.com

The Christmas fun can last all season with the right advent calendar. They're a great way to celebrate every day leading up to Christmas and build anticipation for the big day. 

No matter what your passion is—from pop culture trinkets to beauty goodies to wine—you'll find the perfect advent calendar on our list. (Or you can always spring for a reusable advent calendar and customize the mix of gifts and notes to suit your own family's preferences.)

Whether you opt for a 12-day or full 24-day version, order right now—many of the most popular ones sell out long before December!

Start Slideshow

1 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For Plant Parents: Botanical Advent Calendar

Botanical Ornament Advent Calendar
Credit: Anthropologie
$228, anthropologie.com

Unwrap and hang one of these pretty pressed flowers or leaves on each day during the lead-up to Christmas. (Bonus: This will be a beautiful calendar you can reuse year after year.)

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For a Total Softie: XO Marshmallow Advent Calendar

Marshmallow Advent Calendar
Credit: XO Marshmallow
$53, xomarshmallow.com

These aren't your standard-issue ooey-gooey sweets. XO's 24 marshmallows come in an array of different flavors, including calendar-exclusive flavors like eggnog, maple pancake, and sugar plum. (Just think of the s'mores and hot chocolate possibilities.)

2 of 25

3 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Best Baker: Cookie Making Calendar

Cookie Making Advent Calendar
Credit: Uncommon Goods
$70, uncommongoods.com

Gear up for a Christmas Eve bakefest with this charming calendar that offers gourmet ingredients, tools, and recipes every day, so you have the hard-to-get goodies (think vanilla sugar and caramel bits) you need to make six types of cookies. 

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Dolly Parton Devotee: Holly Dolly Advent Calendar

Holly Dolly Christmas Advent Calendar
Credit: Williams-Sonoma
$40, williams-sonoma.com

It's kind of hard to find anyone who isn't a Dolly Parton fan—but this collection of Dolly's favorite candies (including caramels, fruity chews and gummy butterflies) is a perfect way to channel your inner Dolly this holiday season.

4 of 25

5 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Family That's A Little Extra: Pottery Barn Light-Up Glitter Houses

Pottery Barn Sparkling House Light-up Advent Calendar
Credit: Pottery Barn
$129, potterybarn.com

Each of the translucent windows glows when this pretty, battery-operated calendar is turned on, making it a perfect centerpiece to your holiday decor. There's plenty of room in each house to include a note or tiny treats for the family who wants to DIY their advent calendar experience. 

5 of 25

6 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For Your Tiny Dancer: Nutcracker Theater Advent Calendar

Nutcracker Theater Advent Calendar
Credit: MOMA
$65, store.moma.org

Every day, your favorite ballet dancer can open a new character or set piece from the legendary ballet to place upon the elegant 3D stage—and some of the pieces come on wooden sticks to allow your child to act out their favorite scenes.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Family With No Shelf Space: Fair Isle Hat and Mitten Advent Calendar

Hat and Mitten Advent Calendar
Credit: Garnet Hill
$99, garnethill.com

These tiny hats and mittens are the perfect size for small notes or trinkets—and the strand can be hung on a mantel, doorway, or even on the Christmas tree so it doesn't take up precious table space.

7 of 25

8 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For Your Favorite Builder: LEGO City Advent Calendar

Lego City Advent Calendar
Credit: Target.com
$30, target.com

Sure, you could go with Harry Potter or the Avengers, but this classic set is much more Christmassy—and lets you build your very own Santa, too. 

8 of 25

9 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Science Nerd: Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

Science Advent Calendar
Credit: Amazon.com
$35, amazon.com

Kids definitely get enough sweets during the holiday season—so feed their brains instead of their bellies. Let kids eight and up get experimenting with 24 new daily projects in this science-filled advent calendar. 

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Guy Who Takes His Beard Seriously: 24 Days of Beard Treats Calendar

Beard Care Advent Calendar
Credit: Etsy.com
$46, thebeardedmancompany.etsy.com

Keep his beard well groomed (and smelling awesome) with this set of 24 different beard grooming products in a slew of scents—including sandalwood and Sicilian lemon.

10 of 25

11 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Coffee Connoisseur: Bean Box 12 Mornings of Coffee

Bean Box 12 Mornings of Coffee Advent Calendar
Credit: Bean Box
$68, beanbox.com

This coffee-themed calendar helps your recipient kick start the holiday season with 12 mornings of festive specialty coffee from top coffee roasters, with hints of roasted chestnuts, cranberries, and other seasonal flavors. 

11 of 25

12 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Tea Drinker: Warming Joy Advent Calendar

Tea Forte Warming Joy Advent Calendar
Credit: Tea Forte
$60, williams-sonoma.com

Try 24 different flavors of tea (including holiday-ready types like cherry marzipan, harvest apple spice, winter chai, and caramel nougat), in this charming tree-shaped calendar. 

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Francophile: Laduree Advent Calendar

Laduree Advent Calendar
Credit: Food52
$65, food52.com

Enjoy a taste of Paris from one of the city's most legendary sweets makers. The calendar comes stocked with an array of French treats, including chocolates, caramels, nougats, and calissons. 

13 of 25

14 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Person Awaiting Their Invite to Hogwarts: Luxe Harry Potter Advent Calendar

Luxe Harry Potter Advent Calendar
Credit: Williams-Sonoma
$111, williams-sonoma.com

This wooden reusable calendar is like taking a trip to Honeydukes, with a magical array of candies including lemon sherbets, gummies, and of course, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor beans. 

14 of 25

15 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Manicure Fan: OPI 2021 Mini

<p>Packed with 25 high-end nail lacquers, this nail polish Advent calendar offers months of gorgeous, colorful nails. Colors range from a snowy white to deep, rich tones perfect for the holiday season, all with OPI's signature luster. The bottles are mini, but they'll still last through a few at-home manicures.</p>
Credit: Amazon.com
$50, amazon.com

Packed with 25 high-end nail lacquers, this nail polish Advent calendar offers months of gorgeous, colorful nails. Colors range from a snowy white to deep, rich tones perfect for the holiday season, all with OPI's signature luster. The bottles are mini, but they'll still last through a few at-home manicures.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Doers: Advent Calendar Activity Cards

Advent Calendar Activity Cards
Credit: Print Go Go/Etsy
$7, printgogo.etsy.com

Looking for experiences instead of stuff? Put these reusable activity cards in your advent calendar as IOUs for cookie baking, checking out holiday light displays, watching Christmas specials, and other festive fun. (Bonus: No need to worry about slow shipping—this is a digital download you can print at home.) 

16 of 25

17 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For Your Pandemic Puppy: Wufers Advent Cookie Calendar

Wufers Dog Treat Advent Calendar
Credit: Wufers
$60, wufers.com

Don't leave your doggo out when you're shopping for advent calendars. These popular canine cookies are made with all-natural, human grade ingredients like whole wheat flour and applesauce—and come festively decorated to celebrate the season.

17 of 25

18 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Whisky/Whiskey Fan: Whiskies of the Galaxy Advent Calendar

Whiskies of the Galaxy Box Set
Credit: Flaviar
$250, flaviar.com

Get 24 tastes of some of the best whiskies on this planet, from top whiskey destinations like Japan, Scotland, Ireland, and the U.S.—including tasting notes and a Glencairn tasting glass for sipping each sample. 

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Wine Lover: Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine

Vinebox Wine Advent Calendar
Credit: Vinebox
$129, getvinebox.com

Enjoy a different glass of wine for each of the 12 nights of Christmas with this compact, sleek wine advent calendar, which doubles as decor while it's enjoyed.

19 of 25

20 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Beauty Product Buff: Sephora Holiday Vibes Advent Calendar

Sephora Holiday Vibes Advent Calendar
$45, sephora.com

Get a taste of 24 of Sephora's most popular products in this deluxe set, featuring everything from sheet and eye masks to lip stains and nail polish.

20 of 25

21 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Passionate Puzzler: Michael Storring's 12 Days of Christmas Puzzle Calendar

Holiday Puzzle Advent Calendar
Credit: Barnes and Noble
$24, bn.com

A dozen puzzles await in this advent calendar, with charming illustrations of holiday celebrations from around the world. Each puzzle is just 80 pieces, so you can probably manage to finish them on even the busiest pre-holiday days. 

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For Your Mystical Family Member: 12 Days of Crystal Magic Advent Calendar

Crystal Advent Calendar
Credit: WorldMarket.com
$35, worldmarket.com

This 12-day self-care calendar includes a different crystal for each day—including amethyst and rose quartz—along with directions on how to use them to enhance their life. 

22 of 25

23 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Skincare Devotee: Kiehl's Limited Edition Holiday Calendar

Kiehls Advent Calendar
Credit: Kiehls.com
$99, kiehls.com

This calendar is chock-full of Kieh's legendary skincare products, including customer favorites and new-for-2021 face masks, serums, body lotions, and more.

23 of 25

24 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Jewelry Fan: Story of You Jewelry Advent Calendar

Story of You Luxury Jewelry Advent Calendar
Credit: NotOnHighStreet.com
From $255, notonhighstreet.com

This personalized set of 12 pretty jewelry items is customized with your recipient's monogram and their star sign—along with a choice of sterling silver, gold or rose gold, or a mix of metals.  

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

For the Gluten-Free Vegan Gourmand: Goodio Vegan Chocolates

Goodio Vegan Chocolate Calendar
Credit: Food52.com
$65, food52.com

Foodie splurges for GF and vegan folks are sometimes a little hard to come by. But this deluxe chocolate advent calendar features decadent chocolates with rich, fruit-based flavors like sea buckthorn, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry. 

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Lisa Milbrand

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 For Plant Parents: Botanical Advent Calendar
    2 of 25 For a Total Softie: XO Marshmallow Advent Calendar
    3 of 25 For the Best Baker: Cookie Making Calendar
    4 of 25 For the Dolly Parton Devotee: Holly Dolly Advent Calendar
    5 of 25 For the Family That's A Little Extra: Pottery Barn Light-Up Glitter Houses
    6 of 25 For Your Tiny Dancer: Nutcracker Theater Advent Calendar
    7 of 25 For the Family With No Shelf Space: Fair Isle Hat and Mitten Advent Calendar
    8 of 25 For Your Favorite Builder: LEGO City Advent Calendar
    9 of 25 For the Science Nerd: Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar
    10 of 25 For the Guy Who Takes His Beard Seriously: 24 Days of Beard Treats Calendar
    11 of 25 For the Coffee Connoisseur: Bean Box 12 Mornings of Coffee
    12 of 25 For the Tea Drinker: Warming Joy Advent Calendar
    13 of 25 For the Francophile: Laduree Advent Calendar
    14 of 25 For the Person Awaiting Their Invite to Hogwarts: Luxe Harry Potter Advent Calendar
    15 of 25 For the Manicure Fan: OPI 2021 Mini
    16 of 25 For the Doers: Advent Calendar Activity Cards
    17 of 25 For Your Pandemic Puppy: Wufers Advent Cookie Calendar
    18 of 25 For the Whisky/Whiskey Fan: Whiskies of the Galaxy Advent Calendar
    19 of 25 For the Wine Lover: Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine
    20 of 25 For the Beauty Product Buff: Sephora Holiday Vibes Advent Calendar
    21 of 25 For the Passionate Puzzler: Michael Storring's 12 Days of Christmas Puzzle Calendar
    22 of 25 For Your Mystical Family Member: 12 Days of Crystal Magic Advent Calendar
    23 of 25 For the Skincare Devotee: Kiehl's Limited Edition Holiday Calendar
    24 of 25 For the Jewelry Fan: Story of You Jewelry Advent Calendar
    25 of 25 For the Gluten-Free Vegan Gourmand: Goodio Vegan Chocolates

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The 25 Best Advent Calendars for 2021
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.