Buying guide for best high-end Advent calendars
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No longer a tradition just for kids, Advent calendars now come with treats grownups love as well. Not only do the best high-end Advent calendars make counting down the days until Christmas more exciting, but they also provide unique items that are fun to reveal and use. From tasty foods or beverages to luxury beauty products and everything in between, the best high-end Advent calendars provide a memorable experience as the holidays approach.
Our top choice is The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar, which features mini beauty products to pamper yourself with. If that’s not your thing, you’re sure to find something you’ll love from our roundup below.
Which high-end Advent calendar is best?
The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar
Best Advent calendar
Brand: The Body Shop | Calendar Theme: Beauty | Number of Days: 24 | Product Type: Skin care, hair care, bath items | Packaging Design: Luxurious decorative holiday
The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar is made with beauty enthusiasts in mind. Within the calendar, those celebrating the Christmas countdown will find mini-sized lotions, shampoos, balms, accessories, shower gels and more that are ideal for holiday pampering. We also love that they are formulated for all skin types.
In addition to the skin care, hair care and bath products, we were impressed by the luxurious packaging of this calendar. It features a beautiful blue holiday theme with a decorative design and pop-up interior. The calendar’s 24 compartments conceal the beauty products that are ready to be enjoyed, and each one comes in its own little gift box to make it feel extra special. This luxury Advent calendar is sure to be a big hit with anyone who loves to sample beauty products from a premium brand.
Vienna Cookie Company Advent Calendar
Best Bang for the Buck Advent Calendar
Brand: Vienna Cookie Company | Calendar Theme: Food | Number of Days: 24 | Product Type: Cookies | Packaging Design: Holiday box with festive doors
We love Advent calendars that contain holiday treats, and the Vienna Cookie Company Advent Calendar is an especially yummy one. It’s packed with delicious premium cookies created by Austrian-born, New York-based baker Heidi Riegler, who sells her goods via Williams-Sonoma’s website. The cookies contain quality ingredients that give them incredible flavors. What’s more, they are made without artificial preservatives. Peppermint, powdered sugar, chocolate, jam and gingerbread are some of the delightful features that make these cookies ideal for the Christmas season.
Packed in a box with mini doors, this calendar is adorned with tree and snowflake graphics in holiday red, green and gold. We like that the pretty design looks great among other Christmas decorations or under the tree.
Each of the calendar’s 24 doors hides a cookie that’s perfect for snacking on with a cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate. This Advent calendar is ideal for sharing with family and friends during the weeks of December, and the incredible flavor of these gourmet cookies will appeal to foodies, too.
L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar
Best Beauty Advent Calendar
Brand: L’Occitane | Calendar Theme: Beauty | Number of Days: 24 | Product Type: Skincare, haircare, bath items | Packaging Design: Luxurious festive
L’Occitane has a reputation for making high-quality beauty products, and the L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar is no exception. Variety is key to the anticipation of revealing daily surprises, and we’re certain that the oils, balms, gels, shampoos and lotion in this collection won’t disappoint. Formulated with natural ingredients, the products smell great too and earn praise for their creamy textures and rich consistencies that make bath and home spa time special. What’s more, six of the items are full-sized.
We also like the uniqueness of the package design by artist Steven Wilson. While it doesn’t have a traditional holiday theme, it has an edgy block design with bright colors that grab your attention. The calendar features 24 items hidden by small doors that are fun to open.
Whether someone already loves L’Occitane products or has always wanted to try them, this calendar’s variety and superior quality make it a great choice.
Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar
Most Useful Advent Calendar
Brand: Papier | Calendar Theme: Office Items | Number of Days: 24 | Product Type: Stationery, desk accessories | Packaging Design: Multi-level box, reusable
Not all Advent calendars are predictable. The luxury Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar is filled with office items, which makes it a good choice for anyone who needs to restock their desk. Made with a box-style design, it has drawers that pull out to reveal pens, paper clips, note cards, tape, pencils and other office essentials.
Another key feature of this stylish calendar is the packaging. It’s well made with attractive graphics that are perfect for the holidays yet look good enough to display any day of the year. This is important, as it’s also reusable and comes in handy for keeping its contents organized and ready to use.
If you need an out-of-the-ordinary Advent calendar, this one is both useful and versatile. That’s because most people use stationery items in their daily lives. From students to teachers and writers to professionals, it’s a practical yet fun way to count down to Christmas.
In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar
Best Wine Advent Calendar
Brand: In Good Taste | Calendar Theme: Wine | Number of Days: 24 | Product Type: Red, white, rose’ wines from around the world | Packaging Design: Festive windows
Anyone who loves to try wine will appreciate the exciting surprises in the premium In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar. Not only does it contain 14 red, seven white and three rosé wines, but the delightful sips come from wineries all around the world, including California, Australia, Italy, Spain, South Africa and more. Each bottle contains 6 ounces of wine, the perfect amount for sampling.
We were also impressed to find that each little bottle is corked. Not only does this give the bottle a high-end appearance, but it also protects the flavors of the wines. The package of this Advent calendar has appealing holiday graphics in bold colors. Each wine is behind a window that pops open with ease.
From dry to fruity, there’s a flavor to appeal to any wine enthusiast’s preference in this fun Advent calendar. Not only is it great for the holiday countdown, but it also makes a nice early Christmas gift for anyone who appreciates fine wine.
Voluspa 12-Day Candle Advent Calendar
Best Candle Collector’s Advent Calendar
Brand: Voluspa | Calendar Theme: Candle collectors | Number of Days: 12 | Product Type: Candles | Packaging Design: Holiday box
Lighting up the holiday season is easy with this Voluspa 12-Day Candle Advent Calendar. These luxury candles are made of coconut wax that burns clean and lasts for hours. They emit a variety of scents that fill a room with inviting notes of pumpkin, berry, mint, vanilla, spice and more. The candles come in small glass jars in bright colors with light-catching etching.
This collection of a dozen candles comes packaged in a beautiful gift box. Each candle is 2.5 ounces in size and has a natural wick.
Most Advent calendars provide a countdown of 24 days. However, although this one is only designed for a 12-day countdown, it’s great for candle lovers who like to add a touch of aromatherapy to their holiday celebration.
Flaviar’s Whiskey Advent Calendar
Best Whiskey Lover’s Advent Calendar
Brand: Flaviar’s Whiskey | Calendar Theme: Whiskey | Number of Days: 24 | Product Type: Whiskey varieties | Packaging Design: Holiday box
There are many types of whiskey, and connoisseurs of the popular spirit can sample 24 varieties in the Flaviar’s Whiskey Advent Calendar. It comes with an interesting selection of classic favorites and new releases. Each vial contains 20 milliliters of premium whiskey to savor during the first 24 days of December.
In addition to an awesome array of whiskeys, this set includes two Glencairn whiskey glasses, a tasting booklet and a one-year Black Membership that provides access to special discounts on other Flaviar products. The calendar comes packaged in a stylish box that’s also worthy of gifting.
Relaxing in front of the Christmas tree with whiskey samples during the countdown is a nice way to celebrate the season, and this Advent has everything you need to make it possible.
Happy Socks Crew Socks Advent Calendar
Best for Toasty Toes All Winter
Brand: Happy Socks | Calendar Theme: Clothing | Number of Days: 24 | Product Type: Socks| Packaging Design: Whimsical window box
Keep your feet warm and stylish this December with the Happy Socks Crew Socks Advent Calendar, which comes with 24 pairs of socks. Curated by Happy Socks, this calendar features crew socks with bright colors and fun graphics including polka dots, stripes and Christmas patterns.
Made of a cotton blend that provides a comfortable and flexible fit, they can be placed in the washing machine for easy care. The calendar packaging sports colorful Christmas graphics and pop-out dated windows that keep each pair concealed until it’s the day to open them.
Classic socks that are made to look great and fit nicely earn this Advent calendar a top spot on our list of high-end calendars. Wearers of attention-grabbing socks will love it, too!
How we analyzed the best high-end Advent calendars
During our research, we analyzed hundreds of Advent calendars to find exceptional items. When it came to food or beauty products, we looked for quality ingredients and the lack of harsh additives and chemicals. For decorative, collectible or jewelry items, we sought out products that are well-made and appeal to a broad consumer base.
In addition to the quality of the products in our favorite high-end Advent calendars, we sought out well-known brands that have a reputation for making the best items in their class. We also analyzed customer feedback and looked for calendars with many five-star reviews and few complaints. Advent calendars typically sell out quickly, so we looked for options with large quantities in stock.
Key features to consider
Type of Advent calendars
Beauty and skin care Advent calendars
- Contents: These calendars are popular among beauty enthusiasts and typically contain luxury skin care, hair care, makeup and fragrance products from premium brands.
- Ideal for: Anyone who enjoys trying new beauty products or wants to stock up on travel-sized versions of luxury items will love these.
- Brands: Look for Advent calendars featuring well-known beauty brands or curated selections from upscale retailers, such as L'Occitane, Benefit and The Body Shop.
Luxury food and drink Advent calendars
- Contents: These calendars often feature gourmet chocolates, handmade cookies, premium spirits (such as whiskey, gin or wine), artisan teas, coffees or gourmet snacks.
- Ideal for: Foodies or those who enjoy indulging in fine foods and drinks during the holiday season will appreciate these. They’re also perfect for anyone who likes to sample new types of foods and beverages.
- Specialty Items: Some high-end calendars may include rare or limited-edition gourmet products, providing a more exclusive experience. Some also include bonus items such as taste books or drinking glasses.
Jewelry and accessories Advent calendars
- Contents: These Advent calendars typically feature fine jewelry, watches or designer accessories such as scarves, sunglasses or cufflinks.
- Ideal for: Fashion lovers or those who enjoy luxury accessories will enjoy these types of Advent calendars.
- Brands: Well-known jewelry or fashion brands, such as Swarovski and Liberty London, offer a new quality, timeless piece each day.
Designer fragrance Advent calendars
- Contents: These calendars usually contain mini versions of luxury perfumes, allowing recipients to experience a variety of scents from top brands.
- Ideal for: Perfume collectors or individuals looking to discover new signature scents love these calendars.
- Variety: Consider calendars with a mix of classic fragrances and limited-edition releases.
Lifestyle and wellness Advent calendars
- Contents: These include a mix of luxury home products, such as scented candles, bath items, relaxation tools and wellness products.
- Ideal for: Those who enjoy pampering themselves or creating a relaxing home environment will be delighted by these calendars.
- Special Features: Look for calendars that include products from luxury spa brands or artisanal makers.
Brand and exclusivity
Premium brands
High-end Advent calendars often feature luxury brands known for their quality and prestige. Recognizable and trusted, these brands can range from top-tier fashion houses to renowned beauty or gourmet food companies.
Limited-edition products
Some Advent calendars contain exclusive or limited-edition items that you may not be able to purchase elsewhere. This adds to the luxury and uniqueness of the experience.
Brand partnerships
Some high-end Advent calendars feature collaborations between multiple luxury brands, offering a variety of items from different collections.These calendars contain many diverse items, which adds to the excitement of revealing a new gift each day of the Christmas countdown.
Presentation and packaging
Luxurious packaging
High-end Advent calendars often feature beautifully designed packaging, such as elegant boxes with intricate detailing or reusable drawers. The packaging itself can feel like part of the luxury experience. Many packages also feature graphics and colors with a holiday theme to fit the season.
Reusable or decorative
Consider whether the Advent calendar’s design allows it to be reused year after year or repurposed for storage or decoration after the holidays. Many calendars feature holiday themes that make them suitable to use with holiday decor for years to come.
Unboxing experience
The overall unboxing experience should feel special. Look for calendars that offer a sense of anticipation and excitement with thoughtfully designed compartments and high-quality materials. Small windows, doors or drawers should conceal each item yet be simple to open.
Our top picks: Presentation and packaging
- The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar: In addition to a beautiful holiday theme in blue, this calendar has a pop-up design that gives it a decorative appearance. It’s well-made and suitable for storing the contents after the holiday.
- Vienna Cookie Company Advent Calendar: Similar to a candy box, this calendar has individual compartments for each of the 24 cookie varieties. Once opened, the flaps are inscribed with descriptions of the cookies. The box has Christmas colors and graphics for a seasonal effect.
- L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar: It’s the artsy design of this calendar that stands out and grabs attention. Created by artist Steven Wilson, it honors the brand’s heritage with pretty shapes in bold colors.
- 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar: While you’ll be excited to open the doors of this stationery calendar, you’ll be just as thrilled to display it on your desk. Attractive and durable, it’s a reusable option that can be used to organize and store office items all year.
- In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar: Although it’s not made to be reusable, this Advent calendar that houses 24 luxury wines is festive and looks great in a room that’s decorated for the season. Appealing colors and holiday graphics make it pop.
Product variety
Wide range of products
A good luxury Advent calendar should provide a diverse selection of items, offering a sense of discovery each day. For example, beauty calendars might include skin care, makeup and fragrance products, while gourmet calendars might offer a mix of sweet and savory items. Those that focus on one type of item offer a nice variety within that category. An example of this is a wine Advent calendar that contains a selection of different types of wines from various areas around the United States and the world.
Balanced selection
Look for calendars that balance practicality with indulgence, providing items that are useful (like skin care products or fashion accessories) as well as treats (such as dark chocolates or perfumes). By considering the individuals who will be indulging in the calendar’s items, you’ll be able to choose the perfect one for your group.
Our top picks: Product variety
- The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar: When it comes to variety, this Advent calendar is hard to top. It contains a large selection of skin care, hair care and bath products in numerous delightful scents.
- Vienna Cookie Company Advent Calendar: There are many types of holiday cookies, and that’s why those who love sweet treats will be happy to find the variety in this box. It contains 24 cookies with numerous flavors and designs, from choco balls to jam thumbprints.
- L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar: Beauty lovers will be thrilled to find that variety in this calendar, as it contains must-have items for daily routines or at-home spa days. In addition to skin care, bath, fragrance and hair care items, it also conceals six full-sized products.
- 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar: Notebooks, pens, highlighters, paper clips and more — anything you need while working at your desk is in this Advent calendar. It’s a comprehensive collection that makes a nice addition to any office or home workstation.
- In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar: This calendar gets its variety by offering white, red and rosé wines from the United States as well as several other countries around the world. This collection is appealing to wine drinkers who love to sample wines they’ve never tried before.
Eco-friendliness
Sustainability
If environmental impact is a concern, look for advent calendars that feature eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable materials or reusable boxes. Some brands also focus on sustainable or ethically sourced products.
Sustainable products
Some high-end advent calendars include eco-conscious brands that prioritize sustainability, using organic, vegan and natural ingredients, cruelty-free products or fair-trade practices.
Our top picks: Eco-friendliness
- The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar: The Body Shop is a cruelty-free brand that has been against animal testing for generations. It has also gone vegan as of 2024. What’s more, the company uses many natural ingredients in its products and recycled materials in its packaging.
- Vienna Cookie Company Advent Calendar: This company uses quality ingredients, many of which are natural. The Advent calendar has minimal packaging compared to many other options.
- L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar: In addition to using high-quality natural ingredients in their products, L’Occitane also uses those that are derived using fair-trade practices that protect the environment. It aims to use 100% recycled plastics by 2025.
- 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar: Papier uses ethically and sustainably sourced paper in its products. The calendar packaging is also reusable, which reduces waste.
- In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar: This company makes glass bottles in the United States, many of which can be upcycled.
Target audience
Customization for specific tastes
As you shop, consider who the Advent calendar is for and whether it aligns with their interests. Beauty lovers will appreciate skin care and makeup collections, while foodies might enjoy gourmet treats. For a more personalized experience, look for calendars that cater to specific preferences.
Multi-audience calendars
Some calendars are designed to appeal to multiple types of luxury consumers, offering a mix of beauty, fashion and gourmet items in one collection.
Our top picks: Target audience
- The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar: With a wide variety of skin care, hair care and bath products, this is a great calendar for beauty lovers. Those who love products by The Body Shop will also appreciate the nice selection of items.
- Vienna Cookie Company Advent Calendar: Holiday treat and cookie connoisseurs will be thrilled to indulge in the cookies in this calendar. Those with a taste for quality ingredients will appreciate their gourmet appeal.
- L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Premium Holiday Advent Calendar: This is another Advent calendar that caters to beauty enthusiasts with creams, oils, cleansers and more. They are made by a company that uses top-quality ingredients, which is welcomed by those who use premium products.
- 24 Doors of Desk Delights Advent Calendar: Most people use some type of stationery items in their daily lives, so this calendar has broad appeal. It’s especially great for students, office workers and writers.
- In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar: Wine drinkers who like to try many varieties will love this calendar. It’s also a good choice for those who like to sample American and international wines.
Our expertise
As a BestReviews writer for almost a decade, Jennifer Manfrin has written extensively about items that are popular during the holiday and Christmas season, including Advent calendars. In addition to enjoying different varieties as part of her Christmas celebrations, she has evaluated many brands and themes to help readers find the perfect Advent calendar for their needs.
Every year during the holiday shopping season, BestReviews looks for outstanding deals that consist of top products to simplify shoppers’ quests for the perfect gifts, decorations, cooking products and other essentials. Jennifer creates gift guides, writes product roundups and conducts deal analysis as part of the BestReviews team.
