15 Fun Advent Calendars to Enjoy This December

This is the perfect gift for someone who spends all their free time in a cozy reading nook—especially if that someone is yourself. In addition to new reads, these fun advent calendars come with bookworm-inspired gifts like mugs, tea, candles, book sleeves, bookmarks, and more. It’s also very customizable: Choose between three time frames—7, 14, or 25 days—and whether you want new or gently used books (for a more affordable and eco-friendly option). The seller also lets you share a preferred genre as well as a Goodreads or Storygraph profile to ensure the books included haven’t been enjoyed yet.

Advent calendars for adults who love to cook aren’t hard to come by, but this one stands out for its versatility. Behind each door is a 1.75-ounce hot sauce that ranges from sweet to savory and mild to hot. Just make sure to save some for Santa—we have a feeling he’ll appreciate spicing it up this year and taking a break from all those cookies.

Need ideas for advent calendars for teens that they won’t think are boring? Have a favorite coworker or family member you’d like to treat? The answer is almost always candy. It’s a safe bet and a fun surprise for whoever you might be shopping for this year. (Plus, it’s one of the four main food groups, as Buddy the Elf would say.)

Let a furry friend in on the advent calendar fun with this gift set that includes 24 all-natural treats in cheese, bacon, chicken, and peanut butter flavors.

For unique advent calendars that the whole family can enjoy, try one of the many puzzle or game options that have become popular in recent years. This adventure-themed version works for one to six players and takes place over 24 “episodes.”

The best advent calendars for kids are ones that you can secretly (or not-so secretly) enjoy, too. Fun Little Toys makes this “countdown calendar” with 24 fidget toys that are great entertainment for all. “This was such a fun thing for my tween,” says one happy customer. “She was so excited to get something different every day, and she loves fidgets. Wasn’t too expensive and good quality. Would definitely buy again.”

You can enter a winter wonderland every day with this cozy cabin advent calendar. The doors, windows, and drawers all open to reveal a cute surprise that fits the woodland theme. Just note that the figurines are not removable—instead, this is a keepsake decoration meant to last many Christmases to come.

While there are a ton of beauty advent calendars you can buy, not all are as universally appealing as these moisturizing Burt’s Bees lip balms in festive flavors like Vanilla Maple, Cranberry Spritz, and Salted Caramel. Made with responsibly sourced beeswax and formulated with all clean ingredients, this holiday gift set is perfect for that person in your life who seems to have everything.

Another cool advent calendar idea? Gourmet treats, of course. Panna cotta truffle, fig and melon jam, thyme olive oil, and pistachio pesto—all made in France, Italy, Morocco, or Portugal—are just some of the delicious things included in this gift set.

For a more sustainable option, this reusable advent calendar is made with 100% natural linen and can be hand-embroidered with your family’s name—or whatever text is preferred—for an additional price. “So beautiful,” says one customer, who gave it five stars on Etsy. “I wanted a sustainable advent calendar that didn’t result in chocolate or a bunch of cheap toys all over my house. The numbers are embroidered, not printed, which means they won’t fall off.”

When the weather outside is frightful, there is something so magical about snuggling under a blanket with a seasonal candle lit nearby. There are 25 that come in this set, which means it’ll last all of December (and then some). A few of the holiday fragrances included are Holly and Pine, Vanilla Brown Sugar, and Apple Strudel.

A preferred chocolatier of the late Queen Elizabeth, Charbonnel et Walker’s beautiful packaging and delicious recipes make for a truly luxurious experience. Give yourself the royal treatment this holiday—you deserve it!

Several Amazon reviewers like this red-and-white reusable advent calendar because the drawers are slightly bigger than most. “I was able to fit entire mini Funko mystery boxes in the biggest drawers,” says one customer. “I had gotten enamel pins for the small drawers but ended up putting in multiple because there was so much room. We are keeping the box and Styrofoam so we can keep it safe for years to come. The kid is loving it so much.”

You’ll get 25 days of entertainment for the whole family with this DIY ornament calendar. Each day comes with a different craft, none of which require any sewing or glue. Even better? Bonus games, including a holiday word search, are included for even more family-friendly activities.