Editorial TeamThe origins of advent calendars trace back to the early 1900s in Germany. The “advent” which in Latin is for the word coming, is the four-week period that followed the St. Andrew of the Apostle day of feasting leading up to when people prepared for baptism in the Christian faith. But it wasn’t until the 1950s when the calendar became popular and became a countdown to Christ’s birthday on December 25.
Advent Calendars we’ve known over the recent decades have been mostly for children. Most common were ones with cardboard doors that opened up with a small toy or chocolate…okay, mostly chocolate. But some clever brands decided have jumped on the annual tradition and not just for kids. It’s a good idea to orders yours now before they sell out. Here are some of our favourites this year…
L’Occitane Classic Advent Calendar ($89+): Filled with many of our luxurious skincare and beauty products from France, this calendar has been a favourite of ours for years. Several options at various price points.
Voluspa Mini Candle ($99 at Sephora): If you don’t need 24 of something…this collection of 12 mini candles is perfect as a gift for that someone who loves to set the right cozy atmosphere throughout the winter months.
Sephora Holiday Vibes Advent Calendar ($60): We love this one for our BFFs! This Advent calendar contains Sephora Collection makeup, skincare, bath, and accessories hidden in the 24 reusable boxes, so you can fill up on all things beauty before year’s end. The packaging comes from sustainably managed forests.
Liberty of London (men’s £215.00+): This much sought after higher pricepoint calendar is available for women (£225.00) but it’s the men’s one we’re swooning over as well. Not very often we stumble across a self-care calendar filled with luxe products for the discerning guys in our lives.
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar ($49.95): the new Bonne Maman Limited Edition 2021 Advent Calendar! Back by popular demand, this beautifully illustrated holiday calendar features 24 doors that, when opened, reveals a special jar of Bonne Maman, each made with simple ingredients that delivers a homemade taste.
24 Days of David’s Tea ($50): This was a real cozy gift idea with friends. A selection of David’s Tea behind every door offers a selection of throwback faves, bestselling blends and sneak peeks – plus exclusive & limited-quantity teas to discover. 9 Berries, Alpine Punch, Apple Cider, Blueberry Fields Forever, Buddha’s Blend, Candy Cane Crush, Caramel Shortbread, Roasted Chestnut, Let it Snow, Jingle Bell Chai are just a few in this year’s edition!
That Boutique-Y Gin Company Advent Calendar ($99.95): Gin lovers will enjoy cracking open this popular calendar and exploring an assortment of gins. The packaging is fun too! Find the Canadian edition at the LCBO.
LEGO Advent Calendars (various themes): For LEGO fans young and old, this year continues to offer up the most fun with themes like Harry Potter, Avengers, Star Wars, LEGO Friends, LEGO City. Shown is this year’s Harry Potter set ($49.99)
Purdy’s Chocolate Build Your Own Hanging Advent Calendar ($23): We love this idea of folding and assembling our own Christmas village with this build-your-own Village Advent Calendar from this Canadian company. Add them to your festive holiday decor. Each calendar is packed with a tasty mix of solid milk and white chocolate Holiday Miniatures for you to count down to Christmas. Includes 24 pieces of chocolate.
Sew Your Own Felt Advent Calendar by Sachiyo Ishii ($17.95 at Indigo.ca): For busy hands this DIY kit is a sweet project and gift to give this holiday season. Comes with 24 mini felt toys to fill the pockets. Instructions included.
Wellbeing Advent Calendar (The Sunshine Box Shop on Etsy $40.45 plus shipping from UK): This stunning hand-made and very thoughtful advent calendar has mindfulness all taken care of from start to finish. All positive vibes.
Gluckstein Home Nordic Pine Wood ($69.99 at The Bay): If you love to create your own Advent Calendars, here are some wonderful ideas to hold your little surprises. A fun way to create a tradition and being more eco-conscious with reusing the “calendar” year after year.
STMT Positivity Advent Calendar (29.99 for kids found at Indigo): Choose joy this holiday season and celebrate 25 Days of Positivity with the STMT D.I.Y. Advent Calendar! From stylish bracelet-making materials to journals, letters with envelopes, and more — this thoughtfully designed set puts a creative, DIY twist on traditional advent calendars that make every day feel like Christmas.
Lovehoney’s Sexy Couples Advent Calendar ($200): Jingle your bells (and balls) with tantalizing calendar created to enjoy with your significant other. A fun way to countdown loaded with toys and all sorts of goodies. Other options available.
Merry & Bright Cookies Advent Calendar for Dogs ($19.99 at Petsmart): This ultimate 24-Day Advent Calendar contains a different frosted treat for each and every day. There are two different types of jerky treats as well, as your dog will enjoy the delicious tastes of both Jingle Bones, which are bone-shaped frosted cookies, and Santa Cookies, which come in the shape of the big man’s famous face. That’s a whole lot of delicious! Include your dog in your holiday fun with a 24-day treat fest that he will absolutely love. A cat version is also available.
Smoke, Eat and Be Merry Cannabis Advent Calendar from Coast to CoastA:
Treat a loved one to this amazing Advent Calendar that you can customize to ensure that every day, there will be something new to try! Choose from a long list of options for items including edibles, flower, low dose edibles, CBD only etc. The price will reflect your choice of cannabis products.
*Lead in feature photo credit: Markus Spiske/Unsplash