The Best Adult Advent Calendars for 2021: Upgrade Your Christmas Countdown With Beer, Wine and Chocolate

Advent calendars aren’t just for impatient kids anymore. A handful of brands have designed fun and festive adult Advent calendars to keep us sane while we count down the days of December — just like they keep the kids happy with daily candy.

But, you won’t find generic chocolates in the best adult Advent calendars. Instead, the contents vary wildly, depending on what you’re looking for. You can certainly find super-niche calendars, like those for Star Wars fans or hot sauce aficionados, but a few themes pop up regularly when we searched out the best Advent calendars for adults. These include:

• Alcohol Advent Calendars (like the famous Aldi wine calendar)
• Premium chocolates
• Grooming and beauty products
• Edibles (jams, teas, coffees, etc.)
• Christmas decor
• Collectibles

Grown-up Advent calendars also make great early holiday gifts, and most of them double as tasteful Christmas decorations, too.

To spruce up your December countdown, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best adult Advent calendars with daily surprises. Check them out below.

1. Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine 2021 Edition

BEST OVERALL

Ever since the grocery chain Aldi went viral in America with the idea of a wine calendar, a boozy Advent season has become the new norm, especially this year. In this vein, Vinebox makes one of the most popular wine Advent calendars every year thanks to its classy packaging and wine choices that perfectly pair with the season. This year’s box includes 12 glasses of premium wine bottled in single-serving vials. The mix of whites and reds hail from wineries around the world, so you just might find a new favorite bottle amongst them.

The 2021 Advent calendar is set to launch close to the holidays, so enter your information so you’re the first to know about the official release date. This Advent calendar for adults sells out every year, so you’ll want to place your order before it’s too late.

2. Star Wars: The Galactic Advent Calendar

BEST FOR STAR WARS FANS

The Galactic Advent Calendar is new for Christmas 2021, and it was officially released on September 14. If you come from a multi-generational family of Star Wars fans, then this calendar is a wonderful way to connect with your kids during the holiday season. Available via Amazon Prime for just $21, this fun Advent calendar features 30 gifts and surprises spread out over 25 days of fun. This calendar is exquisitely designed with beautiful Star Wars artwork. We would tell you what kind of gifts are inside, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise!

3. Northlight 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

BEST DIY OPTION

Why did we select this as the best Advent calendar for adults? While there are plenty of great options tailored to specific interests below, this decorative Advent calendar can be re-used year after year, becoming a special part of your Christmas traditions. You can choose your own treats and gifts for each day leading up to Christmas, giving the entire family a reason to come together during the busy holiday season.

ON SALE NOW!

4. Ciaté London Mini Mani Month Nail Polish Advent Calendar

BEST FOR WOMEN

Didn’t have time to make it to the nail salon before your holiday party? With the Ciaté London Mini Mani Month Nail Polish Advent Calendar, the nail salon comes to you. The set includes 22 mini nail polish pots, one full-size nail polish, and a Watermelon Lip Oil. Create a rainbow manicure or finally see whether you can pull off a shimmer nail (you can!). Spy has personally tested out this Advent calendar, and can confirm it’s an absolute delight for anyone that loves nail polish!

Read More: The Best Christmas Gifts for Women in 2021

5. D-FantiX Christmas Advent Calendar

FOR THE DECORATOR

Advent calendars and Christmas decorations, in general, can be eyesores. If you want a more chic holiday look in your home, pick up some of these Advent calendar pouches to string on the wall. They’re great for adults or kids, as you can stock them with whatever you want, such as cheese, chocolate, alcohol, or personal notes.

6. Lovehoney Adult Advent Calendars

BEST NSFW

While this is pretty much the opposite of a traditional Advent calendar, it could be the perfect way for you and your partner to get into the holiday spirit together. Lovehoney is our favorite place to buy sex toys online, and this year the company has launched adult Advent calendars for men, women and couples. The Couple’s Advent Calendar promises to help you enjoy the best sex of your life with 24 titillating gifts, while the calendars for men and women offer “12 Days of Play” and come with your own sexual toybox. Check out these exciting 2021 Advent calendars below and order them before they sell out!

7. Friends: The Official Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

FOR THE FRIENDS FAN

It’s been more than 20 years since Friends went off the air, but thanks to streaming, OG fans can continue to rewatch their favorite episodes on repeat while new fans can discover the series and understand life before smartphones. Whether you’re buying for a teen who just ‘found’ Friends or a fan who has been around since the time when we actually thought the ‘Rachel’ would work on anyone other than Jennifer Aniston, there’s the Friend’s Advent Calendar. The first edition was released in 2020 and was such a hit that it’s been updated for 2021. Have fun with activity booklets, keepsakes from famous episodes, and more in this Advent calendar that is available now for preorder and will be released October 5, 2021. How are we doin? Better once we get our Friends Advent calendar.

8. L’Occitane Signature Advent Calendar

BEST FOR DRY SKIN SUFFERERS

Pamper your skin with a collection of some of the most hydrating and luxurious items from L’Occitane. The world of Provence is beautifully illustrated by Édith Carron, whose backdrop houses 24 individual travel-sized treats from L’Occitane. Try the beauty company’s Shea Butter Hand Cream, Almond Shower Oil, and more of their most popular bath products that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and smelling great beyond the holiday season.

9. Pukka Herbs Tea Advent Calendar 2021

FOR TEA DRINKERS

A cup of tea around the holidays is a great way to warm up, relax, and if caffeinated, get the second wind you need to finish wrapping presents. For tea drinkers who love trying new flavors, the Pukka Herbs Tea Advent Calendar for 2021 is packed with teas made from organically grown and ethically sourced plants. All teas are vegan, Kosher, and non-GMO, which means you can sit back and sip worry-free during the holidays. Opt for teas that help cleanse, relax and get you ready for a long winter’s nap, or experiment with fun flavors like Mint Refresh and Three Licorice.

10. Godiva Holiday Luxury Chocolate Advent Calendar

FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH

We know, we know, the holidays already pack a lot of sugar with cookie exchanges and desserts after just about every meal. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a decadent treat in the days leading up to Christmas, right? Plus, studies have shown that a little chocolate every day is good for you, so do yourself a favor and buy the Godiva Holiday Luxury Chocolate Advent Calendar. The calendar comes with 24 chocolates that include festive pieces, like a jolly Santa and winter Penguin, as well as classic Godiva flavors like Raspberry Star and Dark Mint Medallion. If you’re going to splurge, splurge with the good stuff.

11. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 75307

BEST FOR BABY YODA STANS

The LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar may have been designed with children in mind, but adults will love these small toys just as much. That’s especially true for fans of The Mandalorian, which is the focus of this 335-piece LEGO Advent calendar. The highlight of this product has to be the adorable Baby Yoda, aka The Child, wearing a festive holiday sweater. Each day features a different buildable vehicle, location or Christmas-themed mini-figure. 

12. Hot Sauce Gift Set Advent Calendar

FOR THE SPICE-LOVER

We all know that person that drenches every meal in hot sauce (or maybe you’re one of them). If you want to spice up their December (literally), get this 25-piece hot sauce gift set. The box unfolds to reveal an Advent calendar, allowing your hot-sauce lover to grab a new bottle every day. It’s very fun, and reviewers say the hot sauces themselves also taste great.

13. Pokémon 24 Battle Figure Pack 2021 Holiday Advent Calendar

BEST FOR KIDS AT HEART

Sure, this may be an Advent calendar for kids, but for Millennials who are all grown up and still trying to catch them all, it’s also a great nostalgia-inducing Christmas gift. Whether you’re a grownup gamer or have a young Pokémon fan in your home, the Pokémon 24 Battle Figure Pack 2021 Holiday Advent Calendar is fun for all. The young and young at heart will enjoy the Pokémon figurines and holiday-themed accessories. Together, the 24 pieces will create a unique display in front of the holiday-themed backdrop that comes with the calendar. You gotta catch them all!

14. Bonne Maman Limited Edition 2021 Advent Calendar

MOST SOPHISTICATED

This premium Bonne Maman calendar is about as classy as adult Advent calendars get. It comes stocked with 24 jars of delicious fruit spreads or honey, including holiday exclusive flavors like rhubarb & strawberry and raspberry & lychee. Grab a new jar each morning to upgrade your breakfast experience.

15. Wedgewood 2021 Advent Calendar

SPLURGE-WORTHY

For a splurge-worthy Advent calendar, we have to go with the Wedgewood 2021 Advent Calendar. Designed with the company’s signature blue and white colors, the beautiful wooden house has 24 individual drawers that each open to reveal a beautiful porcelain ornament that customers can cherish for years and pass down. The limited-edition Advent calendar is new for 2021 and sure to help create a stunning Christmas tree.

16. The Beatles Advent Calendar

FOR THE MUSIC LOVER

The Beatles are the soundtrack to our lives, so make them the soundtrack to your holidays this year as well. A great gift for fans of the Beatles and music lovers, the pop-art style Advent calendar comes with 24 gifts that are sure to delight recipients. Beatles merch, including coasters, tree ornaments, a Yellow Submarine tea infuser, and more come in the brightly colored Advent calendar. The calendar is available now for preorder and will begin shipping on September 30, 2021.

17. NYX Professional Makeup Gift Set

BEST FOR LIPSTICK LOVERS

Sure, we may still have to wear masks every time we leave the house, but that doesn’t mean lipstick lovers can’t still show off a pop of color during Zoom calls. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Gift Set features 12 lipsticks that help users count down until Christmas or New Year’s Eve, two of the most smooch-worthy holidays of the year. The set includes both matte and satin finishes, as well as lip glosses, cream, butter, and liner. All NYX makeup is certified cruelty-free by PETA, making for a holiday gift you’ll feel good about giving and receiving.

18. Walkers Shortbread Advent Calendar

FOR COOKIE FANS

Whether you love shortbread during the holidays or need a backup for the cookie exchange you forgot to bake for, the Walkers Shortbread Advent Calendar is a great gift for yourself or anyone with a sweet tooth. Enjoy a crumbly, buttery treat each day with the Walkers calendar, which includes 24 windows that are home to individually wrapped pieces of heaven. Wait, what do you call shortbread cookies?

19. Wizard of Oz 12 Days in Emerald City Beauty Calendar

BEST FOR BEAUTY LOVERS

Beauty lovers will fall in love with the Advent calendar from No. 7 and their collaboration with The Wizard of Oz. Inspired by the famous film, the limited edition pieces help build a full face. Have fun opening 12 beauty products, including brushes, sponges, eyeliner, lipstick, lip glaze, eyeshadow, and more. If you’re off to see the Wizard, you want to look your best whether you’re in color or black and white.

20. Spa Life Fizzle All the Way Bath Bomb Advent Calendar

BEST BUDGET

The holidays can be way stressful, so make sure to give yourself a bit of downtime with the Spa Life Fizzle All the Way Bath Bomb Advent Calendar. Behind each door, you’ll find a different festive bath bomb to help you get the “you time” you deserve. The bath bombs themselves feature aromatherapy scents and plenty of fizz as well as different colors. And, they’ll leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and lightly scented for hours after your bath.

21. Tingletouch Love Calendar for Couples

FOR THE ROMANTIC COUPLE

This couple’s Advent calendar from Tingletouch spices up you and your partner’s December with activity ideas for each day. When you flip open a window in the morning you’ll find three options ranging from easy (for busy schedules) to more complicated. The activities include things like giving each other compliments, having a movie night as well as fun ideas for the bedroom.

22. The Office 12 Days Of Socks Advent Calendar Set

QUIRKIEST

One of the weirdest and most functional Advent calendars naturally lends itself to a theme around The Office. In this blue box, you’ll find 12 pairs of socks, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Each pair features a different pattern referencing the famous comedy show. Eight pairs are low cut, while the other four pairs are crew cut. While you might be tempted to keep these socks for yourself, this makes an incredible gift for your favorite The Office fan.

23. Funko Harry Potter Advent Calendar

FOR THE HARRY POTTER NERD

Pair your yearly Harry Potter marathon with this Harry Potter Funko Pop Advent calendar. Each day contains a mini character from the beloved movies, ranging from Ron to Viktor Krum. Obviously, kids will love this too, so it’s great to use as a whole-family countdown if you have Potter-fans of all ages.

24. Funko Marvel Advent Calendar

FOR THE MARVEL NERD

Here’s one of the best Advent calendars for adults with a geeky side — the Funko Marvel Christmas calendar. Countdown to Christmas by discovering a new mini Marvel character behind each door, including heroes like Iron Man and Captain America, as well as villains such as Thanos. Like the Harry Potter set, this makes a great whole-family Advent calendar because lets be honest: we all love the iconic characters of the MCU.

Funko Marvel Advent Calendar

$114.40

Buy Now on Amazon

25. Hyggehaus Wooden Advent Calendar

BEST CUSTOM CALENDAR

Our favorite custom Advent calendar is this one from Hyggehaus. It’s a decent-sized box (12.5” x 14.5”) and is made of high-quality wood. Instead of cheesy Christmas pictures, the graphics are Nordic-themed prints that look great by the Christmas tree or on the mantle. The compartments are also quite large, allowing you to fit a variety of decent-sized gifts, or, say, five gifts for each member of the family in every box.

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