Fall has just begun, but that doesn’t mean the holiday season isn’t around the corner. It’s never too early to start preparing for the best holiday season, and one of our favorite ways to get into the festive spirit is with an adult Advent calendar. You know, those boxes full of chocolates you loved as a kid? Now there are adult versions, and you’ll love them just as much — maybe more. Alcohol Advent calendars? They’re real!
Whether you’re treating yourself this holiday season or looking for a festive gift for a special someone in your life, there’s an Advent calendar for every adult. Remember, the best Advent calendars of 2022 are definitely going to sell out, so we recommend planning ahead and placing your orders before that happens.
Courtesy of Food52
What Kind of Adult Advent Calendars Can You Buy?
The best 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.
You won’t find generic chocolates in our favorite adult Advent calendars. Instead, the contents of modern adult Advent calendars vary wildly depending on what you’re looking for. You can undoubtedly find super-niche calendars, like those for Star Wars fans or cheese lovers, but a few themes pop up regularly when we search out the best Advent calendars for adults. These include:
To spruce up your December countdown, we’ve rounded up the best Advent calendars for adults with daily surprises. Keep reading for our selection of the best Advent calendars of 2022 featuring whiskey, chocolate, collectibles, craft popcorn and so much more.
This year, we’re naming the Dolly Parton Advent Calendar the best of the year. After all, who couldn’t use a little more Dolly in their lives? And as it says on the box, don’t you want to have a “Dolly Jolly Christmas”?
Whether she’s releasing hit records or helping to fund a vaccine for COVID-19, there’s not much Dolly Parton does that isn’t a-may-zing. That includes releasing an Advent calendar. We typically ask ourselves, What Would Dolly Do? Now we know what Dolly would eat, at least when it comes to candy. Parton’s Advent calendar is filled with 25 of her favorite treats, which are now our favorite treats.
You may know Total Wine as your local adult beverage supplier, but the company has a growing presence online as well. For Christmas 2022, the company has debuted a trio of new Adult Advent Calendars, and there’s something for beer, wine and spirits lovers. Personally, we’re excited about the 12 Days of Spirits calendars, which is full of vodka shooters to get you in the holiday spirit, but beer lovers are sure to enjoy the 24 Beers of Cheer calendar. Most popular alcohol Advent calendars sell out the closer we get to Christmas, so place your order before it’s too late.
New for 2022, LEGO has released their latest Advent calendar from a galaxy far, far away. Great for the whole family, the calendar includes several Star Wars favorites in their holiday best. We especially like Darth Vader enjoying Christmas like a snowbird in Florida. While this may not come with adult treats like whiskey or beef jerky, it would make a great parent-child bonding activity, and it’s an Advent calendar nerds of all ages will appreciate. Of course, before you place your order, you should know that LEGO isn’t the only brand with a new Star Wars Advent calendar this year…
Funko Pocket Pop! has several fan bases covered with their 2022 lineup of Advent calendars. Customers can choose from Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Disney, showing their fandom on the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Each calendar includes 24 collectibles, all with a holiday theme. Groot covered in Christmas lights? Ho ho ho hold on while we get our wallet.
This wine advent calendar is all in good taste. Seriously. Starting December 1st, enjoy 24 mini bottles of wine to usher in the most wonderful time of the year. Discover varietals such as a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and a fruity Pinotage as you unlock each window leading up to the big day.
Work off some steam around the holidays with the Lovehoney Blowmotion 12 Days of Play Sex Toy Advent Calendar. Packed with several toys to enjoy solo or with a friend, the Advent calendar is filled with goodies to facilitate sexy times for anyone with a penis. Lovehoney’s Advent calendars regularly sell out, so make sure to get on it, then get it on.
Enjoy the holiday countdown with the Voluspa 12-Day Advent Calendar made exclusively for Sephora. This beautiful box set is packed full of fragrant candles, each housed behind peek-a-boo windows that are opened as you lead into the holiday. With this candle Advent calendar, you’ll receive 12 1.25 ounce mini votives in Sparkling Cuvée, Panjore Lychee, Goji Tarocco Orange, Spiced Pumpkin Latte, Baltic Amber, Gilt Pomander & Hinoki, French Cade Lavender, White Cypress, Vanilla Fireside, Tahitian Coconut Vanilla, Frosted Holly Berry, and Forbidden Fig.
With an exciting combination of 24 unique luscious tea blends from Vahdam, the countdown to Santa’s big day just more magical. Some of the brews you can expect in this advent calendar include sweet cinnamon masala, kashmiri kahwa masala, blooming rose and much more.
This stunning 3D Advent calendar from Rituals is adorned with string lights that sparkle and create a beautiful holiday decoration. Inside are 24 grooming products that are perfect for men and women, including Ayurveda Rich Body Oil, Sport Ice Shower Gel, Elixir Collection Miracle Keratin Recovery Hair Mask and more. Gifts worth up to $213.50.
Beekman 1802 designed an interactive advent calendar that you’ll wish never came to an end. Each of the 24 luxe gifts are individually wrapped in ready-to-gift time capsules printed along with daily affirmations. Enclosed are new products for the skin and body as well as the brand’s #1 bestsellers including the goat milk bar soap.
While the Vinebox Advent calendar is an excellent sipping choice for wine connoisseurs, Graham + Fisk’s Wine-In-A-Can is an excellent pick for wine enthusiasts looking for a more affordable option that still features high-quality blends and pours. A great option for large groups, Graham + Fisk’s Advent calendars are available in 12 or 24-can options. Both sizes feature four award-winning California wines, including rosé with bubbles, white wine with bubbles, as well as a red and white.
For those who need a little help taking the edge off around the holidays, there’s the Molly J Advent Calendar. The calendar includes 25 handmade CBD gumdrops in 12 delightful flavors in standard and high-dose options. The gummies are crafted in small batches and are gluten-free with zero THC.
Support independent breweries and your love of lager with the 12 Beers of Christmas Beer Box from Brewvana. The hand-selected brews are comprised of a variety of styles to fit any brew master’s taste. Recipients will receive a Brewvana winter beanie, tasting guide, chocolate and other swag, and access to the nightly interactive virtual tastings.
Packages arriving daily at your door and guests stopping by to celebrate are part of the holiday season, but these things can be stressful for dogs. Keep your best friend in mind with the Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar Dog Treats. The calendar includes 24 pup-friendly treats like Cheesy Bear Bacon bites and dog-friendly Carrot Cake Cookies.
GODIVA has a long tradition of releasing annual Advent calendars, and this year, the world-renowned chocolate makers are putting their truffles front and center. The set will include a collection of white, milk and dark chocolate truffles in a beautiful box that makes the perfect gift.
Celebrating Hanukkah instead of Christmas? There’s a Brewvana Advent calendar for you as well. This set of eight beers selected from independent breweries also comes with Brewvana swag and access to nightly interactive virtual tastings.
Flaviar’s annual whiskey Advent calendar is back and boasting 24 bottles in 1.7-ounce servings, with Bourbon and Rye, Scotch and Irish, Japanese and Australian varieties. The calendar includes a Glencairn glass, an embossed leather coaster and a tasting journal. The calendar features a new lineup this year and will begin shipping in November. Although it’s a bit pricey, Flaviar has a knack for selecting the most interesting spirits from around the world, and every year, this Advent calendar is a treat.
If you’re looking for a cross between a nativity set and a folk festival, we suggest the new Woodland Paper Play Advent Calendar by Meri Meri. The Advent calendar includes 24 envelopes, all housing pieces of animals and a forest setting that come together to make a whimsical holiday display. A fun pick for kids and adults, the scene is somewhat non-denominational, which makes it a great option for homes that celebrate the holidays their way.
Waterdrop is releasing a limited-edition Advent calendar to help customers stay hydrated for the holidays. The calendar features 24 microdrinks with unique flavors that will delight taste buds and quench thirst.
Describing a gift as cheesy is typically a put-down, but not in the case of Harry and David’s 12 Days of Cheese. Arriving in a Paulownia wood crate, the Advent calendar includes 12 types of delectable cheese, including Beehive Cheese Co. Truffle Hive cheese, Rising Sun Farms pesto and sun-dried tomato cream cheese torta. Let’s hope Santa brings you some crackers this year. Harry’s & David is a classic gift, and these delectable cheese boxes make for a great early Christmas gifts.
The always splurge-worthy Advent calendar from Wedgwood is back and as beautiful as ever. This year’s design features the brand’s timeless blue and white colors on the stunning wooden house. The limited-edition Advent calendar includes 24 individual drawers that each house a stunning porcelain ornament that is an instant keepsake.
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 2022 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.
If you come from a multi-generational family of Star Wars fans, 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!
If you love Harry Potter as much as we do, then you know why we couldn’t resist including two Harry Potter calendars on our list of the year’s best Advent calendars (check out the Funko POP! calendar above). This calendar is perfect for kids and adults who are still sad their owl from Hogwarts never arrived (same). Inside you’ll find 24 surprises, including mini books, collectibles, keychains and more.
The holidays are a great time to stay inside where it’s cozy and enjoy a movie night. What better companion than the Winter Delight Holiday Popcorn Advent Calendar? Enjoy twelve delicious varieties of popcorn, including butter, cheese, caramel and ranch, and cookies, such as Mallow Moon Mallow Cakes and Hazelnut Wafer Cookies.
Missing the Winchester brothers? Celebrate your fandom of all things Supernatural this holiday season with the new official Advent calendar for the beloved series. The Advent calendar is packed with 25 exclusive gifts and collectibles, including a cell phone card holder, buttons, and more keepsakes.
A quick scan of the list of candies included in Sugarfina’s 24 Tastes of Christmas Advent Calendar will have you drooling long before holiday music starts playing in stores. The newly redesigned calendar, which features a gingerbread theme for 2022, includes 24 sweet treats like watermelon slices, lemon shortbread cookies, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, heavenly sours and more. See? Salivating!
The only thing we don’t like about peppermint bark is that it’s only available around the holidays. Thankfully, with the Williams Sonoma calendar, it’s now easy to enjoy peppermint bark in the shape of Christmas trees, snowmen, and more. The calendar includes 24 delicious treats that (unfortunately) only come out once a year.
Potterheads fans will absolutely love this Harry Potter 15 Days of Sock Advent Calendar. Packaged in a Harry Potter-themed box, these socks come in a variety of designs that are both stylish and comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Start your mornings with a delicious treat thanks to Bonne Maman’s new 2022 Advent calendar, which includes 23 limited-edition spreads and one jar of honey. Bonne Maman includes a sample of the company’s herbal tea for the first time.
For a traditional Advent calendar packed with delicious chocolate goodies, check out Dylan’s Candy Bar and their annual Advent calendar. The affordable Advent calendar features 24 milk chocolates in a variety of holiday-themed foil wrappings. Kids and adults will love counting down to December 25 with this traditional treat.
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 matte and satin finishes, 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.
We love everything about these decorative wooden Advent calendars, which feature battery-operated LED lights that will bathe your home in a warm light after dark. The gorgeously decorated Advent calendar features a charming Christmas village on the top, which sits above 24 individual wooden shelves. Fill each day with a little treat or surprise, and everyone in your family will enjoy counting down the days to Christmas.
Food is a big part of the holidays, so naturally, an Advent calendar is designed especially with foodies in mind. The Spice Advent Calendar includes 24 spices to enjoy in the days leading up to the holidays and beyond. Season your mains, sides and desserts with spices designed for fish, meat, vegetables and sweets.
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 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 we 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.
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.
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 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.
Enjoy 12 days of fun with this Niptaya Advent Calendar. It features 12 doors that open to reveal a selection of spirits. Embibe how you wish, whether as a shot, a cocktail or neat.
Didn’t have time to make it to the nail salon before your holiday party? The nail salon comes to you with the Ciaté London Mini Mani Month Nail Polish Advent Calendar. The set includes 22 mini nail polish pots, one full-size nail polish, and a removable, keepsake illustration by Ruby Taylor London. Create a rainbow manicure, or finally see whether you can pull off a shimmer nail (you can!). SPY has personally tested out Ciaté’s 2021 Advent calendar and can confirm it’s an absolute delight for anyone that loves nail polish!
The holidays can be very stressful, so 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 feature aromatherapy scents, plenty of fizz, and different colors. They’ll even leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and lightly scented for hours after your bath.
Today, you can find adult Advent calendars featuring wine, hot sauce, gourmet chocolate, and plenty of pop-culture Advent calendars for nerds of all stripes. However, every family needs a specific calendar that helps them count down the days to Christmas, which is why we love this simple Santa Advent Calendar, which you can hang in your kitchen or living room come December 1.
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