There’s Still Time To Order the Best Advent Calendars for Adults! Beauty, Booze & Craft Popcorn Galore

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Did you have a good Thanksgiving? We hope you did, and that this year was a return to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted so many holidays in 2020. This year, we all deserve to have the best Christmas ever. And one of our favorite holiday traditions is opening up the best Advent calendars for adults starting December 1.

Well, December is right around the corner, and you’re running out of time to order the season’s best adult Advent calendars. However, we do have some good news for you: as Christmas draws closer, retailers like Amazon, Food52, Nordstrom and Williams-Sonoma have slashed prices on the Advent calendars left in stock. That means you can save up to $100 on the best Advent calendars of 2021.

Sure, some of the season’s most popular Advent calendars have already sold out (you’re too late to buy cult-favorite calendars from Lovehoney, Glossybox and Flaviar, sadly). But you can still find tons of 2021 Advent calendars for sale to help you get into the Christmas spirit.

Keep reading for our selection of the best Advent calendars of 2021 featuring wine, chocolate, collectibles, craft popcorn and so much more.

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 — just like they keep the kids happy with daily candy.

But, you won’t find generic chocolates in our favorite Advent calendars. Instead, the contents of modern adult Advent calendars 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 and fine candy
• Grooming and beauty products for women
• Edibles (jams, teas, cookies, coffees, craft popcorn, etc.)
• Dog advent calendars
• Chic DIY Advent calendars to fill yourself
• NSFW Adult Advent calendars featuring sex toys or lingerie
• Pop culture 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 the best Advent calendars for adults with daily surprises. Some of our favorite Advent calendars for 2021 have already sold out, so don’t wait too long! Check them out below.

1. Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine 2021 Edition

BEST OVERALL

Ever since the grocery chain Aldi went viral with the genius 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 finally available for sale, so head to Vinebox to order your 12 Nights of Wine Advent calendar in time for your very own boozy Christmas countdown. Vinebox also makes it easy to purchase this calendar as a gift, so buy one for your best friend while you’re at it and you can both enjoy a wine-filled holiday season. We expect this Advent calendar for adults to sell out, 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

This is undoubtedly one of the season’s best Advent calendars, and it’s already proven to be hugely popular with SPY readers. 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!

READER FAVORITE

3. 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.

ON SALE!

4. Kurt Adler Light Up Advent Calendar

MOST ELEGANT

This beautiful Advent calendar can act as the centerpiece of your holiday decor for years to come, and we love absolutely everything about this festive display. This calendar features a light-up winter Nativity scene and stands 19″ tall. The wooden house-shaped calendar reads “Merry Christmas” atop a back-lit manger scene. An array of 10 white LED lights illuminate the Nativity scene. We know it’s more expensive than many traditional Advent calendars, but it’s the kind of elegant display you’ll want to use year after year.

We expect this religious Advent calendar to sell out, so don’t wait too long to place an order!

5. 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!

$200 VALUE!

6. APOTHEKE Candle Advent Calendars

Some of the best adult Advent calendars of 2021 contain sexy surprises or boozy treats, but some of our favorite seasonal calendars are more “grown up” than they are “adult”, if you catch our meaning. Case in point: this chic collection of mini candles from APOTHEKE. These APOTHEKE Advent calendars come in both 12 and 25-piece boxes. The smaller size contains 12 richly scented candles, and the 25-piece box contains candles as well as extra goodies such as bath salts, shea butter and Christmas tree ornaments.

7. Food52 x Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn Advent Calendar

Is delicious craft popcorn one of your favorite holiday treats? If not, you’re missing out on one of the world’s greatest seasonal treats. Which do you prefer: cheesy popcorn, caramel popcorn, or chocolate drizzle? The correct answer is all of the above. For Christmas 2021, Food52 has created one of the ultimate adult Advent calendars for anyone that loves craft popcorn. According to Food52, this gift box was created “exclusively for us by our friends at Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, [and] it’s got 24 one-cup bags of, you guessed it, handcrafted popcorn inside. (That’s 12 different flavors with sweet and savory options galore.)”

SAVE $100 NOW

8. ShoppingCult Empty Advent Calendar

BEST DIY OPTION

We love this DIY Advent Calendar, which is available via Etsy storefront ShoppingCult. This chic Advent calendar is just waiting to be filled with jewelry, little treats and chocolate so you can plan the perfect Christmas season for a loved one. It’s definitely on the pricey side, but it’s the kind of Christmas decor that you’ll give pride of place in your home for many years to come.

Read More: The Best Minimalist Christmas Decor for a More Chic Holiday Season

9. Sugarfina Advent Calendar

BEST CANDY COUNTDOWN

The Santa’s Workshop Advent Calendar from Sugarfina is chock-full of chocolatey goodness. This luxury chocolatier Advent calendar contains delectable sweets such as Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, Watermelon Slices, Birthday Cake Caramels, Santa’s Donuts, Petite Strawberries and tons more goodies. You’ll look forward to each new day wondering what candy is hiding behind the next door.

Read More: The Best Christmas Gifts for Women in 2021

10. Williams-Sonoma Dog Advent Calendar

Who says only humans can get into the holiday spirit? Dogs are happy when their humans are happy, and with this Williams-Sonoma Advent calendar, your dog will have their very own reason to celebrate this December. Each day provides your pooch with two all-natural, made in the USA, heart-shaped treats with a hearty chicken-bacon flavor. The treats are also individually wrapped for freshness. Plus, as November draws to a close, Williams-Sonoma has discounted these boxes by more than 50%.

SAVE 50% NOW

11. 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.

12. Williams Sonoma Advent Calendar

Now that Halloween is behind us, we can officially start the 2021 holiday season. As we do, more of our favorite brands are releasing calendars to help us get in the Christmas spirit, and Williams Sonoma is no exception. New for 2021, this Williams Sonoma chocolate Advent calendar is adorned with vintage-style artwork “inspired by the legendary 19th-century American poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas.'” These calendars come in sets of two if you’re buying it as a gift, and it would be the perfect Christmas gift idea for anyone with a sweet tooth!

13. Best Choice Products Christmas Village Advent Calendar

EDITOR FAVORITE

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.

Please note that Best Choice Product’s popular Advent calendars are selling out fast this year, so order yours sooner than later!

SELLING FAST!

14. Funko Pop Harry Potter Advent Calendars

FOR THE HARRY POTTER NERD

Pair your yearly Harry Potter marathon with this Harry Potter Funko Pop Advent calendar, which was finally released on October 22, 2021. 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. This Advent calendar has been really popular so far, so order yours before they sell out for good!

Read More: Funko Pop Advent Calendars

15. Flaviar Whiskies of the Galaxy Advent Calendar

MOST SPIRITED

If you would prefer to gather ’round the Christmas tree with a nice glass of whiskey instead of eggnog, then we have the perfect whiskey Advent calendar for you. Flaviar is one of our favorite alcohol subscription services, as it lets members discover delicious and rare spirits from around the world. For Christmas 2021, Flaviar is launching a new Whiskies of the Galaxy Advent calendar, which is available for pre-order now. The Advent Calendar also comes with a membership to Flaviar, and so it could also be a great early Christmas gift for him. This is one of the most expensive adult Advent calendars on our list, but we still expect this unique product to sell out.

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Flaviar’s Whiskies of the Galaxy Advent calendar is completely sold out. However, you can still check out plenty more boozy holiday gifts at Flaviar.

16. Harry Potter: Holiday Magic: The Official Advent Calendar

ALSO CONSIDER

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. They’re perfect for kids and adults who are still getting over the fact that their owl from Hogwarts never arrived. Inside you’ll find 24 surprises including mini books, collectibles, keychains and more.

17. Williams-Sonoma Compostable Coffee Advent Calendar

GET YOUR FIX

Williams-Sonoma has some of our favorite adult Advent calendars for the 2021 holidays, like this delightful coffee Advent calendar. Each day contains a new single-serving coffee pod created in collaboration with European coffee makers. There are 24 espresso pods with six different flavors. Each pod contains a Fair Trade Certified™ blend and comes in a compostable container. Keep in mind these single-serving espresso shots are compatible with Nespresso and Williams-Sonoma coffee makers, not Keurigs.

18. 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.

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Lovehoney’s popular Adult advent calendars are completely sold out for Christmas 2021. Check back next year as we expect this to become an annual holiday tradition for everyone who aspires to be on the naughty list.

SOLD OUT!

19. NIPYATA! BOOZY ADVENT CALENDAR: 12 SHOTS OF CHRISTMAS

BEST SHOT CALENDAR

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.

$10 INSTANT SAVINGS

20. 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.

How are we doin? Better once we can finally start opening our Friends Advent calendar.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 75307

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. 

Recently, we named this Advent calendar one of the Top Toys of 2021

Read More: Best LEGO Advent Calendars

24. Keurig Advent Calendar Variety Pack

FOR COFFEE LOVERS

This Keurig Advent Calendar is a great gift for coffee drinkers. It features 24 doors with a variety of delicious coffee K-cups to be used in the lead-up to the Christmas holiday, including options from brands like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, The Original Donut Shop Coffee, McCafe, Peet’s Coffee, Swiss Miss and more.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. NYX Professional Makeup Gift Set

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.

SAVE $5 NOW

29. 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?

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

DAILY RELAXATION

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.

31. C&F Home Felt Santa Advent Calendar

BEST HANGING CALENDAR

Today, you can find adult Advent calendars featuring wine, hot sauce and gourmet chocolate, as well as plenty of pop-culture Advent calendars for nerds of all stripes. However, every family needs a straightforward 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.

ON SALE!

32. 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.

33. Hershey Kisses Advent Calendar

CHOCOLATE FIX

This 24-day Advent calendar from Hershey gives you just the right amount of chocolate each day. It’s just enough to look forward to opening the calendar, but not too much that you need to watch your waistline before Christmas even starts. Chocolate countdowns aren’t the most unique Advent calendars, but they’re a classic for a reason, which is why this would also be a great early Christmas gift or Secret Santa present. After all, who couldn’t use more chocolate and Christmas cheer to look forward to? You can buy this chocolate Advent calendar at Walmart while supplies last.

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