That was a trick question.
Of course you do.
It’s an old tradition. Advent calendars are traditionally used to count down the days of Advent—the month or so leading up to Christmas Eve, starting four Sundays before Christmas. They tend to feature small numbered doors or flaps, one of which is opened on each day of Advent, uncovering a small gift or treat. Growing up, this often meant a piece of chocolate or another piece of candy. But you've probably noticed that advent calendars have become big business lately. If gift-giving has exploded into a huge blockbuster event, then the advent calendar has become like the theatrical trailer. Just as splashy and indulgent, but on a much smaller scale.
These days, advent calendars are as much for adults as they are for kids. There's one for every taste and interest, be it for yourself or someone on your gift list. Treat yourself or someone you love to a whole joyful month of daily surprises. And seriously, there's something for everyone: traditional sweets, third-wave coffee, luxury fragrances and grooming products. There are even calendars for your pets. To help you kick off the season (and because they always sell out fast), we're sharing a few of current favorites.
For those who take their morning cup seriously, this handsome calendar box opens up accordion-style to reveal 24 bags of whole-bean coffee. Each bag features a coffee of a different origin, producer and terroir, inviting you to discover the unique flavors, attributes and intricacies that coffee has to offer.
$175 by Onyx Coffee
There are a lot of indulgent calendars for women, but this one is for the guys. British retailer Liberty has been making them for years, and 2023's selection is packed with a luxury selection of men's grooming must-haves and store favorites, with a combined value of over $825—from fragrances and skin care to a leather keychain and playing cards.
$295 by Liberty
Bokksu already specializes in monthly boxes of sweets and snacks from local, artisanal makers across Japan. Their new advent calendar takes it to the next level with a fun, punch-out design based on winter around Mt. Fuji. Not only is it packed with sharable snacks (and a few collectible gifts), but there's a handy culture guide with item descriptions and cultural stories to walk you through it.
$150 by Bokksu
This year's weightiest whiskey calendar is one for true experts—or anyone wanting to become one. It not only comes with 24 1.7oz vials of world-class samples (including some from $150+ bottles), but also two Glencairn glasses and a complimentary Flaviar Black membership for an entire year.
$275 / $250 by Flaviar
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Here's a solid way to keep that dangerous holiday indulging in check. Tucked inside each drawer is just one or two well-made Harry & David cookies, from double chocolate cherry chunk and soft chocolate peanut butter cookies, to vanilla shortbreads and gingerbread sandwiches.
$99.99 by Harry & David
This shape-shifting box from the French fragrance house parts down the middle to uncover 25 small drawers, each packed with a festive olfactory surprise. There are, of course, candles and colognes of various sizes, along with soaps, shower gels and lotions. These are such nice items, they could easily sub-in for last-minute gifts, should you need one in a pinch.
$510 by Diptyque
You don't need a kid or have to be a kid to enjoy this one—but you likely have to have watched The Mandalorian or Ashoka at the very least. It's packed with collectible characters, mini build toys and accessories. So it's not just a little gift, but a quick activity, too.
$44.99 / $40.49 by LEGO
Let your best friend in on the holiday festivities with this cute calendar from the all-natural brand, Himalayan Pet Supply. Behind each numbered door are two treats packed with real meats like salmon, chicken and bacon or cheese and peanut butter.
$19.95 by Himalayan Pet Supply
The tradition of advent calendars arose in Germany in the late 1800s and soon spread throughout Europe. First made of paper, then wood, their popularity took off in the U.S. when Newsweek published a photograph of then-President Dwight Eisenhower’s three grandchildren posing with one.
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