The Best Advent Calendars We Tested, from Lego to Lancôme

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers To ConsiderWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others To Consider

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Cai Cramer

People / Cai Cramer

Advent calendars are one of the most festive ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether we’re counting down the days until December 25, singing along to the 12 Days of Christmas, or celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah, these festive calendars are a fun holiday tradition full of warm nostalgia.With December fast approaching, now is the best time to buy an advent calendar for the 2024 holiday season before they sell out. Since there are so many options available, from Chewy pet toys to Lancôme beauty finds, we did the research and tried the most popular ones, so you can spend more time relaxing, being with family, and enjoying the festivities.Our Top PicksLaneige Best of Laneige Advent Calendar at SephoraJump to ReviewHimalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar at ChewyJump to ReviewLego Harry Potter Advent Calendar at Walmart$55Jump to ReviewCharbonnel et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent Calendar at Bergdorfgoodman.comJump to ReviewLancôme Advent Calendar at Lancome-usa.comJump to ReviewMerry Makings Dog Toy Advent Calendar at PETCOJump to ReviewVoluspa 12 Day Candle Advent Calendar at Amazon$175Jump to ReviewPapier 24 Doors of Desk Delights at Papier.com$140Jump to ReviewNYX Cosmetics ‘Home Alone’ Advent Calendar at UltaJump to ReviewLocal Eclectic Jewelry Advent Calendar at Localeclectic.comJump to Review

Advent calendars are one of the most festive ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether we’re counting down the days until December 25, singing along to the 12 Days of Christmas, or celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah, these festive calendars are a fun holiday tradition full of warm nostalgia.

With December fast approaching, now is the best time to buy an advent calendar for the 2024 holiday season before they sell out. Since there are so many options available, from Chewy pet toys to Lancôme beauty finds, we did the research and tried the most popular ones, so you can spend more time relaxing, being with family, and enjoying the festivities.

Our Top PicksLaneige Best of Laneige Advent Calendar at SephoraJump to ReviewHimalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar at ChewyJump to ReviewLego Harry Potter Advent Calendar at Walmart$55Jump to ReviewCharbonnel et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent Calendar at Bergdorfgoodman.comJump to ReviewLancôme Advent Calendar at Lancome-usa.comJump to ReviewMerry Makings Dog Toy Advent Calendar at PETCOJump to ReviewVoluspa 12 Day Candle Advent Calendar at Amazon$175Jump to ReviewPapier 24 Doors of Desk Delights at Papier.com$140Jump to ReviewNYX Cosmetics ‘Home Alone’ Advent Calendar at UltaJump to ReviewLocal Eclectic Jewelry Advent Calendar at Localeclectic.comJump to Review

Laneige Best of Laneige Advent Calendar at SephoraJump to ReviewHimalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar at ChewyJump to ReviewLego Harry Potter Advent Calendar at Walmart$55Jump to ReviewCharbonnel et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent Calendar at Bergdorfgoodman.comJump to ReviewLancôme Advent Calendar at Lancome-usa.comJump to ReviewMerry Makings Dog Toy Advent Calendar at PETCOJump to ReviewVoluspa 12 Day Candle Advent Calendar at Amazon$175Jump to ReviewPapier 24 Doors of Desk Delights at Papier.com$140Jump to ReviewNYX Cosmetics ‘Home Alone’ Advent Calendar at UltaJump to ReviewLocal Eclectic Jewelry Advent Calendar at Localeclectic.comJump to Review

Laneige Best of Laneige Advent Calendar at SephoraJump to Review

Laneige Best of Laneige Advent Calendar at Sephora

Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar at ChewyJump to Review

Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar at Chewy

Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar at Walmart$55Jump to Review

Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar at Walmart$55

Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent Calendar at Bergdorfgoodman.comJump to Review

Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent Calendar at Bergdorfgoodman.com

Lancôme Advent Calendar at Lancome-usa.comJump to Review

Lancôme Advent Calendar at Lancome-usa.com

Merry Makings Dog Toy Advent Calendar at PETCOJump to Review

Merry Makings Dog Toy Advent Calendar at PETCO

Voluspa 12 Day Candle Advent Calendar at Amazon$175Jump to Review

Voluspa 12 Day Candle Advent Calendar at Amazon$175

Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights at Papier.com$140Jump to Review

Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights at Papier.com$140

NYX Cosmetics ‘Home Alone’ Advent Calendar at UltaJump to Review

NYX Cosmetics ‘Home Alone’ Advent Calendar at Ulta

Local Eclectic Jewelry Advent Calendar at Localeclectic.comJump to Review

Local Eclectic Jewelry Advent Calendar at Localeclectic.com

Laneige Best of Laneige Advent CalendarPHOTO: SephoraView on Sephora$149 at Kohls.com

Laneige Best of Laneige Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Sephora$149 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesMany types of skincare productsSeveral flavors of viral lip masks and balmsGreat valueRed FlagsDoors were slightly hard to open

Star QualitiesMany types of skincare productsSeveral flavors of viral lip masks and balmsGreat value

Many types of skincare products

Several flavors of viral lip masks and balms

Great value

Red FlagsDoors were slightly hard to open

Doors were slightly hard to open

Laneige’s lip mask changed thebeauty routines of starsandPEOPLE writersalike — but there are even more skincare products for your giftee to discover inside this glow-boosting advent calendar. From several fun flavors of the famousLip Sleeping Mask(Gummy Bear and Peach Iced Tea, to name a few) to celeb-approved skincare like theWater Sleeping Maská lacampaign star Sydney Sweeney, there’s a treasure trove of viral K-beauty products behind each door. You can almost create an entire skincare routine from this one purchase, complete withhyaluronic acid serums, eye creams, moisturizers, lip masks, and more.

Type:12-day |Products:12 |Compartments:Drawers |Shipping:3-6 days

PHOTO: People / Alyssa BrasciaPHOTO: People / Alyssa BrasciaPHOTO: People / Alyssa Brascia

Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent CalendarPHOTO: ChewyView on Chewy

Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Chewy

View on Chewy

Star QualitiesHealthy, all-natural ingredientsCan improve dental healthBudget-friendlyRed FlagsIngredients include common food allergens

Star QualitiesHealthy, all-natural ingredientsCan improve dental healthBudget-friendly

Healthy, all-natural ingredients

Can improve dental health

Budget-friendly

Red FlagsIngredients include common food allergens

Ingredients include common food allergens

This gluten and lactose-free advent calendar offers 24 days of all-natural dog treats to please pups of all ages. From December 1 to Christmas Eve, you can offer your furry best friend one of several kinds of treats — from chicken bites to bacon bits — to include them in the holiday fun. Our only concern is that it contains several common food allergens, including dairy and peanut butter, so make sure to take stock of your household’s allergies before adding this to your cart.

Type:24-day |Products:24+ |Compartments:Doors |Shipping:1–3 days

“As soon as the box was delivered to my building, my dog just knew it was hers (she ran up to the Chewy box and started sniffing it, and she’s never done this before). She was afraid of the actual advent calendar box, but she was beyond thrilled about the treats inside. She especially loved the Yaki Charms and the Barkeetos — apparently my pup is a cheese lover, just like her mom!”—Shalwah Evans, senior shopping editor

PHOTO: People / Shalwah EvansPHOTO: People / Shalwah EvansPHOTO: People / Shalwah EvansPHOTO: People / Shalwah EvansPHOTO: People / Shalwah Evans

Lego Harry Potter Advent CalendarPHOTO: Lego$55 at WalmartView on Lego.com$45 at Kohls.com

Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Lego

$55 at WalmartView on Lego.com$45 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesGood value: lots of pieces for the priceBox doubles as a backdropUnique, festive mini buildsRed FlagsInstructions were a bit confusing

Star QualitiesGood value: lots of pieces for the priceBox doubles as a backdropUnique, festive mini builds

Good value: lots of pieces for the price

Box doubles as a backdrop

Unique, festive mini builds

Red FlagsInstructions were a bit confusing

Instructions were a bit confusing

Type:24-day |Products:301 pieces (16 mini builds and 8 minifigures) |Compartments:Boxes |Shipping:Next day on Amazon with Prime or 3–5 business days on Lego

PHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla KittsPHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts

Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent CalendarPHOTO: Williams SonomaView on Bergdorfgoodman.com$56 at Neiman Marcus$70 at Williams-Sonoma

Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate and Truffles Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Williams Sonoma

View on Bergdorfgoodman.com$56 at Neiman Marcus$70 at Williams-Sonoma

Star QualitiesCreative, delicious flavorsAssortment of different sweetsBeautiful packagingRed FlagsSellout risk

Star QualitiesCreative, delicious flavorsAssortment of different sweetsBeautiful packaging

Creative, delicious flavors

Assortment of different sweets

Beautiful packaging

Red FlagsSellout risk

Sellout risk

With its opulent packaging and decadent confections, this assorted candy advent calendar will make any recipient feel like royalty. Behind each compartment is a carefully-wrapped chocolate (either milk or dark) or an intricate truffle. With no flavor repeats, each day holds a new surprise — with unique concoctions like gingerbread truffles and dark orange chocolates awaiting in each golden box.

Type: 25-day |Products:25 |Compartments:Doors |Shipping:3–5 days (no next day available)

“Chocolate lovers will have the best month ever with this advent calendar. Behind each of the 25 doors is a single truffle, and it’s so fun to see which of the eight delicious flavors you’ll get next. Each truffle was deliciously rich, and there was a great variety of flavors — including dark chocolate, caramel, strawberry, and one that tasted like cookie butter (my favorite)!” —Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writer

PHOTO: People / Genevieve CepedaPHOTO: People / Genevieve CepedaPHOTO: People / Genevieve CepedaPHOTO: People / Genevieve Cepeda

Lancôme Advent CalendarPHOTO: LancômeView on Lancome-usa.com

Lancôme Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Lancôme

View on Lancome-usa.com

Star QualitiesStunning packagingGreat value for the products insideIncludes several full-sized cosmeticsRed FlagsSlightly confusing design

Star QualitiesStunning packagingGreat value for the products insideIncludes several full-sized cosmetics

Stunning packaging

Great value for the products inside

Includes several full-sized cosmetics

Red FlagsSlightly confusing design

Slightly confusing design

Decked with a glittering Parisian cityscape, this Lancôme advent calendar is just as beautiful as the luxe products it contains. This 24-day calendar includes favorites from the brand, including six full-sized products — from perfumes and night creams to lipsticks and mascaras. (A peek inside this amazing deal: The iconic fragranceLa Vie Est Belle, just one of the full-sized offerings, is nearly half of the price of this entire calendar.)

It’s worth noting that the boxes are a bit confusing — they’re stacked like a puzzle, so pulling one out makes the others slide down. However, the aesthetically pleasing look of this setup makes this minor inconvenience easy to ignore.

Type:24-day |Products:24 |Compartments:Boxes |Shipping:3–6 business days

PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Merry Makings Dog Toy Advent CalendarPHOTO: PetcoView on PETCO

Merry Makings Dog Toy Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Petco

View on PETCO

Star QualitiesVariety of toysFestive, holiday themeCustomizable for different dog sizesRed FlagsWe couldn’t think of any!

Star QualitiesVariety of toysFestive, holiday themeCustomizable for different dog sizes

Variety of toys

Festive, holiday theme

Customizable for different dog sizes

Red FlagsWe couldn’t think of any!

We couldn’t think of any!

If your dog favors toys over treats, then this 12-day advent calendar is the perfect choice. With different toy varieties forsmallandmediumdogs, these calendars offer a range of toys including squeaky toys, rope toys, crinkle paper toys, and ball toys to keep your furry friend entertained all season long.

Type:12-day |Products:13 |Compartments:Pop-out Sections |Shipping:2–5 business days (Next Day available)

“Though her face doesn’t show it, Stevie had a good time playing with all the toys in this Petco advent calendar. There are 12 pop-out sections with toys, but one actually contained two balls — reading ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’ — for a total of 13 festive toys! Whether you have one or several pets, this advent calendar will make any playful pup’s day.”—Madison Yauger

PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Voluspa 12 Day Candle Advent CalendarPHOTO: Sephora$175 at Amazon$85 at Sephora$57 at Kohls.com

Voluspa 12 Day Candle Advent Calendar

$175 at Amazon$85 at Sephora$57 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesBeautifully packagedLong burn timeTimeless scents (good for all seasons)Red FlagsRelatively small jars

Star QualitiesBeautifully packagedLong burn timeTimeless scents (good for all seasons)

Beautifully packaged

Long burn time

Timeless scents (good for all seasons)

Red FlagsRelatively small jars

Relatively small jars

Nothing ushers in the holidays like the scents of balsam, spices, and vanilla wafting through your home — and with Voluspa’s advent calendar, you can unbox 12 new candles to keep these festive fragrances burning all season long. Each candle is a best-seller, which means that you can get year-round use out of this reasonably-priced calendar. Plus, every candle can burn for up to 15 hours and comes in a mini glass votive that looks elegant and expensive, doubling as holiday décor.

Type:12-day |Products:12 |Compartments:Drawers | Shipping: 3—5 days (depending on your Sephora status)

“The packaging is gorgeous, and the variety of scents is impressive. The scents aren’t overwhelming — they even smell expensive. I’m very picky about scents and hate artificial-smelling candles, but these are so far from those. Plus, none of the scents gave me a headache!”—Cai Cramer, shopping writer

PHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai Cramer

Papier 24 Doors of Desk DelightsPHOTO: Papier$140 at Papier.com

Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights

PHOTO: Papier

$140 at Papier.com

Star QualitiesVariety of desk essentialsWrapping is reusableBox doubles as desk organizerRed FlagsPricey, but excellent value

Star QualitiesVariety of desk essentialsWrapping is reusableBox doubles as desk organizer

Variety of desk essentials

Wrapping is reusable

Box doubles as desk organizer

Red FlagsPricey, but excellent value

Pricey, but excellent value

If you or someone you know loves “adult school supplies,” this pristine Papier advent calendar, although pricey, is well-worth it for the price per product. It includes everything from high-quality pens and notebooks to creative bookmarks and even a puzzle. The calendar itself is a desk organizer packed with 24 individually-wrapped gifts presented in beautiful boxes. Perfect for the over-organizer or friend who works from home, this creative calendar is truly something special.

Type:24-day |Products:47 |Compartments:24 gift boxes inside drawers |Shipping:Next day available

“This advent calendar is a stationery lover’sdream(and yes, I’m saving the adorable gift boxes to reuse this holiday season). It’s even better than last year’s calendar, in my opinion, and it’s something that I know I will enjoy for months to come. My favorite items are the small weekly desktop planner and the set of tiny cards and envelopes.”—Erin Johnson, associate shopping director

PHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin Johnson

NYX Cosmetics ‘Home Alone’ Advent CalendarPHOTO: UltaView on Ulta

NYX Cosmetics ‘Home Alone’ Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Ulta

View on Ulta

Star QualitiesVariety of makeup productsCute, displayable packagingGreat valueRed FlagsDoors rips easily

Star QualitiesVariety of makeup productsCute, displayable packagingGreat value

Variety of makeup products

Cute, displayable packaging

Red FlagsDoors rips easily

Doors rips easily

If you have a beauty lover in your life who thrives during the holidays, they’ll be thrilled with this limited-edition advent calendar from NYX Cosmetics. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of Kevin McAllister’s house and the scheming “Sticky Bandits” from the 1990 filmHome Alone, this calendar contains an assortment of liquid blushes,creamy lip glossesand oils, and even a holiday-ready eyeshadow palette.

Our writer notes that the papery doors of this calendar rip easily, so you’ll have to open each one carefully to reveal the festive product inside (and keep it looking nice until the last one opens on Christmas Eve).

Type:24-day |Products:24 |Compartments:Doors |Shipping:3–5 business days

Local Eclectic Jewelry Advent CalendarPHOTO: Local EclecticView on Localeclectic.com

Local Eclectic Jewelry Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Local Eclectic

View on Localeclectic.com

Fits a range of jewelry tastes

High-quality materials

Red FlagsOn the expensive side

On the expensive side

It may feel daunting to take a chance on a surprise boxwhen it comes to jewelry— but when we opened this calendar from Local Eclectic, our worries quickly melted away. This enchanting set is splashed with a few colorful statement pieces, though there are enough dainty pieces to appease minimalists, too. A set of 12, this collection comprises rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more, all plated in a thick, 14-carat gold finish.

Type:12-day |Products:12 |Compartments:Drawers |Shipping:Standard shipping

“I can’t believe how great of a value this set is. All of the pieces included feel so high-quality, and I’m genuinely going to wear all of them. The rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and charms included are tasteful and elegant, and would fit a variety of styles.”—Cai Cramer

PHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai CramerPHOTO: People / Cai Cramer

In Good Taste Wine Advent CalendarPHOTO: In Good TasteView on Ingoodtaste.com

In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar

PHOTO: In Good Taste

View on Ingoodtaste.com

Star QualitiesDelicious assortment of winesGreat value for priceAppeases a wide variety of flavor preferencesRed FlagsQuite heavy package

Star QualitiesDelicious assortment of winesGreat value for priceAppeases a wide variety of flavor preferences

Delicious assortment of wines

Great value for price

Appeases a wide variety of flavor preferences

Red FlagsQuite heavy package

Quite heavy package

Whether you have an aspiring sommelier or wine lover in your life, this 24-day wine sampler allows them to experience the unique flavors of Italy, Argentina, Spain, South Africa, Australia, and California — a wine for each day until Christmas Day. Each bottle contains a generous pour of red, white, or rosé, including a couple of sparkling varieties with cute labels to boot.

Our only warning: The box weighs about 30 pounds, so make sure you have a friend to help you hoist it up (unless you feel like making it your workout for the day).

Type:24-day |Products:24 |Compartments:Box with pop-out doors |Shipping:“Advent calendars ship November 2024,” per the site |Excluded states:Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Utah

“This is the perfect early Christmas present for the friend or family member who prefers towinedown at the end of the day. (Keep in mind that you may be that friend or family member, in which case — treat yourself!) I sampled a few varieties and found each to be quite sippable and scrumptious.”—Laura Gurfein, entertainment shopping director

PHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein

Glasshouse Fragrances Advent CalendarPHOTO: Glasshouse Fragrances$300 at AmazonView on Glasshousefragrances.comView on Neiman Marcus

Glasshouse Fragrances Advent Calendar

PHOTO: Glasshouse Fragrances

$300 at AmazonView on Glasshousefragrances.comView on Neiman Marcus

Star QualitiesSeasonless fragrances for year-round useWide variety of products, from body to homeRed FlagsExpensive price

Star QualitiesSeasonless fragrances for year-round useWide variety of products, from body to home

Seasonless fragrances for year-round use

Wide variety of products, from body to home

Red FlagsExpensive price

Expensive price

Complete with a dazzling assortment of candles, perfumes, lotions, and more, this advent calendar is sure to enhance any fragrance devotee’s holiday season. This advent calendar is disguised as a jewelry box with 24 small compartments, which you can even repurpose for later use. Though each offering counts down to December 25, these scents transcend Christmastime — with fragrances like those of the floralKyoto in Bloom hand creamand the citrusySunset in Capri perfume.

Type:24-day |Products:24 |Compartments:Drawers |Shipping:3–5 business days

“This is a meaningful gift for anyone who appreciates fragrance — whether in their home or on their person. The compartments are drawers, which easily slide out, and all of the fragrances are divine — though my favorite isMidnight in Milan. Everything is boxed in beautiful packaging, and the advent calendar is designed to reuse, so you can fill it with other goodies next year.”—Madison Yauger

PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

When researching and testing the best advent calendars of 2024, we found a few others that are worth considering before heading to checkout.

Lindt Teddy Bear Advent Calendar$12 at Amazon$2 at World MarketView on Lindtusa.comLe Mini Macaron Nails Advent Calendar$68 at NordstromView on Leminimacaron.com$68 at AnthropologieKiehl’s Open For Advent-Ure Gift SetView on Kiehls.comDossier 12 Days of Scentmas Advent CalendarView on Dossier.co

Lindt Teddy Bear Advent Calendar$12 at Amazon$2 at World MarketView on Lindtusa.com

Lindt Teddy Bear Advent Calendar

$12 at Amazon$2 at World MarketView on Lindtusa.com

Le Mini Macaron Nails Advent Calendar$68 at NordstromView on Leminimacaron.com$68 at Anthropologie

Le Mini Macaron Nails Advent Calendar

$68 at NordstromView on Leminimacaron.com$68 at Anthropologie

Kiehl’s Open For Advent-Ure Gift SetView on Kiehls.com

Kiehl’s Open For Advent-Ure Gift Set

View on Kiehls.com

Dossier 12 Days of Scentmas Advent CalendarView on Dossier.co

Dossier 12 Days of Scentmas Advent Calendar

View on Dossier.co

Alyssa Brasciais a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE. She has been writing for PEOPLE since 2022 and previously contributed to InStyle, Real Simple, Southern Living, Shape, and Food & Wine. As a child, Alyssa’s parents started giving her and her siblings chocolate advent calendars every year, marking the 24 days until her favorite holiday and creating a lasting tradition. These countdown gifts have since become a must-have — whether in the form of beauty products, like the delightfulDossier perfume sampler, or a good ole milk chocolate calendar. (Seriously, she’ll scour every grocery store in New York City for a good one, if she must.)

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source: people.com