64 Next-Level Advent Calendar Ideas That Will Make December Actually Magical
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Need help finding or creating the perfect advent calendar? Here are the best advent calendar ideas that’ll make you wish it was December already.
Advent calendars are such a fun tradition that gets everyone in the holiday spirit. And let’s face it, the month of December can be pretty stressful, so an advent calendar brings the joy back into the countdown to Christmas.
And whether you’re creating an advent calendar for yourself (sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands haha), or for friends and family, it can be hard to find the perfect small items to put in your advent calendar that they’ll actually enjoy (without spending a fortune).
So whether you’re looking for an advent calendar that is already put together, or you need ideas of what to put in a DIY advent calendar, I’ve got your covered.
This post is all about the best advent calendar ideas from advent calendar ideas DIY, advent calendar ideas DIY boyfriend, advent calendar ideas DIY what to put in it, and more.
By the time you’re finished with this post, you’ll have all the inspiration, or goodies, you’ll need to create the perfect advent calendar that will make you want to start Christmas early!
For gift ideas for everyone else on your list too, check out my complete gift guide.
This post is all about the best advent calendar ideas that are so good, you’ll want to keep them for yourself.
Top 6 Advent Calendars:
If you don’t want to create your own advent calendar, here are the best advent calendars that already have the hard work done for you…
1. Beauty Advent Calendar
Okay, this is already one of the most popular advent calendars this year, and it’s not hard to see why! There are so many good, full-sized products in this advent calendar that will make you excited to get out of bed every day.
This advent calendar alone will make December your favorite month!
2. 12 Day Beauty Advent Calendar
For all of the beauty lovers out there, this is a super cool advent calendar that allows you to try out a ton of different travel-sized beauty products. It’s super fun to try out new products, especially when you don’t have to commit to the full size.
This advent calendar also comes in a 12-day version or a 24-day version depending on how long you want it to last.
3. Puzzles Advent Calendar
This advent calendar is extra fun! Each day you get to build a mini puzzle that comes together to create an even bigger puzzle at the end of the twelve days.
It’s cool to see how it all comes together in the end! Almost like a reward for making it to the end of the twelve days.
4. Book Lovers Advent Calendar
Book lovers will be obsessed with this advent calendar! Each day has a gift designed for the bookworm in your life, which they’ll probably enjoy more than your average chocolate calendar. 😉
5. Baking Cookies Advent Calendar
This is definitely one of the more unique advent calendars out there… and perfect for the baker. Or at least the person in your life who loves baking cookies. Each day they’ll get a tip or an item to take their cookie baking to the next level.
6. Stationary Advent Calendar
Each day will reward them with stationary of some kind. And let me tell you, they’re SO cute! This would make for such a good advent calendar for the corporate gal, or the person in your life who loves to pen to paper (because sometimes it’s more fun that way).
7. Chocolate Advent Calendar
And of course, there is your traditional chocolate advent calendar. It’s a classic for a reason. Sometimes you just need a little chocolate surprise to get you through the month of December! It’s a really fun way to try out new chocolate flavors.
And trust me, there are a lot of flavors in this one that you didn’t even know existed – but will be glad they do.
8. Jewelry Advent Calendar
This might just be one of the cutest advent calendars I’ve seen! Besides having super fun jewelry and charms in this one, the advent calendar itself is a work of art. This is the type of advent calendar that makes December feel magical!
9. Holiday Advent Calendar
If you plan on making your own advent calendar, whether it’s for yourself or someone else, you’re going to want something to put the gifts in each day. There are so many cute advent calendars out there, and this one is perfect if you want something easy that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (some of the more intricate ones can be super pricey!).
10. Wooden Advent Tower
Okay, you know the intricate advent calendars I was talking about, well this is one of them. It’s a little more expensive than the hanging one, but it’s truly a piece of art. And this is something you’ll use year after year – and maybe even pass down to your kids.
It’s timeless and will help keep the advent calendar tradition alive!
Mable’s Tip: Build Your Advent Calendar for Less
Here’s a little secret to building the best advent calendar without spending a fortune: buy gift sets, not individual items.
A lot of the best mini products already come bundled together (think a trio of hand creams, a set of lip balms, or a mini skincare kit), so instead of buying 25 separate items, grab a handful of sets and split them up across multiple days. Two or three days from a single set instead of one, and suddenly your 25-day calendar is way more affordable (and honestly, just as fun) to put together.
It’s also a great way to sneak in a little variety. Instead of one big product taking up a whole day, breaking a set apart means more “surprises,” more often.
I’ve included a lot of gift sets in this post that are perfect for this strategy!
Best Advent Calendar Ideas For Her:
1. Mini Great Skin Skincare Essentials Gift Set
A skincare sampler day is basically a mini spa moment. Perfect for the advent slot when she just wants an excuse to slow down her routine.
2. Bear Bag Keychain
Keychains make for such good small gifts! They’re a great way to accessorize a bag or a key ring to make it feel more unique and personal.
This bear one has become quite popular, and for good reason – it’s just so stinking cute. I definitely already added this one to my Christmas wishlist. 😉
3. Creaseless Clip Set
These hair clips are the best for getting your hair out of the way in the morning when you’re getting ready doing your skincare and makeup. And the best part is – they won’t crease your hair!
4. Minimalist Textured Notepad
Everyone could use a notepad. It’s so nice just to be able to jot down your thoughts or write down a quick reminder. And these ones are perfect for the corporate girl. You can even customize it with her name, which is a touch she’ll love!
5. Hazelnut Simple Syrup
Hazelnut syrup is a game changer to spice up your regular coffee or chai. It’s such a good fall and winter flavor that will add a fun seasonal touch to their favorite beverage. This is the ultimate secret to creating a coffee shop level beverage at home.
6. Dry Brush Exfoliator
A dry brush is one of those things a lot of people wouldn’t think to get for themselves, but it’s actually super useful.
It’s great for getting rid of all of the dead skin in a gentle way while increasing circulation. They can add this step in before their shower to make their skin extra soft!
7. Restorative Hand Cream
A hand cream is a no-brainer when it comes to small gifts that are actually practical. This one is super moisturizing, so it’s good for the dry winter months. They’ll definitely want to keep this one with them at all times.
8. AirTag Bag Charm
This might just be the cutest AirTag charm. It’s a super cute way to accessorize your bag, while also making sure you have tabs on it, just in case you lose it. It’s a stylish safety precaution. 🙂
9. Natural Deodorant
Natural deodorants can be kind of tricky. They’re a lot better for your body, but they’re not always strong enough to keep you smelling fresh. But that’s not the case with this one!
It will actually make you smell amazing all day long without fail. And it’s great for sensitive underarms. They will definitely be thanking you for this one!
10. Signature Coffee Blend
For the person who is a coffee enthusiast, this blend is not your average coffee bean. It has a signature taste and is definitely a step above your regular coffee beans.
Any coffee lover would appreciate this one. Who knows, it might even become their new favorite everyday coffee.
11. Mini Lip Treatment Set
These mini lip sets are to die for! They’re pigmented lip balms, so they’re great for an everyday lip combo, and the perfect size to throw in your bag since they don’t take up much space.
You can also separate the different lip colors for different advent days, so you get four advents in one!
Want even more gift ideas for the women in your life? My gift ideas for her post has plenty more to choose from.
12. French Large Hair Clip
A hair clip is such an effortless and chic way to throw up your hair in no time. This one is a great neutral color, so she doesn’t have to worry about it not matching with her outfit. And this hair clip is a little bit bigger, so if she has long hair, this is the clip she needs to make sure it holds every strand.
13. Almond Shower Oil Mini
Travel sized products make for the best advent calendar items!
This one is a shower oil that will make her feel so luxurious! It’s a step above your average body wash, and a lot more moisturizing, so she can count on baby soft skin when she steps out of the shower. This is definitely a fan-favorite for all of the vanilla-loving gals!
14. Mini Lip Pencil Set
Mini lip pencils are so convenient and a lot more practical to take with you on the go (especially when you’re working with a small bag).
This set has a lot of great neutrals with both warm and cool undertones, so no matter what kind of lip she’s going for, she’ll have the perfect lip pencil shade.
15. Car Air Freshener
It’s always fun to put a seasonal air freshener in your car for the holidays. This one is subtle, but will make her car smell like a warm and cozy winter lodge (with some added spice ;)).
It doesn’t last super long, but the scent will definitely last throughout the month of December.
16. Teddy Bear Coffee Mug
This coffee mug is adorable, and the perfect cup to fill with a warm cozy beverage. Your beverage is only as good as the cup you put it in. I don’t make the rules. 🙂
17. Heavy Cream Hair and Body Fragrance Mist
A fragrance mist is a lot more subtle than your average perfume, which is great for daily use, when you still want to smell good, but you don’t want to break out your perfume.
It’s a sweet vanilla scent that isn’t super overwhelming, so you know she won’t get tired of it. It also lasts a lot longer if you spray some in your hair.
18. Mini Brush
A mini brush is one of those accessories that should remain in your bag or your car pouch so you can quickly touch up your hair throughout the day.
19. Caudalie Hand Cream Trio
Winter hands need all the help they can get. This trio means she’s covered no matter which bag or coat pocket she reaches into.
20. Beige Heart Grip Socks
If she’s a pilates girl, grip socks would make for the perfect advent calendar surprise. And you know she’ll get a ton of use out of them too.
Nothing completes a pilates outfit quite like a cute pair of grip socks. And since these ones are natural, she can pair them with any color set.
21. Revitalizing Cuticle Oil
If there is one thing that will make your nails look instantly 10x better – it’s cuticle oil! Just like your hands need lotion to keep them moisturized, your cuticles need the same.
She’ll notice a difference when she starts using cuticle oil. Her nails will look healthier and well-manicured. Not to mention, cuticle oil will make her hands smell good 24/7.
22. Goodmorning Espresso Cup
If she’s an espresso drinker, she’ll definitely appreciate this cup. There’s nothing like starting off your morning with a good cup of espresso, and a cute cup to put it in.
23. Hydrate Oil Control Primer
This is one of those primers that you keep coming back to because it’s just that good. This primer is both hydrating, but will make sure her skin doesn’t become oily – so it’s great for making sure her makeup stays looking fresh all day long.
24. Monogram Ornament
A personalized ornament is a sweet way to make the tree feel a little more hers, one small detail she’ll notice every year she hangs it back up.
25. Hydrating Antibacterial Hand Mist
A hand sanitizer that actually smells good and hydrates instead of drying her out, an easy daily win during flu season.
If she’d rather build her own wishlist, my Christmas wishlist ideas post is a great place to start.
26. Silk Skinny Scrunchie Set
Silk scrunchies mean no more dents or breakage, just an easy, pretty way to throw her hair up without wrecking it.
27. Organic Cotton Overnight Socks
The coziest possible advent surprise for a cold night in, soft, breathable, and exactly what she wants to slip into after a long day.
28. Hair Perfume Discovery Set
Hair perfume is one of those things she didn’t know she needed until she tries it. This discovery set lets her test a few scents before committing to a favorite.
29. Bonbon Sour Fish Candy
A sweet-and-sour little treat for whenever she needs a quick sugar break between wrapping presents and holiday errands.
30. Skin Gym Reusable Eye Mask
A reusable eye mask is such a smart little upgrade from single-use ones, pop it in the freezer and she’s got an instant de-puffing moment whenever she needs it.
31. Bon Bon Bath Bombs
A bath bomb day is basically a built-in excuse to slow down for twenty minutes. Cute packaging, even cuter payoff.
32. Chilled Rosé Lip Gels
A playful little self-care moment disguised as a “rosé” treatment, cooling, hydrating, and a fun surprise to pull out of the calendar.
33. Nail Polish Set
Two mini polishes means an instant at-home manicure day, no salon trip required. A fun little pick-me-up in the middle of a hectic week.
34. Tea Pouch
A little tea pouch is the perfect advent day when she just wants to curl up with something warm. It’s a small moment of calm tucked into an otherwise busy December.
35. Mini Travel Jewelry Case Keychain
Small enough to clip onto a bag, useful enough that she’ll actually use it well past December, perfect for keeping earrings and rings from disappearing into the bottom of her purse.
Best Advent Calendar Ideas for Him:
36. Mens Mini Face Wash
This face wash is a really good simple and gentle face wash for the guys – in a mini version of course. This will become a new staple in his skincare routine.
37. National Park Trivia
This is a fun take on a classic trivia game, except this one is for the national park lover! And if he didn’t know a lot about national parks before, he will after playing this game.
38. Mini Beef Sticks
These mini beef sticks make for such great snacks when he needs a little pick-me-up in the middle of the day or after a workout to make sure he’s getting in enough protein. 😉
39. Repairing Hand Cream
This hand cream will become his new holy grail, especially during the dry seasons. It’s packed with super hydrating and calming ingredients that are super soothing so he doesn’t need to apply a lot.
40. California Love Candle
This candle smells like a coastal dream – perfect if he’s from California or wishes he was in California. 😉
It’s one of those scents that you don’t get tired of because it’s just calming and honestly smells like heaven. He can also put it on his desk to double as decor.
41. Spicy Honey
Spicy honey is extremely underrated, especially on pizza! Sometimes you just need a hint of heat and sweet to make your meal more interesting. A little goes a long way, so he only needs a drizzle to taste it. This will change the game!
42. Electric Hand Warmers
These will save his hands from freezing in the winter! Nothing feels better than warming your hands up on a snowy or chilly day. They’re also small enough to fit nicely in his pocket so he can keep them close at all times.
43. Cord Organizers
We all know how annoying it is to try to organize cords. But these little clips will actually keep his cords from coming undone so he can quickly wind them up and throw them in his bag.
The leather is also a nice touch for a little bit of luxury.
44. Moisturizing Beard Oil
If he has a beard, a good oil is going to be a life changer. This one works with all beard types and is super moisturizing. He only needs a few drops of this oil and he’ll be set!
45. Beverage Chilling Stones
When it comes to keeping his drink cold, chilling stones are the way to go. They won’t make his drink watery like ice, but they’ll make sure his drink stays cold for hours. This is one of those gifts he didn’t know he needed – but totally does!
Want even more gift ideas for the guys in your life? My gift ideas for him post has plenty more to choose from.
46. Dad Golf Tees
These funny tees are specifically for the dads, and they’ll give him a good laugh. No one appreciates a good dad joke quite as much as the dads themselves. 🙂
47. Luxurious Mini Body Wash
Every guy could use a little bit of luxury in his life. And this body soap will do just that. If you know anything about the Salt & Stone brand, you know how irresistible their scents are. He doesn’t even need to wear cologne with this body wash and he’ll smell fresh all day long.
48. Neutral Crew Everyday Socks
Chances are, he could use some new every day socks. This pack is great because it has all of the neutrals he’ll need to match with his outfits. They’re nice enough to wear to work, but also comfortable enough that he’ll want to wear them on the daily.
49. Dark Hot Chocolate Packets
You can never go wrong with hot chocolate packs, especially when they’re dark chocolate. If he wants to make his hot chocolate extra creamy and yummy, he can swap water for milk. Trust me, it tastes so much better!
50. Car Air Freshener
You will be doing him a major favoring by getting him a good car freshener. Even if he keeps his car clean, it could probably use a little help in the fragrance department.
This is a good clean scent that he won’t get tired of, but he’ll definitely notice a difference in how much better his car smells.
51. Mini Hammer Multitool
A good multi-tool is a great gift for the guys. This is a 15 in 1 so it really does have everything he needs and more. He’ll 100% get a kick out of this one!
52. Mini Travel Hot Sauce
If he’s the guy that enjoys a little heat in his food, he’ll absolutely love this mini hot sauce set! Not only is it small enough to fit in his pocket, but it’s a whole lot better than your regular hot sauce.
Don’t be surprised if he starts pulling one of these out everywhere he goes. 😂
53. Coffee Lab Tea Blend
For all of the tea guys out there, this one is a super yummy black tea blend that he can enjoy on a cozy night in. This is one of those teas that he’ll keep coming back to, especially when he wants one with a little more flavor.
54. Golf in a Tin
For the guy who loves to golf, get him golf in a tin so when he can’t make it to the course, he can still get in his practice haha. Even if you’re not a golfer, this little game is actually really fun.
55. Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is a great way to help him build healthy habits. This journal only takes a few minutes out of his day, so it’s super easy to stay consistent with and he’ll definitely want to keep it up when he notices how much it improves his mindset.
56. Garlic Dill Pickles
This is kind of a funny gift, but if he loves pickles as much as he says he does, he’ll really enjoy these ones! They’re super flavorful and great for adding onto sandwiches or burgers, or just eating as is.
57. Korean Sheet Mask
Yes, even the guys need a little bit of self care. These Korean face masks will help hydrate his skin and make him feel pampered. And he won’t have to resort to using yours the next time you guys have a self care night.
58. Mini Ginger Mint Toothpaste
This toothpaste has become super popular, but for good reason. It’s all natural and actually does a good job at whitening and keeping your teeth clean. This ginger mint flavor is totally underrated and a fun switch from your average mint toothpaste.
59. Breathe Essential Oil
A good essential oil makes all of the difference! This one is super good for calming stress and anxiety, so it’s a good one for his office. Even if he doesn’t have an essential oil diffuser, he can rub a little bit on his temples or wrists (totally safe I promise) to get a similar effect.
60. Lavender Hand Cream
A classic for a reason, this rich, calming cream is the kind of small luxury that actually gets used, not just left sitting in a drawer. One pump and her hands go from winter-dry to soft in seconds, plus that lavender scent makes it feel like a little moment of calm in the middle of a busy day.
61. Rinse-Free Hand Wash
A genuinely luxe-smelling hand wash that doesn’t even need water, perfect for her bag, her car, or her desk at work.
Shopping for your boyfriend specifically? My gift ideas for boyfriend post has picks made just for him.
62. NightMode Lip Treatment
A nighttime lip treatment is such an easy addition to his routine, wake up with lips that actually feel better instead of chapped from the cold.
63. Holiday Nutcracker Body Buffer
Equal parts festive and functional, this one turns an everyday shower into something a little more fun. A sneaky good self-care upgrade.
64. Hot Cocoa Stirring Sticks
These turn a plain mug of hot cocoa into an actual moment, stir, sip, repeat. The kind of small detail that makes a cozy night feel a little more special.
This post was all about the best advent calendar ideas that are so good, you’ll want to keep them for yourself.
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