I have to admit, I’m a certified advent calendar freak. Over the years, I’ve amassed more knowledge about them than I’d like to confess, and they’ve completely drained my wallet. I’ve tested high and low, and I have lots of opinions. Below, you’ll find a mix of calendars I’ve tried and loved, a few I’m planning to buy, and some that are purely here for us to admire and lust over. I’ve labeled each one so you know which is which.
None of these are necessary. In fact, they’re all very extra. But that’s half the fun! Ultimately, I think an advent calendar is only worthwhile if you genuinely enjoy most of what’s inside. My rule for the pricier ones: at least 70% of the products need to be things I’ve used and loved, or things I’m intrigued enough to buy on my own. And a quick plug: if you love pine candles during the holiday season like I do, I’ve ranked a bunch here! So grab a cup of tea (or a martini, no judgment), and let’s get into it.
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Liberty London Advent Calendar / $395
Tried and loved
Let’s establish this right off the bat: this is the gold standard for luxury advent calendars. It’s decadent and packed with luxe beauty products across fragrance, skincare, haircare, body, and makeup. I’ve done it for the last three years, and the care that goes into it shows. I saw this YouTube video on how it’s made, down to planning where each item sits based on weight and shipping safety.
More importantly, it passes my 70% rule every single year. It’s where I found my favorite moisturizer ever from Emma Lewisham, and it introduced me to Liberty’s signature fragrance line, which has never let me down. This year’s scent is Tana Meadow, a fruity, fresh floral with pear, ginger, and musk. I’m also excited to see favorites like the Augustinus Bader The Face Oil and Davines OI Shampoo, along with fragrances from D.S. & Durga (hello, Debaser), Fugazzi, Bibbi, and Matière Première. Plus, there are some new-to-me picks I can’t wait to try, like the Jones Road Miracle Balm and the Verden Nocturne Magnesium Body Spray.
I won’t lie, this is an extravagant purchase for me. It’s usually a gift to myself for a year-end achievement or, in years past, a very special gift from my partner.
Tony’s Chocolonely Countdown Calendar / $30
Tried and loved
I’ve gotten this one and absolutely loved it, and at $30, it’s the best bang for your buck on this list. Tony’s makes exceptional chocolate and holds very high ethical standards for how it’s produced. Their chocolate is smooth and rich without being overly sweet. There’s a mix of flavors inside, though the classic milk chocolate will always be my favorite.
Fortnum & Mason Tea Lovers Advent Calendar / $89.95
Tried and loved
This is the perfect advent calendar if you love a little celebration and ritual to start your day. If you aren’t familiar, Fortnum & Mason is known for its tea and biscuits and has supplied tea to the British royal household for over 300 years. This advent includes 24 different black and green teas, and I’ve found their blends to be robust and beautifully balanced.
My personal favorites include the Royal Blend, Assam TGFOP, Moroccan Mint, Strawberry & Rose, and my absolute favorite, G&Tea. Inspired by a gin and tonic, it’s a green tea blend made with real juniper berries and finished with a twist of cucumber. It tastes so much like the real thing, it’s incredible. It’s such a fun alternative to the typical chocolate advent... though I definitely don’t mind those.
As Ever Advent Calendar / $148
On my list
MEGHAN MARKLE has a motherfucking advent calendar. And yes, I definitely said that in a very composed and proper manner. I just really love Meghan Markle, and even better, this one is a collaboration with one of my favorite chocolatiers, Compartés out of Los Angeles. Their chocolate is high quality, rich, and has a really deep flavor profile. Inside, you’ll find chocolates filled with As Ever’s signature Strawberry, Raspberry, Blackberry, and Orange Marmalade spreads. I’ll admit, this is the one high-end advent I’ll be buying this year.
The Greatest Show in Spirits Gin Advent Calendar / $135
On my wishlist
I’m a huge gin lover, but I’m not as versed in it as I’d like to be. I know gin can change dramatically depending on the botanicals, which is exactly why this one appeals to me. It includes 25 mini gins from around the world and two tasting glasses, plus plenty of info about each gin to help your palate figure out what you enjoy. I imagine it could help you make better choices in the liquor aisle, or at least impress a crowd.
Gin not your vibe? They’ve got other versions too, including tequila, whiskey, rum, spiced rum, cognac, and vodka.
Apotheke 25 Day Holiday Advent Calendar / $250
On my wishlist
If you’re a candle person, this is the best value in the home fragrance category, in my opinion. It includes 2 petite scented candles, 16 mini votives, and a set of 4 mini reed diffusers. I also love that they included a few candle accessories, like a snuffer and a wick trimmer. They’re things you only need to buy once, so if you don’t have them, they add real value. And if you do have them, well, I don’t know, babes, factor that into the price.
The scents are a great mix, including one of my favorites to keep in my bathroom, Sea Salt Grapefruit. It’s light and refreshing and makes a lovely choice for a guest bathroom when hosting.
Glasshouse Fragrances 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar / $300
On my wishlist
I love Glasshouse. Their products are always exceptional quality, their candles burn very clean, and whatever oils they use are excellent. This calendar features a mix of their products, from candles to perfume, plus some hand wash and lotion.
One of my favorites is the Music City Magic candle, with notes of amber, violet, peony rose, and leather. It’s so luxe and sexy! There are also several products, like perfume and interior fragrance, in Kyoto in Bloom, a fresh amber that opens with lime, bergamot, and citrus, moves into camellia and lotus, and settles into amber, sandalwood, musk, and vanilla. If you’re looking to indulge your body and your home, this one has some really fun, elegant options.
Diptyque Advent Calendar / $525
Just here to admire
I have to be honest, I have such a complicated relationship with Diptyque. I love how beautiful and complex their fragrances are. They always transport me somewhere else and almost feel like a future version of myself, one that’s more mature and confident. My gripe? The projection and longevity. I really wish they were stronger and lasted longer, so my relationship with the brand is perpetually complicated.
That said, if you have the cash and love perfume, especially if you want to really explore Diptyque, this is a pretty nice deal. It features candles, hand balms, soaps, and perfumes, including the Eau Rose refillable solid perfume, which has such a glamorous, old-school vibe. Some of my other favorites in the set are the Rhubarbe candle, Tam Dao Eau de Parfum (very woody and perfect for colder months), and the exclusive Lazulio Eau de Parfum, a refreshing aromatic woody fragrance with notes of vetiver and rhubarb.
Christian Louboutin Advent Calendar Set / $720
Just here to admire
For the most decadent offering of all, we have Louboutin. It’s so sexy and beautiful, though I’m mixed on the value. It features six fragrances from the Fétiche line, which I’ve reviewed over on TikTok and found deeply sexy, plus three fragrances from the Loubi line. The perfumes appear to be travel size and come in mini versions of their original packaging. There’s also a very, very sexy red nail polish in their signature red-bottom shade. Very old Hollywood glamour!
You’ll also find lipstick and lip gloss with refills, and the packaging is stunning. I’ve got to admit, I’ve really been wanting some of their red lipstick as a little treat. I’m just waiting for the right milestone! My biggest issue is the charms and jewelry. They feel like an add-on that drags this one below my 70% rule. It’s valued at just over $1,000, so it’s up to you whether it’s worth it.
Let’s Eat!
I love food advent calendars because they keep the tradition alive while giving it a fun, modern twist. Here are a few I’ve spotted that have me intrigued.
Palais des Thés Tea Advent Calendar (1) / $39.90
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar (2) / $55.99
Williams Sonoma Classic Candy Advent Calendar (3) / $39.95
Sugarplum 24 Days of Snacks Advent Calendar (4) / $75.95
Melt Chocolates Notting Hill Advent Calendar (5) / $179.90
Fishwife 12 Days of Fishwife Advent Calendar (6) / $150
Beauty Babes!
If Liberty and Louboutin are out of budget, these are great ways to get in on the beauty advent fun.
Revolve 2026 Advent Calendar (1) / $150
Bloomingdale’s Advent Calendar (2) / $350
Sephora Favorites Advent Calendar (3) / $105
Korres Advent Calendar (4) / $134
Anthropologie The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar (5) / $98
So there you have it, my advent calendar obsession laid bare. Whether you’re grabbing a $30 chocolate countdown or saving up for a milestone treat, I hope this helps you find one that makes your December mornings a little more magical season.
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