Why wait for Santa to kick off the gift giving?
Advent calendars are not just mini chocolates and trinkets for kids anymore; there are a bunch of 12- and 24-day collections aimed for adult interests. Advent calendars also make for a great pre-holiday gift and and many sell out by early December because quantities are limited (particularly for high-end calendars). Unique calendars (like Japanese cartoon socks and Funko Pop! figures) are so specialized that some folks wait all year for the right one to come along (and they snap up it quickly when they see it).
We’ve scoured the web for the most unusual, fun, unique and grown-up advent calendars available in Canada. For more, as well as some kid options, check out our Amazon Storefront.
The best edible advent calendars
Who it's ideal for: This adorable calendar is perfect for anyone who has a sweet tooth for posh candy.
Why we're endorsing it: With the gingerbread house motif, it’s pretty enough to be a decor item on the mantle and it’s great for sharing.
Where it could use improvements: Higher price point for a candy calendar.
Size/weight/dimensions: 24 days/four pieces of candy per day.
Price (subject to change): $74.98 at Well.ca.
David’s Tea 24 Days of Tea Holiday Advent Calendar
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who includes a cup of tea in their daily wind-down ritual will love this calendar. It includes best-sellers, new releases and some “throwback” blends that may not be available year-round.
Why we're endorsing it: The tea doesn’t have to be consumed as soon as the door is opened and can be saved for a later date.
Where it could use improvements: There’s no list to look over before buying, so this may not suit those who don’t like surprises.
Size/weight/dimensions: 24 days.
Price (subject to change): $54.98 at Well.ca.
Who it's ideal for: A gourmand who loves artisanal products.
Why we're endorsing it: Who doesn’t want 24 days of delicious jam? Bonne Maman products are super high quality and tasty. Since the jams are sealed, they can be enjoyed on a piece of toast in the morning or saved for a weekend brunch or charcuterie board.
Where it could use improvements: This is not available through delivery and would need to be picked up in store.
Size/weight/dimensions: 24 days.
Price (subject to change): $39.99 at London Drugs.
The best beauty and luxury advent calendars
Sephora Collection 'Wishing You' Advent Calendars
Who it's ideal for: Beauty addicts will love getting a little treat every day.
Why we're endorsing it: It’s a great way to try multiple hair, skin care and beauty tools without investing in multiple products.
Where it could use improvements: The products are sample-size and only Sephora brand items are included.
Size/weight/dimensions: 12 days or 24 days.
Price (subject to change): 12 days ($33 at Sephora) and 24 days ($60 at Sephora).
YSL Holiday Advent Calendar 2022
Who it's ideal for: Someone who wants to splurge on an early couture Christmas gift.
Why we're endorsing it: The black-and-gold YSL advent calendar is not only stunning (and an easy highlight for the social media reel) but there’s also a list of products. While there are surprises, there are also some guarantees (which helps when making such a big investment).
Where it could use improvements: Half the products are mini size.
Size/weight/dimensions: 24 days.
Price (subject to change): $425 on YSLbeauty.ca.
Holt Renfrew Beauty Advent Calendar
Who it's ideal for: This very special and luxuriously packaged calendar is a mix of the most coveted beauty brands and includes a Gucci lipstick, Crème de la Mer, Diptyque candle, Jo Malone perfume, Oribe hair protection spray, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream and more.
Why we're endorsing it: The variety of brands is excellent and it’s a great way to test out multiple high-end products from different lines.
Where it could use improvements: Like all advent calendars, don’t expect full-size products.
Size/weight/dimensions: 25 days.
Price (subject to change): $425 at Holt Renfrew.
Voluspa 12-Day Advent Calendar
Who it's ideal for: People who love to burn the luxury candle at both ends.
Why we're endorsing it: Voluspa candles come in a signature embossed glass container. This set includes its signature scents (like French Cade Lavender) as well as seasonal smells like Frosted Berry Holly.
Where it could use improvements: Candles are votive size (1.25 oz).
Size/weight/dimensions: 12 days.
Price (subject to change): $99 at Sephora.
The best unique advent calendars for adults
The Office Funko Pop! Advent Calendar
Who it's ideal for: For the person who is crazy about sitcom reruns and collectors items, this Funk Pop set dedicated to The Office is definitely something the Dunder-Mifflin crew would have passed around during their disastrous and cringe-worthy Christmas parties.
Why we're endorsing it: Collectible, funny, unique and great for the person who loves to watch reruns on Netflix.
Where it could use improvements: These are mini Pops! (1.5"-2.5").
Size/weight/dimensions: 24 days.
Price (subject to change): $74.87 at Amazon.
Who it's ideal for: There’s a specific person who would get a kick out of an unusual advent calendar that is a mock-up of the film’s office building and includes a “mid fall” MacGruber ornament.
Why we're endorsing it: End the “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” debate once and for all.
Where it could use improvements: There’s no daily prize or trinket. It’s a new product with no reviews and limited photos and it costs $10, so expectations should be in that range.
Size/weight/dimensions: 25 days, 9” high.
Price (subject to change): $9.99 on Amazon.
Tingletouch “Daring December” Advent Calendar
Who it's ideal for: Couples who want to turn every December day (or night) into a romantic adventure.
Why we're endorsing it: Reviewers love it and this is a grown-up calendar meant to enjoy privately (wink wink, nudge nudge).
Where it could use improvements: There are multiple ‘NSFW’ suggestions (along with alternatives) so you might not want this sitting out on the dining room table when the in-laws come over.
Size/weight/dimensions: 25 days.
Price (subject to change): $18.99 at Amazon.
Gudetama 12 Days Advent Calendar
Who it's ideal for: Anyone who likes their socks to be a little quirky and very adorable. Gudetama is a Japanese character (the Japanese words for “lazy” and “yolk”) and it (a gender-less unfertilized yolk) loves soya sauce and appears in many egg-y forms.
Why we're endorsing it: Unique, cute, socks still be useful after Christmas.
Where it could use improvements: Not specifically holiday-themed.
Size/weight/dimensions: 12 days.
Price (subject to change): $22.99 at Amazon.
Who it's ideal for: Creative crafters who want to put together an advent calendar that can’t be bought.
Why we're endorsing it: There are endless possibilities to make a thoughtful and personal advent calendar for any area of interest.
Where it could use improvements: Takes planning and work to fill all the boxes.
Size/weight/dimensions: 24 days.
Price (subject to change): $20.99 at Amazon.
