Our Favorite Advent Calendars of 2026

A candy advent calendar may be an exercise in restraint, but for the sweet-toothed giftee, it will surely be well-received. Made from sturdy cardboard, with a magnetic clasp to keep the “doors” shut, this one could easily be propped up on a counter for a festive touch. Inside, individually numbered drawers reveal each day’s treat, which includes a variety of gummies and a few chocolates to boot. The back of the box features a pictured guide to everything you’ll find, so avoid looking if you want to be surprised.

Murray’s Cheese is a New York City institution, and this thoughtfully curated box offers a small window into it. Inside, you’ll find an assortment of cheeses, jams, and other fun eats. Unless you plan on storing this package in the fridge–only to unearth each day’s surprise–you’ll likely dig into the entirety of the box from the get-go. My advice? Spare yourself the agony of unwrapping a treat a day. Instead, call over a few friends and host a cheese night. You’ll have pretty much everything you’ll need in this box. 

Because the items in this box are perishable, be sure you or a recipient will be home around the anticipated delivery time. Although the packaging is insulated, the box should be refrigerated upon arrival, according to the company.

Consider this an excuse to kick-start your day with fresh bread, good butter, and jam. Caramel with salted butter, raspberry with dark chocolate, and a yuzu and grapefruit spread are just a few of the delectable 24 limited-edition spreads included in this advent calendar from Bonne Maman, the famed French purveyor of spreads and jams. Just act fast; once the holiday season is over, these flavors will be gone until next year.

An advent calendar that doubles as an activity is a win in my book. There’s a set of 12 mini-puzzles in this artful rendition featuring Andy Warhol’s Christmas-themed paintings and drawings. Each puzzle comes in a plastic bag, concealed behind its respective day. While there are photo references for each puzzle, take things up a notch and challenge yourself to complete one without a guide. At only 80 pieces per puzzle, you might just be able to get away with it.

For the avid tea drinker who’s game for discovering new flavors, this advent calendar from Palais Des Thés is sure to please. Featuring a variety of herbal blends, these caffeine-free teas are the ultimate little luxuries. Indulge in flavors such as pear and blackberry, verbena and orange, or a tropical pineapple and coconut.

As a longtime fan of Bokksu–the purveyor of Japanese snacks sourced from makers around Japan–I was over the moon to receive my advent calendar last year. Digging into an array of delicious treats, I was also delighted by the variety of small keepsakes included in the set. This year’s box is surely primed to please, but no spoilers here.

It doesn’t take a Lego lover (or a Harry Potter fan, for that matter) to appreciate this thematic advent calendar. While it’s certainly not for the advanced builder, there’s still something to be said for the joy it can bring. This advent calendar’s packaging features a pull-down, illustrated cardboard flap that doubles as the famed Hogwarts castle, setting the stage for the small figurines inside. It may not be the most over-the-top set, but it will undoubtedly spark magic.

When we got our hands on Olive and June’s advent calendar a couple of years ago, it was filled with a wide array of fun nail-care items, including glitter polishes, buffing blocks, press-ons, and nail stickers. This year’s advent calendar is a modified version with just 12 nail polishes and nothing else. It’s not the most exciting advent calendar, but for the nail polish enthusiast it will be a nice treat.