From Christmas markets to seeing the neighborhood’s outdoor lights, I’m a huge fan of the holiday season. I’m the type of person who begins Christmas shopping in the summer in anticipation of watching people open a present I carefully selected after pondering the perfect gift for months. But once December rolls around, I’m all in on Advent calendars.
Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, an Advent calendar is a fun way to get a small surprise each day as a small pat on the back for making it through another day in December, or you can even save it for the chilly, dark month of January. I also think gifting Advent calendars is a fun way to surprise someone on Dec. 1.
However you wish to celebrate, these are my favorite Advent calendars for 2026. Keep in mind some of these are so popular they’ll sell out well before December, so it’s best to shop early.
A special treat for the coffee crowd
For many of us, coffee is the reason we get out of bed in the morning. We all have our favorite coffee method, be it a Keurig machine, Nespresso, or heading to the cafe. But if you’re on board with 24 delicious, quick, and hassle-free coffee beverages, you must go with the Cometeer 2026 Advent Calendar.
If you’re new to Cometeer, here’s a quick intro. Coming from exceptional coffee companies around the country, Cometeer flash freezes freshly brewed coffee into aluminum capsules. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the capsule for five minutes in hot water. Then add it to your favorite hot milk or cold water for whatever drink you’d like. No machine needed.
The Cometeer Advent Calendar for 2026 includes some of the company’s favorites, such as Joe Coffee, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, and Onyx Coffee Lab. The finale on day 24 is a rare light roast from Stellar Series.
The stationery lover’s dream
If you’re at all interested in stationery or planners, you’re familiar with Papier. Their planners, organizers, journals, and notebooks have made the brand well known as one of the most aesthetically appealing. Bundling 24 days of fun, luxurious stationery items, the Papier 24 Day Advent Calendar is a delight.
I won’t give away any spoilers, but the collection of goodies is amazing, not to mention the incredible treasure chest and packaging. If the 24-day option feels a bit too spendy, consider the 12 Day Advent calendar that comes in an adorable keepsake cottage.
A gift for the adventurous candy fanatic
Candy in an Advent calendar is standard, and maybe even a bit boring, if we’re being honest. But fill 24 days with a licorice and chocolate treat from a popular Danish company, and we’re in for a delicious experience. The Lakrids by Bülow Advent Calendar features black licorice coated in flavored chocolate, offering two bites of delight per day.
You’re in for flavors like salty caramel, passion fruit, sour cherry, frozen mint, dark truffle, and more. Plus, all Lakrids by Bülow in the calendar are both gluten-free and made without gelatin. If you’ve never heard of this brand and think you hate black licorice, this is the Advent calendar to change your mind.
Wings for the whole season
The brand that’s brought us the most ridiculous and enjoyable sporting events has entered the world of Advent calendars. The Red Bull Advent Calendar has 24 standard 8.4-ounce cans in packaging that’s so joyful, it’s hard to throw away at the end of the season.
The variety pack includes 11 flavors, including the tried-and-true original, the Coconut Edition, and the Peach Edition. It also includes two cans of Red Bull Fuji apple and ginger and the new 2026 Winter Edition flavor of pistachio and berries.
A season of enjoyment from Lovehoney
This year, Lovehoney didn’t hold back on the holiday treats. The brand gave us five Advent calendars to choose from. And yes, that does mean you’re gonna need to open five windows on your computer to compare specs. Mashable Contributor Tabitha Britt explained that the Lovehoney Romance Advent Calendar (7-Day) is “ideal for couples who want to add a little ~spice~ to their bedroom routine without spending a fortune.”
If you feel like going all-out with 24 days of goodies, the Lovehoney Luxury Advent Calendar (24-Day) is well worth the money, and it comes with a festive candy cane glass dildo.
A mini puzzle a day
For some quiet and calm fun, we have Advent calendars in the form of jigsaw puzzles. The Winter Lights 12 Days of Puzzles from Galison is filled with delightful winter scenes on each of the 80-piece puzzles. The 12 puzzles measure just five by seven inches each, so there’s always room on the table despite it being covered in sugar from baking and wrapping paper. This option makes a great gift for the beginning of December. Galison uses recycled paper and no dust. The brand makes puzzle pieces that are so high quality, I pretty much refuse any other brand.
Cozy tea time for two
December is a hectic season. Slow down with afternoon tea time and the Twinings Tea Advent Calendar. Each of the 24 doors contains two tea bags, so you can share with a friend. The calendar includes black, green, and herbal teas, including my favorites like Lady Grey, as well as lemon and ginger. Seasonal flavors include Christmas Tea, Gingerbread Joy, and Winter Spice.
A spicy winter surprise
For those who add spice to every dish, we have two Fly by Jing Advent Calendars for 2026. The famous chili crisp brand has a 2026 limited-edition 12-Day Advent Calendar and a 24-Day Calendar for the die-hard fans of keeping things spicy. Both include classic flavors and never-before-launched flavors.
In addition to the edible sauces, both Fly By Jing Advent Calendars include a jar ornament for your tree. Keep in mind, last year’s Fly By Jing calendar sold out by Nov. 5, so act accordingly with this one.
A chocolate Advent calendar with chocolate that’s worth eating
Chocolate, like coffee, has a large range of quality. Some is top-tier, and some is barely worth ingesting. Instead of getting the random grocery store Advent calendar with waxy chocolate, go with the Lindt Teddy Assorted Chocolate Candy Christmas Advent Calendar. The 24 days include Lindt double milk-chocolate balls, Lindt mini hazelnut cream chocolate balls, and other classic flavors. Of course, there’s also a Lindt Teddy to enjoy.
Treats for the hair care buff
With 12 doors of curated surprises from Kitsch, your holiday season can be one of beauty. The brand included items such as accessories and festive surprises. Even the brand’s everyday products get a festive spin with this calendar. And Kitsch didn’t go mini with the Advent calendar. All doors feature a full-size treat.
A flavorful and sweet season
It’s become one of the most popular Advent calendars ever, which means it’s time to snag it before it sells out for the year. The Bonne Maman Advent Calendar 2026 includes 24 mini jars of the brand’s exceptional jams and spreads. Plus, the mini glass jars with signature red-and-white checkered lids are reusable all year long.
12 ornaments that make for a great gift
Who can deny googly eyes? Brass Monkey’s Googly & Bright Holiday Ornament Countdown Calendar comes with 12 delightful holiday ornaments that have (drumroll, please) googly eyes. The food-themed collection is a great Advent calendar for the friend who has everything and needs nothing more. It also makes for a great White Elephant party option.
Chocolate for making it through another day in December
Even if you love the Christmas season, it can be tiring. Add some pep to the day with the Awake Very Caffeinated Christmas Advent Calendar. Each of the 24 days includes one caffeinated chocolate bite from the brand’s flavor lineup. There’s dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and my favorite salted caramel dark chocolate.
A classic Lego option for all ages
A sell-out every year, the Lego Star Wars Advent calendar is now a staple during the holidays. This year’s version has 293 pieces, and some come with a festive twist. This year’s calendar has Grogu and the Mandalorian in holiday sweaters. Need we say more?
Libations for the month
Gather up friends, family, and neighbors to check out the new 12 Days of Harry & David Christmas Wine collection. The lavish box contains pinot gris, moscato, sav blanc, two bottles of merlot, and two bottles of cab sav, to name a select few.
Unlike most wine Advent calendars, the Harry & Davis features full-size 750-milliliter bottles, so you’ll have some for sharing.
A whole new sock wardrobe
Who couldn’t use 24 pairs of new socks? The Happy Socks Advent Calendar Gift Set features a fantastic mix of holiday-themed socks and classics like polka dots. Happy Socks have a reinforced heel and toe, and all pairs are 83% cotton for breathability. As a bonus, this means you don’t have to wash socks until Dec. 25.
