Looking for an advent calendar this year? Keen to buy something special? Whether it’s for you, your kids or a loved one, we have THE BEST of the best, plus the most lavish of the lavish and the most ridiculous of them all! Enjoy!
When things hit the fan in 2020 and, despite the fact we were having to watch our pennies (the joy of being made redundant during a pandemic!), there was one thing I decided was worth splashing out on: an insane advent calendar.
The sheer fact that another year was over, and we were still here, meant that I was no longer going to buy another one of those supermarket advent calendars filled with little chocolates that taste like the cheap cardboard that encases them.
Nope, it was time to invest in a crazy advent calendar that brought me joy every day.
December is supposed to be this wonderful, magical month, but lordy it can also be stressful as hell. And, well, 2025 has been a pretty spectacularly stressful year for a lot of people (after a series of stressful ones!). An advent calendar can be just the salve you need. It gives you a little pick-me-up treat each day, PLUS, these last months of the year seem to slip by so quickly, it helps you keep track of how many days you have left until the big day (I swear that every September, October and November I have a mini heart attack the last week of EVERY month when I realise that the month is nearly over and the following week it will be time to turn the page of the calendar).
Each year the offerings get bigger and crazier and better, so we’ve compiled the best of the best, plus the most ridiculous of the ridiculous, the most OTT of them all.
And here they are in no particular order, the 20 most glorious advent calendars money can buy in 2025:
Note: We handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue when you shop through our links
Pour Yourself a Christmas Cuppa…
December really is the month where things can go from zero to a hundred in an instant. With so many balls in the air and not nearly enough hours to get everything done, what we should all be doing is taking a deep breath, pouring a cup of tea and having at least a few minutes quiet time.
T2’s gorgeously presented advent calendar is just what you need to start and keep a little zen routine every day. There’s a cute, colourful, individually wrapped tea bag behind each window, with a mix of black teas, rooibos, green, fruit and herbal. It’s a beautiful way to try something new, and perhaps find your new favourite brew (mine is definitely either Gorgeous Geisha for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or Sweetest Dreams before bed).
T2 Cabinet of Curiosity 24-Day Tea Bag Advent, $55
Indulge in a Barbie Pink Wonderland…
This feels like Barbie’s dream advent calendar – it’s sparkly and pink and chockablock with make-up and skincare products (including some full-size offerings!). In typical e.l.f. style, all products are vegan and cruelty-free. There’s a full size mascara, eyeshadow palette (in limited edition shades), an eyelash curler, skin care minis, plus full-size brushes, lip products and so much more! At $165.61 it’s one of the more pricey calendars, but the products inside are valued at $293.41. A girl math bargain, surely.
e.l.f. Sleigh the Holidays 24-Day Advent Calendar, $165.61 (no shipping fees, and valued at $293.41) available from Amazon.
A Christmas Toast…
What is it about little miniature sized items that are always so exciting? Whenever I check into a hotel room, I always find myself heading straight to the mini-fridge and excitedly looking at the cute little alcohol bottles (that I think I’ve only once in my life allowed myself to actually open and buy?!). The same goes for the little toiletries in the bathroom.
Well, if you’re anything like me, this advent calendar is a dream come true. Behind 23 of the doors is a 187ml mini bottle of wine. You’ll find handcrafted wines from boutique producers, whether it’s an award-winning McLaren Vale Shiraz, a bestselling South African Sauvignon Blanc, an elegant white from France’s Côtes de Gascogne or a velvety Merlot from Bordeaux. Then, in door 24 you’ll find a celebratory 750ml bottle of Italian bubbles.
Perfect for gifting, to share with a partner, friends or to try something new.
Laithwaites 2025 Wine Advent Calendar, $179.99
Honestly, This Isn’t Your Regular Chocolate Advent Calendar…
I have a few very strict rules for this advent calendar list: they must be magical and wonderful, they must have a full 24 day offering (12 days of Christmas is something else entirely!!!) and they must not be one of those little cardboard/chocolate calendars.
Now, this is a chocolate calendar, but bear with me, because this is definitely not the supermarket version you’re used to. This is a luxurious Honest Chocolat version.
Behind each window is a handmade chocolate, from silky caramels to bonbons and festive flavours created just for Christmas. Everything is crafted in small batches in their Matakana kitchen with Pacific origin cacao, ethically sourced, and designed to be completely inclusive. It’s vegan, gluten free, soy free and alcohol free, so it can be enjoyed by everyone. YEEESSSSSSS!
There’s two options to choose from – Black with Gold foiling or White with Bronze foiling.
Honest Chocolat Advent Calendar, $92 each or $172 for a pair.
A Delight for the Senses…
I first discovered Neat fragrances years ago when I was trying to reduce the number of chemicals I was exposing myself to – they make a GREAT range of natural perfumes, right here in NZ (they’re based in New Plymouth!). Neat also make great dupe fragrances (with excellent price points!) that have the added bonus of being hypoallergenic and phthalate-free. And, in even better news, they’ve made an advent calendar this year – such a fab way to try something new!
This Fragrance Advent Calendar will transform the lead-up to Christmas into a daily sensory adventure, with 25 days of new scents to experience and enjoy leading into Christmas. It’s a playful, modern way for fragrance lovers to experiment, find their next signature scent, and experience a little daily delight in the lead up to Christmas.
Behind each date is one of 25 fragrance dupes inspired by some of the world’s most-loved perfumes and colognes, each presented as a daily discovery to test and wear. Hypoallergenic and phthalate-free, the scents are formulated to be long-lasting, making the set an accessible option for fragrance lovers and those with sensitivities.
Neat Fragrance Advent Calendar – 25 Days, $95
The Cutest Festive Nightly Tradition
We are in our Bluey era at my house – and y’know what? I’m not mad about it. If I have to sit through another episode of Paw Patrol or Blaze and the Monster Machines, I have serious fears for my sanity – but Bluey is the one show our whole family can get on board with.
If you have kids who are Bluey fans – or heck, they don’t have to be kids (do I get one of these for Kelly?!) this is such a lovely idea. [Kelly’s note – UM YES PLEASE ALICE THANK YOU]
Inside the giant calendar are 24 cute little mini books, perfect for a bedtime story each night leading up to Christmas, with an extra-special one for Christmas Eve. I’m genuinely very excited to start this one with my preschooler.
Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle, $34.17 available from Amazon
Let There Be Light…
Every year, one of the advent calendars I am most excited to see is always Glasshouse Fragrances. They somehow knock it out of the park every single year. This year, the design includes illustrations by visionary digital artist Aeoniumsky and captures the spirit of a magical train journey – think twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and Santa’s little helpers bustling behind frosted windows. It’s a keepsake box as beautiful as what lies inside.
And what’s on the inside is pretty darn impressive. There’s a luxurious mix of signature 30g soy candles in beloved and seasonal scents, mini eau de parfums to match your every festive mood, pampering bath and body favourites, and limited-edition, money-can’t-buy treats. To add a playful touch, festive holiday stickers are also included – perfect for creating your own merry little scenes as you count down the days.
Glasshouse 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar, $320
One for the (Festive?) True Crime Fans…
Fire up your Kindle, because we’re going digital on this one. Instead of opening little cardboard doors for treasure, Murder on the Yuletide Express serves up a new piece of the puzzle of a gripping murder mystery every day leading up to Christmas. Each day you’ll receive your daily intelligence briefing, delving deeper into a chilling cold case and test your wits against a new, challenging puzzle that brings you one step closer to the truth.
If you’re a true crime fan – or you know someone who is – this is the perfect gift!
The Murder Mystery Advent Calendar: Murder on the Yuletide Express, $20.15 available to download from Amazon
Run Yourself 25 Festive Baths…
If a calming cup of tea, candle or chocolate isn’t quite going to cut it this year, may we suggest you try one of Lush’s completely over-the-top advent calendars, to really pamper yourself every December day leading up to the big day.
While I eagerly wait every year to see what the Lush team has come up with for Christmas, I also get a bit (ok A LOT) envious of the Lush team. See, one year, Emma and I talked to a woman who worked for Lush who explained that her job had been to go to Germany and immerse herself in their Christmas markets/celebrations/traditions/spirit and come back to report to the group – who also each went to a different location (Lapland! Mexico City! Switzerland!), and that from there they would work out which new creations to make for their Christmas collection.
To this day, I simply have not heard of a better job.
In short, Lush knows how to do Christmas well. And this year they have not one, but two totally OTT, indulgent calendars to choose from.
The first is the 29 1/2 High Street Christmas Advent Calendar, with 25 bathing wonders, including five gift exclusives (including the heavenly snoozy butterbear bath bomb!) and 5 x colourful 3D cardboard cut-outs.
The second is the even more OTT – the classic Lush Advent Calendar, with 25 hand-selected products to get you in the Christmas spirit, including year-round favourites, products from the Christmas range and ten gift-exclusive products. With bath bombs, shower gels, soaps, even candles and socks, it will feel like Christmas everyday!
Lush is also committed to looking after our planet and people, so you can be confident in the fact that all ingredients are sourced from sustainable sources, where people are paid the living wage. The boxes are made from 100% recycled fibres, plus the ribbons are made from 100% recycled polyester from recycled drinks bottles!
Lush Advent Calendar, $270 and $460 (or, if you already have last year’s box, you can just buy the refill for $380!)
A Timeless Classic for the Kids…
I LOVE the Wondertivity books – I bought one of their felt busy books before our littliest took his first plane ride and it saved our sanity that day (as well as MANY restaurant trips – playing with his book was all that keeps him in the highchair!). So, when I saw they make advent calendars, I immediately added one to cart. It’s a felt Christmas tree, with a pocket for each day counting down to the 25th, where you’ll find a cute little ornament to hang from the tree each day.
We’re now on our third year with it and the quality is terrific, plus it’s genuinely beautiful so all of us in the family enjoyed having it hanging on the wall. I’ve pulled it out of storage and it looks as good as new, so I’m sure this one will be with us for many, many Christmasses to come.
Wondertivity Advent Christmas Calendar, $99
A Beauty Wonderland…
This year, Benefit (one of the GOATs for eye make-up) have created an advent calendar that’s an… err… twist on the classic Rubik’s Cube. Except there’s none of the normal frustration involved in solving a Rubik’s Cube (unless you’re Justin Bieber, that is. Yes, random fact time – thanks to my many years at the teen mag Creme, I have it inextricably committed to memory that Justin can solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than 60 secs.).
You twist and turn the calendar to reveal 24 little compartments featuring minis AND full-size products including a full-size BADgal BANG! BIGGER, BADDER volumizing mascara in intense pitch black, Benetint rose-tinted lip & cheek stain and a 24-HR Brow Setter 24-hour invisible shaping & setting gel for brows. Valued at $542, you get plenty of bang for your buck on this one.
benefit Glam Cube Advent Calendar, $275
Solve a Christmas Puzzle…
Start a daily Christmas puzzle ritual! This is a great one to involve the whole family in – it’s the Wasgij? Christmas Advent Calendar.
There are 24 doors waiting to open, each with it’s own 54pc puzzle inside: Santa is enjoying the festivities at the Christmas market, but his excitable reindeer have other ideas. Use your imagination to piece together what happens when the reindeer run riot. For though they bring gifts and the joy of the season, they might guzzle your glühwein without any reason!
Again, this is a Wasgij? jigsaw, so you don’t puzzle what you see on the box, you puzzle what happens next!
Wasgij? Christmas Advent Calendar, $49.95
A Beautiful Mystery…
On pure girl math alone, it pretty much makes sense to invest in this advent calendar? The MAC ‘must-haves mystery’ calendar doesn’t come cheap – it’s $445. BUT, it’s valued at $971… so… a bargain?
There’s 24 full-sized and mini surprises to unbox daily, featuring best-selling and limited-edition products (including everything from Strobe cream to eyeshadow to lip pencils to lipsticks and absolutely everything you can imagine in between).
MAC 24 Mystery Must Haves Advent Calendar, $445
A Truly Magical Countdown…
If you have a Harry Potter fan in your life – okay, maybe it’s you? – then this is your must-have advent calendar. It’s made by the folks at Schleich, who are masters at creating detailed, intricate and sturdy figurines – and in this beautiful calendar you’ll find all your favourite characters from the book/movie series. Whether they’re fearful foes like the dementors or Voldemort himself, or mythical creatures like Fluffy, the three-headed dog or Hagrid’s beloved Buckbeak, there’s a surprise behind every door.
Schleich Harry Potter Advent Calendar, $121.45 (available from Amazon with free shipping)
Wake Up & Smell the Festive Coffee…
If you have a Nespresso machine, this is a fab way to start each day – with a new coffee to try! Inside the stylish cube advent calendar is 18 different roast and ground coffee capsules (including great blends like Arpeggio, India and Colombia!), four flavoured coffee capsules (including cinnamon and Candied Tamarind), two decaf capsules (one is flavoured) plus a gift (look away now if you don’t like spoilers – it’s a limited edition coffee mug!).
Nespresso Original Advent Calendar, $79
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
If you have a young girl at home (or just young at heart), chances are they will be OBSESSED with Frozen. Of course, there’s an advent calendar to cater for this obsession – and it just happens to be a VERY fun one made in conjunction with LEGO.
It includes micro-doll characters of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, plus kittens, mini builds, an ice crystal tree and Arendelle Castle. My favourite part is the box converts into a game board for up to 5 players, and, of course, you now have all these fun Frozen pieces to use with any existing LEGO you have!
LEGO® Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025, $59.99
The Taste of Christmas?
Now, this is one of THE most popular advent calendars in the world, and sells out every single year. Behind every beautiful little door is… a little limited-edition holiday spread!
These Bonne Maman preserves are crafted in France (with simple, premium ingredients and no artificial additives) and, they’re special flavours that are only available this 2025 Christmas season. Yes, there are somehow 24 different flavours, including Caramel with Vanilla, Strawberry & Passion Fruit and Wild Blueberry with Maple Syrup.
Every day reveals a charming mini jar nestled in its own beautifully designed box. Both the boxes and jars can be reused, for small keepsakes, holiday place settings, or other creative moments that extend the magic beyond December.
Bonne Maman 2025 Limited Run Edition Advent Calendar, $97.42 from Amazon
A Little Beauty Treasure Chest…
We love an advent calendar that offers real bang for buck – and this year’s Clarin’s calendar certainly offers that. No, it’s certainly not cheap at $270, BUT, it’s valued at $642 and features four full-sized products, as well as 20 sample sized ones. If you’re heading away on holiday, the samples are seriously good – you’ll have everything covered with body lotions, scrubs, face masks, cleansers, oils, mascaras and more. So good for popping in your handbag or carry-on!
The box it comes in is also pretty special – it’s made from sustainably sourced paper and you can easily give it a second life as a jewellery box.
Clarins 24 Day Advent Calendar, $270
Secrets in the Snow…
For something quite different, this Clue mystery advent calendar is a fun, puzzle-solving adventure. And, it’s one the whole family can get in on enjoying (perhaps if your kids are a little older though – this one is recommended for those aged 10+).
No, murder doesn’t normally scream Christmas, but if you, or your family, are into detective games, murder mysteries or escape rooms, THIS is the advent calendar for you.
So, Boddy Black has been killed at a winter gala and it’s up to you to work out who killed him, where and with what winter-themed weapon. Each day you open a door to find a puzzle and perhaps a Clue card, token, or surprise! You use the cipher to crack codes, and solve visual and hands-on puzzles to find out which door to open next.
The calendar opens like a storybook to reveal a crime board and map of Tudor Mansion with rooms and secret passages to visit, just like in the Clue mystery board game – it’s very fun, and festive!
Clue Advent Calendar: Secrets Under Snowfall, $53.13 from Amazon
Did Someone Say OTT?!?! It’s Time to Bring Out the Really REALLY Big Guns…
Okay, if you’ve had a truly ridiculous year and perhaps just received a Christmas bonus (or won Lotto?) here are the advent calendars you might want to buy…
This’ll Hit the Spot…
Yes, this advent calendar comes in at just under a cool ONE GRAND, but, that kind of makes sense when you know it’s from Jo Malone. This year, it’s designed like a festive dartboard, with Christmas Day as the bullseye (nice that there are 25 gifts in this one, but also, for this price it’s really the least they could do?).
When you pull open its gold-tinted drawers it will reveal the scents hidden inside, from seasonal favourites to timeless colognes, candles and bath & body luxuries in miniature alongside a celebratory 30ml fragrance and Travel Candle.
Jo Malone London 25 Day Advent Calendar, $980
Open a Magical Storybook…
This years, Diptyque’s truly OTT advent calendar is designed like a beautiful (and heavy) gold edged book, which opens up to reveal a Parisian bookshelf. There’s limited edition surprises, as well as cult favourites with a mix of candles, solid perfumes, room sprays, eau de parfums, hair perfume, hand cream, body lotion, soaps, washes and a tree decoration set.
The Advent Calendar is designed to brighten up the festive season… and keep the wonder alive.
After the 25 surprises are opened, the box retains its magic. It can be used to store smalls treasures, or transformed into a box by removing the drawers.
Diptyque Holiday 2025 Advent Calendar 5kg, $944
