Activities

There's something for everyone with this year's best advent calendars

From essential oils to gourmet gummies to cheese (yes, cheese!)

By Andréanne Dion November 13, 2019

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, which means Advent calendar season is nigh—and wow, there are a lot of excellent calendars to choose from this year.

1. The Body Shop

This calendar is packed full of minis—including body butters, lip balms and sheet masks—from The Body Shop’s most beloved collections. Dream Big This Christmas Deluxe Advent Calendar, $99, thebodyshop.com

2. David’s Tea

The David’s Tea advent calendar is a classic—and a great way to discover your new favourite blend. Behind each door, you’ll find a stash of delicious tea to try. 24 Days of Tea, $40, davidstea.com

3. H&M

From dainty rings to festive earrings, these H&M pieces will come in handy during the party season. Jewelry Advent Calendar, $35, hm.com

4. Saje

You’ll find everything you need to spruce up your bedtime routine in this pretty starry box, including an eye mask, diffuser blends and essential oil remedies. 12 Nights Of Wellness, $110, saje.com

5. Tim Hortons

Put an all-Canadian twist on your holiday countdown this year! This box contains a mix of K-Cups including hot chocolate and steeped tea. Limited Edition K-Cup Pods Advent Calendar, $40, costco.ca

6. Usborne Children Book

This fold-out colouring book is a great option for parents who want to avoid clutter and encourage creativity. Colouring book, $13, indigo.ca

7. Squish

Squish’s advent offering is a sampling of 24 unexpected gummy flavours, including favourites like Prosecco Bears, Chili Ginger Hearts and Wine O’Clock. A vegan option is also available. 24 Days Of Candy Advent Calendar , $39, squishcandies.ca

8. L’Occitane

Behind every door, you’ll find an irresistible treat, like the French brand’s best-selling shea butter hand cream. Signature Advent Calendar, $64, loccitane.com

9. Bonne Maman

Start the day off right with a mini jar of jam, marmalade or honey to pair with your morning croissant. Flavours include Rhubarb & Strawberry, Pineapple & Passion Fruit and Raspberry & Lychee. Jam Advent Calendar, $40, amazon.ca

10. Charlotte Tilbury

This sparkly box contains four full-size samples (including the beloved Matte Revolution lipstick in Pillow Talk) and eight travel sizes of the brand’s most popular products—and you can reuse the box as a jewelry case. Magic Moon Advent Calendar Vault, $264, sephora.com

11. Purdys

With its milk, white, dark and salted caramel chocolates, this posh take on the typical advent calendar is a delicious delight. Starry Night Advent Calendar, $25, purdys.com

12. M.A.C

You’ll find everything you need to get party-ready this holiday season in this striking star-shaped box, including a selection of lipsticks and Lipglass glosses, as well as M.A.C’s iconic Prep+Prime mist. Stars For Days Advent Calendar, $195, maccosmetics.ca

13. Nespresso

This Nespresso advent calendar includes regular, decaffeinated and flavoured roasts, and you can recycle the cups through Canada Post! Advent Calendar, $35, nespresso.co

14. Sephora Collection

Sephora’s 2019 advent calendar features travel-sized makeup, skincare and accessories from the brand’s own collection, including 11 limited-edition products you’ll definitely want to get your hands on. Frosted Party Advent Calendar, $60, sephora.com

15. Clarins

Going from one party to the next this holiday season? Clarins has you covered with everything you need for radiant skin. 24 Days Advent Calendar, $140, shoppersdrugmart.ca

16. Ferrero Golden Gallery

This decadent collection of chocolates includes seven different kinds of Ferrero treats. Chocolate Advent Calendar, $21, amazon.ca

17. Clinique

This colourful advent calendar offers a plethora of mini products, from makeup remover and moisturizer to blush and eyeliner. 24 Days of Clinique Advent Calendar, $88, thebay.com

18. Kiehl’s

There’s a lot to love about Kiehl’s 2019 advent calendar, but we’re especially excited to stock up on minis from the Midnight Recovery line. Holiday Advent Calendar, $120, kiehls.ca

19. Funko

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending Christmas at Hogwarts (and who hasn’t?), this advent calendar—which contains miniature vinyl figurines of all your favourite characters—is for you! Harry Potter Toys Advent Calendar, $60, indigo.ca

20. Ilchester

This cheese advent calendar had us at cheese. Enjoy cheddar with caramelized onions, applewood, Wensleydale with cranberries and more! Cheese Advent Calendar, $50, pusateris.com

21. Anthropologie

If you love Volcano, the retailer’s signature scent, you’ll really love this calendar, stocked with a collection of Volcano-scented candles, soaps and hand creams. Volcano 12 Days of Christmas, $188, thebay.com

22. Lego

Together, these 24 easy-to-build toys create the perfect winter scene. City Advent Calendar, $32, indigo.ca

23. That Boutique-y Gin Company

If you need a cup of holiday cheer to get you through December, this spirits-filled advent calendar lets you try a new flavour of gin every day, like Chocolate Orange and Rhubarb. Mini Gin Advent Calendar, $100, lcbo.com

24. Ciaté London

For the mani-lover, this calendar is filled with a nail file, 22 mini polishes and one full-size bottle. Mini Mani Month Advent Calendar, $71, sephora.com

25. Williams Sonoma

Made from creamy white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy, these crunchy treats from Williams Sonoma come in a slew of fun holiday shapes. Peppermint Bark Advent Calendar, $44, williams-sonoma.ca

26. Denver Hayes

Who couldn’t use a cute new pair of socks (or 12?) Women’s 12-Pack Advent Calendar Crew Socks, $40, marks.com

27. Lily Graffiti

Lily Grafitti, a Montreal-based brand, has put together an advent calendar for stationery lovers that includes notebooks, cards and prints. Stationery Advent Calendar Box, $98, liligraffiti.com

28. Bosco and Roxy

Finally, an advent calendar for dogs! (Said your dog.) This one is packed with apple cinnamon-flavoured treats. Dog Treats Advent Calendar, $20, petsmart.ca

29. Canvas

Fill this reusable advent calendar with your favourite treats and trinkets. Wooden Advent Calendar, $50, canadiantire.ca

30. HomeSense

Finally, an advent calendar for cats! (Said your cat.) Hide the toy inside a new pocket each day. Cat Advent Calendar Cushion, $20, in-store at HomeSense.

31. Organic Traditions

Prep yourself for a season of indulgence with 12 days of superfood-infused drinks. This set features eight instant vegan lattes, including the very on-trend turmeric latte, and four loose leaf superfood teas. 12 Days of Superfood Teas and Lattes, $25, organictraditions.com