Get ready to count down the days until Christmas with a twist! Advent calendars have come a long way from just chocolates. In this article, we will explore the different types of advent calendars that go beyond the traditional treat-filled ones.
You can now find advent calendars filled with anything from stationery items and puzzles to craft supplies and DIY projects.
Traditional Advent Calendars
Advent calendar is a special calendar used by Christians to count down the days from December 1st to December 24th, leading up to Christmas Day, which is celebrated on December 25th. The term “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.”
In Christian tradition, Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
TOP 5 Traditional Advent Calendar Options:
1. Advent Calendar Christmas Nativity Scene Set
The Advent Calendar is a wonderful addition to our holiday traditions. With its beautiful nativity design and surprise-filled doors, it adds both elegance and joy to the Christmas countdown. The quality is impressive, ensuring it will become a cherished part of our celebrations. Here on Amazon.
2. Advent Story Cards for Kids Printable
The Advent Story Cards for Kids from Etsy are a fantastic addition to our holiday season. These beautifully crafted cards engage children in the Christmas story, fostering both excitement and understanding. They’re a meaningful way to countdown to the big day. Here on Etsy.
3. Etsy: Christmas Advent Calendar – Gods Gift of Love
The Christmas Advent Calendar “God’s Gift of Love” from Etsy is a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Its elegant design and daily scriptures help us reflect on the spiritual significance of the season. A cherished addition to our holiday traditions. Here on ETSY.
4. Advent Scripture Cards, Advent Calendar, Nativity Advent Calendar
The Advent Scripture Cards Advent Calendar from Etsy is a meaningful addition to our holiday traditions. These beautifully designed cards with daily scriptures help us connect spiritually with the Christmas story, making each day a reminder of the true essence of the season. Here on ETSY.
5. Good Ruby Felt Advent Calendar for Kids, Hanging Countdown to Xmas, Calendars with Pockets and 24 Nativity Themed Ornaments (Nativity Stable)
The Good Ruby Felt Advent Calendar is a delightful way to count down to Christmas. The nativity-themed ornaments and pockets add a special touch, making each day a joyous step towards the holiday season. HERE on Amazon.
6. Huwena Christmas Nativity Advent Calendar Nativity Scene Wooden Calendar Countdown to Christmas Holiday Decoration with 24 Empty Drawers and Nativity Figurine Set for Adult Kids (Cartoon Style)
The Christmas Countdown Set is a cherished family tradition. This classic wooden calendar features a delightful nativity scene design loved by all ages. Its 24 drawers make for an easy and interactive countdown, while its quality wood and generous size ensure a lasting holiday impression. Perfect for home and beyond.
Chocolate Advent Calendars
Advent calendars have been a beloved holiday tradition for many years, and the classic chocolate-filled ones have become a staple in households around the world.
Chocolate advent calendars are perfect for children and adults alike, as they bring a sense of nostalgia and delight. However, if you’re looking to explore beyond the traditional chocolate-filled calendars, here are are plenty of other options to consider.
1. Snowman Celebration Chocolate Advent Calendar
This delightful advent calendar combines the joy of gourmet milk chocolate with verses from “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” It’s a 2.6-ounce treat made in Canada, measuring 10″ x 13.75″. A charming holiday tradition by Vermont Christmas Company.
2. Lindt Advent Calendar
The official Lindt Advent Calendar is a festive treat with 24 iconic Lindt Christmas novelties. Perfect for bringing joy and excitement to the holiday season, it’s a special gift for your loved ones.
3. Lindt Bear & Friends Advent Calendar
4. Elf of the Shelf 2022 Milk Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar
The Elf on the Shelf Holiday Countdown Calendar is a delightful Christmas activity for kids. It contains 24 milk chocolate pieces (1.76 oz) and features numbered spots for daily surprises. Plus, it has cut-out coloring ornaments on the back of the packaging.
5. 2023 Star Wars Mandalorian Christmas Advent Calendar with Chocolate, 13 3/4 Inches
This Advent Calendar, sized at 13 3/4″ x 9 7/8″, contains 24 doors with delightful milk chocolate treats. The front showcases “The Child” from The Mandalorian, while the back offers a Star Wars-themed maze.
Cutest 2023 Toy Advent Calendars
Toy advent calendars are a fantastic way to keep children excited and engaged throughout December. Instead of treats, these calendars offer a daily surprise in the form of small toys or collectibles.
From LEGO sets and action figures to dolls and cars, toy advent calendars cater to a wide range of interests. Children can look forward to opening a door each day and discovering a new toy to play with or add to their collection.
1. 2023 Christmas Advent Calendar for Girls with 24 PCS Cute Lovely Kitty Cat Characters Toys Figures Animal Figurines Decorations, 24 Days Countdown Calendar
2. Educational Insights Playfoam Snowy Friends Party 25-Day Preschool Advent Calendar 2023, Fidget Sensory Toy, Ages 3+, Amazon Exclusive
3. Pokémon 2023 Holiday Advent Calendar for Kids, Boys & Girls – 24 Piece Gift Playset – Characters Featured: Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander & More! – 16 Holiday Toy Figures & 8 Christmas Accessories – 4+
4. Harry Potter Holiday Magic: Official Advent Calendar: Creatures of the Wizarding World
5. Bluey Advent Calendar | 24 Pieces
6. LEGO City 2022 Advent Calendar 60352 Building Toy Set for Kids, Boys and Girls Ages 5+; Includes a City Playmat and 5 City TV Characters (287 Pieces)
7. Advent Calendar 2023 Boys Girls: FunforFun! Nativity Scene Christmas Advent Calendar for Kids Countdown Toys for 3+ Year Old Christmas Gifts for 3 4 5 6 7 8
Top 5 DIY Advent Calendars 2023
If you enjoy getting crafty and personalized, DIY advent calendars are the perfect choice for you. These calendars allow you to customize the countdown to Christmas by filling each day with your own chosen surprises or activities.
You can create DIY advent calendars using materials like paper bags, envelopes, or small boxes. Fill them with handwritten notes, small gifts, or even vouchers for special activities or outings.
DIY advent calendars offer endless possibilities, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences and create lasting memories.
Here are some ideas for you:
1. DIY Punch Out Advent Calendar
2. DIY Advent Calendar box
How to turn this:
Into this:
3. Crochet DIY Advent Calendar
4. Unfinished Wooden DIY Advent Calendar with Drawers
This is a great advent calendar for your DIY project. You can paint it with your chosen acrylic paint and then glued the images on. Kids will have a blast creating different scenes every day in the little “loft” area. The drawers are small but adequate for 2 pieces of candy. Or 2 Lego mini figures. In Amazon HERE.
5. Easy DIY Paper Advent Calendar with Free Printable Template
6. Heirloom Advent Calendar DIY
7. Envelope Advent Calendar DIY
Food and drink advent calendars
Food and drink advent calendars offer a delicious twist to the traditional countdown. These calendars feature a selection of gourmet treats, snacks, or even miniature bottles of your favorite alcoholic beverages.
From cheese and wine to craft beer and cocktail mixers, there’s a food and drink advent calendar to satisfy any palate. Opening a door each day to discover a new culinary delight adds a touch of gastronomic excitement to the holiday season. Food and drink advent calendars are perfect for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys indulging in the finer tastes of life.
1. Bonne Maman 2023 Limited Edition Adv ent Calendar, 23 Mini Spreads and 1 Honey
Don’t miss out on the limited quantity 2023 Bonne Maman Advent Calendar! A perfect gift for foodies, it offers 23 unique fruit spread flavors and honey, celebrating the holidays in a delicious way. With new varieties like Caramel with Cinnamon and Raspberry Chocolate, it’s a delightful surprise. The “Santa’s Workshop” design adds to the holiday spirit, and remember to savor these delicious flavors before June 2024 for the ultimate taste experience.
2. Holiday Food Advent Calendar – Delicious Jerky and Nuts
This advent calendar is a creative and thoughtful gift for family, friends, or clients. With 12 unique snacks, it promises daily delight and memorable moments. Elevate your gifting game with Sugar Plum Chocolates. HERE on Amazon.
3. Numi Organic Tea Advent Calendar 2023
Numi’s Countdown to Christmas Tea Advent Calendar is the ideal early holiday gift. With 24 unique, organic, and ethically sourced tea bags and daily inspirational quotes, it’s a delightful way to celebrate the season. Enjoy the full-leaf quality and pure ingredients of Numi’s teas, offering a variety of flavors and types. Perfect for tea lovers. Here on Amazon.
4. BomBombs, Hot Chocolate Mix Gift Set in Mini Bottles
Indulge in Gourmet Hot Chocolate with 16 delightful single-serve mixes, from classics to unique flavors like Gingerbread and Pistachio Macaron. Fun packaging allows for holiday stocking stuffers or year-round gifts. Simply pour, add hot water or milk, and enjoy. This cocoa set makes the perfect gift for hot chocolate enthusiasts. Here on Amazon.
5. For Coffee Lovers: Keurig Advent Calendar Variety Pack, Single Serve K-Cup Pods, 24 Count
The Keurig Advent Calendar Variety Pack is a delightful holiday treat with 24 single-serve K-Cup Pods. It offers a diverse range of flavors, making each day a coffee adventure. Perfect for Keurig lovers during the festive season. HERE on Amazon.
Conclusion:
As the holiday season approaches, advent calendars provide a delightful way to embrace the festive spirit and make the countdown to Christmas even more memorable.
Whether you prefer the classic chocolate-filled calendars, the beauty surprises, the toy collectibles, the DIY and craft projects, or the gourmet treats, there is an advent calendar designed to match your interests and add excitement to your December.
Explore the variety of options available, and embark on a festive journey filled with joy, anticipation, and creative expression. Choose the perfect advent calendar that resonates with you, and make this holiday season truly magical.