Growing up, a family friend would send my sisters and me a simple chocolate-filled advent calendar every year to count down the days until Christmas. I loved the tradition of opening a little window each night after dinner. As kids, it made the holiday season feel extra magical.
While those nostalgic chocolate advent calendars still exist, advent calendars have come a long way. Now, there are so many creative and thoughtful adult advent calendar ideas—from skincare and candles to gourmet treats and teas. They make amazing gifts for friends, coworkers, teachers, or anyone who feels impossible to shop for. And honestly? Even as an adult, opening a tiny surprise each day brings back that same childhood joy.
Below are some of my favorite adult advent calendar ideas this year—there’s something here for everyone on your list!
8 Best Adult Advent Calendar Ideas 2025
L’Occitane Advent Calendar
A few years ago, I got one of these L’Occitane Advent Calendars and honestly, it was one of the best holiday surprises ever. High-quality skincare can feel like a splurge, which makes it such a thoughtful gift.
This advent calendar includes a mix of their top skincare, body care, hair care, and fragrance minis—plus three deluxe-size products for an even bigger treat. It’s perfect for anyone who could use a little pampering during the holiday rush.
Voluspa Candle 12 Day Advent Calendar
Who doesn’t love a good candle? oluspa is known for their clean burns, chic packaging, and incredible fragrances. This 12-piece advent set makes a beautiful hostess gift, coworker gift, or a treat for anyone who loves creating a cozy, scented home. Each candle offers a different fragrance to enjoy, making it a fun way to rotate scents all season long.
Sugarfina Advent Calendar
For anyone with a sweet tooth, this advent calendar one of the most playful adult advent calendar ideas out there. Sugarfina’s famous gummies—both sweet and sour—are tucked behind each door. It’s a fun, low-pressure, universally loved gift that works for adults of all ages.
Vadham Tea Advent Calendar
For anyone who loves a good tea, this gorgeous and thoughtful tea advent calendar is filled with 24 different varieties of premium tea and herbal blends. It’s a great way to sample new flavors every day, and the packaging itself feels luxurious and gift-ready. Pair it with a cute mug, and you have the perfect cozy holiday gift.
Williams Sonoma Classic Candy Advent Calendar
If you’re craving that same nostalgic feel from when you were a kid, this calendar brings it back—but upgraded. Instead of little tiny squares of so-so chocolate, this Williams Sonoma Classic Candy calendar features high-quality, artisanal chocolates & caramels that will feel like a real treat. It even comes as a set of two, so you can keep one and give one (or just keep both—no judgment!)
Jo Malone Ornament Advent Calendar
This stunning Jo Malone 12 Day Ornament Collection features mini versions of Jo Malone colognes, travel candles, and bath and body goodies—each tucked inside a tiny numbered ornament. They make chic party favors for holiday gatherings or a luxe surprise for anyone who loves beautiful scents. It’s definitely one of the more elevated adult advent calendar ideas on this list.
Tatcha Clean Beauty 12 Day Set
Skincare lovers will adore this clean beauty set from Tatcha. It includes mini versions of 12 bestselling products designed to cleanse, hydrate, and soothe the skin. This set is a great way to test new products before committing to the full size, and everything comes packaged beautifully.
Illume 12 Day Advent Calendar
Another amazing candle option, this Illume advent calendar includes 12 of their bestselling candles in frosted glass vessels. The minimal, pretty designs make them perfect for any decor style. It features eight signature fragrances plus a few holiday favorites like Woodfire and Balsam & Cedar. Keep them on hand for small gifts—or keep them all for yourself!
If you’re looking for even more adult advent calendar ideas, there are so many creative options out there—from beauty and fragrance to food, tea, and home goods. No matter which one you choose, an advent calendar is such a fun and thoughtful way to bring a little extra joy, kid-like excitement and anticipation to the holiday season.
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