13 Unique Advent Calendars You Won’t Be Able to Resist Opening

For the Playful Product Junkie

* Looking for our 2018 Advent Calendar roundup? Find it here!

Snag this calendar – with a retail value of $202 – and find 25 days worth of entertainment. The recipient will find a beauty treat each day (think lip balms, body butters and soaps), plus a “Pay It Forward” suggestion alongside each item and a trivia quiz to play on Christmas day once the whole calendar is empty.

The Body Shop 25 Days of Game Changing Advent-Ures Advent Calendar, $99 at thebodyshop.ca.

Shopping for someone and need a thoughtful gift? Try our #givingtuesday holiday picks.

For the Christmas Fanatic

Anyone who begins decorating for the holidays on November 1 – or is a fan of Christmas traditions like caroling or baking gingerbread – will love this classic wooden calendar designed to look like a tiny alpine village perched atop a sleigh. Fill it with candies, baubles or even paper slips from fortune cookies.

Glitterville Glitter Sleigh Advent Calendar, $99.50 at indigo.ca.

For the Wellness Guru

Twelve days, twelve surprises. This Saje wellness calendar features 11 essential oil blends and one ceramic diffuser to fill any home with the comforting aromas of ingredients from around the world. It includes limited edition diffuser blends such as American Mint, Bali Bliss and Tuscan Sun.

Saje 12 Days of Wellness Advent Calendar, $110 at saje.com.

For the Frequent Flyer

With $132 worth of skin-care minis, this calendar is ideal for anyone who travels and wants to maintain a high quality skin-care routine on the go. Included in the package are fan faves like the brightening Truth Serum, Uplifting Transformation Eye Cream and Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub – plus other goodies such as cleanser and hand cream.

Olehenriksen 12 Days of Ole Glow Skincare Advent Calendar, $82 at sephora.ca.

Not sure what to give your beauty bae? We have 12 gifts for the beauty junkie on your list. 

For the Tiny Crafter

The littles in your life need all the creative encouragement they can get. Do your part with an Advent calendar that keeps artistic creation in mind. Crayola’s offering is packed with tools (think Doodle Scents markers, metallic crayons, glitter glue, googly eyes and more) and instructions for making holiday ornaments and decorations.

Crayola Christmas Countdown Activity Advent Calendar, $25 at indigo.ca.

For the Glam Goddess

Some women are all about skin care; others can’t get enough of lipstick and eyeliner. If you know someone who fits in the latter category, give her this steal of an Advent calendar from Artdeco worth a whopping $236. It’s packed with the beauty brand’s classic makeup products like an eye-shadow trio, kajal liner and powder lip finish.

Artdeco Advent Calendar, $86 at beautyboutique.ca.

If you are like us and going to do your holiday shopping online, then you will want to bookmark our #cybermonday list of sites to shop.

For the Budding Beauty Blogger

Whether she’s 16 or 46, chances are pretty high that she loves a good mani. Make her at-home process super easy with a gift of 19 pretty mini polishes (plus one full size bottle of Showtime, a golden hue with pink glitter) and a top coat, nail treatment and more.

Ciaté London Mini Mani Month Nail Polish Set, $70 at sephora.ca.

For the Homebody

The classic Davidstea Advent calendar will allow you or a loved one to savour a new flavour of tea every day of December leading up to Christmas. You’ll get in the spirit by enjoying tea blends such as Caramel Shortbread, Walnut Orange Scone and Lemon Pound Cake without the guilt that sometimes comes with holiday baking.

DavidsTea 24 Days of Tea, $45 at davidstea.com.

For the Tastemaker

The “Parisian at heart” in your world will swoon for this L’Occitane luxury calendar filled with the French brand’s bestselling products. Each drawer houses a mini beauty jewel such as Almond Supple Skin Oil, Rose et Reines Hand & Nail Cream or Verbena Eau de Toilette.

L’Occitane Luxury Advent Calendar, $134 at ca.loccitane.com.

For the Wee Sculptor

Kiddos will adore 24 days of fun with five cans of Play-Doh (including two sparkle varieties) and a mix of molds and other tools. There are no rules, and the little ’un will bask in creative freedom – and making a bit of a mess.

Play-Doh Advent Calendar, $17 at toysrus.ca.

For the Bathing Beauty

Elevate bath time with a selection of Lush’s holiday favourites: four bath bombs (including Golden Wonder, which will make the tub look like it’s filled with liquid gold), two shower gels, three soaps, bath oil, lotion and a Christingle menthol body conditioner to nourish and soften damp skin.

Lush 12 Days of Christmas, $115 at lush.ca.  

For the Décor Snob

If a calendar filled with chocolates doesn’t suit your particular décor tastes, perhaps this sleek wood calendar in vibrant red will do the trick. The hinged doors are each hand-painted with a holiday motif and are perfect for disguising treats or tiny toys of your choosing.

Icon Advent Calendar, $99.50 at indigo.ca.

For the Luxury Lover

For most of us, this $525 Diptyque Advent calendar is but a pipe dream. But for anyone with an overflowing bank account, or a major passion for high-end fragrances, this collection of Vinaigre de Toilette, skin- and body-care products and mini candles (plus one full size) is sure to delight.

Diptyque Advent Calendar, $525 at holtrenfrew.com.