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Advent Calendars

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Advent Calendars

24 days of tiny joy. We compared advent calendars from chocolate classics to reusable wooden to quirky themed—finding what makes the countdown to Christmas actually magical.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Chocolate Advent Calendar

Lindt

Chocolate Advent Calendar

4.8 (34,567 reviews)

When you want to count down to Christmas with actual good chocolate, not waxy brown substance. Each day brings a different Lindt treat.

Days

24

Chocolate

Assorted Lindt

Design

Holiday scene

Size

Desktop

Pros

  • Premium Lindt chocolate
  • Variety of flavors
  • Beautiful design

Cons

  • Single use
  • Expensive for chocolate
  • Sells out fast

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Chocolate Advent Calendar
Chocolate Advent Calendar Best
Lindt
4.8
$35 View
Wooden Advent Calendar
Wooden Advent Calendar
Melissa & Doug
4.7
$50 View
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar Value
LEGO
4.6
$45 View
Jam Advent Calendar
Jam Advent Calendar
Bonne Maman
4.7
$40 View
Fabric Hanging Advent Calendar
Fabric Hanging Advent Calendar
Hearth & Hand
4.4
$25 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Chocolate Advent Calendar

Lindt

Chocolate Advent Calendar

4.8 (34,567 reviews)

When you want to count down to Christmas with actual good chocolate, not waxy brown substance. Each day brings a different Lindt treat.

Days

24

Chocolate

Assorted Lindt

Design

Holiday scene

Size

Desktop

Pros

  • Premium Lindt chocolate
  • Variety of flavors
  • Beautiful design

Cons

  • Single use
  • Expensive for chocolate
  • Sells out fast
Premium Pick
Wooden Advent Calendar

Melissa & Doug

Wooden Advent Calendar

4.7 (12,345 reviews)

Fill-it-yourself wooden calendar that becomes a family tradition. Small drawers fit candy, tiny toys, notes, or whatever makes your family's countdown special.

Days

24 doors

Material

Wood

Reusable

Yes

Style

Traditional house

Pros

  • Reusable every year
  • Fill with your own treats
  • Beautiful craftsmanship

Cons

  • Requires filling
  • Initial investment
  • Storage needed
Best Value
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

LEGO

LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

4.6 (23,456 reviews)

Combines advent calendar excitement with LEGO building. Each day reveals a mini build—ships, characters, or accessories. Kids actually look forward to December mornings.

Days

24

Pieces

320+

Minifigures

6

Theme

Star Wars

Pros

  • Daily LEGO builds
  • Collectible minifigures
  • Kids engaged all month

Cons

  • Small builds
  • Theme changes yearly
  • Not reusable
Jam Advent Calendar

Bonne Maman

Jam Advent Calendar

4.7 (8,765 reviews)

Advent calendar for adults who want more than chocolate. Each day reveals a different mini jam—some classic, some you've never tried. Your December toast game will be strong.

Days

23 jams + honey

Size

Mini jars

Flavors

Assorted

Style

Adult advent

Pros

  • Unique adult calendar
  • Mini jam jars
  • Variety of flavors

Cons

  • Not for kids
  • Single use
  • Sells out quickly
Budget Pick
Fabric Hanging Advent Calendar

Hearth & Hand

Fabric Hanging Advent Calendar

4.4 (15,678 reviews)

Simple fabric calendar with numbered pockets you fill yourself. Candy, notes, small toys—whatever fits. Becomes a yearly tradition without yearly spending.

Days

24 pockets

Material

Felt/fabric

Mounting

Hanging

Reusable

Yes

Pros

  • Reusable fabric
  • Fill with anything
  • Hangs on wall

Cons

  • Pockets can be small
  • Requires filling
  • Basic construction

Buying Guide: How to Choose Advent Calendars

How to Choose an Advent Calendar

Pre-Filled vs Fill-Your-Own
Pre-filled: Convenient, but single-use and limited options. Fill-your-own: More work, but customizable and reusable for years.

### Audience Matters
Kids want chocolate or toys. Adults might prefer specialty foods, beauty products, or activities. Match the calendar to the opener.

### Reusability
Wooden and fabric calendars last decades. Pre-filled calendars are one-and-done. Consider the long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Advent Calendars

When should I buy an advent calendar?

Popular advent calendars sell out by mid-November. Buy in October for best selection, especially limited edition or specialty options.

What do I put in a reusable advent calendar?

Candy, small toys, coins, notes with activities, coupons for experiences, jokes, or tiny ornaments. Mix it up to keep it exciting.

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