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Nov 27, 2023

The 34 Best Advent Calendar Ideas for Everyone on Your List 2023

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Try something new each day.

With December right around the corner, the countdown to Christmas is on, so we're sharing a few of our favorite (and most cheerful) advent calendar ideas to get in the festive mood. For those unfamiliar with the quirky calendars, here's how they work: Every day is marked with a little door and on each day, you open it to reveal anything from parts of a story to a little gift. They're a great way to start a cheery ritual and get you pumped-up for the holidays this year.

If you hear "advent calendar" and can't help but picture over-the-top cheesiness that feels a bit outdated, know that they have evolved over the years. Some doors conceal beautiful lines of Christmas-themed poetry, others a sweet treat. No matter what kind of advent calendar strikes your fancy, chances are, we've included it on our well-researched list. Trust us; the possibilities are endless.

Think a holiday liquor tree, a beauty and wellness setup, or a a non-traditional advent calendar composed entirely of elegant stockings. No matter which one you choose, you'll be glad to know that there's a new experience waiting for you each day. Not to mention, if there is one gift that literally keeps on giving, it's these fun advent calendar ideas, plenty of which are more than affordable (read: $10). Ready to holiday shop your day away? Keep scrolling for our top picks.

Decorating the Christmas tree doesn't have to end after you place the star on top of the tree. Now you enjoy accessorizing your tree all month long with these handmade ornaments.

Hang these felt stockings with care and they'll seamlessly fit in with any holiday decor.

This takes the idea of Elton John's song, "Tiny Dancer" to a whole new level of cuteness as a ballet advent calendar. Bonus: battery-operated lighting in the background creates a starry night for the dancers.

With everything going on, staying caffeinated during the holidays is a must. So make it an experience for someone special by gifting them unique coffee flavors to try out every day.

If you are obsessed with all things gnomes, an advent calendar full of illustrations with these adorable tiny characters is a must.

You'll get everything you need to set up your advent calendar anywhere at home. The burlap bags come with six different patterns, two sizes, and all the hanging materials you need to start decorating instantly.

Satiate your sweet tooth with gourmet milk, white, and dark chocolate flavors crafted with classic Belgian fillings. Need we say more?

West Elm collaborated with artist Marimekko to design an advent calendar ideal for small spaces. Since it's almost two feet high, add it to an existing wall gallery or hang it next to your tabletop tree.

Upgrade your holiday scents this year with luxurious candles boasting signature aromas from Voluspa. These aren't your average holiday candles, so expect the unexpected.

If you can't remember the last time you got to stay in a fancy hotel then treat yourself to a miniaturized version with the George & Viv Grand Hotel advent calendar. Each box can open to put in a small holiday treat, and you'll treasure it for years to come.

Take the DIY approach this holiday season with pre-decorated boxes that you can easily assemble. Put anything you want in it from candies and small crafts to trinkets.

Building a puzzle with someone special throughout the holiday season is the perfect way to spark conversation and reminiscence about Christmases past.

Here's a classic style you'll enjoy for years with the little ones. Each day you can tuck in a piece of candy or perhaps a clue for something to do together. It has a book-like design, so you can easily open and close it too.

Spark your creative senses with 12 pages worth of holiday-themed stickers. Get extra crafty by doing drawings, and layer in some craft paper to create an original piece of art each day.

Although your initial thought may be to roll your eyes when you think about Christmas and socks, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the jolly patterns on the socks that will lift your spirits each day.

Every day is a new opportunity to dress up your look with this holiday skincare and make-up advent calendar by Clinique. It also takes the sample game to the next level when you get 24 items for under $60.

Take a new approach to the holiday season with these chic little boxes. Everyone can get involved in the fun by putting something special in each one and then sticking them anywhere around the house.

Set the mood with this handmade wooden advent calendar. Customize the design by adding hooks to hang daily clues or crafts for the family to do together. Plus, it comes in multiple wood finishes and different figurines to count down the days.

Celebrate eight nights of Hanukkah with handmade gift bags. Open one each night with a special trinket inside as you light the menorah.

Designed with a minimalist theme in mind, this advent calendar will add a subtle nod to the holidays without being too distracting in your home. Each pocket is a generous size to hold larger items, and it can easily be stored away by simply rolling it up.

Angela Belt is the contributing Assistant Shopping Editor at House Beautiful. She's also an interior designer and is the host of her own podcast, The Mood Board. When it comes to design, she's an esteemed expert with some of her work also appearing in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, The Washington Post, and more.

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