Countdown to Christmas with a variety of Advent calendars featuring chocolate, wine, Disney and Marvel characters plus personal grooming items designed for pure body bliss. Each of the following nine calendars include up to 25 pieces, pockets or boxes of trinkets for fun-filled or delectable surprises each day. Pop-up trees and boxes with dates keep all pieces organized. Some calendars, particularly the two dozen sterling silver earrings boxes and generously portioned wine bottles, are perfect for sharing or gifting as stocking stuffers after opening. It’s no surprise that reports of shipping delays are ongoing but all of the following items in this gift guide are currently available.
A box of chocolate. Metallic foil designs of Santa, snowmen, colorful balls, gift boxes and more can be unwrapped to reveal chocolates from Dylan’s Candy Bar. The kid-friendly packaging features a chocolate bunny, swirly lollipops and a Christmas wreath but adults are welcome to partake in the delicious interior treats. $15. dylanscandybar.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Beauty bags. Dr. Hauschka Skin Care offers a fresh take on an Advent calendar: bags filled with organic and ethically sourced ingredients for the body. Treat yourself or someone else with a countdown that features body milks, moisturizers, hand lotions — which are especially important during the winter season — and a full-size hydrating cream mask. Each item seems even more special since they are packed in individual premium organic-cotton gift bags, which makes it easier to share or keep for another day. $75. drhauschka.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Such a character. Make the countdown even more festive with a Batman Advent calendar featuring 25 exclusive Gotham City-inspired patch pockets filled with recipe cards, pins, patches and other mementos. Available at Amazon, Caped Crusader fans will enjoy discovering what adventure awaits each day. $23.38. amazon.com.
Shines so bright. Open two dozen boxes of sterling silver earrings with a Sterling Forever 24 days of jewelry Advent calendar. Earrings include a pair of sterling silver 4mm cubic zirconia studs, chain hoops, teardrop threader earrings, a pair of 14K gold-plated sterling silver linear hoops and much more. A calendar this dazzling can also be presented as an early Christmas present. The list price of the entire collection is $1,354 but it’s currently on sale for $499. sterlingforever.com.
Sweet things. ‘Tis the season for something sweet and a Christmas countdown is delectable with 24 boxes of Sugarfina chocolates aptly called the Santa’s Workshop Advent calendar. A bevy of best-sellers such as birthday cake caramels, heavenly sours and dark chocolate sea salt caramels are included, plus an assortment of new flavors like merry berries and petite strawberries. $60. sugarfina.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Take care. The Apotheke Advent calendar is meant to keep folks fresh, clean and refreshed after burning the midnight oil with work or holiday shopping. The 25-piece set includes paraben- and sulfate-free products such as three bath salts, three shea butters and a bar soap to pamper the body. Ten candles create a relaxing ambiance and keep personal spaces fragrant. Available at Nordstrom. $185. nordstrom.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Fairy tales. The festivities of Christmas and Disney converge in an enchanting calendar featuring well-known princesses such as Cinderella, Tiana and Rapunzel. The pop-up calendar is shaped like a tree and features a glass slipper, water lily and frying pan decorations all comprised of sturdy paper. A book with facts about ornaments and the princesses is the perfect accompaniment to create a timeless family tradition. Available at Amazon. $34.99. amazon.com.
Drink up. Celebrate the season with 24 mini bottles of wine from Jingle & Mingle. Each bottle is 187 ml, and for reference, that’s the same size as the wine bottles offered on airplane flights. Varietals include reds, whites and rosés. This generously portioned calendar makes it easy to gift wine bottles as stocking stuffers and still have enough to drink throughout the holidays. $59.99 at target.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Oh, Christmas tree. A free-standing Advent calendar in the shape of a 13-inch tree features 25 petite-sized paper doors with festive illustrations. It’s also printed in color and has metallic gold-foil stamped accents all over to make the Christmas countdown more merry and bright. Available at Rifle Paper Co. $18. riflepaperco.com.
About the Author
