Best Advent Calendars of 2024

October 20, 2024 10:50 AM

I’ve enjoyed this question previously and have already seen advent calendars in stores. It’s not even Halloween, but this gives us plenty of time. What unique advent calendars are out there in 2024?
posted by Juniper Toast to Grab Bag (18 answers total)

While I’m a little unclear on the exact format, I am fascinated by Wera’s Germanic dedication to drivers and Christmas novelties.
posted by zamboni at 11:37 AM on October 20 [1 favorite]

We like the Lego ones!
posted by Tandem Affinity at 11:50 AM on October 20 [2 favorites]

Very niche, but my favorite (spendy!) advent calendar is for fountain pen ink. (Link is to a reliable retailer for said advent calendar, the Diamine Inkvent Calendar, 2024 black edition.)
posted by MagnificentVacuum at 11:50 AM on October 20 [3 favorites]

I'm rather tempted by this chocolate dinosaur advent calendar. There are other brands, but this one is something to do with the Natural History Museum, so I'm sure it will be completely accurate.
posted by paduasoy at 11:55 AM on October 20 [2 favorites]

Last year we did a fun off-brand lego one where you build a little dingus every day, but at the end you take 6 little dinguses each and build a bigger dingus out of the parts.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 12:16 PM on October 20

On the non-material front, Frog Facts and Crab Facts from Skype-A-Scientist.
posted by EvaDestruction at 1:05 PM on October 20 [3 favorites]

I've been doing EXIT: The Game Advent Calendars since they've come out. Assuming you love puzzles, these are basically a regular EXIT game (an escape room in a box) split into 25 parts. They come with various fun trinkets and are very tactile and hands-on. You will WRECK the package by the end of the month. It's VERY satisfying. Includes tiered clues to help if you get stuck.
posted by mrphancy at 1:34 PM on October 20 [2 favorites]

Bonne Maman, the jam/jelly people, do an advent calendar of 24 small pots of special not-usually-for-sale flavours (this year's US selection includes Caramel with Coffee, Apricot with Orange Blossom, and Guava and Raspberry & Rose). Perfect with toast each morning.

The EXIT calendars are excellent fun.
posted by Hogshead at 2:11 PM on October 20 [8 favorites]

Response by poster: Mimi & August is a Canadian company that has an advent calendar with candles, scented product and ceramic holder called Twelve Enchanted Days.
posted by Juniper Toast at 2:52 PM on October 20

yellowpapers on Etsy has really neat Advent calendars, with doors that open to themed clues, like books, paintings, world travel, fairytales, dog breeds, arctic or forest animals. The answers are in an envelope on the back. It's a German company, so a whole different vibe and art style from the American Santa.

Also, I learned last year that Advent jigsaw puzzles are a thing! No specific source to recommend there, I know Amazon has a bunch of different ones.
posted by dorey_oh at 3:36 PM on October 20 [4 favorites]

Uncommon Goods has some interesting ones and may point you to other things to look for.
posted by edencosmic at 5:13 PM on October 20 [1 favorite]

dorey_oh reminded me of Galison's (jigsaw) Puzzle Advent Calendars (12 puzzles in each; the "Snowscape" item on that page looks like just windows to open, not puzzles).
posted by adventitious at 7:05 PM on October 20

Wirecutter has a guide (some very pricey, some more reasonable.)

Vermont Country Store has a variety (including some with alcohol filled chocolates).
posted by gudrun at 7:14 PM on October 20 [1 favorite]

Love the Exit advent calendars!

Lovehoney (Link nsfw) offers some...unique...adult-oriented advent calendars. They’re relatively pricey, but I understand the “treats” behind the doors would run you far more if purchased separately.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:15 PM on October 20

Advent of Code -- a programming puzzle a day, progressively more difficult -- is the furthest and most delightfully I've seen the concept stretched, though it may not be helpful if you're thinking of a particular use case such as physical gifts.
posted by dick dale the vampire at 2:48 AM on October 21

Hey Clay advent calendar
Woobles (crochet) advent calendar
posted by Kriesa at 3:58 AM on October 21

The Wirecutter shows several Lego items that are (on sale, anyway) surprisingly cheap! I am so used to them milking the market for every nickel that I almost scrolled past.

But I really like the same article's suggestion of buying an empty wooden Advent calendar at the craft store and filling it yourself. That's got me thinking....
posted by wenestvedt at 6:25 AM on October 21

My favorite tea shop has a tea advent calendar. 24 loose-leaf teas with a mix of black, green, and herbal teas.

I am also very tempted by this honey advent calendar from Meyer Bees.
posted by carrioncomfort at 10:58 AM on October 21