MADI KOETTING/TASTE OF HOME
The 26 Best Advent Calendars for Everyone on Your List
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MADI KOETTING/TASTE OF HOME
We’re officially in the thick of holiday decorating, Christmas gift shopping and of course, Advent calendar season. This practice dates back to the mid-19th Century when German Protestants put chalk marks on their doors to count down the days leading up to Christmas. And there’s just nothing that gets us in the joy-filled Christmas spirit quite like the best Advent calendars.
Today, these beloved countdowns have a little bit more spirit. From chocolates and coffee to boozy beverages (and everything in between), the choices are endless. Because it’s technically a calendar, it’s recommended to start on day 1 to correspond with each day’s date. That will also help you keep track of what days you’ve completed already without having to do any math. Some Advent calendars also feature the best surprises at the end of the calendar, so it’s fun to lead up to them.
But, of course, if you want to spice things up you can also start at 24 and count backwards to the days leading up to Christmas. For calendars with 12 surprises, start opening on December 13.
Because we take Advent calendars very seriously, we tested over 40 countdowns to recommend the absolute best ones. Find our favorite editor-tested picks for 2023 below. A quick note: the best Advent calendars sell fast. All of our picks are available to order now, so you’ll want to claim yours as soon as possible to ensure your countdown is lined up for December. Ready, set, let the Christmas countdown begin!
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Madi Koetting/Taste of Home
Best Overall Advent Calendar
Best of Harry & David Countdown
Topping our list of best Advent calendars, this Harry & David countdown features 24 tastes of the brand’s most iconic products. You’ll snack on a little bit of everything—think Moose Munch popcorn, dried fruits and nuts, cookies and even a Royal Riviera pear. Weighing in at over 7 pounds, this bountiful Advent calendar is big enough for the whole family. We can’t think of a more bountiful food gift.
Out of the 40+ countdowns I tested this year, the Harry & David calendar checks all the boxes. Yes, the strong variety of goodies is impressive. But it’s the amount of care and attention that went into this Advent calendar that makes it stand out. While some countdowns only have one treat per day, most days within the Harry & David calendar include multiple snacks and desserts so you don’t have to fight over who gets what (or whose day it is to choose a treat).
Plus, each confection is wrapped in gift-worthy packaging. Every day truly feels like a little gift to yourself. Adorable winter designs like a dancing snowman and cozy fireplace scene make the packaging cute and festive without being too over the top. The real magic lies within the treats waiting to be devoured. If you only get one Advent calendar, let it be the Best of Harry & David countdown. It’s a winner for a reason!
Pros
- 24 days of Harry & David’s most iconic treats
- Large variety of sweet and savory goodies
- Ideal for gifting to loved ones (or yourself!)
- Enough for the whole family to share
Cons
- On the pricey side
Luke and Lottie: It’s Christmas! (Hardcover)
This is book number 2 in the Luke and Lottie series.
- #1: Luke and Lottie. It’s Halloween! (Hardcover): $17.95
- #3: Luke and Lottie. It’s Easter (Paperback): $9.95
- #4: Luke & Lottie. Fall Is Here! (Luke and Lottie #4) (Hardcover): $14.95
- #5: Luke and Lottie. Spring Is Here! (Hardcover): $14.95
- #6: Luke and Lottie. Winter Is Here! (Hardcover): $14.95
- #7: Luke and Lottie and Their Vegetable Garden (Hardcover): $18.95
- #10: Luke and Lottie. Summer Is Here! (Hardcover): $18.95
Description
“‘Tis the night before Christmas for twins Luke and Lottie. A pair of twins celebrate Christmas Eve with their parents and grandparents. The straightforward text depicts the children buying, setting up, and decorating their Christmas tree with their parents. They even make cookies to hang on its branches. Then they get dressed up for a festive dinner with their grandparents. The family exchanges gifts that night, a tradition many readers will recognize, though it’s not one often represented in American picture books. Finally, after singing carols together, a sibling gift exchange at book’s end sweetly has the brother and sister give each other their respective favorite toys.
A merry little Christmas Eve story.” – Kirkus Review
It’s Christmas The twins, Luke and Lottie, are so excited. Christmas Eve is the best night of the year.
A warm and recognizable story about celebrating Christmas together. For children ages 3 and up.
Guided Reading Level I.
About the Author
Ruth Wielockx never imagined that she would become a writer and illustrator of children’s books. She studied Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Leuven (Belgium) and Southampton (United Kingdom), and went on to get a degree in education. After years of teaching, Ruth realized that she really liked drawing and painting. She took this new passion and combined it with her love of children’s books to begin a very successful career as an author and illustrator.
- Holidays & Celebrations – Christmas & Advent
- Family – Siblings
- Religious – Christian – Holidays & Celebrations
- Paperback (September 3rd, 2019): $9.95
