If you grew up in an advent calendar house, you’re hit with that nostalgia every year as December 1st draws closer. There is nothing like that daily hit of dopamine of a little treat as we lead up to the big 2-5. We’re grown ups now, so our taste has well evolved past discount store metallic-tasting mini chocolates, we want something for us. Thankfully, advent calendars have matured with us and there is a plethora of options from beauty to drinks to home, there is something for everyone. We’ve rounded up our favourites to take us through to Christmas.
Hudson’s Bay Exclusive Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar
If you are lucky to get your hands on one of these, your holidays are made, as is your beauty needs for the entire year too! With over $1,300 worth of beauty products and goodies, The Bay’s Beauty Calendar tops our list since it was first introduced a few years ago. Find exclusive goodies (many full-sized!) from some of your favourite department store beauty brands, including Shiseido, VALENTINO, Lancôme, Hermès, Versace, Estee Lauder, M.A.C, Clinique, Kiehl’s, Elizabeth Arden, Bobbi Brown, and more! Buy it online for pick up or delivery at Hudson’s Bay.
Diptique Advent Calendar
Our favourite advent calendars come in reusable containers. Diptique tops the list this year with this gorgeous Lucy Sparrow inspired sewing box, which would be an ideal container for your favourite jewellery pieces or to help sort your makeup. Alongside the coveted holiday scented candles are some limited perfumes. The holidays never smelled so good. Available at Holt Renfrew.
Kanel Spices Arrivals Collection 12 Day Advent Calendar
Spice it up with Kanel Spices Arrivals advent calendar. If you love cooking, these 12 days of salt and spice blends could inspire some new holidays dishes. Each comes in a glass jar with a cork lid as well as accompanying recipes, and a handmade brass seasoning spoon. Unlike other calendars, this one isn’t numbered so you get to choose which one to open. We can’t wait to try the Organic Spicy Chili Crunch, Sweet Korean Heat, Quebec Maple Smoked Salt, and the Smoked Chorizo Rub. Available at Well.ca.
MAC Cosmetics 24K Holiday Advent Calendar
Being devout MAC fans since the 90s, we can’t help but find ourselves vying this beauty advent calendar. It contains 24 full-sized and mini surprises with some of their best-sellers and new shades. Valued at $618 and selling for just $300, you know this is sure to be an instant sell-out. Plus, how cute will this look as a piece of holiday décor? Available in stores.
Mala The Brand
Nothing makes your home get in the holiday spirit more than lighting a seasonally scented candle. With this advent calendar, you get a new scent for every day with some of Mala the Brand’s most loved candle scents, including a few exclusives. Each candle is made in Canada and burns for 4 hours each. Purchase online at well.ca.
Canella Prosecco Advent Calendar
Make everyday leading up to Christmas, an extra sparkly one with the Canella Prosecco Advent Calendar. A great way to sample a variety of Italian prosecco to find your new fave to ring in the new year. Available at LCBO.
Olaeda Jewelry Advent Calendar
Containing over $1,387 worth of jewellery from Toronto-based brand Olaeda, this advent calendar is sure to sell out instantly. As a bonus, five calendars will be selected at random to include a pair of 14k solid gold cubic zirconia stud earrings! Sign up for the pre-order notification on their website today so you don’t miss out! Available at shopolaeda.com.
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar
If jam is, well, your jam, you’re in luck! Bonne Maman’s advent calendar will have you stocking up on all your favourite baked goods for that daily morning treat. And why not save your jars afterwards to make a jam cocktail to get you even more in the holiday spirit? Available at bonnemaman.ca or Amazon.
Mimi & August Twelve Enchanting Days advent calendar
Mimi & August’s Twelves Enchanting Days advent calendar is for those who are more conscious with their consumption. The Montreal brand prides itself in manufacturing pieces ethically and with respect for the environment, producing pieces in limited qualities. This calendar is all about bringing nostalgic winter scents into your home to create that festive atmosphere. The calendar contains exclusive scented candles, a room spray, a diffuser, a star-shaped tealight holder, and more. Available at Simons.
