The best Advent calendars for the 2025 holiday season (so far)

Lego's 2025 Advent calendar lineup is basically the same as last year's (except for an all-new Minecraft release), but that doesn't bother me one bit — hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Although this countdown is Lego's smallest offering with only 186 pieces, it's a Christmas classic. Young and old can bring the snow-covered Lego city to life with a new character (including Santa and Mrs. Claus!) or mini build each day.

I think I can speak for all of us when I say it's always nice to have options. This pick from Pukka has 23(!) different tea varieties — yep, there's only one duplicate in the whole set. Some will make sure you start off your day right (like the aptly named morning berry), while others will help you wind down before Santa comes to town (chamomile with vanilla and honey).

Leave it to Tea Forte to bring tidings of comfort and warming joy this December. Each day, you'll get a new pyramid-shaped tea bag in one of 24 flavors — everything from bold black teas and vibrant greens to calming herbal blends. There's a tea for every taste bud, so you're bound to find the perfect cuppa to carry you through the season. 

A tip: Tell Santa as soon as you sip something you like, so he can stick a whole box of your top pick underneath the tree. 

You've seen it. I've tried it. And let me tell you: This bestselling advent calendar is full of jelly good cheer. Open a gingham-lidded mini jar and taste one of the brand's 24 limited-edition spreads each day, from fruit-filled staples to indulgent caramels and unexpected flavor combos. 

Want to know exactly what's inside? I'm no Scrooge, so I won't share any spoilers here. (If you insist, head on over to my in-depth review for the full rundown).

Unbox a new 50-piece puzzle each day, then piece them together on day 24 to create a cozy scene. It's festive fun for the whole family: The jigsaws are simple enough for little elves, but they're a delight for adults too.

Ships in October

West Elm always delivers on the reusable Advent calendar front with mantel-worthy trains, felt wall hangings and tabletop countdowns. In 2025, the brand is taking us to Scandinavia with this paper house that looks like it's straight out of a storybook. 

Stuff sweets, coins and tiny trinkets into the drawers, then store the house away and pull it out again next year. West Elm offers a whole Scandi-inspired collection, so you can go all-in on the whimsy with matching stockings, garland, ornaments and more.

Ships Sept. 20

More people are turning to so-called "grandma hobbies" to relieve stress, myself included. And if learning how to crochet is on your to-do list, then follow my lead and turn to The Woobles for a helping hand. Beginners can lean into the fun with this DIY toy workshop, which comes with four full-size kits and a bunch of festive accessories, crochet hooks and other cheery add-ons. 

High-quality stationery is one of the best Christmas gifts to give and get. Papier's Advent calendar has reached cult-favorite status, and the brand promises that this year's selection is "even bigger and brighter than last year's box." 

So, what's inside? You'll find pens, paper goods and other organizational favorites worth $250 — that means you'll save $75 in the long run! 

Ships in mid-November

Vosges Haut-Chocolat takes the cake — er, chocolate — in the packaging department. (No perforated cardboard doors here.) Nope, the chocolatier has dreamed up Le Jardin de Cacao, a festive greenhouse that opens up to reveal 25 numbered drawers stuffed with the brand's most beloved confections, plus several created solely for this limited-edition release.

Ships in late October

Your candy-loving heart will grow three sizes with this cheery countdown, packed with a festive mix of chocolates, caramels and gummies that bring out Whoville's best.

I know there won't be a shortage of festive cookies come December, but who says you can't sprinkle in some (ahem, 24) butter-based biscuits into the mix? Not me, that's for sure. Fuel up for your own baking adventures with these timeless favorites, ranging from simple shortbread rounds to salted caramel squares. 

Fly by Jing's Sichuan Chili Crisp is a staple in my pantry. Yours too? You're in luck, because this holiday season, you can indulge in a dozen of the brand's best bites, including sauces, noodles and never-before-seen releases. It'll be a welcome change from the chocolates and sugary-sweet treats that dominate each December. 

Ships Nov. 1

Sure, it's what's on the inside that counts, but this Advent calendar's delightful packaging lays the foundation for a delicious flavor story. There's something sweet behind every door — get a blackberry crumble truffle one day and a chocolate filled with vanilla custard the next (or vice versa). Flavors are anything but ordinary — think salted caramel bomboloni and Linzer cookie — so let's just say that you're in for a real (tasty) treat. 

Ships by Sept. 30

The holidays are brewing, and so is your Keurig machine. Each morning, pop a new pod into your machine and for a cup of cheer. Sip on a variety of festive flavors from top brands including Green Mountain, La Colombe and Caribou Coffee. This 24-door countdown also has a couple of Swiss Miss hot chocolate K-cups for the occasional after-hours treat. 

More than 20 years after the release of Disney's Lilo & Stitch, the fuzzy blue alien is still capturing hearts. This little guy has become even more popular in the last year due to the movie's live-action remake, and there are tons of themed Advent calendars to show for it. 

Funko's brand new countdown is among the best of the best — you'll get 10 teeny-tiny collectibles, plus stackable display pieces, holiday add-ons and other fun ways to show off your pint-size pals. 

Toy trends come and go, but all parents know the magic of these magnetic tiles is forever. A standard building set offers limitless possibilities, but this 34-piece assortment is a tad more structured, guiding little builders (ages 3 and up) to piece together a moving train and a couple of characters looking to hitch a ride, including Santa Claus himself. 

Let your little sculptor's imagination run wild this December. They'll unveil 24 fresh tubs of dough, plus 28 festive molds and three punch-out paper crafts to create their very own winter wonderland. The set also comes with four how-to cards in case they need some inspo. 

Beauty Advent calendars sell out quickly, and this Anthropologie gem is always one of the first to go. My suggestion: Nab this top-rated option ASAP to score $300-plus worth of premium makeup and skin-care minis from First Aid Beauty, Patchology and a bevy of other bestselling brands. 

Here's another beauty bestseller that's not to be missed. This year, Benefit has turned its holiday countdown into a festive game of sorts. Spin, flip and reveal 24 of the brand's holy-grail items — some are full-size (hint, hint, Benetint), while others are fun-size and perfect for future travels.

The weather outside is frightful, but your lips shouldn't be. Kidding ... kind of. Pick up this Advent calendar (for less than $20, I might add) and get a dozen full-size lip balms in seasonal flavors like candy cane and sugar cookie to soothe dry, cracked lips all winter long.

Ships in October

A bottle of wine and Hallmark's "Countdown to Christmas" go together like Lacey Chabert and, well, any small-town hunk (Hallmark fans know what I'm talking about). 

Pour yourself a glass of red, white, rosé or sparkling wine before tuning in for the ultimate wind-down. And yes, I know the holiday lineup typically starts airing in October, but try your best to wait until Dec. 1 to start sipping. 

Ships in September

Make your spirits bright, one glass of whiskey at a time. Take your taste buds on a trip around the world with this top-selling Advent calendar, featuring the finest pours from distilleries in Kentucky, Scotland, Japan and more. 

You'll also get two collectible Glencairn glasses because, ya know, you should always dress for the job you want. 

Ships in October

Dreaming of a white Christmas? What about a red winemas? Well, you'll get a bit of both (plus, some rosé!) in this 24-day wine countdown. Each mini bottle gives you a 6-ounce pour — sip on one solo while you make your list (and check it twice) or save 'em to share with loved ones at holiday parties.