If you’ve ever experienced the joy of opening a little window, box or pouch in the lead-up to Christmas you know the magic that is advent calendars. But gone are the days when this tradition meant stale, chalky chocolate. Today’s advent calendars include everything from toys to gourmet treats. And they’re not just for kids anymore! Read on for 14 of our favourites to help you make the season even more magical.
Haribo
The cult favourite features a mixture of yummy chews including marshmallow, licorice and gummies in fruit and cola flavours. Perfect for the sweet lover who’s already chocolated-out by December first!
Amazon.ca | $26
Hershey’s Cookies ‘N Cream
Yes, you just finished throwing away discarded Hersey wrappers post-Halloween but we’re going to keep the fun going with this adorable and affordable calendar featuring 16 mini Cookies ‘N Cream Kisses, 8 snack-size bars and one full-size bar. Kids will love the different snow creature scenes.
Amazon.ca | $12
Lego Friends
Reveal the colourful, magical world of Heartlake City one day at a time. Includes a Mia mini-doll, plus two penguins, two robots, a hamster and snowman figures, all with ribbons so they can be hung on the tree.
Indigo.ca | $32
My Kindness Calendar
Start a new holiday tradition that’s all about kindness. Instead of indulging on candy or chocolate, your family can choose a daily act of kindness like Donate a Toy, Shovel for a Neighbour or Make Lunch for Someone. Or add your own ideas with the customizable stickers that are included. This beautiful calendar can be pulled out year after year to make giving back a holiday tradition in your family.
MyKindnessCalendar.com | $75
Schleich Dinosaurs
You know what they say, nothing says Christmas like toy dinosaurs! Okay, maybe no one says that but it doesn’t mean your budding paleontologist won’t enjoy discovering a new creature or accessory every day until the big reveal. Have a farm animal or horse lover in your house? Check out Schleich’s Farm World and Horse Club advent calendars too for the same price.
Indigo.ca | $44.99
Lindt Teddy
Lindt Teddy and Friends, Mini Balls, Balls and Double Milk Balls, all hand-crafted by Lindt’s Maîtres Chocolatiers, will make the count-down to Christmas even sweeter. And you can’t beat the look of these adorable, festive boxes.
Amazon.ca | $29
Playmobil NHL “Road to the Cup”
24 surprise items leading up to Christmas reveal a child’s journey from young hockey fan to professional superstar. Set includes three moveable adult figures, two child figures, NHL flags, practice goal, puck bag with pucks, coach, Stanley Cup with pedestal, bench, cones, and other hockey accessories. Recommended for ages five years and up.
Indigo.ca | $25
Skinny Santa
DIY this holiday season with an adorable festive calendar you can customize with the candy, toys and little surprises of your choice. With his downy beard, plush hat and moveable candy cane to indicate the date, this felt-based calendar is as cute as it is fun. Start a new holiday tradition that can keep giving year after year.
Potterybarnkids.ca | $38
Organic Traditions’ 12 Days of Superfood Teas & Lattes
Adults will love these instant vegan superfood lattes that are prepared by just adding hot or cold water as well as four loose-leaf superfood teas. 12 unique superfood teas and lattes that promote a variety of health benefits. The advent calendar also includes a booklet explaining each superfood ingredient along with inspiration on how to enjoy them in a variety of ways.
Vitasave.ca | $26
Yawn Coffee
But first, coffee. Who wouldn’t love 24 sachets of specialty coffees (whole bean or ground) presented in beautiful seasonal packaging? Help someone start every day of the busy season off on the right foot (or mug) with responsibly-sourced craft coffees from places like Costa Rica, Peru and India. Each calendar contains 24 sachets of coffee, each sachet makes one cup.
Etsy | $43
Godiva Chocolates
The Godiva chocolate advent calendar is filled with a decadent array of milk, dark, and white chocolates, including 9 pieces in fun, seasonal shapes, like jolly Santa, wintry penguin, and festive snowman. The calendar also includes 15 individually wrapped Milk Chocolate carres in seasonal wrappers.
Amazon.ca | $35
Norman Rockwell
Adults of a certain vintage know Norman Rockwell and probably remember his iconic Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas painting. Relive the magic as each window of your advent calendar reveals a different holiday illustration with pop-up construction and multiple sliding parts for a lovely, nostalgic (and calorie-free!) holiday celebration.
Amazon.ca | $24
12 Days of Beer
The perfect way for grownups to count down to Christmas for the beer lovers in your life! With two options available from Brock Street Brewing, you can order an advent calendar already pre-filled with a variety of their beers ($99), or get just advent calendar and fill it yourself ($25).
Brockstreetbrewing.com | $25 or $99
And One For Your Fur Friends…
Bosco and Roxy’s Advent Calendar for Dogs
Christmas has really gone to the dogs with this beautiful package of gourmet bakery treats in puppy-approved flavours. Help your pooch get in on the fun this holiday season with a special treat every morning. Keep it for your family dog or gift it to the friend who’s pup is always her plus one.
Petsmart.ca | $20
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Tagged under: Christmas,holidays,advent calendars,advent calendar ideas
Category: christmas,family-life
