It's hard to believe that it's been a whole decade since Apple's now-iconic (and heavily parodied) "There's an app for that," commercials revolutionized what we knew the then third generation iPhone (feel old yet?) was capable of. Well, thanks to the internet, "there's an advent calendar for that," is now a bonafide thing — and we have the offbeat picks to prove it.
Advent calendars are great for many reasons: Mainly, you get to open them up at the beginning of December, and assuming you don't go the instant gratification route and open all of the days' worth of goodies at once, you get to enjoy an entire month's worth of presents on the daily. (What could be better, right?) And despite the fact that they're usually a higher-priced item, they can actually be a great value if you're looking to share your gifts, or if you're looking to try a variety of products from one brand.
However, in 2019, advent calendars aren't just reserved for festive chocolates; from hot sauce to sex toys (yep!), we've rounded up 23 of the best, oddly specific advent calendars to shop this holiday season.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Kiehl's advent calendar is always one of the most hotly anticipated items of the gifting season, and they've done it again with this year's storybook-like calendar inspired by New York City in the holidays. In addition to having excellent packaging, it's also a great way to nab $160 worth of skin care for just $90.
Kiehl's Limited Edition Skincare Advent Calendar, $, available at Kiehl's
Whimsical enamel pins are an easy way to make any denim jacket or backpack totally your own. This adorable 12-day advent calendar features not only festive designs (mini Santa and reindeer), but pins you'll want to wear year-round, too: Butterfly, a cactus, and....a lobster?
Meri Meri Enamel Pin Advent Calendar, $, available at Target
The cheeky grandma from the Frank's Hot Sauce commercial said it best: "I put that sh*t on everything!" Bring the heat this holiday season with a hot sauce advent calendar, stocked with 25 mini bottles. (We have our eyes on Comet's Cayenne Colon Cleanser and Hark! The Habanero Sings.)
BYOB Hot Sauce The 25 Sauces of Christmas Countdown to Santa Claus, $, available at Amazon
From butt plugs to bondage, vibrators to vanilla-scented mood candles (and massage oil), Lovehoney's holiday blockbuster item is the sexiest advent calendar money can buy. Maybe that's because it's the sheer novelty of a sexytime-themed advent calendar, but no matter what, there's no denying that this is a serious steal if you're looking for the ultimate couples' toy starter pack.
Lovehoney Best Sex of Your Life Sex Toy Countdown Calendar, $, available at Lovehoney
But wait...there's more? Better Love's advent calendar (which is currently on sale for $20 off the sticker price) contains an impressive $400 worth of sexy accessories — plus a booklet to offer tips and tricks to put the 24 items to good use. After all, nothing's hotter than a steal of a deal, right?
Better Love Adult Advent Calendar, $, available at Ella Paradis
For a cool $112,000, this Tiffany Blue calendar can be yours — or gifted to a very, very lucky friend. The treasure trove of jewelry features 24 days of sparkly delights, ranging from a Tiffany T True bracelet in 18k yellow gold to a rose gold Tiffany Smile pendant accented with diamonds.
Want to skip the hard stuff? Keep things chill with a sampler of a dozen wines sourced from all over the world. You'll probably learn a thing or two about vino, and the chic test tubes feel like chemistry class...except with alcohol. (It sold out quick in 2018, and is projected to do the same this year!)
Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine, $, available at Vinebox
While you're busy finding gifts for everyone on your list, don't forget to treat yourself to a little something special, too! This under-$40 Anthro advent calendar makes for the ultimate self-care kit to ward off any holiday stress.
Anthropologie Seven Days of Self-Care Advent Calendar, $, available at Anthropologie
This popular British calendar offers 12 sachets of curry spice blends with 12 corresponding recipes to create delicious curries from around the world. It does ship to the U.S. but this second annual curry cal did sell out last year so you don't want to wait.
The Spicery The 12 Curries of Christmas Advent Calendar, $, available at The Spicery
Nail polish and Hello Kitty — what more could anyone ask for? Make December your most well-manicured month with this set of 24 OPI minis, perfect for sharing with friends as a chic stocking stuffer.
OPI Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer Advent Calendar, $, available at Ulta Beauty
If you (or someone you know) is a certified Tea Person (*raises hand*), then there's no better gift than a holiday sampler kit stocked with 24 days' worth of delicious teas from David's Tea. After all, nothing feels cozier than a steaming cup of peppermint tea, right?
David's Tea 24 Days of Tea, $, available at David's Tea
Between busy travel plans and round-the-clock family time, the holidays can be an understandably hectic time for some. Get into the Christmas spirit and take the edge off with a boozy advent calendar with miniature bottles of tequila, gin, whiskey, vodka, mezcal, and more.
Chocolates will always be a classic, but switch things up this year with an advent calendar filled with our favorite salty-sweet confection. However, this isn't just your typical Brach's caramel chew; these small-batch sweets are made with New Hampshire maple syrup and Massachusetts-sourced dairy, and come in tasty flavors like coffee bean, clove, Hawaiian sea salt, and more.
McCrea's Handcrafted Caramel Advent Calendar, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Beards need some T.L.C., too! Whether they sport five-'o-clock shadow or a full-on lumbersexual beard, 24 days of beard oil is sure to make any man smile this holiday.
TheBeardedManCompany Christmas Beard Oil Advent Calendar, $, available at Etsy
Nothing says, "Welcome to Downton," like a licensed chocolate advent calendar, right? Count down(ton) the days until December 25 with this World Market exclusive item, which can be yours for a reasonable $6.99.
Cost Plus Downton Abbey Chocolate Advent Calendar, $, available at World Market
This adorable advent calendar from Urban Outfitters houses 12 even more adorable mini furry friends that can be used as keychains, phone charms and more.
Urban Outfitters Mini Bean Bag Animal Advent Calendar, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Tiny figurines, massive cult following. For the ultimate Funko Pop collector, we present this Marvel-themed advent calendar featuring the most iconic superheroes from movie franchises like Avengers, X-Men, and Spiderman, among others.
funko Advent Calendar: Marvel 80th Anniversary, 24Pc, $, available at Amazon
If you have a thing for tiny jars of French preserves, then the holiday season just got way better: Upgrade your breakfast game with this Bonne Maman advent calendar, which has already sold out once this season.
Bonne Maman Bonne Maman Preserves Advent Calendar, $, available at World Market
The trendy throwback hair accessory is still going strong in 2019, and shows no signs of slowing down as we get closer to the new year. A 12-day calendar of scrunchies is the perfect gift for your friend who's always misplacing her hair ties (maybe that's you!) or to share among your squad.
Kohl's 12 Days Of Scrunchies Christmas Color Set, $, available at Kohl's
Calling all Potterheads: This festive advent calendar is packed with adorable badges, mini character figurines, wands and even a teeny Harry Potter snow globe. Accio!
Harry Potter Deluxe Advent Calendar, $, available at Firebox
This charming jigsaw puzzle advent calendar is the definition of delayed gratification; however, we've got a feeling that there's no better feeling than finally completing the wintery street scene on Christmas Day.
Marks & Spencer Advent Jigsaw, $, available at Marks & Spencer
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