Put away the partridge in a pear tree—these Christmas countdown calendars are even more exciting!
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While we love a good 24-day Advent calendar, there’s something to be said about a 12-day Christmas countdown calendar. Not only are they often less expensive than their larger cousins, but the smaller size also gives more flexibility. There are no strict rules for these smaller Advent calendars—open them in the 12 days leading up to Christmas, or begin opening them on the holiday itself to enjoy gifts through the new year! Because of this, they make some of the best gifts for white elephant exchanges and belated Christmas presents.
There are hundreds of options out there spanning food, beauty and other giftable categories. However, short of rooting through all the available options, it’s difficult to know which picks are worth the price. That’s where we come in! Our editors tried out over 25 different options in order to discover which are worth the price and which are worth skipping. Below are the 10 that impressed!
Best Coffee
Peet's Advent Calendar
Pros:
- Each bag offers 2.5 ounces of coffee
- Makes around 48-60 servings
- Good mix of holiday and popular blends
- Tasting notes printed on bags
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Packaging isn't super exciting, but it's fully recyclable
Coffee Advent calendars are some of the most popular options for adults, and it’s easy to see why. After all, starting each morning with a holly jolly cup of java is how many of us make it through the season! The Peet’s coffee countdown offers 12 merry mornings’ worth of surprises, spanning both holiday-centric and bestselling blends.
I was ecstatic to see one of my favorite Peet’s blends, Major Dickason’s, as the first surprise. I also enjoyed the festive Mocha Java blend, which features notes of port, cocoa and warming cardamom. Each day brings a new 2.5-ounce bag boasting a new and exciting flavor profile, and each bag covers about five cups of coffee. That’s more than enough caffeine to fuel the entirety of December!
Peets makes some seriously good coffee, so I was smitten with all the included blends and single-origin options. While I would love an option for a whole bean calendar, the medium grind used for this Advent calendar makes it perfect for a drip brewer. Plus, tasting notes are printed on each bag, making it a great pick for more serious coffee fans as well as brew newbies!
Best Tea
Tea Forté Winter Chalet Advent
Pros:
- Unique assortment of tea flavors
- Impeccable and beautiful packaging
- Gourmet and luxurious tea bags
- Great opportunity to try a wide assortment of flavors
Cons:
- Windows are fragile and can pop open in shipping
- Some herbal blends contain trace amounts of caffeine
While we haven’t tried this year’s Tea Forté Christmas countdown, we have tried the brand’s 24-day tea Advent calendars. Unlike the larger version, this option offers a 12-day fleet of gourmet teas for around $40, making it a great budget buy for the dedicated sippers among us.
“I look forward to this Advent calendar every year. It’s truly one of the most luxurious tea options on the market,” says Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski of the 24-day Warming Joy calendar she tested. “Each tea is packed inside a pretty pyramid box and comes in a pyramid tea infuser with a little leaf at the tip for easy removal of the tea bag once it’s steeped. ”
Katie was impressed by the stunning simplicity of her countdown, which is echoed here in this smaller version. It’s pretty enough to display in the kitchen, and she loves that the overall shape embodies the tea pyramids nestled inside. Plus, the tea offerings alone tell you it’s a high-quality calendar. Tea Forté’s gourmet flavors remind us of the teas served at a luxury spa, with flavors such as Blueberry Merlot and strawberry-infused Chocolate Fondue.
Best Chocolate
Vosges Haut-Chocolat 12 Days of Chocolate
Pros:
- 12 decadent, surprising treats included
- Themed after the 12 Days of Christmas song
- Packed fresh the same day it ships
- Each day offers a new secret note
- Great mix of flavors
Cons:
- Pricey (but worth it!)
In our opinion, chocolate Advent calendars aren’t just for kids, especially when it comes to this luxury chocolate countdown. Available from one of our favorite chocolate brands, this smaller version of the show-stopping Vosges calendar is anything but ordinary. Don’t expect boring milk chocolates or waxy textures here! Instead, prepare yourself for a premium tasting experience unlike any other.
“I’m a foodie at heart,” Katie admits, “And I love that this calendar really expands my holiday palate away from plain ol’ milk chocolate and peppermint bark.” She tested the larger calendar, but the delicious chocolates inside span many of the same flavor profiles. Inside are confections like cinnamon hazelnut toadstools and golden lemon bunnies, along with 10 other fantastical flavors.
Most of the doors provide two of each candy, making it a fun and festive way to share the merrymaking with friends and family. While this tinier calendar doesn’t contain the lights, music and inviting extras of the larger Vosges calendar, it also comes in at a much lower price point. This makes it accessible to those who find the bigger calendar just a bit too pricey.
TASTE OF HOME
Best Beer
Beer Advent Calendar 2025
Pros:
- 12 days of craft beer
- Variety of beer from different U.S. microbreweries
- Ideal for seasoned and beginner beer enthusiasts
- It’s like a brewery tour in your home
Cons:
- Must keep in the fridge for the best tasting experience
Boozy Advent calendars have grown in popularity in recent years. While wine calendars are some of the most popular picks, this 12-day beer Advent calendar speaks to the brewheads among us. The calendar features 12 different fresh craft beer styles, including IPAs, stouts and ales, all sourced from craft breweries across the U.S.
Product Tester Pamela Bondurant notes that it’s not always possible to purchase microbrewery beer from locations across the U.S., which makes this calendar a winner for her. “I love the diversity of beer included in this Advent calendar. There are porters, IPAs, brown ales and more from every coast, and some are in between,” she says. “There’s no product list, so each day truly is a surprise when you pull your beer from the calendar.”
We tested both the 2023 and 2024 versions, and the 2025 looks virtually identical to last year’s. Pro tip: Keep the box in the fridge so your brew chills to perfection. Then go ahead and order up a beer of the month club so the fun never ends!
Most Unique
12 Days of Pickles Advent Calendar
Pros:
- Treats are fun and surprising
- Good mix of pickle-centric merch and snacks
- Dill-ightfully quirky
- Well-packed—nothing arrived broken
Cons:
- Some of the items are a little hard to get out
We’ve tried several of the unique Advent calendars from GiveThemBeer.com, but this pickle Advent calendar may be the most interesting option available. If you’re the type to order extra pickles on your burgers, this is the Advent calendar for you. This dill-icious countdown comes stuffed with pickle-flavored treats and briny merch galore.
From pickle chips to pickle-flavored lip balm, each tangy treat inside this pickle Advent calendar is bound to bring a smile to fans of the salty snack. I love that inclusions range from edible snacks like pickle-flavored cashews to practical items like pickle socks. It’s a well-curated gift that makes a fun white elephant present, too.
Unboxing each day was truly a surprise—I had no idea what I’d uncover next. While my favorite inclusions were, of course, the snacks, I also really appreciate that there is a good blend of edible and non-edible items. It makes for a truly dynamic Advent calendar experience, which is saying something considering how many Christmas countdown calendars I’ve tried through the years.
On Sale
Best White Elephant Gift
Googly and Bright Advent Calendar
Pros:
- Wooden ornaments made to last
- Funny quips on each
- Whimsical, colorful designs
- Googly eyes—say no more
Cons:
- I wish there were more, but that's because they're so cute!
In my humble opinion, a little dose of humor makes everything better—especially the holidays. That’s why I’m in love with this Googly and Bright Advent calendar, which features 12 ornaments, each adorned with a silly set of googly eyes. The ornaments are primarily riffing off traditional Christmas foods and flair. Each also has a little sassy message to go along with it, making for a memorable and hilarious gift.
This calendar sparks so much joy. From the colorful, whimsical details to the funny little quotes and googly eyes, it’s such a cute idea. I also love that the ornaments are reusable and sturdy, so I can enjoy them year after year! Note that, while most of the jokes and quips are kid-friendly, a few reference alcohol, so this may be better suited to adults.
After opening this Advent calendar, I sped over to Galison’s website and purchased two more for gifting. At under $30, it’s such an inexpensive and fun way to bring a big belly laugh to your family’s gift exchanges. Everyone can use more silly ornaments, after all!
Best Wine
Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine
Pros:
- Beautiful, elegant and artful presentation
- Wine is housed in sleek glass tubes
- Insert with wine details, tasting notes and pairings included
- Limited edition art print included
- Access to sommelier-led virtual tasting videos to accompany each wine
- Good variety of reds, whites and rosés
Cons:
- Each tube (100 mL) is a little less than a standard pour of wine
A good wine is like art, and this Vinebox Advent calendar certainly delivers. We’ve tested each year from 2023 onwards, and it’s always a hit with our testers. This year’s assortments are arranged by Brights and Bolds, both in a 12-day format. The brights collection focuses on whites and rosés, plus a few distinctive reds. The bolds collection focuses on sumptuous reds and whites, making it a great option for those who prefer drier varieties.
The Art Deco–inspired packaging on this year’s calendar is absolutely stunning and sure to impress any wine connoisseur on your gift list. While the vials contain just under a standard pour of wine, the wines themselves are very high-quality—nothing like you’d find in a grocery store. Plus, these spirits arrive with pairing notes and access to a sommelier-led virtual tasting for each pick.
“I love that these wines come in sleek glass tubes that help preserve their flavor,” says Mary. “Each has a convenient twist top, making them easy to open and pour—no corks to fuss with.” Bonus: there’s also a 24 Nights of Wine collection containing both assortments to keep the tasting experience going all December long.
On Sale
Best Ornaments
Enchanted Forest 12 Days of Animal Ornaments
Pros:
- Stunning, 3D paper ornaments
- Easy to unfold and hang
- Perfect for use on a Christmas tree or holiday decorating
- Darling animal motifs
Cons:
- Not all animals follow the advertised theme
Even those short on space can enjoy a fun and memorable Advent calendar experience. The Freshcut Paper Advent calendar features 12 ornaments, each tucked inside a beautiful card. The ornaments all unfold into a stunning 3-D shape, making this an Advent calendar that truly feels like opening a gift each day!
“Even though they’re paper, these are luxe ornaments,” says Katie, who tested the calendar. “They would look lovely on any tree or even hung around a mantel. This is also an Advent calendar that’s great for sharing. I could totally tuck one of these inside a Christmas card for a fun add-on gift that’s easy to mail.”
“I’ve tested many FreshCut Paper Advent calendars, and this new version for 2025 makes a lovely gift,” continues Katie. “I love that the paper ornaments can be reused year over year, and the animal designs are oh-so sweet. Plus, some Advent calendars have a massive footprint. I love that this sleek set takes up very little space.”
On Sale
Best Puzzle
Home for the Holidays 12 Days of Puzzles
Pros:
- Cozy, holiday home art
- Includes 12 mini puzzles
- Sturdy puzzle pieces
- Ideal for puzzle enthusiasts and kids alike
- Can be framed as holiday decor
Cons:
- Only one puzzle included
Nothing says “cozy” quite like picking up a nightly puzzle with hot cocoa in hand. Now, you can pair this favorite winter pastime with an element of surprise! The Home for the Holidays puzzle countdown provides 12 nights of puzzles fit for the cozy evenings leading up to Christmas.
Each day reveals a new mini puzzle that fits into a larger picture. The bite-sized packages make it much easier to finish this 500-piece puzzle in a limited time frame, so it’s great for kids or easily distracted adults. As someone who loves puzzles, seeing the artwork grow each day is such a fun reminder of the impending holidays!
Plus, I love that this can be framed and used as yearly holiday decor. It’s just such a relaxing way to spend your pre-holiday evenings, especially paired with one of the spirit Advent calendars. If you love puzzles, check out a puzzle of the month club and keep the fun going month after month!
Best Beauty
Poppy & Pout Advent Calendar
Pros:
- 12 full-size products
- Really lovely festive scents
- Adorable, compact packaging
- Recyclable tubs and jars
- Small batch made goodies
Cons:
- Some repeats of product types
Calling folks who feel lip care is under-appreciated! Snag the Poppy & Pout Advent calendar while it’s still in stock. Inside are so many full-sized lip-enhancing products that you’ll be dishing out the softest kisses through Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect present for those who prioritize supple smooches over skincare any day.
The calendar comes overflowing primarily with the brand’s signature lip care items, including scrubs, masks and balms. Each one boasts a fun, festive flavor like sugarplum, candy can fluff and marshmallow. Several of the products coordinate scents, so you end up with a full lip care set for most of the flavors at the end of the 12 days!
I absolutely love the sturdy feel and gorgeous packaging of this option, which makes it great for gifting. Each inclusion is made in small batches and arrives in a recyclable tube or jar. Plus, it’s a solid bargain. You get 12 full-sized products, so it works out to around $8 per item. With the lip masks and scrubs retailing for $14 each and the balms for $10 each, you actually get a really great deal on these products!
How We Tested
As always with our Advent calendar testing, we began by evaluating the technical details like overall packaging and shipping experience. Because 12-day countdowns offer fewer surprises than their 24-day counterparts, the quality of each inclusion matters much more—as does the price point. We tried to stick with options under $100, aside from a few 12-day Christmas countdown calendars that really impressed.
The total value of each calendar was carefully considered and weighed against the purchase price. For foodie countdowns that include treats that are prone to spoiling, we evaluated their overall taste and freshness over the course of several weeks. Bonus points if they include limited edition goodies you can’t find anywhere else!
Other 12-Day Advent Calendars We Tested
- 12 Days of Hot Sauce: I am obsessed with the idea of a hot sauce calendar, and the included sauces were a great variety and super tasty. However, the sauces completely shifted inside the calendar, meaning that many of the sauces became buried in the packaging. Nothing hurts more than opening up that first day and seeing a blank space where a hot sauce should be—and repeating that experience 12 times.
- 12 Days of Nuts: The packaging is very cute, but it unfortunately ruins all the surprises. All the tins arrive labeled and visible right out of the box. That said, this is a fun (and delicious!) calendar for the nut lover.
- 12 Days of Whiskey: While this Advent calendar didn’t ultimately make the cut, it’s still a great gift—especially when paired with a Flaviar calendar!
- Anthropologie 12-Day Advent Calendar: While we couldn’t get our hands on this year’s 24-day countdown, Anthropologie’s more compact 12-day Advent calendar was fun to open. The packaging is colorful and inviting, so it makes a great gift for beauty lovers. That said, nearly all the items are travel-size, so we felt that even $50 was a bit overpriced.
- Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar: While we absolutely adored the packaging and mix of products in this beauty Advent calendar, we also find the price a bit elevated for a 12-day Christmas countdown calendar.
- FabFitFun Advent Calendar: While we love the inclusions, this calendar requires a little extra effort to buy. It’s available to members at $89.99 and non-members for $89.99 + $5 shopping club sign-up.
- Fly by Jing Hot Sauce Advent Calendar: The Fly by Jing 12-day Christmas countdown is the calendar for fiery folk. Not only does it offer a number of Fly By Jing’s famous flavors, but there are inclusions here that you literally can’t find anywhere else—even through the brand’s website! Sadly, it sold out very quickly.
- Give Them Beer Jerky Calendar: We loved that this 12-day Christmas countdown calendar contains a dozen full-sized packages of jerky, all hailing from gourmet and small-batch brands. We loved the fresh flavors and value, but it is unfortunately sold out for the season.
- Give Them Beer Moonshine Calendar: This one, unfortunately, fell a bit flat. The packaging was simply a plain box, and the contents arrived a bit dusty. It included only one holiday flavor, which felt disappointing given that the featured brands offer several festive options like eggnog, peppermint and other seasonal varieties. Our tester recommends skipping this one and going for the Ole Smoky calendar if you’re looking for a moonshine Advent calendar.
- Give Them Beer Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar: While we opted for a different wine Advent calendar for this piece, we really enjoyed this sparkling wine calendar. It’s a fun pick for folks who want to toast their way through the holidays!
- HomeWorx by Slatkin + Co. 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar: While we enjoy a festive candle, the “calendar” aspect is a bit of a loose interpretation. While the packaging shows numbers, the entire insert comes out, so there are no doors or surprise elements included.
- Maker Canned Wine Advent Calendar: This calendar includes 12 different canned wines representing different varietals, with white, red, rosé and sparkling present. Each hails from award-winning female and minority-led winemakers. While it’s not customizable like our top wine pick, it’s still plenty of fun!
- Murray’s Cheese Advent Calendar: The Murray’s Advent calendar is a staple in my home year after year, and this year’s spread didn’t disappoint. Bursting with two pounds (!!!) of cheese and a number of delicious accompaniments, Murray’s countdown is a delightful descent into cheesy paradise. Unfortunately, it is now sold out for 2025.
- Ole Smokey Countdown: If you’re shopping for a spirits lover, this Advent calendar is a delight—featuring 12 mini jars of moonshine to sip and savor throughout the holiday season. That said, we wish that the brand included their signature holiday flavors—it feels like a missed opportunity for them to shine!
- Saje Advent Calendar: While we absolutely adored the items in this wellness Advent calendar, it sold out almost immediately! We’re hoping it comes back in stock soon.
- Voluspa Heritage Countdown Calendar:This 12-day calendar is filled with petite pedestal candles—some in festive seasonal scents and others perfect for everyday burning. It even includes a pretty gold wick trimmer for an extra touch of charm! Unfortunately, it sold out—we hope it comes back soon!
- Winter Lights 12 Days of Puzzles: This is still a great pick for those who prefer a different design, even though we ultimately chose the other puzzle Advent calendar we tested.
- Wizarding World 12 Days of Hot Chocolate: While the color-changing aspect of this hot cocoa calendar was fun, each day tasted the same, which took away some of the thrill.
What To Look For When Buying a Christmas Countdown Calendar
When it comes to 12-day Christmas countdown calendars, it’s quality over quantity. Because these smaller Advent calendars boast fewer fun treats, each inclusion faces double the pressure to wow us as we unbox. When shopping for one of these 12-day Advent calendars for yourself, we recommend identifying some of your favorite hobbies or foods first. There’s a 12-day countdown that covers almost every niche, so there’s no need to settle for the same old waxy chocolate every year.
These smaller Christmas countdown calendars also make great gifts, especially since they’re usually less expensive than their larger counterparts. When looking for a 12-day Advent calendar to gift, think about the recipient’s interests and dislikes, noting any allergies or aversions. Don’t be afraid to get really specific—take this as an opportunity to delight and surprise them!
FAQ
How does a Christmas countdown calendar work?
One of the reasons 12-day Advent calendars are fun is that they’re more flexible than their 24-day counterparts. For calendars with 12 surprises, start opening on December 13 for a present-filled lead-up to the holidays. Or, replicate the traditional way and open day one on Christmas day, then enjoy gifts into the new year!
Why You Should Trust Us
From foodie Advent calendars to Advent calendars for kids, we’ve tried over 100 of the most popular Christmas countdowns in the past three years. Since 2022, I’ve written and edited content for national print and digital publications, including Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest and more. I’m well-versed in curating the internet to help readers find the absolute best buys worthy of their wallets. I’m also Taste of Home’s resident Advent calendar expert. I’ve researched and tested dozens of holiday countdowns across every category to find the absolute best ones for 2025.
