Best Advent Calendars of 2021

A Christmas tradition I loved as a kid and want to pass down to my children is the advent calendar. My parents would typically buy the cardboard advent calendar that had a mediocre piece of chocolate behind every door. While I looked forward to that every year, I want to do something a little bit more fun for my kids.

Last year was the first year I even attempted an advent calendar for my oldest, who turned two a few weeks before Christmas. I waited until after Thanksgiving to look for a nice, sturdy, reusable calendar. Maybe something wood with drawers, or made of felt with pockets.

By the time I looked around, almost everything was sold out. I did find a nice, inexpensive felt advent calendar that could just barely fit a small matchbox car, but I knew that it wouldn’t last long.

Which is why I have started my hunt for advent calendars extra early this year. And boy are there some good ones!

I did lots of research to find all different types, styles, prices, sizes, etc. and I rounded up the best “refillable” and “pre-filled” advent calendars to make your holiday preparations even easier!

Best Refillable Advent Calendars

I am a bit partial to these “refillable” advent calendars because, while a bit more expensive at first, can be used year after year and the presents can be perfectly suited to the receiver.

There are some really adorable advent calendars out there. In addition to the ones I’ve show above, there are some shaped like gingerbread houses, very ornate ones, simple and sweet ones, and some advent calendars you can personalize for your family or each child.

I personally like filling these calendars with a variety of gifts. For kids, I like the idea of sprinkling in some Christmas-themed books amidst some other much smaller and less expensive treats. Cookies and candy are always a hit, but little toys, crayons, mini nail polish bottles, stickers, or any fun little thing your kids like will work. And don’t be afraid to break apart packs of toys into multiple days. Last year I purchased a small pack of Hot Wheels cars then split up the cars over several days.

See below for all the amazing re-fillable advent calendars I rounded up.

Best Pre-filled Advent Calendars

The pre-filled category of advent calendars has gotten so much more fun since I was a kid. There is literally something for everyone, even the family dog!

Of course, the advent calendars for kids are endless. No matter what your child loves, there will be an advent calendar for them. Do they like Harry Potter? Got it. Do they like Lego? Got that, too. Do they like Harry Potter Lego? You see where this is going.

But the advent calendars for adults are also amazing and so indulgent. You can get an advent calendar for the beer or wine lover in your life. Maybe one for your Mother-in-Law who loves tea. Or how about a little treat-yourself calendar filled with skincare samples (yes please!)?

Below, I’ve broken out the best calendars I found for both kids and adults.

Advent Calendars for Kids

Advent Calendars for Adults

I hope my research into advent calendars will help streamline your holiday planning this year! I can’t wait to get mine and start planning what I am going to put inside!

Lindsey RuelComment