Not so many years ago, a typical was a basic cardboard box containing some chocolates or other candies behind little daily windows.
Today, advent calendars into creatively designed collections that dispense items ranging from pet toys to soaps, fishing equipment to art supplies. They make for festive decor, and appeal to our love of ritual, surprise and small things.
Of course, if you’re gifting an advent calendar, you’ll want to give it early, in time for your recipients to count down the days to Christmas or a milestone.
Here are some countdown calendars that cater to different interests when promising daily doses of joy.
For pet people
Because they’ve been (mostly) good boys and girls this year, consider a daily treat calendar for the household’s pets.
Petco’s got Merry Makings’ , with 12 days of catnip goodies and toys behind the doors of a cute cottage. There’s , too, with biscuits, chewies and small plush toys. $25-$30.
New York-based dog-snack maker has a 12-day calendar containing their signature wheat-, corn- and soy-free treats, made with ingredients like peanut butter, banana and chickpeas. $14.
A has freeze-dried sweet potato and salmon treats, while is all about the chicken — also freeze-dried. $7.99.
For gardeners makers
What nature lover wouldn’t love a pretty calendar with different kinds of flower seeds? Terrain has a , each packaged in a decorative ornament — bees, butterflies, bunnies and birds among them. Hang them on the tree until planting season, then watch your pot or garden as chamomile, clovers, coriander, marigold and other pollinator-friendly wildflowers greet the spring. $48.
Needlecraft artist Amanda Watson in Bend, Oregon, created — one new design each day from Dec. 1 through Christmas. It’s an embroidery project even newbies can handle, and the finished artwork could be framed, or turned into a tote or pillow. $45.
A fun one for crafty kids: Mondo Llama’s calendar, with all the sticks, foam and felt pieces, mini markers, googly eyes and more to make a bunch of cute holiday crafts. $30.
Slots in Uncommon Goods’ hold your finished buildings so you can assemble a colorful village to display throughout the holidays; the kit includes paint markers, watercolors, glittery gel pens and more. $95.
Indoor and outdoor fun
Kids 8 and up would have a great time messing around with the from Thames & Kosmos, a science education-focused toys and games company. Supplies are included for chemistry, biology and physics experiments. Uncommon Goods. $40.
Also from Thames & Kosmos is an advent calendar version of its escape-room board games. involves an intergalactic race, and each day offers a clue to get to the end. $49.95.
: 24 reusable lures come in a calendar box featuring a fierce denizen of the deep on the cover. $54.99.
The Purple Cow’s calendar has brainteasers, dice, and outdoor and nostalgic activities for the gang to enjoy. $40.
And for those who love “Wicked,” there’s Centric Beauty’s with sparkly, shimmery balms, powders and stick-ons for lips, eyes and nails. $16.49.
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