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Advent calendars have evolved from simple chocolate windows into decorative, collectible, and even rechargeable pieces of holiday magic. Whether you’re hunting for a bargain wooden drawer calendar at Walmart, a luxe beauty calendar from Sephora, or a playful LEGO set at Target, this guide walks you through the best types, top stores across the US, smart buying tips, and fresh ways to fill and display your calendar this season.
An Advent calendar marks the days leading up to Christmas with a small surprise behind each numbered door or pocket. It’s part countdown, part treasure hunt, and—when done well—a daily ritual that builds anticipation. Think of it like a tiny holiday story that unfolds over 24 mornings: each reveal can be a piece of candy, a mini gift, a task to do together, or a moment of quiet reflection.
Advent calendars come in a rainbow of styles to suit every taste and budget. Below are the categories you’ll encounter while shopping in the US.
Wooden drawer calendars are classic and reusable. They usually feature 24 small drawers that you can fill with trinkets, notes, or treats. Many models include hand-painted characters like Santa and reindeer and may have built-in LED accents for a warm glow. These are the kind of calendars that become part of your holiday display year after year.
Lit calendars add ambiance. Some wooden or cardboard designs include battery-powered LED lights that outline doors or reveal a scene behind each number. Battery-powered LED calendars are handy because they don’t need an outlet and can be placed on a mantle, shelf, or near a tree without cords snaking across the floor.
Beauty advent calendars—from Sephora, Ulta, and department stores—are a modern luxury. They pack skincare samples, makeup minis, and fragrances into 24 discoveries. These calendars often cost more but are great for gifting to beauty lovers or as a way to try new products without committing to full-size versions.
Classic chocolate calendars remain popular, but expect grown-up versions too: craft-beer calendars, tea samplers, coffee pods, and gourmet treats. Stores like Williams-Sonoma and specialty food retailers often carry themed edible calendars that pair well with cozy winter evenings.
Kiddie calendars from LEGO, Playmobil, and Hasbro are high on the wish lists of many kids. Target and Walmart stock exclusive sets in this category, which deliver small builds or figurines behind each door—perfect for daily surprises that build into a scene by Christmas morning.
For crafters, fabric pocket calendars and cloth pouches offer a sustainable option. These are easy to refill, personalize, and store away for next year. Craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby carry supplies and premade options for hands-on decorators.
When hunting for the perfect Advent calendar, some stores stand out for selection, price, or specialty items. Here’s a rundown of where to look and what each retailer tends to offer.
Walmart is a go-to for budget-friendly and family-oriented calendars. You’ll find classic chocolate calendars, branded toy calendars, and decorative wooden drawer styles that often include battery-powered LEDs and hand-painted details—think Santa, reindeer, or tree motifs. If you want a charming wooden piece that looks like an heirloom without the heirloom price, Walmart is a great place to start.
Target blends kid-friendly brands like LEGO and Playmobil with mid-range décor calendars. Expect seasonal exclusives and collaborations that you won’t always find elsewhere. Target’s home collection often includes modern, minimalist designs that suit contemporary living rooms and small-space mantels.
Amazon offers perhaps the largest assortment: from mass-market chocolate calendars to niche, artisanal options and international brands. It’s ideal when you want to compare many styles or hunt down hard-to-find licensed sets. Read buyer reviews to make smart choices; the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming but rewarding if you know what you want.
If a beauty calendar is on your radar, Sephora and Ulta are the first stops. These stores curate high-end samples from multiple brands and sometimes include exclusive or deluxe minis that make the day-by-day unboxing feel like a mini spa session. They’re pricier, but for many, the value comes from trying premium products you might otherwise skip.
Department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom often stock premium calendars tied to designer brands or high-end food and candle collections. If you’re after a calendar that doubles as a sophisticated gift or a centerpiece, these stores usually have elegant options with quality materials and finishes.
Pottery Barn leans into decorative and family-style calendars—think textile pockets and wooden village sets—while Williams-Sonoma offers gourmet food calendars and culinary advent options that are perfect for foodies and hosts who enjoy holiday entertaining.
For those who like a hands-on approach, Michaels and Hobby Lobby stock components for DIY calendars: mini drawers, numbered tags, fabric pockets, and seasonal embellishments. These stores are also great for last-minute personalization tools if you want to make a calendar truly unique.
Crate & Barrel and similar home retailers sell sleek, modern Advent calendars that fit minimalist or design-forward interiors. These often use high-quality materials and neutral palettes that integrate easily into your holiday decor.
Picking the right calendar comes down to a few practical questions. Who is it for? How much space do you have? Do you want something reusable? Answering those will narrow the field quickly.
Kids often love toy or chocolate calendars—think LEGO builds or character-themed surprises. Teens and adults may prefer beauty or craft calendars, while families might enjoy a reusable wooden calendar that becomes a decorating tradition.
Measure the shelf, mantle, or tabletop where the calendar will live. A wooden drawer calendar might be 12 to 18 inches wide and a few inches deep, while wall-hung fabric calendars could be 24 to 36 inches tall. Make sure your selection fits the real estate you have available.
If you care about sustainability, go reusable: wood, fabric, metal, or high-quality cardboard meant to be stored and refilled. Single-use plastic calendars may be less expensive but generate more waste. Choosing something durable saves money and landfill space over time.
Think of your Advent calendar as holiday furniture. With a little styling, it becomes a focal point rather than just a container for surprises.
Place a wooden drawer calendar on the mantle, layer a fabric pocket calendar above a console table, or hang a small lit calendar on a wall where it can catch attention. Consider surrounding it with a few ornaments, a strand of battery-powered LED lights, or small pine boughs to create a vignette.
Battery-powered LED calendars are perfect when you want glow without cords. Place them near reflective surfaces—like glass ornaments or metallic trays—to amplify the light and create a warm holiday sparkle.
Making your own calendar can be as simple or elaborate as you want. The charm of a DIY calendar is the personalization—you control the contents, the look, and the size.
String 24 feet of twine across a wall or frame, clip numbered cards or tiny stockings with clothespins, and tuck a coupon, candy, or miniature ornament inside each. It’s inexpensive, flexible in length, and makes a lovely wall display.
Grab a small wooden drawer organizer from a craft store, paint it, number each drawer, and line them with holiday paper. Fill with tiny treats or notes. This setup looks handcrafted but can be used year after year.
Picking items to fill a calendar depends on the recipient and the calendar size. Here are applied ideas that fit different ages and tastes.
Small toys, stickers, tiny LEGO pieces, hot-cocoa packets, and holiday-themed erasers are winners. Try alternating edible treats with small activities—like “read one Christmas story” or “decorate a cookie”—to keep things fresh.
Beauty samples, specialty coffee or tea bags, socks, novelty keychains, mini candles, and gift cards can feel indulgent without taking up much space. For the culinary-minded, consider spice samples or small jam jars.
Fill some days with shared experiences rather than objects: movie night, a cookie-baking session, a neighborhood lights tour, or a DIY ornament project. Those experiential days often become the most memorable.
Timing and patience pay. Popular calendars sell out fast—particularly in November and early December—so decide what matters most: selection or savings. If you want a specific licensed set (like LEGO or collectible figures), shop early. If you’re hunting for a deal, after-Christmas clearance or late-November sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday often yield deep discounts.
Many stores preview their seasonal collections in early fall and may drop special or exclusive calendars. Signing up for retailer newsletters or following social accounts can help you catch limited releases the moment they go live.
Safety matters, especially if small parts or edible items are involved. Keep toy calendars away from very young children who still put objects in their mouths, and double-check allergen information for edible calendars. For lit calendars, use fresh batteries and replace them if lights flicker; never force an electrical cord into a tight space where it can be pinched or frayed.
An Advent calendar is more than its contents—it’s a holiday habit, a shared smile, and often a decorative accent that anchors seasonal traditions. Whether you pick up a wooden drawer calendar at Walmart, a beauty set at Sephora, or build your own with supplies from Michaels, choose something that matches your rhythm: one that brings delight with every little door you open.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small: pick a theme, choose a place to display it, and commit to one thoughtful or playful item for each day. Over time, those small choices add up to warm memories and a festive cadence that marks the holiday season in a meaningful way.
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