Buy guide: Advent calendars have gone completely bonkers in recent years, offering dog treats, bath bombs, socks, booze and even a limited-edition behemoth stuffed with pricey treasures from Tiffany & Co (it costs $112,000 and there are only four available).
The Advent, to some Christians, is the four Sundays before Christmas. More generally, the variation of the Latin word for “coming” marks the season to prepare for the holiday.
Among rituals associated with the Advent is keeping an Advent calendar. Some reusable versions begin on Dec. 1, and many include windows, doors or pockets to reveal a poem, portion of the Christmas story or a small gift. Here’s a peek.
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Tiffany & Co.
It’s aptly named The Ultimate Advent Calendar, and it’s shaped as a 4-foot-tall replica of the company’s Fifth Avenue flagship store. Each of the 24 compartments holds a gift in a Tiffany blue box. There’s a sterling silver paper cup and a T True bracelet in 18-karat yellow gold.
This one is more aspirational than attainable. Only four are available, starting at $112,000 each. Contact the concierge at VeryVeryTiffany@Tiffany.com to figure it all out.
This photo shows the Tiffany & Co. Ultimate Advent Calendar. From edibles to beauty, Advent calendars counting down to Christmas have exploded with unusual treats stuffed inside. (Tiffany & Co. via AP)
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Harry Potter
The Harry Potter Infinity Box is perfect for young fans. The compartments of the YuMe Toys calendar are stuffed with a range of items, including plush toys, travel tags and enamel pins.
One version includes 24 pieces for $59.99, and another 18 pieces for $39.99. Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Others with the same theme exist.
This photo shows the Advent calendar-style Harry Potter Infinity Box from YuMe Toys. From edibles to beauty, Advent calendars counting down to Christmas have exploded with unusual treats stuffed inside. (YuMe Toys via AP)
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Chocolate
Sweet treats, Advent calendar style, are more traditional and all over the place.
Harry & David offers two, the Chocolate Advent Calendar Duo, with 24 doors each for a total of $34.99. The packaging is merry with Santa front and center. Milk chocolate only. Each door includes a little festive message.
The Godiva Advent Calendar includes limited edition snowmen and Santa pieces in chocolate. Available in Godiva boutiques around the U.S. $29.95.
This photo shows the Harry & David Chocolate Advent Calendar Duo. From edibles to beauty, Advent calendars counting down to Christmas have exploded with unusual treats stuffed inside. (Harry & David via AP)
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Pets
Dogs and cats are people, too, when it comes to Advent calendars. Options are everywhere.
Target sells the Bosco & Roxy’s Advent Calendar for Dogs with a forest fairy theme and 24 biscuits. $14.99. The same brand also has one called Bark the Halls with 24 days of festive dog cookies. $24.99.
This photo released by DreamBone shows the Furry Christmas Advent Calendar. From edibles to beauty, Advent calendars counting down to Christmas have exploded with unusual treats stuffed inside. (DreamBone via AP)
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Ethnic Pride
The Calendario de Fiestas from Sol Beer celebrates Mexican American culture with 25 items designed by Mexican American artists, including Jessica Resendiz of Raggedy Tiff, which creates apparel and accessories inspired by her roots, childhood memories and Mexican culture.
There’s a burrito pinata freshener, a Corazon de Oro sew-on patch and Pan Dulce shoelaces. While supplies last at SolHolidayCalendar.com. $30.
This photo released by Sol Cerveza shows the Calendario de Fiestas holiday calendar. From edibles to beauty, Advent calendars counting down to Christmas have exploded with unusual treats stuffed inside. (AP Photo/Sol Cerveza)
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Say it with cheese
Food blogger Annem Hobson thought up the So Wrong It’s Nom cheese calendar to much internet fanfare from folks looking for alternatives to chocolate.
It includes 24 pieces of individually wrapped cheese in five varieties, including Jarlsberg.
Must be refrigerated. Sold at Target, Supervalu, Sprouts, Schnucks, Meijer, Jewel, Lidl and Publix. $20.
This photo released by So Wrong It’s Nom shows the So Wrong It’s Nom Cheese Advent Calendar. From edibles to beauty, Advent calendars counting down to Christmas have exploded with unusual treats stuffed inside. (So Wrong It’s Nom via AP)
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Get boozy
The Drinks by the Dram distiller has a nice selection, including 24 days of Scotch. It ranges from new discoveries to world-renowned brands from across Scotland. $160. Ships from the U.K., so takes about a week to arrive in the U.S.
There are also 12 days of Christmas options, since 12-day calendars traditionally start on Dec. 25. Available at drinksbythedram.com.
This photo released by Drinks by the Dram shows The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar. From edibles to beauty, Advent calendars counting down to Christmas have exploded with unusual treats stuffed inside. (Drinks by the Dram via AP)
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Beauty
There are so many, from bath bombs to makeup sponges. Birchbox offers the Countdown to Beauty calendar with 12 days of goodies and extra surprises from a variety of sellers, including Lancome, M.A.C. and Bobbi Brown. $40.
And for men, there’s Countdown to Grooming with 14 days of finds, from Kiehl’s moisturizer to Harry’s body wash. $35. Shop at birchbox.com.
