It seems that when you step into adulthood (particularly parenthood) the joy of Christmas becomes all about everyone else. There’s joy in that, of course, bringing magic to our kids and celebrating everyone at that time of year. Every year I always treat myself to an advent calendar, to keep that Christmas magic alive. Usually it’s the Go-To Advent Calendar (yet to be released – I’ll share once it’s live). Advent calendars (especially these advent calendar 2023 options!) are generally really good value, many you’ll get more than 50% off the value – so it’s a gift that gives twice, right?
What is an advent calendar?
To me, an advent calendar has always been one of those chocolate calendars that you painfully open day by day in the lead up to Christmas – but then give up by about day 6 and open them all and eat them in one sitting. Originally a religious countdown until Christmas, Advent Calendars have taken a more modern twist, now often acting as a treat-filled way to mark the days off until Christmas Day (of course, if you can wait, unlike me!).
Do you start an advent calendar at 1 or 24?
This is the conversation the kids and I have each year – you can do either, open the number that reflects the date on the calendar (so on the 1st of December you’d open flap 1), or countdown the days, start at 24 (meaning 24 days until Christmas) and slowly making your way to number 1. Historically, the right way to do it is to start at number 1 though, if you’re a rule-loving person.
The best Advent Calendar 2023 FOR ADULTS
Go-To Advent Box
This year Go-To has teamed up with Alemais to create this special Treasure Chest Advent, it’s filled with all out Go-To favourites, from Fancy Face to Face Hero, and also has the Christmas surprises we’ve come to love, like silk eye mask, and silk scrunchie.
SHOP NOW: Go-To Treasure Chest Advent Calendar, $249 from Go-To
Burt’s Bees
Ideal for those who want to keep their lips nourished throughout the year, or even as a gift for tweens and teens, this Burt’s Bees Advent Calendar is filled with 12 surprises, with a few festive flavours thrown in.
SHOP NOW: Bundle Up with Burt’s 12 Day Advent Calendar, $57.64 from Amazon
Glasshouse Fragrances
Fill the house with gorgeous scents in the lead up to Christmas with this Glasshouse Advent Calendar. You’ll discover 24 indulgent mini surprises, all presented in a luxurious tartan gift box – sure to create a cheerful vibe this silly season.
SHOP NOW: Glasshouse Fragrances 24 Days Of Christmas Advent Calendar, $149 from Catch.com.au
Charlotte Tilbury
A 12-drawer beauty advent calendar featuring some of Charlotte Tilbury’s most magical and award-winning makeup and skincare favourites. Get your glow on in the lead up to Christmas. Charlotte will be revealing the contents of this year’s advent calendar, day-by-day, starting September 1st.
SHOP NOW: Charlotte’s Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets, $300 from Charlotte Tilbury.
The Body Shop
Countdown to Christmas with 24 little treats from The Body Shop! With products that include Strawberry Shower Gel, Mango Body Butter, Shea Hand Balm and Avocado Shower Cream. It also includes little facts about Community Fair Trade, and acts of kindness.
SHOP NOW: Box of Wishes Advent Calendar, $129 from The Body Shop.
e.l.f.
As quite an affordable option when it comes to beauty advent calendars, the e.l.f. option is jam-packed with primer, lip gloss, eye shadow, and face cream. Best of all, it’s vegan and completely cruelty-free.
SHOP NOW: e.l.f. Cosmetics Snow One Loves You More 12 Day Advent Calendar, $78.77 from Amazon.
Lovehoney
There’s something for everyone in this saucy advent adult toy calendar, with goodies for you, him, and for both of you. A high value advent calendar, it’s total value is over $810, with one of the toys, the Womanizer, valued at $199.95 on its own.
SHOP NOW: Lovehoney X Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar (24 piece), originally $813.95 now $325, from Lovehoney
Net-A-Porter
Forget the average beauty Advent calendar: NET-A-PORTER’s new Ultimate Gift Set features a whole host of scintillating treats, including full- and mini-sized beauty products, plus an exclusive edit of luxury jewelry, fashion and homeware finds, too. In short, it delivers everything you’ll need to plump, brighten, boost and adorn yourself and your surroundings this festive season.
SHOP NOW: Net-A-Porter’s Ultimate Gift Set is set to be released soon.
Cosmetic Capital
With value over $364 (for the price of $110), from December 1st through to the 24th, you get to unbox a fun new beauty goodie each day. From primers, palettes, highlighters and all things makeup to moisturisers, scrubs and other skincare finds, this Advent Calendar is the perfect countdown to Christmas for that beauty guru you know, or yourself.
SHOP NOW: Cosmetic Capital 24 Day Luxury Advent Calendar 2023, $110 from Cosmetic Capital
Unearthed Crystals
A limited edition crystal advent calendar, the Unearthed Crystals Advent Calendar has 25 little goodies to bring on all the good vibes in the lead up to Christmas. Containing all different forms of stones (rough, tumble, carved, specimen etc), there’s something for every crystal lover.
SHOP NOW: Crystal Advent Calendar, $250 from Unearthed Crystals.
Bonne Maman
Love jam? You’ll love this. This year’s Bonne Maman calendar features 17 miniature new varieties of Bonne Maman jams and spreads made exclusively for Christmas 2023. There is also a surprise Christmas gift!
SHOP NOW: Limited Edition Bonne Maman Jam Advent Calendar 2023, $69.95 from Little Advent Boxes.
Newy Distillery
A plush advent calendar filled with 12 of Newy Distillery’s favourite vodkas (with some new varieties added in!) to open and try on the run-up to Christmas; bringing some early festive surprises and cheer.
SHOP NOW: 12 Day Vodka Advent Calendar, $99 from Newy Distillery.
A little note. For the past 15 years, I’ve loved writing and sharing my life, the good and bad, with you, my beautiful readers. Over those years I’ve often recommended products, and services that I’ve tested, tried and/or researched. Off my blog, I’ve always been the person that people go to to ask, “Do you know what the best X is?” I’ll often publish blog posts or guides to products that I’m having fun researching, and would recommend. Some of those posts, like this one, may include paid inclusions (where I may receive a small commission at no cost to you), but I promise to only feature products that I have or would happily buy myself. Honesty and transparency is, and always will be super important to me, because I know it’s important to you too.
