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I got my hands on as many advent calendars as possible this year – these are the very best ones that are still in stock, for now

From budget to luxury, this guide has got an advent calendar for everyone

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last updated In Buying-Guides
The best advent calendars of 2026 at Pinterest London office with anorangery-inspired background
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
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If you’re happy with the traditional concept of a simple chocolate-filled advent calendar, that’s all well and good. Just know that there’s a whole world of alternative options, as nowadays, the best advent calendars offer everything from stationery to scented candles.

As we’re getting closer and closer to December and the start of the festive season, the best alternative advent calendars are quickly selling out. But this updated list includes my top picks of the calendars that are still available to shop now, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or a loved one.

Over the last few months, I spent hours researching all the different advent calendars out there. And I made sure to get my hands on as many as humanly possible so that I have a first-hand experience of them. I gathered several of these calendars in one room - one beautiful room at Pinterest’s London office, might I add - for a testing session. And this combination of research and hands-on opening and testing is what ultimately informed this round-up of the best advent calendars of 2026.

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Sara Hesikova

I rate good, pretty design, good quality gifts inside, unique ideas and great value for money – so I won’t let an overpriced advent calendar slide. That’s why I've put in the hours to see, try and open as many of this year's advent calendars as possible to keep this guide up to date on the best ones out there.

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How I test

Christmas advent calendars are more difficult to ‘test’ compared to something like the best air fryers. It's not exactly a very technical and one-size-fits-all process. The way I judge each advent calendar is firstly on their aesthetics – most advent calendars are going to be displayed in your home so what they look like is important. I believe an advent calendar should be visually pleasing.

Secondly, I open all of the compartments, take out and look at the products. The way each of these little treats is wrapped, contained and/or presented is important. But I also judge the quality of the products within and see their size. Based on this, I then assess the products against the price of the overall calendar to see whether the contents are worth the price tag.

Additionally, I also compare the advent calendars to what else is available on the market, rather than judging each calendar in isolation. How does it measure up next to other calendars on offer in the same category orprice range? These are the type of questions I ask myself, as well as the wider Ideal Home team.

How to choose an advent calendar?

If you’re in the market for an advent calendar, whether that’s for yourself or for a loved one as a gift, the choice available can be overwhelming. But there are a few crucial criteria to consider when choosing the best advent calendar for you.

First of all, start by establishing your budget. If you can only afford to spend £50, then the likes of the £420 Diptyque advent calendar are automatically out of the running.

Then, establish your or your loved one’s interests and hobbies to decide on the type of advent calendar that would work best. Do you (or they) have a passion for gardening? Or is it a scented candle calendar that you think would work best?

From there, I would look at existing reviews (if there are any, perhaps from previous years as well), as well as best advent calendar buying guides like this one and the retailers’ descriptions and images of their advent calendars. Do you like the look and sound of what’s inside the advent calendar? Do the products and/or brands included appeal to you? If so, that’s the one for you. If not, keep looking until you’re hooked.

I hope you've found the perfect advent calendar that fits all your needs and desires. Which one of these speaks to you the most?

Sara Hesikova
Sara Hesikova
Room Decor Editor

Sara Hesikova has been Room Decor Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. She is now also the Ideal Home Certified Expert on Furniture, and so far has tried over 300 different sofas.

Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others.

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