The holidays are around the corner, and nothing builds up more excitement for the season than a good old-fashioned countdown — especially when it comes with treats inside.
Advent calendars have become a full-blown holiday obsession in recent years. Gone are the days of simple cardboard boxes with tiny chocolate squares (though, for the record, those are delightful too). Now, beauty and lifestyle brands are going all out, with every little door hiding something special: a mini fragrance you can toss in your bag, a serum or lipstick you’ve been wanting to try, or a new coffee blend to start your morning.
Whether you’re gifting one or treating yourself, scroll on — these advent calendars are limited-edition and sell out fast.
For the K-beauty fan
This one had a 25,000-person wait-list before it launched — and for good reason. Packed with favourites from K-beauty brand Glow Recipe in full, travel, and mini sizes, it includes icons like the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner and new hits like the Blackberry Glass Balm. Expect glowing, glassy skin by New Year’s Eve.
For the coffee connoisseur
Brighten up December mornings with Nespresso’s annual advent calendar. With 24 bestselling and holiday-inspired coffee capsules behind each door, every caffeine cultivator will discover something new. Bonus: the final day reveals an exclusive porcelain mug designed by Kenyan artist Thandiwe Muriu.
For the skin care savant
Designed like a Japanese takarabako (treasure box), Tatcha’s advent calendar reveals a skin care gem with every twist and turn. Expect mini versions of favourites like the Camellia Cleansing Oil, Dewy Skin Cream and Kissu Lip Mask — all made for travel or a self-care moment on the go.
For the BookTok obsessed
Inspired by illustrator Jane Mount’s beloved Bibliophile books, this calendar is a charming keepsake for the literati on your list. Each door opens to reveal one of 24 miniature novels filled with prompts, trivia and art — plus a tiny journal for tracking next year’s bookish adventures.
For the beauty-loving teen
A playful intro to the world of beauty, this Sephora Collection calendar features a month’s worth of joyful surprises. With shimmery eyeshadow, berry-red polish, sheet masks and cute hair accessories, consider this kit the ideal starter pack for those just beginning to experiment with makeup and skin care.
For The Body Shop loyalist
For those who shed a tear when The Body Shop closed its Canadian doors, here’s the comeback they’ve been waiting for. This advent calendar features deluxe sizes of cult favourites like Satsuma Body Wash and Shea Body Butter — perfect for keeping dry winter skin soft and nourished all season long.
For the chocolate lover
Toronto chocolatier Chocolat de Kat’s bestselling advent calendar is back — and more delicious than ever. Almost every flavour inside is a holiday exclusive (think Roasted Banana and Butter Tart). And this year, the gourmet chocolatier teamed up with local artist Alëna Skarina to design a stunning collectible box, ideal for the family member or co-worker who’s all about the sweet stuff.
For the candle collector
Give them the gift of a calm moment with this advent calendar from Montreal-based Soja & Co. Each door reveals a mini candle from the signature line or Winter 2025 collection. All you need is a cosy couch and oversized blanket and your night is complete.
For the young hockey fan
Nothing says winter quite like hockey and it’s never too early to join the fandom. This imaginative and interactive Playmobil NHL advent calendar features 24 daily surprises — from gear and players to the Stanley Cup itself. It’s the ultimate festive faceoff.
For the luxe beauty enthusiast
Holt Renfrew’s annual advent calendar is pure beauty indulgence. It’s filled with 25 of the Canadian department store’s most-coveted products across skin care, hair care, makeup and fragrance. From a travel-friendly Oribe dry shampoo spray and La Mer Renewal Oil to a mini Byredo Mojave Ghost perfume and Diptyque Baies candle, this advent calendar is a gift that pampers from head to toe.
For the nail polish obsessed
Know someone who changes their mani as often as their outfit? They’ll love this limited-edition calendar from Parisian brand Manucurist. Featuring 24 full-size nail essentials with a clean, natural formula and LED-friendly finish, it includes everything they need — from polish to prep tools — for salon-worthy nails at home.
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