2022 has been quite the year, so we’ve determined that a little self-reward is entirely appropriate. With that in mind, we’re unashamedly celebrating the most lavish and glorious advent calendars that we’ve come across, and no, not the disappointing tasteless chocolate kind with paper-cut doors of doom. These are thoughtfully curated delights, aimed at reigniting that Christmas spark of anticipation and helping rediscover the childhood nostalgia of opening a new door or window each day (there are so many life metaphors to unpick here).
Why should kids have all the fun this season? Gift yourself (or convince someone else to) one of these indulgent advent calendars and relish the experience of unwrapping a gift each day (whether you choose the 25-day or 12-day version).
Unveil one at a time for daily delight, be a joy-hoarder, and save them all until the final date (I mean really though, who would do this?) or hang them on the tree as gifts for everyone to share on 25 December. However you choose to experience, hold on to those snippets of joy, happiness, and fun.
Glasshouse Fragrances Advent Calendar, $279
Most of us have avidly watched TikToks of glamorous advent calendars promising the world – and relentlessly disappointing. Fear not, this shimmering Glasshouse Fragrances beauty truly is the gift that keeps on giving. From the moment you open the doors, it’s a sense-ual delight, with each day delivering a luxurious new fragrance treat (I may have peeked ahead). This one is all about maximalism (yay), so indulge your scent addiction and countdown to Christmas with 24 fragrant surprises, across home fragrance, eau de parfum, bath, body, and money-can’t-buy gifts.
Charlotte Tilbury Diamond Chest Of Beauty Stars, $335
Quite possibly the ultimate gift for Charlotte Tilbury fans. Say hello to glowing skin, Hollywood glamour, and a touch of magic – all spectacularly presented in a 12-door jewel-adorned box (definitely one to take pride of place on your makeup table). Featuring five full-size treats, as well as seven minis, it’s a dazzling array of make-up magic for eyes, lips, and cheeks, as well as skincare designed to deliver a radiant complexion (why hello Wonderglow and Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir). Run, don’t walk, these are strictly limited edition and available from 23 November.
Jo Malone Advent Calendar, $790
This iconic brand has truly encapsulated the essence of Christmas with its limited-edition festive fragrances. From the utterly transportative White Moss & Snowdrop to Orange Bitters, Pine & Eucalyptus and Myrrh & Tonka, there’s a sense of wonder from the moment you first inhale and allow your synapses to spark with fragrant connections. Amidst the absolutely charming line-up of winter wonderland-scented candles, colognes, and adorable gift sets is the undoubted glittering tree topper – the Jo Malone advent calendar. While it’s the most expensive in our line-up, it turns out that the end really does justify the means. In other words, it’s worth every hard-earned dollar. The design is based around an old-fashioned jewellery box and in the trademark Jo Malone cream and black packaging it’s absolutely brimming with goodies – 25 of them this year (rather than the traditional 24). It’s an extra Merry Christmas!
MAC Bursting With Surprises Advent Calendar, $392
Lavishly loaded with 24 mini and major surprises, this is the ultimate MAC attack glam slam. Beautifully presented, it’s power packed with lip colour, eye colour, brow grooming goodness, and much more. MAC’s annual calendar is hotly anticipated and never disappoints. This keepsake box gifts you with an impressive five lipsticks, cheek and eye beauty including Dazzleshadow (for a 3D multidimensional effect), Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Eyeliner, and Mini Mac Macstack Mascara. Max points for festive glam presentation and the revolving gift drawers too. Available at selected MAC stockists.
MECCA Max Minis 12-Piece Advent Set, $75
If you’re trying to kick the maximalist habit, there’s still an advent calendar where you can experience all of the delight of the 25-day version but compactly packed into a perfectly put-together 12-Day Advent Calendar version. We’re long-time fans of the make-up mini (they’re particularly vital at this time of year, meaning all of your make-up basics can sweetly fit into your handbag or even pockets). As well as featuring (spoiler alert) everything from eyeliner and brow gel to cream blush and bronzer and even setting spray and primer, the make-up organiser itself is reusable. Swoon.
LUSH 12 Days Of Christmas, $169, LUSH 25 Day Advent Calendar $422
Limber up your vocal cords as this 12-day kaleidoscopic delight comes with a rhyme (sing to the The 12 Days of Christmas tune): On the twelfth day of Christmas, the elves at Lush gave to me: six stunning bath bombs, two festive bubble bars, one spirited shower gel, one sweet little soap, one sugary and salty lip scrub, and a pot of shower jelly! The not-so-little box of goodness (made from 100% recycled board, of course) is packed with ethical gifts, including the Party Popper Bubble Bar, Salted Caramel Lip Scrub, and Snow Fairy Shower Gel. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, treat yourself (or someone special) to this limited edition 25-day advent calendar (with 25 full-size LUSH goodies including four items exclusive to this gift) – all in a box designed by ARTHOUSE Unlimited that can be reused year-round. ARTHOUSE Unlimited is a charity that presents artistic talents of adults living with complex neurodiverse and physical support needs.
Go-To 12 Day Advent Calendar, $170
Without stating the obvious, this is your Go-To advent calendar for soft, smooth, and ludicrously glowing skin. Enjoy 12 days of fresh-faced beauty with uncomplicated, all-natural skincare (from beauty authority Zoë Foster Blake). This charming treasure box brings a sense of fun and delivers treats such as Nifty Fifty, Much Plumper Skin, The Removalist mini, The Repair Shop mini, Transformazing Sheet Mask single, and a swag of limited edition goodies (we won’t spoil all the surprises).
Adding an extra layer of pleasure to the entire advent calendar experience is the knowledge that you’re scoring some great value. This Clinique calendar has a per-item value of $600 and the luxe gift set is packed with cult Clinique skin goodness as well as make-up items. Everything you need for a full routine of holiday skin shine is here, from cleansers and exfoliators to moisturising lotions and serums, eye cream, overnight mask and lip gloss, lip colour, blush, mascara, et al.
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