Remodelista Gift Guide 2023: 11 Simple Advent Calendars

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My daughter’s godmother sends her an advent calendar every year; a traditional open-the-flap affair. The reward? A holiday image (sleighs, Christmas baubles, etc.).

Advent calendars have their roots in the 19th century, when German Lutherans began marking the days leading up to Christmas with simple chalk marks on walls or doors, lighting candles, and lining nativity cribs with straw.

But in the past few years, the advent calendar has evolved into a 24-day shopping extravaganza (see: Liberty of London Beauty Advent Calendar—Contents Worth Over $1,300 and Vogue’s Best Beauty Advent Calendars for Everyone on Your List).

For the purists among us, here are a few more humble ideas for the holiday:

ferm living advent calendar 2 — Above: The canvas Star Christmas Calendar from Ferm Living has golden embroideries and 24 little pockets to fill; $109 (it’s also available in dark green).

wally and whiz advent calendar danish gummy — Above: The Wally and Whiz Danish Gummy Advent Calendar is on sale at Food52 for $46.67. It includes an array of gummies in flavor combinations, like cherry and vanilla, elderflower and yuzu, and hibiscus and raspberry.

Above: Our friend Meg of Meg Cohen Design offers a small-batch Advent Calendar with windows that open to reveal images of the heavens culled from ancient manuscripts and printed on parchment paper, which, held up to the light, create a stained glass window effect. The advent calendar comes with a decorative mailing envelope. Images curated by Stephen Ellcock; $16 from Meg Cohen Design.

angela advent calendar toast — Above: British artist Angela Harding’s Angela Harding Curlew Christmas Advent Calendar is $18 from Toast; there’s also her Midnight Fox Advent Calendar for $18.

advent calendar 10 — Above: From Coral and Tusk, the Tree Trimmers 12 days of Christmas Advent Calendar is an embroidered wall hanging with 12 fillable pockets; $148.

angelina paris advent calendar — Above: The Angelina Advent Calendar features a collection of 24 wrapped confections, from French classics like chocolate-covered dentelle crepes to morsels of chocolate and hazelnut gianduja. The calendar depicts a festive scene of the interior of the Angelina cafe in Paris. $80 from Zingerman’s.

ferm living advent calendar 2 1 — Above: The Pine Christmas Calendar is a modern take on the traditional Danish *julekalender*, or Christmas calendar, from Ferm Living is $115.

organic seed advent calendar germany 1 — Above: The Saat & Gut organic vegetable seeds Advent Calendar includes 24 days of organic vegetable seeds with a focus on drought tolerance; €37.90 from Manufactum.

new yorker advent calendar — Above: The New Yorker Puzzle Advent Calendar comes with 24 boxed 100-piece, puzzles, each featuring cover art from a classic holiday issue of *The New Yorker*. Each puzzle is 7-by-9 inches, just the right size for completing in a day; $199.95 from PBS.

organic flower advent calendar saat gut — Above: Saat & Gut also offers a Historical Flowers Seed Advent Calendar; €37.90 from Manufactum.

bonne maman advent calendar — Above: The Bonne Maman Advent Calendar includes 24 mini jars of jelly and honey; $45 from Bonne Maman.

For more holiday decor ideas, see:

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Frequently asked questions

What is an advent calendar?

An advent calendar is a special calendar used to countdown the days until Christmas. It typically starts on December 1st and ends on December 24th, with a surprise or treat behind each door or window.

What are some features to consider when choosing an advent calendar?

When choosing an advent calendar, you may want to consider the design, theme, size, material, and the type of surprises or treats it offers.

Are the advent calendars listed in the Remodelista Gift Guide for 2023 simple?

Yes, the advent calendars listed in the Remodelista Gift Guide for 2023 are specifically chosen for their simplicity and minimalist design.

What are some simple advent calendar ideas for 2023?

Some simple advent calendar ideas for 2023 include paper-based calendars with numbered doors, hanging fabric pockets, DIY calendars made with recycled materials, and digital advent calendars.

Where can I find the best advent calendars for 2023?

You can find some of the best advent calendars for 2023 in the Remodelista Gift Guide. They provide a curated selection of unique and simple advent calendars.

Can I customize my own advent calendar?

Yes, you can definitely customize your own advent calendar using various materials and ideas available. It allows you to personalize it according to your preferences and taste.

Are there advent calendars suitable for adults?

Absolutely! There are many advent calendars specifically designed for adults, featuring items such as beauty products, gourmet treats, alcoholic beverages, and other unique surprises.

How do I use an advent calendar?

Using an advent calendar is simple. Each day, you open one door, window, or pocket, following the numbered sequence, and enjoy the surprise or treat hidden inside.

Can I reuse an advent calendar each year?

Some advent calendars are designed for single-use, while others can be reused each year. It depends on the construction and materials used. Check the product details or packaging for information regarding reusability.

Where can I purchase the advent calendars mentioned in the Remodelista Gift Guide?

You can find the advent calendars listed in the Remodelista Gift Guide on their website or by clicking on the provided links. They might direct you to online stores or directly to the brand's website.