Welcome to 2024, where advent calendars are as big of a deal for adults as they are for children, and filled with so much more than cheap choccy. We're talking beauty products, booze, and even treats for in the bedroom (there's a reason Santa has a naughty list).
So let's cut straight to the chase, here's our pick of the best adult advent calendars in New Zealand for 2024.
Sugar Flour Advent Chocolate Bar
Image credit: Sugar Flour / Supplied
Chocolate advent calendars still have their place... if they're made entirely from premium Valrhona choccy and filled with a crunchy speculoos filling, that is. And that's exactly the Willy Wonka-type stunt Maxine Scheckter—the talented lass behind Wellington pastry school, Sugar Flour—has pulled this festive season.
As with all of Maxine's creations, the is as much about eating with your eyes, as it is your mouth; featuring cute Christmas graphics and hand-painted details in gold, green, and more. This unique re-imagining of the traditional chocolate advent calendar is extremely delicate—weighing in at just 200g— and as such, is available for collection only (which means Wellingtonians, you're in luck).
Lush 29 High Street Advent Calendar
Image credit: Lush / Supplied
'Tis the season to be jolly, and the is the jolliest of them all. Stuffed full of unapologetically Christmassy treats from the home of fresh, cruelty-free cosmetics, you'll find Candy Cane and Sugar Plum Sparkle reusable bubble bars—Father Christmas, Elf, and Frosty the Snowman bath bombs—and yes, even some pretty pink Snow Fairy goodies (IYKYK). Don't be surprised if you also come across a few festive throwbacks, from Christmases past.
As for the packaging, it's as glorious as ever; taking the form of a reusable candy-coloured house (actually 29 High Street, the home of Lush's first-ever store in England).
Nespresso Advent Calendars
Image credit: Nespresso / Supplied
How's this for buzzy news—Nespresso has not one, but two advent calendars to choose from this year depending on your coffee-making weapon of choice. Available in either or , each boasts enough pods to keep you caffeinated for 23 days straight (not a bad thing in the lead-up to Christmas, are we right?), with an appearance from three new flavours created in collaboration with chef Jean Imbert.
An extra special something is waiting for you behind door number 24, but we won’t ruin the surprise.
Glasshouse Fragrances 24 Days Of Christmas Advent Calendar
Image: Glasshouse Fragrances / Supplied
As much as we'd love to fill our home with the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, this is New Zealand (read: a country steamrolling its way toward summer)—so we'll be relying on the 24 scented surprises hidden inside, instead.
This gorgeous calendar exudes festiveness, from the gorgeous velvet-clad exterior to the exquisite line-up of candles, perfumes, and beauty products in Yule-friendly fragrances like the best-selling Night Before Christmas and A Tahaa Affair, waiting to be discovered within each of its drawers.
Keep an eye out for money-can't-buy items and even a limited-edition Chrissy ornament, to really drive the festive spirit home. Hands-down one of the best advent calendars in town.
Morningcider This Cider Xmas—Advent Calendar Box
Image credit: Morningcider / Facebook
Morningside for life, but also for Christmas. Morningcider to be precise, aka the award-winning cider brand that is, in fact, brewed in the Auckland suburb of Morningside (from locally grown apples, no less); and is for the first time releasing its very own advent calendar.
Get the ice cubes on standby, because you're going to be counting down to Chrissy with a crisp cidey for 24 DAYS STRAIGHT. And not just from Morningcider, either—the also features drops from more than 10 other Kiwi makers to keep the festivities flowing. Chur.
Benefit The Gorgeous Grocer Beauty Advent Calendar Value Set
Image credit: Benefit / Supplied
Never have we ever seen an advent calendar packaged inside a hot pink shopping basket— until now, that is, and we have to thank.
If the novelty packaging doesn't set your heart aflutter, the contents definitely will. Think two dozen full and mini-size products including those from the brand's best-selling POREfessional range, along with a line-up of carefully selected cosmetics that will have you looking like a real-life Christmas angel. You're welcome.
Le Marché Français Cheesy Advent Calendar
Image credit: Le Marché Français / Supplied
Sabrina Carpenter's got it all wrong—it's not please, please, please, it's cheese, cheese, cheese. At least that's what going through our heads each morning as we open up the doors on our gourmet .
This one comes to us courtesy of a popular deli/cafe in Welly and is stacked with a whopping 1kg of fromage sourced from France and wider Europe; divided into 24 individually wrapped portions accompanied by daily tasting notes, sent via email. Whether you like your cheese hard, soft, or with a bit of blue running through, there's plenty to salivate over here. All that's missing is a cheeky cup of espresso (looks like Sab's lyrics don't entirely miss the mark).
Makeup Revolution Love Actually 12 Days Advent Calendar
Image credit: Makeup Revolution / Supplied
Love it or loathe it, Love Actually is a silly season classic. And those who do love it are going to fall head-over-heels for this . Inside its cute chocolate box exterior, you'll find a delicious line-up of quirky yet quality goodies, ranging from heart-shaped makeup sponges and hairclips to an eyeshadow palette featuring nine Cupid-approved shades.
The only thing to loathe is that you'll one hundred per cent end up singing “Christmas Is All Around Me", by the time you reach the final window.
Tony's Chocolonely Countdown Calendar
Image credit: Tony's Chocolonely / Supplied
Taking a leaf out of the traditional advent calendar book comes this epic offering from the one-and-only Tony's Chocolonely—who if you didn't know, is on a mission to end exploitation in the cocoa industry.
Twenty-five mini bars made from their irresistible brand of Fairtrade, palm-oil-free choccy can be found hiding behind the doors of this gigantic, candy-coloured advent (it's nearly two feet tall!), including all of their most beloved flavours. Think milk chocolate caramel sea salt, white chocolate raspberry popping candy, and dark milk pretzel toffee to name but a few.
As you count down to the big day, you'll also have the chance to learn more about the ins and outs of slavery in the chocolate industry, and in keeping with Tony's sustainable values—you can even use the calendar tray to grow plants once you're done. So what are you waiting for? Treat yo'self.
The Tony's Chocolonely Countdown Calendar is available now at .
Stranger Things 24 Day—Pop! Advent Calendar
Image credit: Funko / Supplied
If you thought ours was the only dimension to celebrate Christmas, think again. And we heard that in the Upside Down, they're counting down to the big day with this sweet , featuring two dozen pocket-sized figurines of all your fave (and not-so-fave!) characters from one of Netflix's most-streamed shows; all packaged inside an appropriately creepy box. Oddly, it's the scowling, Santa hat-clad Vecna that brings us the most joy...
P.S. If Stranger Things doesn't quite do it for 'ya, check out these equally cool and versions.
T2 For The Love Of Flavour Tea Bag 24 Day Advent Calendar
Take a break from the festivities and unwind with a cuppa from the . Hiding inside a box that's as merry as it is bright, you'll find 24 different tea bags—many with a decidedly festive theme (Christmas Breakfast, Strawberries & Cream, and Sticky Date Delight to name a few). Add some old favourites like French Earl Grey and Chai into the mix, and we reckon this is just the thing to keep you cool, calm and collected this Christmas.
Adairs Christmas Multi Candle Advent Calendar
Image credit: Adairs / Supplied
Is it possible to be more excited about an advent calendar, than Christmas Day itself? We're here to tell you that yes, it most definitely is when the advent calendar in question is filled with a dozen miniature candles in fragrances like Christmas cookies, apple pie, espresso martini, strawberry pavlova, gingerbread, and lemon meringue (anyone else suffering from festive-induced heart palpitations, or just us?).
The also has some of the most charming packaging you'll see this year. Created in the shape of a cute three-storey house decked out in full Christmas kit, this is festiveness at its absolute finest and we're here for it.
House Of Chocolate Chocolate House Advent Calendar
All we want for Christmas is House of Chocolate to return to Takapuna. Should that be outside of Santa's capabilities, we'll settle for the next best thing, aka one of their decadent choccy advent calendars. This bad boy features 24 of HOC's beautifully crafted chocolates in festive flavours like hokey pokey, sprinkles, and creamy hazelnut (some are even tinted gold!), which you'll pluck from a giant box emblazoned with a snow-covered cottage in your choice of pink or cream.
The is available online, in-store at their Beach Haven branch, or from Farro.
Lovehoney 24-Day X Womanizer Couple's Sex Toy Advent Calendar
Image credit: Lovehoney / Supplied
If you prefer being on the naughty list at Christmas time, will suit you and your someone special nicely. Containing 24 days' worth of kinky surprises packaged inside a racy red box, this is an entirely new version of festive fun and we're not at all mad about it.
The Weekender 24 Day Gin Advent Calendar/Tasting Box
Image credit: The Weekender / Supplied
If gin-gle bells are the only kinda bells you're interested in this Christmas, then you're gonna loveee this luxe from The Weekender.
Spirits will be at an all-time high and your festive cup overflowing as you work your way through gins from some of the country's most awarded brands, each individually packaged inside its very own reusable bauble (honestly, they've thought of everything).
LEGO Advent Calendars
Image credit: LEGO / Supplied
Okay, so technically this one is for the kids, but we reckon you're never too old to enjoy the magic of LEGO.
As is the case every year, you'll have a few different options to choose from—ranging from the classic and varieties to those themed around , , and even (because Christmas happens in the MCU too, you know).
Fling Cocktails 12 Days Craft Cocktail Advent Calendar
Image credit: Fling Cocktails / Supplied
Not sure what kind of advent you had last Christmas, but this year, to save you from tears—follow Wham's advice and get yourself something special (we may have paraphrased just a little). And nothing screams special more than this incredible , stacked with all you need to make 12 lush, expertly crafted drinks in the countdown to Christmas.
Each day you'll unwrap instructions and ingredients for shaking up all manner of cocktail goodness, using Fling's popular cocktail cans as the base and ranging from much-loved classics to those with a decidedly festive spin like day 9's Sleighbell Rosebud Bellini featuring Brown Brothers King Valley Prosecco. Delish.
MAC 24K Holiday Advent Calendar
Image credit: MAC / Supplied
If makeup makes you merry, then check out the gorgeous . This beauty may set you back a cool four hundy-plus, but we reckon that's a small price to pay for 24 days of gifts (full-size products included!) that will have you out-shining even the brightest Chrissy tree—and especially when the whole thing's valued at close to $900.
Decked out in festive gold and bursting with more pressies than your childhood Santa sack, expect to unwrap some of this brand's biggest sellers, along with a number of shiny new treats.
Winter Lights 12 Days Of Puzzles Christmas Countdown
Image credit: The Jigstore / Supplied
Some people like their advent calendars filled with beauty products, some people like them filled with booze—and others just like theirs filled with a Christmas-themed jigsaw to put together each day, can we get an amen?
Enter the , available here in NZ from The Jigstore. This charming advent calendar features 12 80-piece mini puzzles, each depicting an unapologetically festive scene including a Christmas tree market, ice-skating rink, and a whole lotta Christmas shopping, illustrated by New Jersey-based artist Joy Laforme.
For one of this year's most novelty (and long-lasting) advent calendars, you gotta get yourself a piece of this.
Mecca Max Minis To The Max 12-Piece Beauty Advent Calendar
Image: Mecca / Supplied
This Christmas we're flocking to everyone's favourite makeup store in search of the . Everything Mecca touches turns to gold and this box of goodies is no exception, coming to the party with a mix of seasonal specials and everyday essentials, all in a handy mini size. Think brow gel and mascara for your peepers, lip pencil and gloss for your pout, and setting spray to bring it all together.
Now for the Christmas tree... Find the perfect pine with our round-up of Auckland's best real Christmas trees.
Main image credit: Lush / Supplied
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