Advent calendars that aren't just full of chocolate

Growing up, my favorite time of year started on Dec 1. My parents indulged my love of opening gifts by getting me a chocolate-filled Advent calendar every year. I had to help set up the Advent candles and do my Advent artwork at school first, but when I came home, I got to open my first piece of chocolate. And for the next 23 day days, I got more chocolate.

That might be when my addiction to candy started. Who knows. When I was a kid, Advent calendars were just candy. These days, kids have Advent sock calendars, LEGO kits, and Funko Pop! figures. I'm not a kid, but I want them. Retailers know that adults aren't that different from children, so there are also calendars meant for adults, like fancy flower calendars, makeup calendars, and candle calendars.

While you might be a few days late if you order a 24-day Advent calendar now, it'll still be a hit in your house. The Advent season is 24 days, but many big brands don't have 24 gifts for everyone, so there are also 12-day Advent calendars.

12-day Advent calendars

12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar - hudabeauty.com

175Shop Now

I buy too much makeup, let me just say that. I have at least 10 Huda Beauty lipsticks in my makeup bag. It's by far one of my most-recommended brands to friends. This calendar has one of there lip pencils, lipsticks, mascara, perfume, lashes, and two eyeshadow palettes. And it's on sale for $175 right now!

Friends Central Perk 12 Days Of Bath + Body Advent Calendar

Friends Central Perk 12 Days Of Bath + Body Advent Calendar - urbanoutfitters.com

20.00Shop Now

This is for the one who's obsessed with "Friends." Urban Outfitters has a "Friends" bath-themed calendar, as well as a bath bomb calendar. Something tells me Chandler would have gotten a kick out of these calendars after a long, tough day.

Voluspa Advent Calendar Mini Candle Set

Advent Calendar Mini Candle Set - sephora.com

75.00Shop Now

When you get older, this weird switch flicks in your brain that makes you suddenly care about candles. Suddenly, you want a box full of 12 different scents at all times. This luxe Voluspa set offers scents like Baltic amber, French cade lavender, and Japanese plum bloom.

Les Douze Jours

Les Douze Jours -

699.00Shop Now

If you want to get as boujee as possible for the holiday season, you can't get more boujee than a Venus ET Fleur calendar. The cost of the calendar is high, but every flower that comes in it will last a year and will never need to be watered.

Men's 12 Days of Socks – Star Wars

Men's 12 Days of Socks - Star Wars - kohls.com

24.99Shop Now

For some reason, Kohl's only has socks for "men's" adult Advent calendars. These socks can work for literally anyone of any gender who likes Star Wars. It comes with four pairs of crew socks and eight pairs of low-cut socks.

Women's 12 Days of Scrunchies Cool Tone Scrunchie Set

Women's 12 Days of Scrunchies Cool Tone Scrunchie Set - kohls.com

26.00Shop Now

I love Kohl's, but the only "women's" Advent calendars are scrunchies. This 12-pack of scrunchies will work for any person with hair long enough to tie up. Honestly, get this calendar because hair ties vanish every day at an alarming rate.

Advent Calendar: Pancake the Penguin's Christmas Adventure

Advent Calendar: Pancake the Penguin's Christmas Adventure - lovepopcards.com

39.00Shop Now

LovePop already changed the game for cards you can mail your friends and family. Now they have Advent calendars that are so cute, your face will melt off. A penguin named pancake? Too cute for words.

Cookie Making Advent Calendar

Cookie Making Advent Calendar - uncommongoods.com

65.00Shop Now

If you want something sweet but think chocolate calendars are overrated, might I introduce you to cookies. Each day you'll open a new ingredient or tool for making cookies at home.

24-day Advent Calendars

LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar

LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 75981 Cool, Collectible Hogwarts Toys for Kids (335 Pieces) - walmart.com

29.45Shop Now

These LEGO Advent calendars are a hot commodity every year. This Yule Ball-themed calendar is one of the better LEGO calendars we've seen in recent years. There's also a good Star Wars calendar, but it has gone in and out of stock for weeks at Walmart.

POP! Advent Calendar 2020: Harry Potter

POP! Advent Calendar 2020: Harry Potter - gamestop.com

39.99Shop Now

If the LEGO set is out of stock, or you don't feel like putting together a tiny LEGO set for 24 days straight, this Funko calendar might be a better fit for you.

Wine Love Advent Calendar

WINE LOVER ADVENT CALENDAR 24 - totalwine.com

79.99Shop Now

It doesn't actually have to be the Advent season to gift someone a wine calendar. Anyone who loves wine will be happy to get 24 mini bottles. This calendar includes wines from different U.S. regions to give you a taste of traveling when you can't leave the house. There's also a 12-day calendar, in case you don't need 24 mini bottles in your home.

L'Occitane Holiday Advent Calendar

Holiday Advent Calendar - Nordstrom

74.00Shop Now

This is quite possibly the most practical Advent calendar on this list because it will be immediately useful and continue to be after you opening. This L'Occtaine calendar is full of hand creams, balms, conditioners and body milks. Since winter is the time for dry and flaky skin, this calendar offers various ways to counteract the weather.