Part 1

I am a little bit late with this post. If I wanted it to be relevant, I should have publish it in the end of August. That is right – you’ve read that correctly! Each year the advent hype is starting earlier and earlier. And more and more brands are offering a bundle of joy to help you count the days until Christmas. But what are the best offers out there, when is the perfect time to order, and are you really saving money? Don’t worry! I am here to answer those questions!

What is an Advent Calendar?

When I was a little girl, the only advent calendars I was interested in were the ones with candy inside. Not that there were others available, anyhow. And for me the opening of the tiny windows every day from the 1st December until Christmas became a tradition. That is basically what an advent calendar is – it helps you count down the days until Christmas.

From their birth in the 19th century, when each door concealed a picture or a Bible verse, advent calendars have evolved a lot. Now, you can find in them jewelry, cosmetics, bath and body products, toys, even alcohol and cheese. A lot of big brands ride the hype wave as well – Lush, The Body Shop, HM, Lego, Sephora to name a few. The price of the calendars may vary – from 15 to a couple of hundred euros per piece. It is for you to decide which one to choose.

When is the Perfect Time to Order?

Although advent calendars are supposed to be opened from 1st December, you should do your research and shopping well in advance. This year, I’ve watched the first unboxing video on 25th August! That’s how early advent calendars are released! I am expecting them even earlier in 2022.

I’d decided to order my calendars in October this year. But by that time it was already late! I wanted two – the Revolution Deluxe Advent Calendar and Sephora Favorites. Both were out of stock. I was told that just a few were produced from the Sephora one and it was sold out the day it arrived in the store. And it was not that cheap either – 140 euros. I’ve managed to get the Revolution one later, but it still has not arrived due to the delay, so I am starting the advent empty-handed.

So what is my advice? Do not wait for your favorite vlogger to unbox the calendar you want. By that time it will probably be out of stock. Every year the brands put similar products in the advent boxes, so the chance to find what you’ve liked the previous year is not that slim. Of course, there are slight differences in color or sent, but the products are identical. So choose your favorites in advance and start checking from the end of September. In previous years it was possible to get a calendar until the middle of November, but this is no more valid. The chances are if it is available at that time and has not been re-stocked, the box is not so good.

Are Advent Calendars Really Worth It?

Honestly, it depends. Some boxes are just great, others not that much. It is not a big secret that some brands are putting products in colors that were not that sellable throughout the year. Or everything is in sample sizes. That is what happened with my Douglas calendar last year – everything was just tiny. On the other hand, that may not be such a bad thing. It gives you the possibility to try a certain product and decide if it is for you or not. And you are set with travel-sized products until next advent. There are, of course, brands that put full size products, but the price of the calendar might be a bit higher.

Many times the worth of the calendar is determined by the way you look on it. For example, I do not mind paying full price for 24 surprise products, wrapped in a box. For me, the enjoyment of opening a mystery gift every day definitely makes that type of product appealing. I believe that when you are buying an advent calendar, you are paying for the experience, rather than the products.

Which is the Best Advent Calendar?

It depends again. For a child the Lego advent calendar would be the best (although I was quite tempted to get that one myself). I prefer makeup boxes and do not like such with white cosmetics. Also I would not want a calendar, full of nail polish as I do not do my nails at home. That is why research is so important – the best calendar for me, might not be the best for you.

But according the advent queen, Eltoria, this year the Elle Beauty Advent Calendar is the best on the market. It is already sold out, but is definitely something to look out for during your advent hunt next year.

For a review of some of the most popular advent calendars out there, click here.

Photos: Internet