Life
The Best 2019 Advent Calendars For The Whole Family
Every year, one of the things I look forward to the most about Christmas is buying the new advent calendars. There's something wonderful about how they force you to stay connected to the deeper meaning of the holiday, even amidst the chaos. The best 2019 advent calendars are the most unique, and they must have something to discover — even if you're adding it yourself.
I once bought an advent calendar for my kids where you would match the sticker to a place on a large picture, one for every day of the season, until finally, baby Jesus shows up and there's a party. While the symbolism was lovely, I'll admit, I missed the little prize. I'm not asking for gold, frankincense, or myrrh (I mean, who even knows what to do with frankincense or myrrh anyway), but a little chocolate, or a beer, or a bag of tea to try is just lovely. I don't need them to celebrate the wonder of the holiday, but it does give me a bit of extra joy.
Also, my children adore it when they open one of the boxes to find a note that my husband or I have written only to them, along with a little Hershey's kiss or mini bag of M&Ms. It is a special tradition that warms all of our hearts, and so do these 20 advent calendars.
1. For The Future Paleontologist
My son was obsessed with dinosaurs from age 3 until about age 8. Dino Dan and Dinosaur Train were our constant companions. To this day, I will occasionally find myself saying, "Next stop, the Jurassic time period," when I find something old in the fridge. This gorgeous set by Schleich is a steal at $35 when you consider that you're getting 24 separate Schleich toys. Every dino-loving kid will want this.
2. For Jam & Butter Fans
This is my favorite jam company, so you better believe I'm baking scones especially for this advent calendar. Also, those little jars are adorable, and I can already imagine how I'll reuse them.
3. For A Tipsy Little Christmas
The vials of wine will come to you when you need it most. Stored in a gorgeous red box, it is exactly what we all want during the hectic season.
4. For Your Artistic Kids
This is such an adorable idea. Behind the doors, there are paint sets, pens, markers, and 24 different coloring pages to encourage your child to get creative.
5. For Your Pup
It's Christmas for your dogs, too. Just think of how waggly they'll get as they see you opening it once they understand what's inside. Though I'd keep this well away from where they can get it.
6. For Pretend Train Conductors
This is timeless. 24 pieces come together to build a beautiful train set that will undoubtedly be brought out every Christmas.
7. For Your Horse Fans
I just finished this book called Horse Crazy by Jean O'Malley-Halley, and in it, she talks a lot about girls who are obsessed with horses as children. I was absolutely one of those girls, and this advent calendar would have made my life. I am in my 30s and want one. Schleich is known for their miniatures, and this set is just gorgeous.
8. For The Elf On The Shelf Fam
There was no getting away from Elf on the Shelf, and this one comes with 24 poppable mylar balloons that each contain a little goodie for your kids.
9. For The Chili Head
OK, yes, this is an advent calendar, but what I want to know is, are these purse or pocket-sized bottles? Because I always need more purse hot sauce.
10. For The Cuppa Fan
I drink a hot cup of tea every night. This is enabling me in my love, and I am here for it. Think they have a sugar cube calendar?
11. For Those Who Want Something Different
This one has 24 gifts of marzipan. For those of you who aren't familiar, marzipan is a sweet almond paste candy that is actually pretty delicious, so I am intrigued.
13. For Those Who Like To Smell Nice
The Body Shop has some of my favorite lotions and potions, and so this advent calendar is speaking to my cocoa butter loving heart.
14. For The Chocoholics
If you've never had Neuhaus chocolates, just buy this. Trust me, your mouth with thank me later.
15. For Marvel Fans
Funko Pop! is one of the most popular figurine brands, and this Marvel advent calendar is hitting all the biggies of the MCU.
16. For The Traditionalists That Love An Heirloom Piece
This is one you fill yourself, and that can bring its own joy. I imagine passing this calendar down to your kids or grandkids and watching them light up with joy as it comes out each year.
17. For Those Who Want Just A Little Sip
I am Eastern European, and these little chocolate liqueur bottles are ubiquitous at every holiday or social event. (And they are delicious.) The idea of having a new one each day makes me so excited.
18. For Those Who Like To Sparkle
A jewelry advent calendar is so unique that I had to add it to this list. I never would have thought of it, but Marks and Spencer did, so I'm grateful.
19. For Those Who Like To Feel Pampered
My daughter would be so into this, as she inexplicably loves Anthropologie at age 8. This is a cute way for her to experience the brand all month long through everything from posh toothpaste to lotion.
20. For Those Who Like To Go "Moo"
I keep coming back to Schleich because their toys last so long. They can really take a beating, and kids love using them in their imaginative play.
21. For Those Who Will Be There On The Double
Just looking at this, you heard the song in your head, didn't you? You're in luck, you can also hear your kids sing it over and over as they open each toy — all 24 of them.
