The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to build excitement for Christmas than with an advent calendar? These festive treats have been a staple of holiday tradition for centuries, offering a daily dose of surprise and delight for kids and adults alike. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best 2021 advent calendar for your loved ones. In this article, we’ll unwrap the top contenders, exploring their unique features, and helping you make an informed decision.
What is an Advent Calendar?
Before we dive into the best 2021 advent calendars, let’s take a brief look at the history and concept behind these festive treats. An advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days until Christmas, typically starting on December 1st and ending on Christmas Eve. The calendar has 24 small doors, windows, or drawers, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Behind each door, you’ll find a surprise, which can range from chocolates and candies to small toys, stickers, and even experiences.
Types of Advent Calendars
Over the years, advent calendars have evolved to cater to diverse interests and age groups. Here are some popular types of advent calendars:
- Chocolate Advent Calendars: These calendars feature a piece of chocolate behind each door, perfect for chocolate lovers of all ages.
- Toy Advent Calendars: These calendars offer a small toy or trinket behind each door, ideal for kids who love surprises.
- Experience Advent Calendars: These calendars provide a unique experience or activity behind each door, such as a recipe, a craft, or a game.
- Themed Advent Calendars: These calendars are designed around a specific theme, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Disney.
Top 2021 Advent Calendars
Now that we’ve explored the types of advent calendars, let’s take a look at some of the top contenders for 2021. We’ve curated a list of advent calendars that cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For Chocolate Lovers
- Lindt Chocolate Advent Calendar: This luxurious advent calendar features 24 pieces of Lindt’s finest chocolate, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate.
- Godiva Chocolate Advent Calendar: This calendar offers 24 pieces of Godiva’s rich, velvety chocolate, including seasonal flavors like peppermint and gingerbread.
For Kids
- LEGO Advent Calendar: This calendar features 24 LEGO sets, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Kids can build a new LEGO creation every day, from mini-figures to vehicles.
- Playmobil Advent Calendar: This calendar offers 24 Playmobil sets, including figures, animals, and accessories. Kids can create their own Playmobil adventures every day.
For Adults
- Wine Advent Calendar: This calendar features 24 mini bottles of wine, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to try new varieties.
- Craft Beer Advent Calendar: This calendar offers 24 craft beers, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Ideal for beer enthusiasts who want to discover new brews.
Unique and Creative Advent Calendars
If you’re looking for something truly unique and creative, consider these advent calendars:
- Book Advent Calendar: This calendar features 24 books, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Perfect for bookworms who want to discover new authors and genres.
- DIY Advent Calendar: This calendar provides a DIY project for each day leading up to Christmas, from crafts to recipes. Ideal for those who love to create and make things.
How to Choose the Best Advent Calendar
With so many options available, choosing the best advent calendar can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Consider the age and interests of the recipient: Choose an advent calendar that caters to the recipient’s age and interests.
- Set a budget: Advent calendars can range from affordable to luxurious, so set a budget before making a decision.
- Look for unique and creative features: Consider advent calendars that offer unique and creative features, such as experiences or DIY projects.
Conclusion
The best 2021 advent calendar is one that brings joy and excitement to the recipient. Whether you’re looking for a traditional chocolate advent calendar or something unique and creative, there’s an advent calendar out there for everyone. By considering the age and interests of the recipient, setting a budget, and looking for unique features, you can choose the perfect advent calendar for your loved ones. So why not start a new holiday tradition this year and countdown to Christmas with an advent calendar?
What is an Advent calendar?
An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days until Christmas. It typically has 24 small doors or windows, one for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Behind each door, there is a surprise, such as a piece of chocolate, a small toy, or a fun activity.
The tradition of using an Advent calendar originated in Germany in the mid-19th century. It was a way for families to build excitement and anticipation for Christmas. Today, Advent calendars are enjoyed by people of all ages and come in a wide range of themes and styles.
What types of Advent calendars are available?
There are many different types of Advent calendars available, catering to various interests and ages. Some popular options include chocolate Advent calendars, toy Advent calendars, and activity-based Advent calendars. There are also Advent calendars specifically designed for adults, featuring items such as wine, beer, or gourmet food.
In addition to these, there are also Advent calendars centered around popular franchises, such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Disney. These calendars often feature exclusive content, such as collectible figures or behind-the-scenes information.
What are some popular brands that offer Advent calendars?
Several popular brands offer Advent calendars, including Lego, Playmobil, and Funko. These calendars often feature exclusive content and are highly sought after by fans. Other popular brands include Cadbury, Lindt, and Ghirardelli, which offer chocolate Advent calendars.
In addition to these brands, many retailers also offer their own Advent calendars, featuring a range of products and themes. These calendars can be a great way to discover new brands and products while counting down to Christmas.
How much do Advent calendars cost?
The cost of Advent calendars can vary widely, depending on the brand, theme, and content. Some calendars can be quite affordable, starting at around $10-$20, while others can be more expensive, ranging from $50-$100 or more.
In general, the more exclusive or high-end the content, the more expensive the calendar is likely to be. However, there are also many affordable options available, making it possible for anyone to enjoy an Advent calendar.
Can I purchase Advent calendars online?
Yes, many retailers offer Advent calendars for purchase online. This can be a convenient option, especially for those who prefer to shop from home or have limited time to visit physical stores. Online retailers often offer a wide range of Advent calendars, making it easy to find one that suits your interests and budget.
When purchasing an Advent calendar online, be sure to check the shipping deadlines to ensure that it arrives in time for the start of Advent. Some retailers may also offer in-store pickup or expedited shipping options.
Are Advent calendars suitable for children?
Yes, many Advent calendars are designed specifically for children and can be a fun and exciting way to count down to Christmas. These calendars often feature popular children’s characters, toys, or activities, and are designed to be safe and enjoyable for kids.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the recommended age range and content of the calendar before purchasing, to ensure that it’s suitable for your child. Some calendars may contain small parts or choking hazards, so it’s essential to choose a calendar that’s designed for your child’s age and abilities.
Can I create my own Advent calendar?
Yes, you can create your own Advent calendar at home. This can be a fun and creative way to count down to Christmas, and allows you to tailor the content to your interests and preferences. You can use a variety of materials, such as cardboard, paper, or fabric, to create the calendar and fill it with your chosen treats or activities.
Creating your own Advent calendar can also be a great way to save money and make the experience more personal. You can include items that you already have at home, such as small toys, candies, or notes, and customize the calendar to fit your needs and budget.