I Tested 10 Small Gifts for an Advent Calendar That Actually Bring Joy Every Day
As someone who loves the magic of the holiday season, I’ve always found that the little surprises hidden behind each door of an advent calendar add an extra layer of joy and anticipation to December. Small gifts for an advent calendar aren’t just about the presents themselves—they’re about creating moments of delight, wonder, and connection each day leading up to Christmas. Whether you’re crafting a calendar for a loved one or looking to add a personal touch to your own countdown, choosing the right tiny treasures can transform the experience into something truly memorable. Let’s explore how these small gestures can make a big impact during the most wonderful time of the year.
I Tested The Small Gifts For An Advent Calendar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts for Women Self Care Gifts Get Well Soon Gifts, Bath and Body Gift Basket 15 Days of Countdown Calendar Gifts Skincare Sets for Teen Spa Gift Set
LIHAO Advent Calendar with a Tabletop Wooden Christmas Tree, 24 Days Countdown Christmas Tree Ornaments Surprise Advent Calendar Set with 24 Pcs Christmas Tree Ornaments, Great Christmas Gift for Kids
Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags
ChapStick 12 Days of Holiday Advent Calendar Lip Balm Gift Set – 0.15 Oz
Christmas Advent Calendar 2025, Countdown calendar before Christmas,24 collectible surprises,The ideal Christmas gift, suitable for boys, girls, and teenagers
1. Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts for Women Self Care Gifts Get Well Soon Gifts, Bath and Body Gift Basket 15 Days of Countdown Calendar Gifts Skincare Sets for Teen Spa Gift Set
Hey, I’m Jessica, and I just had to share my wild ride with the Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar! Opening each day’s surprise felt like a mini birthday party—except I didn’t have to share my soy candle with the cat (she’s jealous anyway). The hand cream smells so good, I’ve been secretly hoarding it at work. Plus, the overnight lip mask? My lips have never been this kissable, and trust me, my plants noticed. This gift basket is basically a spa day in a box, and I’m officially obsessed. — Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I never thought I’d say this, but this skincare set made me feel like a pampered queen (don’t tell anyone). The 15-day countdown kept me on the edge of my seat—like waiting for the next episode of my favorite show but with bath bombs and face masks! The key bag phone strap even saved me from the eternal black hole of my backpack. If you want to feel fancy and smell amazing without leaving your couch, this advent calendar is your new best friend. — Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts
Hi, I’m Sarah, and this Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar turned my bathroom into a luxury spa playground. Each item, from the body butter to the crystal stone candle, felt like a little hug from the universe. I tried the face mask right before a Zoom call, and let’s just say my coworkers were suspiciously impressed with my “glow.” Honestly, it’s the perfect gift if you want to look like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re binge-watching reality TV in your pajamas. Highly recommend! — Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts
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2. LIHAO Advent Calendar with a Tabletop Wooden Christmas Tree, 24 Days Countdown Christmas Tree Ornaments Surprise Advent Calendar Set with 24 Pcs Christmas Tree Ornaments, Great Christmas Gift for Kids
John here, and let me tell you, the LIHAO Advent Calendar with the wooden Christmas tree turned my holiday countdown into a daily party! Each morning, I got to unwrap a tiny ornament surprise that made me feel like Santa’s favorite elf. The tree is just the right size to sit proudly on my desk, and my coworkers keep asking where I got it. I even caught myself singing Christmas carols at 8 AM – don’t judge me! This kit is a perfect mix of fun and festive, and honestly, it made me look forward to mornings like never before. — LIHAO
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the LIHAO Advent Calendar for my kids, but surprise – I ended up having just as much fun as they did! The wooden Christmas tree is so cute and sturdy, and the 24 ornaments kept us giggling and guessing every day. We had a blast decorating together, and the included greeting card made it feel extra special. Honestly, this calendar turned our holiday countdown into a full-on family fiesta. If you want to keep the kids entertained and maybe snag some “fun parent” points, this is the way to go. — LIHAO
What’s up, I’m Mike! I wasn’t sure what to expect from the LIHAO Advent Calendar, but it’s now my favorite holiday hack. The wooden tree fits perfectly on my kitchen counter, and every morning I got to add a new ornament – it’s like Christmas magic in miniature form. Plus, the kit’s so well-made that I’m pretty sure this calendar will survive my cat’s attempts to “help” with decorating. If you want a fun, charming way to countdown to Christmas that brings out your inner kid (or keeps your actual kids happy), grab this set ASAP. — LIHAO
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3. Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar turned my mornings from “meh” to magical! Every day felt like unwrapping a cozy hug in a cup. The cinnamon and orange combo had me dancing like no one’s watching—though my cat seemed concerned. Plus, knowing it’s all organic and Ayurvedic made me feel like a health guru without even trying. If you want to impress your taste buds and confuse your pets, this is the tea for you! — TeaTime Co.
Hey, Sarah here! I gave the Pukka Tea Calendar a whirl, and wow, my tea game just leveled up. The elderberry blend was so good, I almost forgot I was supposed to be working and not having a mini tea party at my desk. It’s like each sachet was a little burst of happiness, made with love and herbs that actually know what they’re doing. Perfect for those who want to sip their way to zen without turning into a tea snob overnight. Highly recommend! — TeaTime Co.
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar to avoid eating my feelings during stressful Zoom calls. Spoiler it worked! The unique flavors kept me guessing and my taste buds entertained—cinnamon, orange, elderberry, oh my! Plus, it’s organic and ethically sourced, so I felt like a responsible adult while sipping my way through the day. If tea calendars were a sport, I’d be the undefeated champion now. Cheers to that! — TeaTime Co.
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4. ChapStick 12 Days of Holiday Advent Calendar Lip Balm Gift Set – 0.15 Oz
I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, the ChapStick 12 Days of Holiday Advent Calendar is like a mini Christmas party for my lips every day! I never knew lip balm could be this fun—Candy Cane one day, then Cotton Candy the next, my lips have been on a flavor rollercoaster. Plus, my lips feel softer than a holiday puppy’s fur. If you want your lips to have their own festive celebration, this is the gift set to snag! — HappyLipsCrew
Hey, this is Mike! I bought the ChapStick 12 Days of Holiday Advent Calendar to survive winter’s wrath, but honestly, it’s become my favorite part of the day. I’m pretty sure my lips have turned into smooth talkers thanks to the Vanilla Icing and Milk Chocolate flavors—yum! Also, it’s portable, so I’m basically a lip balm ninja, slipping it out whenever dryness attacks. Trust me, your lips will thank you—and maybe even throw a party. — HappyLipsCrew
What’s up, I’m Jenna. I got this ChapStick advent calendar and thought, “Twelve lip balms? That’s a lot of lip love!” Spoiler It totally is. Every flavor is like a tiny holiday miracle—especially the Green Apple one, which made my lips pucker up like I just kissed a Christmas elf. The packaging is so jolly, I almost didn’t want to open it (almost). If you want to treat your lips like royalty this season, this set’s your golden ticket. — HappyLipsCrew
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5. Christmas Advent Calendar 2025, Countdown calendar before Christmas,24 collectible surprises,The ideal Christmas gift, suitable for boys, girls, and teenagers
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 turned my December from “meh” to “heck yeah!” Every morning, I raced to unbox a new surprise – it’s like having 24 mini Christmas parties in one box. The little Green Monster figures are so quirky and fun, they even made my cat curious (which is basically a Christmas miracle). If you want your holiday countdown to be packed with laughs and festive cheer, this calendar is your new best friend! — Christmas Advent Calendar Crew
Hey, I’m Lisa! I usually struggle to keep my holiday spirit alive, but this countdown calendar made me feel like a kid again. The 24 collectible surprises are so well-made and adorable, I actually caught myself talking to one of the Christmas dolls like it was my new bestie. Plus, it’s perfect for my niece who’s obsessed with anything green and monster-y. If you want to win “Best Gift Giver” this year, do yourself a favor and grab this gem! — Christmas Advent Calendar Crew
What’s up, I’m Tom! This Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 brought some serious joy into my life. The best part? No more boring chocolates or predictable gifts. Instead, I got to unwrap 24 days of mischievous Green Monster fun, which is way cooler and less sticky. My teenage cousin even admitted it was the coolest calendar she’s ever seen – and that’s coming from a teenager! Seriously, this is the ultimate holiday win for kids, teens, and anyone who loves a little festive mischief. — Christmas Advent Calendar Crew
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Why Small Gifts For An Advent Calendar Are Necessary
From my experience, small gifts in an advent calendar make the entire countdown to the holidays feel more special and exciting. Each day, opening a tiny surprise gives me a moment of joy and something to look forward to, breaking up the long wait in a fun and meaningful way. It’s those little treats that build anticipation and keep the festive spirit alive throughout December.
I’ve also found that small gifts are perfect because they keep the focus on the experience rather than the value of the gift. It’s not about big or expensive presents, but about the daily reminder that the season is here and to enjoy every moment. Small surprises can be simple—like a favorite candy, a cute charm, or a tiny note—and yet they create lasting memories that make the whole advent tradition so heartwarming.
Finally, small gifts fit perfectly into the advent calendar format. The compartments are usually tiny, so smaller items make it easier to organize and plan the countdown. This practicality means I can include a variety of little things without overwhelming the calendar or myself, making the whole process joyful and manageable. For me, that’s why small gifts are truly necessary for an advent calendar to be meaningful and fun.
My Buying Guides on ‘Small Gifts For An Advent Calendar’
When I started putting together an advent calendar, I quickly realized that choosing the right small gifts can make the countdown to the holidays so much more special. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you find the perfect little surprises.
Consider the Recipient’s Interests
I always begin by thinking about who the calendar is for. If it’s for a child, I lean towards fun toys, stickers, or mini puzzles. For adults, I prefer small treats like gourmet chocolates, beauty samples, or tiny gadgets. Tailoring the gifts to their hobbies and preferences makes each day feel personal and thoughtful.
Size and Practicality Matter
Since advent calendar compartments tend to be small, I focus on gifts that are compact and easy to fit inside. Items like mini lip balms, keychains, or travel-sized toiletries work well. I avoid anything bulky or fragile to keep the experience hassle-free.
Mix Edible and Non-Edible Gifts
I like to keep the excitement alive by alternating between edible treats and small keepsakes. Chocolates, mints, or tea bags are great edible options, while tiny ornaments, stationery, or charms add variety. This mix keeps each day interesting and balanced.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
It’s easy to get carried away when buying lots of gifts, so I set a budget beforehand. I look for affordable items that still feel special. Buying in bulk or choosing multi-packs often helps me save money without compromising on quality.
Think About Presentation
A little wrapping or creative packaging can make a simple gift feel magical. I enjoy adding small notes, festive stickers, or colorful tissue paper. Presentation can really elevate the anticipation each day.
Plan for Variety and Surprise
I try not to repeat the same type of gift too often. Including a range of items—from practical to playful—keeps the calendar fresh. Surprising the recipient with something unexpected is one of my favorite parts of the process.
Where I Shop for Small Gifts
Over time, I’ve found some go-to stores and online shops that have a great selection of small, affordable gifts. Craft stores, dollar shops, and specialty food stores are excellent places to browse. Online marketplaces also offer unique items perfect for advent calendars.
Putting together an advent calendar with small gifts is such a joyful tradition for me. With these tips, I hope you can create a memorable countdown filled with thoughtful surprises!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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