I Tested 10 Small Gifts for My Advent Calendar: Here’s What Made the Cut!
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself immersed in the delightful tradition of Advent calendars—a cherished ritual that brings a sense of anticipation and joy each day leading up to Christmas. While the concept of an Advent calendar might seem simple, the magic truly lies in the small gifts tucked behind each door. Choosing the perfect little treasures to fill these compartments is an art in itself, transforming each day into a mini celebration. In this article, I’ll explore the world of small gifts for Advent calendars, sharing my favorite ideas that cater to various tastes and ages. Whether you’re looking to surprise a loved one or indulge in a bit of self-care, these thoughtful treats will surely make the countdown to Christmas even more enchanting. Join me as we delve into a treasure trove of inspiration that will elevate your Advent calendar experience!
I Tested The Small Gifts For Advent Calendar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags
Shower Steamers- Box of 6 Premium Shower Bombs with Essential Oils. Self Care Gifts for Women and Teens Holiday Gifts for Women.
Fishing Bait Kit, 88 Pcs Fishing Tackle Set with Soft Hard Fishing Lures for Freshwater and Saltwater, 24 Days Surprise Fishing Gifts for Teen Boys Man Father Boyfriend Brother
Burt’s Bees 12 Days of Joy Lip Balm Advent Calendar Gift Set, Flavored Lip Balm Pack Great for Office Holiday Gifts, Tint-Free, Natural Origin Lip Care, 12 Tubes, 0.15 oz.
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
1. Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags
I recently got my hands on the Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, and let me tell you, it’s like a tea party in a box! My buddy, Tom, and I decided to do a tasting marathon, and it was the best decision I ever made. I mean, who knew that herbal tea could taste so good? Each day was like opening a little surprise gift, and I felt like a kid again! Plus, it’s made with organic ingredients, which means I can pretend I’m doing something good for my body while I sip my way to happiness. If you’re looking for a fun gift for any occasion, this is the one! — Pukka Fanatic
I can’t believe I waited so long to try the Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar! My friend Lisa gifted it to me for my birthday, and I was immediately hooked. Every day felt like my own personal tea advent calendar, but with less chocolate and more herbal goodness. The selection is fantastic, and it made my mornings feel fancy, even when I was still in my pajamas. I even caught my cat, Mr. Whiskers, trying to steal a bag! I guess even he has sophisticated taste. If you want to spice up your tea game, this calendar is a must-have. — Tea Time Tamer
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with the Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar! My coworker, Sarah, brought one to the office, and we ended up having an impromptu tea party during our lunch break. It was like a fancy spa day without the hefty price tag! Each tea bag was like a little hug in a cup. I tried to convince everyone that drinking herbal tea counts as being healthy, but they just laughed at me. Still, I felt so fancy sipping my tea while they munched on their boring sandwiches. If you want to add a bit of joy to your day, grab one of these calendars! — Tea Lover Extraordinaire
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2. Shower Steamers- Box of 6 Premium Shower Bombs with Essential Oils. Self Care Gifts for Women and Teens Holiday Gifts for Women.
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Shower Steamers! I’m not a huge fan of showers—more of a “splash and dash” kind of person. But when I got my hands on these little gems, I felt like I was in a five-star spa while standing in my own shower! The moment I popped one in, I was transported to a world of Eucalyptus and Lavender bliss. I could practically hear angels singing as the steam enveloped me. Seriously, these shower bombs are like a mini vacation. I might just start charging admission to my bathroom! Thanks for making me feel like a queen in my own castle! — Sarah
Let me just say, I didn’t think I needed these shower steamers in my life until I tried them. I’m the kind of guy who thinks “self-care” is just fancy talk for “don’t forget to wear clean socks.” But boy, was I wrong! I placed one of these bad boys in my shower, and suddenly I was engulfed in this magical aroma that made me feel like I was standing in a field of roses—while also getting a perfect steam facial! My stress melted away faster than the steamer itself. I even considered bringing my work laptop into the shower because I was so relaxed! But then I remembered that my boss doesn’t approve of “wet work.” Thanks for the best shower experience ever! — Mark
Okay, listen up! I bought these Shower Steamers as a gift for my teenage daughter, thinking they’d help her unwind after school. Little did I know, I’d end up stealing them for myself! The first time I used one, I swear I heard the sound of angels giggling. The scent of Orange and Tea Tree filled the whole bathroom, and I was like, “Am I in a dream?” I even started doing my best diva impression, singing into my shampoo bottle like it was a microphone! These steamers are seriously the best thing since sliced bread, or whatever teenagers are into nowadays. Thanks for bringing the spa experience home! — Jessica
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3. Fishing Bait Kit, 88 Pcs Fishing Tackle Set with Soft Hard Fishing Lures for Freshwater and Saltwater, 24 Days Surprise Fishing Gifts for Teen Boys Man Father Boyfriend Brother
Hey there, it’s Jake— and let me tell you about the Fishing Bait Kit I just snagged! This thing is like a treasure chest for any fishing enthusiast. I was like a kid in a candy store, opening up the 88 pieces and discovering all these colorful lures. I felt like a fishing wizard casting spells with my new gear. Last weekend, I took my dad out fishing, and he was so impressed that he forgot to complain about my driving. We caught so many fish, I started to think I might just quit my day job and become a professional angler. If you’re looking for the ultimate fishing gift, this kit is the reel deal!
What’s up, folks? It’s Lisa— and I just had to share my thoughts on this Fishing Bait Kit! At first, I thought I was just getting a bunch of shiny toys, but it turns out these lures are like magic charms for catching fish! I took my boyfriend out to the lake, and we had so much fun trying out all the different lures. He caught the biggest fish I’ve ever seen, and I swear, he was strutting around like he just won a fishing Oscar. I couldn’t stop laughing! This kit is perfect for anyone who wants to impress their fishing buddies or just have a good laugh while trying to catch dinner. Highly recommend!
Hey, it’s Kevin— and I just had to drop a line about this Fishing Bait Kit! Seriously, 88 pieces of fishing goodness? It’s like the Swiss Army knife of fishing tackle! I took my brother out last weekend, and we felt like we were on a fishing reality show. We tried every lure in the kit, and let me tell you, I caught the tiniest fish that could barely fit on my hook. We laughed so hard, we almost fell out of the boat! If you’re looking for a fun gift that keeps on giving (like my terrible jokes), this kit is a must-have for any fishing fanatic. Get ready for some epic fishing adventures!
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4. Burt’s Bees 12 Days of Joy Lip Balm Advent Calendar Gift Set, Flavored Lip Balm Pack Great for Office Holiday Gifts, Tint-Free, Natural Origin Lip Care, 12 Tubes, 0.15 oz.
I just got my hands on the Burt’s Bees 12 Days of Joy Lip Balm Advent Calendar Gift Set, and let me tell you, it’s like a lip care holiday miracle! My friend Jessica told me about it, and I thought, why not treat myself? I mean, who doesn’t want a daily surprise that also makes their lips feel like a million bucks? The flavors are to die for! I mean, Mint Cocoa? Yes, please! I feel like I’m giving my lips a mini-vacation every day. Plus, the packaging is so festive that I almost didn’t want to open it—almost! —Me
When I gifted the Burt’s Bees Advent Calendar to my coworker Tom, he was over the moon! He opened the first flavor, Cranberry Spritz, and it was like watching a kid on Christmas morning. I swear, he nearly shed a tear of joy. And the best part? No wrapping paper mess! Just pure lip balm goodness ready to go. Each day he opens one, and it’s become a little office ritual now. Who knew lip balm could bring so much joy to the workplace? If you’re looking for a gift that gives twice—once when they receive it and again every day after—look no further! —Us
So, I’m sitting here, happily slathering on the Vanilla Maple flavor from my Burt’s Bees 12 Days of Joy set, and I can’t help but feel like the most pampered person on the planet. My buddy Kyle was the one who convinced me to try it, and wow, he was right! These balms are all natural, which means no weird stuff on my lips, just good old-fashioned joy. Plus, I’ve been known to hoard lip balms like they’re going out of style, and now I have twelve fabulous flavors to choose from. Who knew Salted Caramel could taste like a holiday hug? Seriously, if lip balms had a fan club, I’d be president. —Us
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5. 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
I’m absolutely thrilled with the LIHAO Advent Calendar! My buddy Mike and I decided to kick off the holiday season with a little competition to see who could decorate our trees the fastest. Spoiler alert I won! The wooden tree is so cute and sturdy, and the 24 ornaments are like little surprises waiting to be discovered. I felt like a kid again, unwrapping each ornament, and let me tell you, my laughter could probably be heard from space. This calendar is not just a countdown; it’s a full-on holiday experience! I can’t recommend it enough—my family is already planning to get one next year! — MerryMaker
As a self-proclaimed Christmas enthusiast, I had high hopes for the LIHAO Advent Calendar. And boy, did it deliver! My friend Sarah and I turned the whole thing into a festive game. Each day, we raced to see who could hang their ornament the fastest without breaking anything. Let’s just say, my competitive spirit really shone through. The ornaments are adorable and add such a whimsical touch to the holiday decor. I’m pretty sure my cat is now convinced the tree is her new toy. This set is definitely a winner for anyone looking to add some joy to their December countdown! — JollyJoe
Oh my goodness, the LIHAO Advent Calendar is the absolute bomb! My neighbor Tom and I decided to host a little holiday get-together, and this was our centerpiece. Each morning, I’d wake up excited to see what new ornament awaited me. I almost felt like I was on a treasure hunt! The wooden tree is not only charming, but it’s also a great conversation starter. Tom and I spent more time laughing at our ridiculous attempts to hang the ornaments than actually decorating. This calendar is perfect for kids and adults alike—it’s like a daily dose of Christmas cheer! — FestiveFiona
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Why Small Gifts for Advent Calendar are Necessary
As I prepare for the holiday season each year, I find myself reflecting on the little joys that come with it. One tradition that has become essential in my life is the Advent calendar, and I’ve discovered that including small gifts is not just a fun addition but a necessary part of the experience. These small tokens serve as daily reminders of the excitement and anticipation leading up to Christmas, allowing me to savor the moment rather than rush through the days.
In my experience, small gifts create a sense of connection and warmth. Each day, as I open a new door, I feel a thrill that transports me back to my childhood. It’s not about the monetary value of these gifts; rather, it’s the thoughtfulness behind them. Whether it’s a handmade ornament, a piece of chocolate, or a heartfelt note, these surprises foster a spirit of generosity and love that permeates my home during the festive season. They also encourage me to pause and appreciate the little things, reminding me that joy can be found in even the simplest gestures.
Moreover, small gifts in an Advent calendar can be a great way to share experiences with family and friends. I often make it a point to include items that can be enjoyed
My Buying Guide on ‘Small Gifts For Advent Calendar’
When it comes to creating a memorable advent calendar, choosing the right small gifts can make all the difference. I’ve put together this guide to help you select delightful little surprises that will bring joy each day leading up to the holidays. Here’s what I’ve learned through my own experiences!
1. Consider the Recipient
Before diving into the world of small gifts, I always take a moment to think about who will be enjoying the advent calendar. Whether it’s for my kids, a partner, or even a friend, understanding their preferences helps me choose gifts that resonate. For kids, I might lean towards toys or treats, while for adults, I might consider more practical or pampering items.
2. Set a Budget
One of the first things I do is set a budget for my advent calendar gifts. It’s easy to get carried away, but I find that sticking to a budget keeps things manageable. I often aim for a total that allows for small, thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank. Typically, I allocate around $1 to $5 per day, depending on how many days I’m filling.
3. Think Variety
To keep the excitement alive throughout December, I like to mix and match different types of gifts. A bit of variety goes a long way in making each day special. Here are some categories I consider:
- Edibles: Chocolates, candies, or even gourmet snacks are always a hit. I love including seasonal treats like peppermint bark or festive cookies.
- Beauty Products: Miniature lotions, lip balms, or bath bombs make for lovely pampering gifts, especially for adults.
- Craft Supplies: If I’m creating a calendar for a crafty friend or child, I often include stickers, washi tape, or small art kits.
- Personal Notes: I sometimes sneak in little notes or affirmations. They’re not only small but can also be incredibly meaningful.
- Toys and Games: For kids, small toys, puzzles, or games can be a hit. I often look for fun surprises like fidget spinners or tiny figurines.
4. DIY vs. Store-Bought
I often debate between buying gifts or making them myself. DIY gifts can add a personal touch, and I love creating things like homemade cookies or personalized ornaments. However, I also enjoy the convenience of store-bought items. It really depends on my time and creativity levels that year!
5. Packaging Matters
I find that how I package the gifts can enhance the excitement. Using colorful wrapping paper or small boxes adds an element of surprise. Sometimes, I even use numbered bags or envelopes to keep the gifts organized and festive.
6. Think Outside the Box
Finally, I remind myself that small doesn’t mean boring. I’ve found some unique gifts that really stand out, such as:
- Experience Vouchers: A ticket for a movie night or a coffee date can be a fun surprise.
- Books or Magazines: Miniature books or magazine subscriptions are great for those who love to read.
- Plant Cuttings: A small succulent or plant cutting can be a refreshing gift that lasts beyond the holiday season.
Creating an advent calendar filled with small gifts is one of my favorite holiday traditions. By considering the recipient, setting a budget, and mixing up the types of gifts, I can create a delightful experience that builds anticipation for the holidays. I hope this guide inspires you to curate the perfect advent calendar filled with joy, surprises, and love! Happy gifting!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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