Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but we all know it can come with its own stresses too. So, what better way to treat yourself during the holidays than with a little daily indulgence? It’s the year to spoil yourself with an adult advent calendar, because who said the kids should have all the fun?
And no, I’m not talking about chocolate advent calendars (I could devour all 24 pieces in a day). I’m focusing on objects of desire, like skincare, candles, tea and gin.
So, if you want to make Christmas 2026 your most magical one yet, browse my curation of the best adult advent calendars in New Zealand. There’s something for everyone: makeup, jewellery, stationery and wine, alongside activity-based jigsaw puzzles and Lego advent calendars designed for family bonding.
These advent calendars as just the beginning of what’s available for 2026 – keep an eye out for our updates as we find the best to shop this festive season.
Our top picks advent calendar picks for 2026
Choosing my advent calendar for the year is something of a Christmas ritual in itself. There’s something about indulging in a festive scent every day that makes the lead-up to Christmas just that little bit more exciting. My top pick this year is the Candle Advent Calendar from The Iconic — because if there’s one thing that could make an Elf viewing party even better, it’s the warm scent of mistletoe & pine.
For coffee fiends, this may be the time to explore what the world of coffee has to offer. Try something new every day and maybe even find your new favourite brew. So put away your plain old capsules and enjoy festive flavours from blueberry cheesecake to hazelnut brownie with the Nespresso x Swarovski Advent Calendar.
- The best coffee & tea advent calendars (shop here)
- The best fragrance & candle advent calendars (shop here)
- The best activity-based advent calendars (shop here)
- The best stationery & book advent calendars (shop here)
- The best beauty advent calendars (shop here)
- The best jewellery advent calendars (shop here)
- The best alcohol advent calendars (shop here)
1. The best food, coffee & tea advent calendars in NZ
T2 x Kentaro Yoshida Advent Calendar
$56 at T2
What’s inside: Enjoy the artwork of Kentaro Yoshida, while enjoying your 24 days of teas and tisanes.
Nespresso x Swarovski Advent Calendar
$106 at Nespresso
Twinings Tea Advent Calendar
$51.68 (usually $61.71) at iHerb
What’s inside: 24 black, herbal & green teas.
English Tea Organic Advent Calendar
$39.99 at Gluten Free Shop
What’s inside: 25 organic holiday favourites.
Fortnum’s Tea & Biscuits Advent Calendar
$233.33 at Fortnum & Mason
What’s inside: 24 tea & biscuit pairings.
2. The best fragrance & candle advent calendars in NZ
Loccitane Classic Advent Calendar
$225 at Loccitane
What’s inside: Filled with classics like their Almond Shower Oil and Shea Butter Hand Cream, this 24-piece advent calendar will be the gift that keeps on giving this festive season.
Candle Advent Calendar
$123.67 at The Iconic
What’s inside: 12 x 50g soy candles designed to get you into the festive spirit. Expect everything from mistletoe & pine to spicy margarita.
Glasshouse 12 Days Of Luxury Fragrance Discovery
$179 at Glasshouse Fragrances
What’s inside: A curated collection of 12 of Glasshouse Fragrance favourites
Heathcote & Ivory Cath Kidston Advent Calendar
$89.99 at Farmers
What’s inside: 24 beauty treats from body sprays to bath fizzers.
3. The best activity-based advent calendars in NZ
Lego City Advent Calendar
$59.99 at LEGO
What’s inside: 24 seasonal characters, mini builds, and accessories.
Lovers Collide Book Advent Calendar
$395 at Enamoured Books
What’s inside: 12 individually wrapped books, including recent releases and hidden gems — from the genre of your choosing.
4. The best book advent calendars in NZ
Bibliophile Advent Calendar for Booklovers by Jane Mount
$93 at Mighty Ape
What’s inside: Miniature books featuring book-themed prompts, illustrations, a journal, & more.
Books are Magic Advent Calendar by Weldon Owen
$44.69 (usually $64.95) at Amazon
What’s inside: Literary-themed stickers, greeting cards, wrapping paper & more.
5. The best beauty advent calendars in NZ
Shop Woman’s Day’s complete list of beauty & makeup advent calendars here.
Jo Malone Advent Calendar
$873.95 at Harrods
What’s inside: 25 miniature colognes, candles, and bath and body favourites.
Essence Advent Calendar
$64.99 at Beauty Bliss
What’s inside: 24 pieces of makeup, skincare, nail care or beauty accessories.
Laneige Advent Calendar Set
$320 at Sephora
What’s inside: 12 of your favourite skincare & lip products.
Revolution Advent Calendar
$136 at ASOS
What’s inside: 24 makeup products & accessories, including 10 full-size formats.
6. The best jewellery & decoration advent calendars in NZ
Mestige 12 Days of Sparkle Advent Calendar – Embellished with crystals by Swarovski®
$86 at The Iconic
What’s inside: Discover a new charm behind each door as you count down to Christmas, finishing with a bracelet to complete your collection.
Estella Bartlett Jewellery Advent Calendar
$465 at Estella Bartlett
What’s inside: Your choice of silver or gold-plated earrings, necklaces, bracelets & rings.
7. The best alcohol advent calendars in NZ
Festive Fridge Advent Calendar
$130 at Good George (pre-order)
What’s inside: 24 of your favourite beers, ciders, and lemonades.
8. What we’ve got our eye on for the coming months
- Sephora Favourites Advent Calendar
- The Diptyque Advent Calendar
What’s the purpose of an adult advent calendar?
Not that we need another excuse to create excitement and anticipation in the countdown to Christmas Day, but an advent calendar certainly does the trick.
Traditionally, advent calendars begin on 1 December and end on Christmas Eve. They feature 24 doors or windows that reveal a small gift each day.
Chocolate advent calendars are synonymous with Christmas, and are an especially popular tradition for children. However, there really are no rules when it comes to adult advent calendars. Store-bought versions feature everything from wine and gin to makeup and candles. You can even purchase a reusable fabric calendar and fill it with whatever your heart desires.
Are adult advent calendars popular?
Look. Treating yourself is perfectly normal, and adult advent calendars are more common than you think. After all, who doesn’t want a little extra joy during the holidays? According to a November 2024 YouGov survey, 33% of Britons purchase advent calendars for themselves each year, while 22% buy them as gifts.
:The YouGov survey also asked participants their reasons for purchasing advent calendars. 47% of respondents said they buy them for a fun daily activity, while 44% considered it a way to celebrate the holidays. Additionally, advent calendars were found to cater to personal indulgences (18%) and the opportunity to sample new products (8%).
What’s the best luxury adult advent calendar for 2026?
The answer depends on your definition of luxury. Often, it’s less about the price and more about how it makes you feel. For example, a tea or coffee advent calendar can offer a daily moment of relaxation.
However, if I had to choose the best luxury advent calendar for 2026, the Jo Malone Advent Calendar is a favourite. Retailing at around $870, it’s filled with a heavenly selection of fragrances, candles and creams.
Related articles:
- 24 Christmas gifts under $50 they’ll actually love
- 17 deliciously stylish gifts for foodies
- NZ’s latest & greatest food and drink launches
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
