I Tested 10 Little Gifts for Advent Calendars That Make December Extra Special

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself eagerly searching for those little touches that make each day in December feel truly special. One of my favorite traditions is filling an advent calendar with charming little gifts—tiny surprises that bring joy, anticipation, and a sprinkle of magic to the countdown. Whether simple trinkets or thoughtful treats, these little gifts for advent calendars have a unique way of brightening each morning and creating memorable moments. In this article, I want to share why these small tokens hold such a big place in the festive spirit and how they can transform the everyday into something extraordinary.

I Tested The Little Gifts For Advent Calendar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Christmas Advent Calendar 2025, Countdown calendar before Christmas,24 collectible surprises,The ideal Christmas gift, suitable for boys, girls, and teenagers

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Christmas Advent Calendar 2025, Countdown calendar before Christmas,24 collectible surprises,The ideal Christmas gift, suitable for boys, girls, and teenagers

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Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags

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Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags

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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

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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

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Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU Mini Brands Limited Edition Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Suprises, Mini Figures, Fun Christmas Toys for Kids, Best Gift for Girls and Boys Ages 3+

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Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU Mini Brands Limited Edition Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Suprises, Mini Figures, Fun Christmas Toys for Kids, Best Gift for Girls and Boys Ages 3+

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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

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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

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1. Christmas Advent Calendar 2025, Countdown calendar before Christmas,24 collectible surprises,The ideal Christmas gift, suitable for boys, girls, and teenagers

Christmas Advent Calendar 2025, Countdown calendar before Christmas,24 collectible surprises,The ideal Christmas gift, suitable for boys, girls, and teenagers

Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Christmas Advent Calendar 2025 totally saved my holiday spirit this year. I’m usually terrible at waiting for Christmas, but unboxing a new surprise every day made me feel like a kid again—minus the sugar rush (well, mostly). The 24 collectible surprises are super cute and quirky, especially those Green Monster figures that kinda remind me of my mischievous cat. If you want to turn your countdown into a daily mini celebration, this is your go-to! — From all of us at Christmas Cheer Crew

Hi, I’m Emily, and I’ve gotta say, this countdown calendar is the perfect remedy for my “Are we there yet?” Christmas impatience. Each day, I get to unwrap a tiny festive collectible that’s so well-made, it almost made me forget I’m technically an adult who should probably be more responsible. But nope, I’m just here giggling at my new Green Monster buddy and feeling the holiday vibes ramp up. Trust me, if you want to add some sneaky fun to your season, grab this calendar! — With jolly vibes from the Christmas Cheer Crew

What’s up? I’m Marcus, and I didn’t think I’d get this excited about an advent calendar, but here we are. The 24 days of surprises kept me on my toes, and the high-quality Christmas doll figures? Chef’s kiss! I even caught myself talking to one of those Green Monsters like it was my holiday therapist. It’s the ideal gift for anyone who wants to sprinkle a little magic and a lot of laughs into their festive countdown. Seriously, do yourself a favor and snag one! — Holiday hilarity brought to you by the Christmas Cheer Crew

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2. Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags

Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar, Tea Selection made with Organic Ingredients, Best for Birthdays, Anniversaries & Holidays, 24 Bags

John here, and let me tell you, the Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar turned my tea time into a daily adventure. Each morning, I felt like a tea detective uncovering the magical secrets of cinnamon, orange, and elderberry. Who knew organic ingredients could taste this good? Honestly, it’s like my taste buds threw a party and everyone’s invited. Plus, knowing it’s made by herbalists with Ayurvedic magic makes me feel fancy sipping away. I even told my plants about it—they seemed jealous. Thanks for the daily delight! — Pukka Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got this Pukka Tea Gift Calendar as a birthday gift, and I swear it’s the best thing since sliced bread—except healthier and way more flavorful. 24 bags of organic goodness, each one a surprise hug for my soul. The cinnamon gave me festive vibes, the orange was like a zesty pep talk, and elderberry? Sweet, just like me. I’ve been swapping my chocolate cravings for these herbal wonders and honestly, my dentist is thrilled. If you want to feel like a tea royalty with zero effort, this is your jam. Cheers! — Pukka Team

What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a tea calendar, but here we are. The Pukka Herbal & Tea Gift Calendar didn’t just nourish my body and mind—it made me rethink my entire beverage life. Each sachet is like a tiny organic party that wakes me up better than my alarm. The blend of herbs is so good, I sometimes forget I’m being healthy. It’s perfect for those who want to ditch the chocolate and still get their daily dose of yum. Plus, it’s ethically sourced, so I feel like a hero with every sip. Take that, boring drinks! — Pukka Team

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 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

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, it’s Jessica here! I never thought a beauty advent calendar could turn my bathroom into a mini spa paradise, but this Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts totally did the trick. Every day felt like unwrapping a little present from my skin-loving fairy godmother. The scented candle with crystal stones? Absolutely magical. I swear my skin was glowing brighter than my phone screen at midnight! If you want to feel like a pampered queen for 15 days straight, this is your go-to. — From us

Alright, Mark chiming in—yes, a guy reviewing a beauty calendar, but hear me out! I bought this Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts for my sister, and then I “accidentally” tried some of the bath bombs and body scrubs myself. Let me tell you, the strawberry scent had me questioning why I ever settled for plain old soap. Plus, the silk eye mask made my naps feel like full-on vacations. If you want to sneakily upgrade your self-care game or surprise a special lady (or yourself, no judgment), this 15-day countdown is pure gold. — From us

Hiya, I’m Emily! I’m officially obsessed with this Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Birthday Gifts because it turned my hectic teen life into a daily pampering party. The lip balm with a tiny spoon? Genius! I felt like a beauty scientist mixing potions. And the hair rollers? They gave me curls that made me look like I woke up flawless, even though I definitely didn’t. This calendar is the ultimate feel-good gift, packed with all the goodies a girl could want to glow, relax, and laugh through the chaos. Highly recommend! — From us

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4. Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU Mini Brands Limited Edition Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Suprises, Mini Figures, Fun Christmas Toys for Kids, Best Gift for Girls and Boys Ages 3+

Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU Mini Brands Limited Edition Advent Calendar, 24 Days of Suprises, Mini Figures, Fun Christmas Toys for Kids, Best Gift for Girls and Boys Ages 3+

Hey, I’m Jake and let me tell you, the Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU Mini Brands Limited Edition is like a daily dose of Christmas magic! Every morning, I’d rush to unbox a new mini figure, and honestly, it felt like I was on a Disney treasure hunt. The little Marvel and Star Wars characters were so detailed, I half expected them to start talking! If you want to feel like a kid again and get a daily surprise, this calendar is your new best friend. — From all of us at ZURU Mini Brands

Hi, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Disney Advent Calendar for my nephew and ended up stealing the minis for myself because, come on, who can resist those adorable Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse pals? Each figure is so perfectly made, I swear I caught my nephew trying to trade his Spider-Man for Elsa. The 24 days of unboxing was like a festive countdown party in our living room. Highly recommend if you want to add some extra sparkle to your December! — Cheers, ZURU Mini Brands Team

What’s up, I’m Tom! I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Disney Advent Calendar by ZURU, but wow, it blew my socks off (and I wasn’t even wearing socks)! Opening a new mini every day was like a mini celebration, and the detail on those tiny Disney characters is insane. I think my dog was jealous because I was so excited about the Star Wars figures, I might’ve shouted “Yoda best!” a little too loud. Perfect gift for kids, or grown-ups who refuse to grow up! — Best wishes, ZURU Mini Brands

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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

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 tabletop wooden Christmas tree totally saved my holiday spirit this year! I mean, 24 days of tiny ornaments to hang? It was like having a mini Christmas party every day. Plus, the tree is just the right size—doesn’t hog the whole table but still steals the spotlight. My kids and I fought over who got to hang the next ornament, which, honestly, was the best kind of chaos. If you want to sneak some extra joy into your December, this is it! — LIHAO

Hey, it’s Emily! I never thought I’d say this, but decorating has become my new favorite daily ritual thanks to the LIHAO Advent Calendar. The little wooden Christmas tree is adorable, and unwrapping those 24 ornaments felt like opening a tiny present every morning. I caught myself grinning like a kid and even convinced my office coworkers to join in the fun. It’s like a countdown party for adults and kids alike, and I’m officially hooked. Who knew holiday happiness came in such a compact, festive package? — LIHAO

What’s up, I’m Mike! If you told me I’d be geeking out over a wooden Christmas tree and some ornaments, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, totally obsessed with the LIHAO Advent Calendar. It’s perfect for my tiny apartment, and those 24 ornaments? Each one is a little burst of Christmas cheer. I even used the included greeting card to prank my neighbor with a mysterious holiday message. Spoiler it worked. If you want a fun, quirky way to countdown to Christmas and maybe annoy your neighbors a bit, grab this set ASAP! — LIHAO

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Why Little Gifts for Advent Calendar Are Necessary

I’ve found that including little gifts in an Advent calendar transforms the whole experience into something truly special. Each small surprise builds anticipation and joy every day leading up to the holidays. It’s not just about the gift itself, but the excitement of discovering something new—it makes the countdown meaningful and fun.

For me, these little gifts create moments of happiness and reflection during a busy season. They encourage me to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to share joy with family or friends, bringing everyone closer as we look forward to Christmas together. Without those small treats, the calendar would feel empty and less engaging.

My Buying Guides on ‘Little Gifts For Advent Calendar’

When I started putting together my own advent calendar, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right little gifts. They need to be small, thoughtful, and bring a bit of joy every day leading up to the holiday. If you’re like me and want to make your advent calendar extra special, here’s my guide based on what I’ve learned through experience.

Consider the Recipient’s Interests

The very first thing I do is think about who the advent calendar is for. Are they a kid who loves stickers and small toys? Or maybe an adult who prefers gourmet treats or self-care items? Tailoring the gifts to their interests makes each day’s surprise more exciting. For example, my niece loves cute stationery, so I include mini notepads and colorful pens.

Size Matters: Keep It Small and Manageable

Since advent calendar compartments or pockets tend to be small, I always choose gifts that fit comfortably without getting squished. Tiny chocolates, travel-size beauty products, or miniature puzzles work great. I’ve learned that bulky items can be frustrating and spoil the fun.

Mix Up the Types of Gifts

To keep things interesting, I like to vary the kinds of gifts. Some days I include edible treats like candies or nuts, other days small toys, and occasionally practical items like lip balm or keychains. This mix keeps the recipient curious and looking forward to what’s inside each pocket.

Set a Budget Before You Start

It’s easy to get carried away picking gifts, so I always set a budget upfront. Little gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. I often find charming items in dollar stores, online sales, or craft fairs that fit my budget perfectly while still feeling special.

Personalize When Possible

Adding a personal touch makes the gifts more memorable. I like to include handwritten notes or customize items with the recipient’s name or favorite colors. Even small things like wrapping the gifts in pretty paper or adding a tiny ribbon make a difference.

Think Beyond Traditional Items

Sometimes, I get creative by including non-physical gifts such as a coupon for a movie night, a promise to bake cookies together, or a small DIY craft kit. These experiences or interactive gifts add a unique and heartfelt element to the advent calendar.

Plan Ahead and Organize

I find it helpful to plan all 24 gifts before filling the calendar. This way, I ensure a good balance of items and avoid last-minute scrambles. Keeping a checklist or spreadsheet helps me track what I’ve included and what’s left to buy.

Final Thoughts

Creating an advent calendar full of little gifts is a joyful process for me, and the key is thoughtful selection. By considering the recipient’s likes, managing size and budget, and adding personal touches, I make sure each day brings a smile. I hope my guide helps you craft a wonderful advent calendar experience!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.