25 Advent Products
to bring Joyful Anticipation to your Christmas Season
by Elle Staats
Fall is fully upon us and with the changing seasons and chilly air, it begins to feel a lot like Christmas is coming. I find my thoughts turning toward home and warmth, family and friends, comfort and tradition. One of the best ways I know to incorporate tradition at this time of year is through advent which offers a planned countdown to the holiday and builds joyful anticipation.
I realize this is a busy time of year. So, I’ve spent hours researching interesting, beautiful, and creative advent products and am excited to share some of the best with you! I’ve already done the work so you can simply sit back and enjoy this round up of artisan advent items to use in your home or to give to a loved one. I hope when your shopping is done, you will enjoy an advent season full of light and love and beauty.
A little note: prices are what is listed as of the writing of this article and do not include the shipping costs, which may vary.
For the Table
UNIQUE FEATURES
The brass candleholders are moveable and removable to make it fit your style. Additionally, the gift/storage box included is a work of art designed by Pernille Snedker. “The cardboard is dyed in beautiful color transitions and the patterns bring to mind the tree and its fine veins.”
ORIGIN:
Designed by Danish architect, Anders Nørgaard, it is produced in a family-owned workshop in Denmark.
DESCRIPTION:
Minimalist Nordic advent wreath
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This can be used for more than just the weekly countdown to Christmas. It is a beautiful addition to your table year round when you simply change the candle holders or seasonal decorations to suit your taste. The wooden tray can also be used alone for an additional customization. It is modern, yet warm with handcrafted natural materials.
UNIQUE FEATURES
According to the website, “With more candles than the traditional ‘western’ advent wreath, this wreath has a candle for the first day of the Nativity fast (November 15 on the new calendar), each of the Sundays of the Nativity fast, and the candle in the center is to be lit on the feast of the Nativity.”
ORIGIN:
Kentucky artisan woodcrafter and beeswax taper candles from St. Tikhon’s Monastery
DESCRIPTION:
This is an Orthodox advent candle holder with space for eight candles and a reusable storage box.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This is a perfect starter kit for celebrating advent from an Orthodox perspective as it also includes a booklet with instructions and optional readings. The solid wood structure can be enjoyed in its simplicity or with the addition of greens or other decor. Plus, the solid beeswax candles are included!
UNIQUE FEATURES
Unlike many of its metal or wooden counterparts, this advent candle holder is made of pottery with a white glossy glaze.
ORIGIN:
This piece is created by a German trained potter who has been running a shop in Sweden for seven years.
DESCRIPTION:
It’s a beautiful hand-thrown bowl and candleholders, which are “attached at the leatherhard stage.”
WHY WE LOVE IT:
I can imagine it as the focal point of my wood dining table or layered on top of any style of Christmas tablecloth. It would coordinate with nearly anything, which is perfect for someone (like me!) who loves to update my table with new looks regularly. It has the potential to be a staple in any home for many, many years.
UNIQUE FEATURES
This can be personalized for shape, size, or to include Roman numerals or letters. A fifth center candle holder can also be added to the purchase (as shown in the picture).
ORIGIN:
Ohio artisan crafted
DESCRIPTION:
Hand-hammered iron advent wreath with hand-forged cups
WHY WE LOVE IT:
The unique, hand-crafted look is just as perfect for a farmhouse table or an urban loft and anything in between. As with some of the other advent candle holders, this will be an eye-catching piece on its own or with the addition of table decor to match your personal style. There’s so much potential to change the look each year or by season.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The candle holder legs twist to fit any space and create various looks.
ORIGIN:
Handcrafted in India by artisan partners of Viva Terra
DESCRIPTION:
Acacia wood candle holder with space for four candles
WHY WE LOVE IT:
The wood has lovely warmth and pattern. Simple in design, it will allow for changing styles with different candle shapes or colors. Imagine how it could look totally fresh and different with marbled candles versus beeswax, cheery Christmas red versus modern silver. It will also be easy to store with it’s folding legs – if you can withstand the temptation to keep it out for the following season, that is!
UNIQUE FEATURES
This boasts a modern take on a more formal candle holder. It is an iron dish with six places for candles.
ORIGIN:
Imported
DESCRIPTION:
Candlestick dish for six tapers
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Though this is not marketed as an advent candle holder, it would be a beautiful addition to the Christmas season with a little creativity. A nativity or other decoration could be placed over one of the candle holders with 5 other spaces available for the four weeks of advent and the Christmas day candle. Alternatively, this could be used with six candles to light up various feasts, parties, and events through the season. Wouldn’t it make a perfect centerpiece for a Scandinavian- inspired Santa Lucia breakfast?
UNIQUE FEATURES
Advent boxes in a round, three-dimensional shape with a festive home sitting atop the structure.
ORIGIN:
Imported
DESCRIPTION:
Stacked, numbered wood boxes and decor
WHY WE LOVE IT:
A decorative piece on a side table or used as a centerpiece. The round shape is more unique, while the cut-outs and boxes have a traditional, European flavor.
UNIQUE FEATURES
These are beautiful and unique with the varied finish and color that comes with the one-of-a-kind nature of the product. Use four candle holders for each week of advent and a fifth for the Christmas celebration. The set of six allows versatility for other occasions through the year.
ORIGIN:
Handcrafted in Vermont of New England ash
DESCRIPTION:
This “Pantry Candlestick Set” is a lovely set of six candle holders (candles not included).
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Understated and versatile, these are candlesticks that can easily become a family heirloom. The beautiful wood and candle light will warm any advent tradition and other celebrations all year long!
UNIQUE FEATURES
This clever design for an advent celebration includes 4+ oak wood houses with copper chimneys to hold the taper candles. It can be customized to include a square or rectangular tray base or with alternate colors for the small homes. Personalization is also available.
ORIGIN:
Designed and handmade in Latvia
DESCRIPTION:
Modern advent candle holder tray
WHY WE LOVE IT:
With a whimsical and creative approach, this feels playful and warm. It would make a sweet gift or a wonderful addition to your home decor. As with many of the other candle holders, it would certainly be customizable to varied styles and seasons.
UNIQUE FEATURES
At two and a half feet long, this is a substantial decor piece for a mantle or shelf. Yet, the simple wood and metal design keeps it understated. The red star marks the days of December with a bright pop of color.
ORIGIN:
Imported
DESCRIPTION:
Christmas tree advent calendar made of metal and mango wood.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Pottery Barn fans will love the look of this product that is consistent with the brand’s style. It is a great transitional piece that would look at home in a farmhouse or suburban home or city apartment. With the daily countdown it is fun for adults or children to keep Christmas in mind each day of the month.
UNIQUE FEATURES
This has a sweet little scene inside as well as the small boxes for each day. The front of the tiny cabinet can be personalized to make it extra special.
ORIGIN:
Handmade by Jane Kennedy in Canada
DESCRIPTION:
Personalized folding advent calendar box
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This would be a special gift for a family to share or, perhaps, each child in a family. The design is trendy and fun. The boxes look like they would hold little slips of paper for a note or Bible verse or treat, and Christmas always feels like the time of year when an extra personalization is just the right touch.
UNIQUE FEATURES
This Nutcracker themed advent display is delightful with the daily addition of another magnetic feature for the tree and scene.
ORIGIN:
Handmade by Jane Kennedy in Canada
DESCRIPTION:
Wooden advent box with metal accents and painted scene
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This iconic ballet is a favorite at Christmas time and would be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Caution: You may find yourself humming along with the scene or buying tickets for a local, live performance!
UNIQUE FEATURES
The tin roof adds a trendy element while the wood and mica offers a mixed balance of traditional and modern.
ORIGIN:
Imported
DESCRIPTION:
This shiny and sparkling advent calendar has a battery- lit winter scene
WHY WE LOVE IT:
The combination of elements somehow evokes both the feeling of chilly winter weather and the warmth of home. The lights in the town windows challenge the imagination to create a story unique to each viewer.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The boxes can hold a note, verse, small gifts or treats.
ORIGIN:
Handmade in India, your purchase “helps artisans in Moradabad, India ‘graduate’ and create independent businesses, breaking the cycle of poverty and preserving Indian culture and livelihood.”
DESCRIPTION:
Chest of 24 individual boxes in a whitewash finish with a touch of berry-red color in the tiny knobs.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
A very simple, modern-rustic design gives this small chest of drawers a place in any decor. Its design and colors, also, make it a versatile piece for Christmas or other special occasions as well as organizing small items.
UNIQUE FEATURES
LED lights are controlled by remote and have a built-in timer for 6 hours on and 18 hours off.
ORIGIN:
China
DESCRIPTION:
3.5’ long wooden, lighted Christmas village.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Full of charming vintage style, this Christmas village will light up your home as it rests on your mantle, window sill, or console table. The little cut out details are plentiful and really give this piece of art its “wow” factor.
For the Wall
UNIQUE FEATURES
Extra large pockets with gussets allow for one or multiple notes or gifts each day. This would be a special treat for a child or could be used for an entire family.
ORIGIN:
Handmade in the United Kingdom
DESCRIPTION:
This hanging advent calendar is made of unbleached cotton and embroidered with numbers and personalization.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
While so many advent calendars have a small gift or space for one, this larger format would give more flexibility for larger items or duplicates for everyone in the family to enjoy the treat of the day! The embroidery is an upscale touch and personalization adds an artistic decor element. This would certainly create a daily anticipation for the big celebration of Christmas.
UNIQUE FEATURES
There are 24 advent drawers under a mountain scape.
ORIGIN:
China
DESCRIPTION:
An advent calendar with the flexibility to be displayed on a wall or table top, this piece of art has a detailed winter scene.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
With a German-inspired village scene and glittering snow, this captures attention in the best of ways. I am certain I would find myself stopping to examine the fine details often throughout the season. It’s doll-house appeal is perfectly achieved.
For the Tree
UNIQUE FEATURES
This set follows the centuries-old tradition of a Jesse Tree. The ornaments and the written materials help tell the story of Jesus’ family tree, prophecies fulfilled, and the joyous coming of the Messiah.
ORIGIN:
Beverly Smith is the owner and artist of Inspired Traditions. She and her family of six live in Kentucky where she handmakes these ornaments.
DESCRIPTION:
These white resin ornaments come with a picture book and a Scripture reference guide.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Traditions that have been practiced over time are always fascinating to me. This family tells the Jesse Tree story in a clear way and created a perfect package of everything one would need to retell the story in their own home. No guess-work, just an open-and-go new family tradition that’s rich in history.
UNIQUE FEATURES
Each of the houses features a unique hand painted design on all sides, one of the numbers from 1-24 and space to place a note, verse, or treat.
ORIGIN:
Imported
DESCRIPTION:
This is a set of 24 village advent ornaments
WHY WE LOVE IT:
How sweet a mini tree would look with all these quaint little houses adorning it! The fact that there is space for a little something to be tucked into each one, just adds to the charm.
For Gifting
UNIQUE FEATURES
A new version of their popular line of wooden advent calendars, it has a nature-themed Christmas tree design. (There are nine of these calendars in various Christmas themes!)
ORIGIN:
This Pennsylvania company began around the Byers family dining table and continues to be family owned and operated with the help of dozens of artisans who create warm and traditional Christmas decor.
DESCRIPTION:
With its delightful bird theme, this wooden Christmas advent calendar combines quality and beauty.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
A wonderful gift for bird or nature fans or a new heirloom for your own home, this is a quality piece of advent art. The design is inspired by a beautiful tradition: “According to Scandinavian folklore, offering wild birds a Christmas feast will bring you good luck in the new year!”
UNIQUE FEATURES
With 27 products, including 16 full size, this gift set is packed with treats and grooming “essentials” to “delight any indulgence-seeking gent.”
ORIGIN:
Curated by Liberty London (since 1875)
DESCRIPTION:
Like its counterpart for women, this men’s advent calendar offers daily advent gifts for men.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
It is a truth universally acknowledged that men are hard to shop for! Seriously, though, this is a great advent gift for men with its line up of items like skin care, fragrance, candles, beard oil, rum, bath items, and more. According to the website, this package purchased separately would be worth $945.
UNIQUE FEATURES
Williams-Sonoma brand flavors and designs make this a lovely culinary gift.
ORIGIN:
Various
DESCRIPTION:
This advent calendar is filled with sweet treats and and fun cooking-inspired mini-gifts for each of the first 25 days of December.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
You’ll find daily surprises like peppermint bark and various preserves, cooking oils and spices, ornaments and candles. Anyone who enjoys cooking will find themselves anticipating each day of advent with this calendar! Honestly, even those of us who don’t love spending time in the kitchen, would enjoy the tastes of the season and sweet decor items.
UNIQUE FEATURES
Each evening of advent, you’ll be able to sample a new flavor of wine “such as a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and a fruity Pinotage.”
ORIGIN:
Their 2022 calendar is sourced from Spain, Sicily, California, and beyond.
DESCRIPTION:
Inside the playful box, you’ll find 24 mini bottles of wine.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Do you or a loved one enjoy wine? Beyond the attractive mini bottles of wine, this calendar offers a whole experience with its advent guidebook, daily tasting videos, wine recipes, and more.
UNIQUE FEATURES
Using fabric, bamboo, and embroidery thread, as well as a plan to stitch each day in December leading up to Christmas, this teaches new techniques and results in a beautiful, handmade decoration.
ORIGIN:
Created by Amanda Watson on the road in her renovated 25-foot trailer and assembled in California
DESCRIPTION:
This “Stitch a Day” advent calendar has supplies and instructions to create this homespun treasure
WHY WE LOVE IT:
It would be a lovely gift for a creative friend or family member. If you are the creative one, this could be completed as a gift after it is finished or as a beautiful addition to your home’s Christmas decor.
UNIQUE FEATURES
With all supplies included, this kit is a complete and no-hassle experience aimed for children ages 5-8, but delightful for any age.
ORIGIN:
Shipped from Kiwi’s warehouse in California
DESCRIPTION:
This calendar is a 24 day countdown of STEAM activities for kids as they build their own Christmas village.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Each day begins with a colorful envelope that contains the supplies and instructions to build (or add on to) a section of the scene. Kids will spend just a few minutes on this project daily and by Christmas the scene is complete! This would make a fun gift for your children or a family you love.