8 Advent Calendars That Are Far From Traditional

Gifting Season8 Advent Calendars that Are Far From Traditional Get ready for December 1st: These design-forward advents will brighten any mantle 

By Kristine Hansen

November 17, 2021

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Skewing from typical winter-holiday color palettes of red, green, blue, and gold or silver, some advent calendar options allow you to count down the days of December in style. From Scandinavian-inspired picks that fold in minimalism and nods to nature to ethnically- or artist-made options, here are eight calendars you’ll want to snap up by December 1. Now, all you have to do is decide what sweet treats or adorable trinkets you’ll add for loved ones—or yourself—to open on each calendar day. Read on for the best advent calendars if you’re looking for something design-forward. 

Botanical Ornament Wood Advent Calendar

Dried botanicals, such as fern leaves and autumnal foliage, pressed between two tiny, circular sheets of round glass are the ornaments in this piece. Instead of opening or removing an item each day of the holiday season, hang an ornament—from shiny deep-red ribbon tied to a wood frame—to this reverse-style advent calendar. 

Botanical Ornament Advent Calendar$228 at AnthropologieFerm Living Narrow Star Christmas Calendar

Embracing minimalism, this made-in-India calendar crafted from woven cotton chambray features little pockets to hold treats for all the days of Christmas, marked by black numerals. Its 8.8-inch width and 59-inch height makes it ideal for small spaces.

Ferm Living Narrow Star Christmas Calendar$95 at NordstromHouse Advent Calendar

For the architecture fan in your household this set of 25 mini abodes—born out of plywood—act as treasure chests for holiday treats. It is perfect for a tabletop setting.

House Advent Calendar$85 at West ElmScandinavian Spirit Christmas Kit

A known bestseller, it’s earned 564 positive shop reviews. Each of the 25 small pattered paper bags (with handy wood clasps and in various sizes) contribute to the DIY kit’s hand-crafted appeal when strung with string. All you need to add is an artsy piece of driftwood or branch from your favorite beach or park.

Scandinavian Spirit Christmas Kit$24 at EtsyBroste Copenhagen Karla Advent Calendar

Opt for decadent chocolate-hued cotton with this two-tone, quilted-cotton calendar mimicking a scroll—simply affix to the wall by a ribbon. Hang goodies on 24 small brass loops.

Broste Copenhagen Karla Advent Calendar$100 at Nordic NestChristmas Countdown Calendar

If you’re waffling between a holiday village and a classic wood advent calendar, this option is both. The artist took birch plywood to build 12 numbered wood houses—much like duplexes, two numbers reside at each—ranging from six inches to 12 inches in height. Numerals were laser engraved onto each house for a timeless aesthetic that’ll look great placed under the Christmas tree.

Courtesy of Etsy

Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar$160 at EtsyCam Cam Copenhagen Christmas Advent Calendar

Looking for a calendar for the little tyke or babe in your life? Embroidered numerals dance across the organic-cotton calendar’s canvas along with floral accents, and it’s hung on the wall via a small brass loop.

Cam Cam Copenhagen Christmas Advent Calendar - Natural Flower$68 at ScandibornGlobal Goods Partners Handmade Holiday Felt Advent Calendar

Female artists in Nepal hand-felted this 40-inch by six-inch calendar that may look simple in its design, but once you start stuffing the pockets the color and texture magically appears.

Handmade Holiday Felt Advent Calendars$64 at Food52

Not seeing what you’re looking for? Don’t miss the rest of Clever’s holiday gift guides for everyone on your list, from dog lovers to foodies to DIY obsessives and more. 

Clever’s Gift Guide Is Here and It Just Wants You to Have a Nice Time: The best of the best gifts out there, designed to make your home your favorite place on earth.

Eco-Friendly Gifts for Less-Guilty Giving: From carbon neutral luggage to candles packed with essential oils, these are gifts you'll feel good about giving.

Gifts for All the Dog Lovers on Your List: For the people in your life who consider their pets part of the family, read on for super-chic dog beds and stylish New York-inspired leashes.

The Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers: Mugs, makers, Mokapots, and more for the coffee connoisseurs in your life.

Best Candles to Give as Gifts—or Treat Yourself: Need we say more?

Best Coffee Table Books to Buy & Gift This Year: This list of the latest and greatest has a book for every design nerd out there.

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