Advent calendars grow up: From chocolate treats to skincare

You’ve seen them more and more over the past few years, and especially during the holidays. 

Those tiny little doors with sweet treats inside or possibly skincare or even makeup? 

Yes, it’s those wonderfully mysterious advent calendars. 

What was once used to gift sweets to children during Christmastime, has now exploded into a creative holiday gifting experience for people of all ages. 

A brief history of the advent calendar

Advent calendars have origins that date back to 19th century Germany, according to Sky News’ History is Alive website. 

Families would mark the days that lead up to Christmas by drawing lines on doors or lighting candles. This soon evolved into a literal calendar that hid elaborate illustrations behind tiny doors for each day in December. 

The oldest advent calendar in recorded history was called "St. Nicholas the Santa Claus" which was followed by the "Christmas Clock for Children" advent calendar in 1902, according to the German Christmas Museum website. 

Gerhard Lang, who would later be known as the "inventor of advent calendars," would continue to regularly create new and playful versions of advent calendars for children each Christmas. 

Lang is also credited with creating the first-ever advent calendar to feature chocolate treats, pulling inspiration from his mother who would attach 24 cookies to a square of cardboard to mark the days leading up to Christmas, according to Sky News. 

Advent calendars grow up

Though you will still see the traditional advent calendar in your local grocery stores that feature the cute little illustrated doors and chocolate treats behind each one, retail giants such as Sephora, William Sonoma and luxury brands such as Baobab Collection Decor have capitalized on this idea and are pumping out advent calendars that people of all ages can enjoy. 

Some of these "grown-up" advent calendars can fetch a price of over $1,000. 

For those who prefer a more budget-friendly and personalized advent calendar, the do-it-yourself option has grown in popularity in recent years, as well. 

And it’s not just exclusive to Christmas. Videos shared on social media show people gifting girlfriends, boyfriends, and everyone in between a DIY advent calendar leading up to their birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. 

Advent calendars for kids have evolved, too. Yes, chocolate treats and fun pictures are a joy during the holidays, but now, kids can get advent calendars that feature collectible toys and even showcase surprises for niche interests such as a National Geographic rock and gemstone advent calendar. 

From childhood treats to adult indulgences, the advent calendar is the gift that keeps on giving.

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