As the holiday season approaches, us book lovers are on the lookout for creative and engaging ways to celebrate the countdown to Christmas. One literary option is the book advent calendar, which combines the joy of reading with the excitement of daily surprises.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a book advent calendar is, where to buy them, options for both adults and kids, and even how to make your own!
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What is a Book Advent Calendar?
A book advent calendar is a festive countdown to Christmas that typically features a collection of books, with one book revealed for each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve. Instead of traditional chocolates or toys, readers can look forward to discovering a new story each day.
Where to Buy Book Advent Calendars
Book advent calendars have really grown in popularity in recent years, making them easier to find. Here are some great places to purchase them:
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, Book Grocer, and Barnes & Noble have a selection of book advent calendars. They provide a variety of themes and genres, catering to different age groups and interests.
- Independent Bookstores: Many independent bookstores offer unique and curated advent calendars. Support local businesses by checking their websites or visiting in person during the holiday season. (If you’re based in the UK, I recommend Not on the High Street, The Tree House Bookshop, Bookishly, and The Beautiful Book Company.)
- Subscription Box Services: Some book subscription services create special advent calendars featuring a selection of books along with fun bookish goodies.
Personally, I’ve found that the best quality book advent calendars for adults can be found on Etsy, however they’re quite pricey, while the best value book advent calendars for kids are on Amazon, though there aren’t many good options for adults.
Book Advent Calendars for Adults
The following are a few good options.
Tip: the Etsy book advent calendars can take two weeks to ship, so buy earlier than you think you need.
1. “Pick Your Own Genre” book advent calendar
Video credit: ChronicallyYou via Etsy
This “Pick Your Own Genre” book advent calendar is only for 12 days (6 books and 6 gifts), but I love that you can choose the genre of books you prefer, from romance to mystery.
Plus, it’s probably more realistic to get through six books than 25! Each book is wrapped individually, so you get six different “blind date with a book” options.
2. 12 Days of Books Handpicked by a Bookseller
This holiday advent book box offers 12 thrifted books, each beautifully wrapped, to be opened over 12 days.
The books are in new or gently used condition, and while specific titles can’t be requested, buyers can share their Goodreads or Storygraph accounts or list favorite genres to increase the chances of receiving books they’ll enjoy. There are Young Adult (YA) genre options too.
3. Book advent calendar for kids and/or adults
This Book Advent Calendar offers a fun alternative to traditional chocolate advent calendars by providing 12 preloved, like-new books, each wrapped and numbered for a daily surprise leading up to Christmas.
Available for different ages and genres, these calendars also include gift tags and candy canes. While specific themes or preferences can be noted during purchase, the selections are random and not necessarily Christmas-themed, which I actually prefer because I’m not sure it’s realistic to read all 12 in December!
4. Christmas Blind Date with a Book
For a more affordable version, this Christmas Blind Date with a Book offers a cozy surprise for book lovers, perfect for treating yourself or as a holiday gift.
Each package includes a brand new book from your chosen genre (all rated 3.5 stars or higher on Goodreads), along with fun extras like a double-sided highlighter, a bookmark for reviewing books, book tabs for annotating, and 5-7 stickers.
Buyers can provide Goodreads info to avoid receiving a book they’ve already read, as well as request specific packaging colors or themes. Each order is hand-picked and thoughtfully wrapped.
5. Digital book advent calendar
Image Credit: On Book Street
This Printable Advent Calendar for Book Lovers offers a unique holiday countdown filled with bookish surprises.
Upon purchase, you’ll receive a Google Drive link containing 25 folders with items like bookmarks, wall art, reading trackers, and reading challenges. Each day, you can open a new folder or explore them all at once!
This digital advent calendar is designed for book enthusiasts and can be printed at home or through a print shop. With no shipping delays, it’s an instant way to add excitement to your holiday season, making it a fun, customizable gift for readers (or Page Travellers like me who are usually reading and travelling!).
6. Books Are Magic Advent Calendar
The Books Are Magic Advent Calendar features 25 days of new book-themed surprises, designed for readers who enjoy cozying up with a good book during the holiday season. This book-themed advent calendar is much more affordable than the Etsy ones but, alas, no actual books.
Each pocket contains a unique literary gift, including stickers, greeting cards, and wrapping paper, making it an ideal countdown to Christmas for bibliophiles.
I also saw a similar one on Uncommon Goods.
7. The Book Lover’s Advent Calendar
Similar to the one above (bookish gifts rather than actual books), I saw this Book Lover’s Advent Calendar on TEMU cheaper than the exact same calendar on Amazon, which makes it the best value on this list.
However, this product has no reviews and I’ve never used TEMU, so I can’t judge on that – order at your own risk.
Book Advent Calendars for Kids
These advent calendars with mini books enhance the holiday spirit while fostering a love for reading. Here are some suggestions:
1. Disney book advent calendar
The Disney: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar by IglooBooks features 24 individual, 24-page paperback books for a countdown to Christmas from December 1st to 24th.
Each day, readers unwrap a new story with characters from Disney and Pixar, including both holiday-themed and familiar stories with beloved Disney characters, providing a daily reading experience throughout December.
There are also Disney Princess and Disney100 versions available.
2. Bluey book advent calendar
The Bluey: Awesome Advent Book Bundle is an interactive advent calendar designed for counting down to Christmas with 24 mini-books featuring characters Bluey and Bingo from the animated series.
It includes a variety of stories, such as “The Beach,” “Grannies,” and “Butterflies,” as well as a special Christmas story for Christmas Eve.
The calendar allows users to return the books to their windows for reuse each year, making it a fun and engaging holiday tradition.
3. Sesame Street book advent calendar
The Sesame Street: Advent Calendar Storybook Collection includes 24 mini Christmas-themed books, featuring characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby.
Each day of December leading up to Christmas offers a new 16-page book with stories, ABCs, counting, and colors, making it an engaging way for kids to celebrate the holiday season.
4. Marvel Book Advent Calendar
The Marvel: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar offers a countdown to Christmas with 24 action-packed, 24-page stories featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes.
Each day from December 1st to 24th, readers can unwrap a new story, ranging from thrilling battles to everyday adventures in the Marvel universe.
5. Little People, BIG DREAMS book advent calendar
Now for a personal favourite. The Little People, BIG DREAMS: Advent Calendar Book Collection features 24 mini-books, each telling the story of an inspirational figure from the bestselling biography series.
Children can discover the lives of notable people such as Elton John, Frida Kahlo, Martin Luther King, and Steve Irwin, with one story revealed each day leading up to Christmas. This advent calendar introduces kids to a diverse range of historical and contemporary figures, all of whom started with a dream.
6. Story of Christmas book advent calendar
For something a little more traditional, the Story of Christmas Story Book Set and Advent Calendar combines an advent calendar, storybook set, and tree-trimming keepsake.
It includes 24 miniature board books, each telling part of the story of the first Christmas, from Gabriel’s visit to Mary to the birth of Jesus. Children can open a new book each day from December 1st to Christmas Eve and hang it on the tree with its gold thread loop.
7. Harry Potter Holiday Magic advent calendar
The Harry Potter: Holiday Magic: The Official Advent Calendar offers 25 days of Wizarding World surprises, perfect for fans of all ages.
Each day from December 1st to 25th reveals a new collectible, including festive paper ornaments, recipe cards, buttons, and more, all inspired by iconic moments from the Harry Potter series.
There are actually quite a few different Harry Potter advent calendars available (including a Dark Arts Halloween countdown!) but with a 4.4-star rating and over 3,700 reviews, this advent calendar book is the most popular choice for adding a touch of Harry Potter magic to the holiday season.
How to Make a Book Advent Calendar
Creating your own DIY book advent calendar can be a fun and personalized way to celebrate the season. You could create anything from book ornament advent calendar to a comic book advent calendar, depending on your interests.
Here’s how to do it:
Materials Needed:
- Books: Choose a mix of new and used books. Consider your recipient’s interests and age. Here are some of the best Christmas books for adults and kids to get you started:
- Wrapping Paper: Use festive wrapping paper (perhaps with bookish designs) or brown craft paper for a rustic look.
- Number Labels: Use stickers or print your own numbers 1-24 (or 25 if including Christmas Day).
- Decorative Elements: Ribbons, twine, or tags for an extra touch.
Steps:
- Select Your Books: Gather 24 (or 25) books. These can be a mix of genres, themes, and sizes. (How about a theme like Christmas romances or Christmas mysteries?)
- Wrap Each Book: Wrap each book individually in wrapping paper, and label each package with a number corresponding to the days of December.
- Create a Display: Arrange the wrapped books in a basket, a festive box, or even hang them on a wall using string and clothespins. I love this advent calendar wall hanger:
- Establish a Reading Routine: Decide on a time each day for unveiling the new book. This could be a cozy bedtime routine or a family activity after dinner.
- Optional Extras: Include small surprises such as bookmarks, treats, or holiday-themed items along with some of the books for an extra layer of excitement. Here are some ideas for stocking-stuffer-style gifts to include:
More Book Advent Calendar Ideas
Book advent calendars offer a unique and enriching way to count down to Christmas. Whether you choose to buy one or make your own, a book advent calendar can become a cherished tradition for years to come.
Happy reading and happy holidays!
Check out more bookish gift ideas here: