The 10 Best Paper Advent Calendars for Christmas 2024

I love paper advent calendars. I grew up in a house where the paper calendar ruled supreme. I don’t know what it was about those little paper doors, but I would always be so excited about opening a new one each day, to the point I may have peeked ahead on the odd occasion (sorry, Mum). Such was my love that one year I even made my own advent calendar to count down to Easter (there will no doubt be more on this blog at a more seasonal time about how I maybe love Easter more than Christmas).

I now buy advent calendars for some of my oldest friends, my Mum, and most excitingly, my son. I’ve been struggling to narrow down this year’s choices, so I’m hoping that solidifying my findings into a blog will help me commit to the decisions. If you normally receive an advent calendar from me, I’d recommend you stop reading here.

I should also mention, I’m based in the UK and therefore have provided links for UK stockists.

The Best Ones Where the Doors Make Sense

This section could also be titled “The Best Advent Calendar to Send to my Sister”, because she is very clear on the fact that the advent calendars that bring her the most joy are the ones that have been designed to be advent calendars, and therefore, someone has planned for the doors to form part of the picture, and not ruin the original pictures. I also greatly approve of this.

I have long been obsessed with this traditional German design available from Closet and Botts, where you get to open the doors and windows on a festive street. My mum bought it for me a few years ago and I’d happily enjoy a trip down the road again.

A festive German Street available from Closet & Botts.

The Rifle Paper Co advent calendars also deserve a special mention in this section, as they have been so well planned for their job of being an advent calendar. This house design has doors hidden all over the place, which when opened prepare the house for Christmas. It’s really pleasingly designed.

The Rifle Paper Co Advent Calendar, available from Niddle Noodle. 

What’s on Offer from Emily Sutton

An advent calendar designer so good she deserves her own section. I adore Emily Sutton’s Toy Shop advent calendar, so imagine my delight that she and Art Angels have now brought out a new High Street design. This is probably the calendar I am most excited about this year, but I‘m concerned my 3 year old doesn’t quite have the dexterity for it yet. It might be top of next years shopping list!

Emily Sutton’s High Street Advent Calendar from The Hambledon. 

Emily Sutton’s Toy Shop Advent Calendar from The Hambledon.

The Best Advent Calendars for Lovers of Cute (and Woodland Animals)

And they’re all a handy card size, so great for sending in the post, or if your recipient lives in a small Victorian terraced house (reader, I am this person). I can’t pick one, so here are four options from The Porch Fairies.

Christmas Carols Advent Card from The Porch Fairies.

Santa’s List Advent Card from The Porch Fairies.

Santa’s Toys Advent Card from The Porch Fairies.

Castle Christmas Advent Card from The Porch Fairies.

The Best Advent Calendar for Cat Lovers

We’re very much not cat people, but somehow my little boy adores them. So here I am wondering if this cat themed advent calendar is going to be the one we buy this year.

3D Cat Advent Calendar from Paper Tiger.

The Best Advent Calendar for an Art Lover

One of my friends is a big fan of the work of Eric Ravilious, so I am literally kicking my heels in joy that I’ve come across this option for her.

Eric Ravilious Advent Calendar from Canns Down Press.

The one that got away…

I don’t know why I’m telling you about this, as this advent calendar is very much not available any more. A few years ago I came across a J.R.R. Tolkien Advent Calendar, based on his Father Christmas drawings and letters. I didn’t buy it and I don’t know why. But if you’re looking for a festive read, I recommend tracking down a copy of the book, to enjoy all the letters he wrote to his children from Father Christmas.

The End.

p.s. I love to hear if you think I’ve missed any crackers!