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My kids may be grown, but there’s one Christmas tradition I’m not ready to give up.
Every year, I buy my son a LEGO Advent calendar and my daughter a beauty Advent calendar. It started when they were little, and somehow, even though they’re now 20 and 22, it’s a tradition that’s stuck.
In fact, last Christmas, my son and his girlfriend surprised ME with an Advent calendar so I could join in on the fun!
Now that both of my kids have moved away from home, I’ve been thinking about which holiday traditions I want to keep and which ones might need to change.
And while we may not all wake up under the same roof on December 1, I love the idea that we can each open a little surprise every morning and share in something familiar, even from different states.
So, as I started my Christmas shopping, I went looking for Advent calendars for adult children that would keep our family tradition going without breaking the bank.
I know tradition dictates that we’re not supposed to put up our Christmas tree until after Thanksgiving, but if you wait to shop for Advent calendars until then, you’ll likely end up empty-handed and disappointed. I found some fun options at Macy’s for 2026 that you’ll want to buy sooner rather than later, including a few I wouldn’t mind receiving myself!
Best Advent Calendars for Adult Children in 2026
When my kids were younger, shopping for Advent calendars was easy. As they’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that the secret isn’t necessarily finding something more sophisticated. It’s finding something that fits their personalities.
Here are my favorites from Macy’s this year. Plus, if you shop during the Macy’s Friends and Family Sale going on right now, you could save even more!
1. LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian Advent Calendar 2026
For the kid who never outgrew LEGO
I’ve been buying my son a LEGO Advent calendar for as long as I can remember. And while he’s now a college student, I don’t think I’ll ever stop looking for a LEGO calendar when Christmas rolls around.
This year’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian Advent Calendar includes 293 pieces and is filled with small builds and surprises inspired by the series.
It’s a fun way to spend a few minutes doing something creative every day in December, especially for someone who already loves LEGO or Star Wars.
Personally, I appreciate that it’s a gift that isn’t just another piece of clothing or something practical for his dorm room. Sometimes it’s nice to give our adult children permission to enjoy the same things they loved when they were younger.
SHOP THE LEGO STAR WARS ADVENT CALENDAR AT MACY’S
2. TONYMOLY Squishmallows 10-Days Beauty Advent Calendar
For the beauty lover who enjoys a little whimsy
My daughter has always enjoyed discovering new beauty products, so that’s typically the direction I go when choosing her Advent calendar.
For the past few years, she’s LOVED opening some sort of beauty advent calendar. She’s also a Squishmallow aficionado, so this year’s selection was a no-brainer. I came across the TONYMOLY Squishmallows Beauty Advent Calendar at Macy’s, and I immediately thought it would be a fun option.
It’s a 10-day countdown rather than the traditional 24 or 25 days, but that also makes it a more affordable way to participate in the tradition.
I like the combination of beauty and nostalgia. Just because you’re old enough to graduate from college doesn’t mean everything in your stocking needs to be practical!
SHOP THE TONYMOLY ADVENT CALENDAR AT MACY’S
3. Macy’s 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
For the skincare and makeup enthusiast
If you’re shopping for a beauty-lover who would rather have a full month of beauty surprises, Macy’s also has its exclusive 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar.
This one is definitely more of a splurge than the TONYMOLY option, but it offers a longer countdown and a variety of beauty products to discover.
I actually featured a version of Macy’s beauty Advent calendar in one of my last-minute holiday gift guides years ago, so it was fun to see that the tradition is still going strong.
If your adult daughter, sister, or best friend loves trying different products, this could be a great alternative to purchasing one larger beauty gift.
SHOP MACY’S 25 DAYS OF BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR
4. Whittard of Chelsea Holiday Tea Advent Calendar
For the person who prefers a cup of tea over another coffee mug
Now this is an advent calendar near and dear to my heart. I’m a tea drinker, so when I spotted this Whittard of Chelsea Holiday Tea Advent Calendar, I immediately thought it might be the perfect choice for me.
It contains 48 tea bags, making it a lovely way to try different teas throughout the Christmas season.
I already have WAY too many boxes of tea in my kitchen because I love trying new brands and flavors, so a sampling of tea bags is perfect for both my palate and my pantry.
And since my kids made sure I had my own Advent calendar last year, I think it’s only fair that I continue the tradition, don’t you?
SHOP THE WHITTARD TEA ADVENT CALENDAR AT MACY’S
5. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Chocolate Advent Calendar
For the chocolate lover or anyone who appreciates a classic Christmas countdown
Sometimes the simplest Advent calendars are the best.
This Macy’s exclusive chocolate calendar celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and includes 24 chocolate surprises.
I particularly love the connection to the parade. Watching it has been part of our family’s Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions for years.
And at under $20 with the current promotion, it’s one of the more affordable options I found. This would also make a fun gift for a college roommate, friend, or anyone who could use a little extra Christmas cheer.
SHOP THE MACY’S CHOCOLATE ADVENT CALENDAR
Affordable Advent Calendars for the Whole Family
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to make Christmas memorable. I’ve always believed that meaningful family traditions shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.
For example, based on the prices I found at Macy’s, I could choose the LEGO Star Wars calendar for Britton, the TONYMOLY beauty calendar for Kariss, and the chocolate calendar for myself for less than $90 before tax.
That’s three individual gifts, but more importantly, it’s a shared experience that lasts throughout December.
Of course, prices and promotions can change, so be sure to check the current offers before ordering.
Want to see all my favorites in one place?
I’ve created a special Macy’s Holiday Prep collection featuring these Advent calendars and a few other fun holiday finds.
SHOP MY HOLIDAY PREP ADVENT CALENDAR COLLECTION ON MOTOM
Keeping Christmas Traditions Alive When Your Kids Grow Up
This is the first Christmas we’ll spend where my daughter has moved out and lives in her own apartment. As such, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a mom of adult children.
For so many years, our holiday traditions revolved around what we did together at home. Decorating, baking, watching Christmas movies, and waking up on Christmas morning.
Now, our schedules are different. Our homes are different. And the way we spend the holidays may look different, too. But different doesn’t have to mean less meaningful.
Maybe that’s why something as simple as an Advent calendar has become more important to me. It reminds me that while I can’t keep my kids little, I can continue to find ways to celebrate the people they’re becoming.
And perhaps the best part of keeping this tradition going is that last year, my kids decided I deserved to be included, too. I may not be able to turn back the clock, but I can still make new memories with the same people I love.
I’d love to know: Do you still buy Advent calendars for your grown children? Or is there another Christmas tradition your family has carried into adulthood?
Let me know in the comments below!
This post is part of a paid partnership with Macy’s Style Crew. All opinions are my own. Thanks to @macys for partnering with me on this year’s holiday preparation!
#macysstylecrew #macyspartner #holidayprep
