Advent gifts: ideas, budget and FAQ

Advent gifts are a cosy December tradition where you give small presents during the Advent season—most often one gift on each of the four Advent Sundays, or as a simpler alternative to a full 24-day gift calendar. For many people it’s not about spending a lot; it’s about making the run-up to Christmas feel a bit more special and fun—especially for children, couples and families.

It can also be tricky to plan because ideas run out fast. This guide gathers the most searched questions and practical gift ideas.

Advent gifts vs. Christmas gift calendar: what’s the difference?

In many countries, a Christmas/Advent calendar is the more common concept: 24 doors (or 24 small items) from 1–24 December.
Advent gifts, as a tradition, is often used more flexibly: some families do four gifts (one per Advent Sunday), while others use “Advent gifts” to mean larger weekly gifts when they don’t want to do 24.

The dates of the Advent Sundays change each year.

FAQ about Advent gifts

What are Advent gifts?
Small gifts given during the Advent season to build anticipation and create cosy Christmas atmosphere—at home, between partners, or for children.

When do you give Advent gifts?
Most commonly: four gifts, one on each Advent Sunday. Whether you give them in the morning or evening is up to you. The Advent Sundays fall on different dates each year.

Are Advent gifts the same as a gift calendar?
Not necessarily. A gift calendar is often 24 small gifts (1–24 December). Advent gifts are more often 4 gifts (the Advent Sundays). Some families mix traditions, but they can also stand alone.

How much should Advent gifts cost?
There’s no fixed rule. Think “small but thoughtful.” Some do one slightly bigger gift and keep the others small. The key is that the budget feels realistic so it stays cosy—not stressful.

Do adults get Advent gifts too?
Very common—especially in relationships. Some households do “one gift per Sunday” for everyone, while others keep it just for the children.

What if you don’t want to buy much?
Advent gifts can be experiences, homemade items, or practical things you’d buy in December anyway—wrapped so it still feels like a present.

Advent gifts for children: ideas that work in real life

For kids, the best gifts are things they can use right away and that create cosy moments:

small games, card games, or puzzles
books, Christmas stories, or activity books
creative supplies (stickers, beads, drawing tools)
simple Christmas decorations they can make themselves
a “cosy kit”: hot chocolate, marshmallows, Christmas socks

Variety and surprise often matter more than price.

Advent gifts for teens: without making it awkward

Teens usually have clear preferences. Gifts that fit their everyday life work best:

gift cards (small is fine—just targeted)
skincare/hair products (if they actually use them)
accessories (cap, socks, gloves, bag)
small gadgets
experiences: cinema, café, bowling

If they like jewellery, a small, simple, timeless piece can be a great choice. (If you want to make gifting easy for others, you can gather wish ideas through a retailer like A-Hjort so style and budget are easier to match.)

Advent gifts for her: classic, but easy to personalise

a good hand cream / mini fragrance
a nice scented candle
a “cosy kit” (tea, a mug, socks)
a small accessory (hair clip, scarf)
a simple jewellery piece as a small keepsake (studs or a pendant)

Advent gifts for him: practical and useful

grooming/shaving
coffee/tea/special treats
quality socks, gloves, or a beanie
gadget items: cable, charger, power bank
an experience: cinema, food, activity

Advent gifts for couples: a cosy December routine

If you give each other Advent gifts, it can help to agree on a budget level. Many couples choose small items that create shared “everyday luxury”:

one shared experience per Sunday (cinema, brunch, a walk with hot chocolate)
a “Christmas night kit” (film, snacks, blanket)
small personal items that feel like “you two”

Make it easy: a simple 4-week Advent plan

If you want to avoid stress, think of Advent gifts as a mini series:

1st Advent: cosy atmosphere (candle, hot chocolate, socks)
2nd Advent: something useful (an everyday item in a “better” version)
3rd Advent: something personal (note, photo, small keepsake)
4th Advent: an experience or something for the Christmas days

This makes it easier to find four different gifts without reinventing the wheel each week.