Not so many years ago, a typical advent calendar was a basic cardboard box containing some chocolates or other candies behind little daily windows.

Today, advent calendars have evolved into creatively designed collections that dispense items ranging from pet toys to soaps, fishing equipment to art supplies. They make for festive decor, and appeal to our love of ritual, surprise and small things.

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Of course, if you’re gifting an advent calendar, you’ll want to give it early, in time for your recipients to count down the days to Christmas or a milestone.

Here are some countdown calendars that cater to different interests while promising daily doses of joy.

For pet people

Because they’ve been (mostly) good boys and g

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