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Holiday Advent Calendars: 12 Calendars For Everyone On Your List

It's Never Too Late: 12 Advent Calendars For 2012
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Okay, okay, we know we're a week late, but think about it: You can start your calendar by getting 10 surprises.

Advent calendars are meant to begin the fourth Sunday before December 25, in honour to prepare for the season of celebrating the Nativity of Jesus. Though its religious connotations are still carried out by the devout, many people just know "Advent" as the time from December 1 to 24, when little doors on cardboard calendars pop open to reveal chocolates and the like as more gifts are anticipated on the 25th. Sounds like a good way to spend December to us!

This year, we encourage you to do things a little differently. Open all the pockets or doors in one day (maybe not all at once), give your kids double the treats or just take the calendar to your office to share. And we know, advent calendars are often made for kids, so this time around we included gifts for everyone on your list — even the person who doesn't want an advent calendar.

LOOK: 12 of our favourite advent calendars:

DIY Calendar

Advent Calendar Gift Guide

DIY Calendar:

If you do have the time this season, get crafty with this DIY calendar, perfect for all the knitters in your life. You may want to buy something with which to fill the pockets, as the blueprints for this calendar are free! Advent Calendar Gift Pockets Knitting Pattern. Free download, available at Red Heart.

Magnet Advent Calendar:

Small and compatible, this magnet advent calendar can be filled with your favourite treats — and sits nicely on your fridge. Reusable Advent Calendar, $48, available at Etsy.

The Advent Calendar That's Not An Advent Calendar:

Well, this is for those of you who don't want to be traditional this holiday season — or even own a real calendar. This stunning candle-holder advent calendar is the perfect accessory to spruce up any windowsill. Candle Calendar, $85, available on Etsy.

The Wooden Calendar:

It may not be the best spot to hide your goods, but this creative wooden calendar is the perfect table piece for any living room. Wooden Spoon Thread Holder, $47, available on Etsy.

The Flannel Calendar:

All calendars should feel this warm and cozy. This crafty advent calendar has small-sized pockets for candies, chocolate and more.

Cabin Advent Calendar:

Hide your favourite goodies in this adorable rustic cabin that comes with tiny little doorknobs. Glucksteinhome Rustic Cabin Advent Calendar, $42, available at The Bay.

The Fair Trade Calendar:

Count down the rest of the month with this advent calendar from Ten Thousand Villages that includes fair trade chocolate from Ghana.Advent Calendar With Divine Milk Chocolate, $12, available at Ten Thousand Villages.

Nail Polish Advent Calendar:

For the stylish gal in your life, surprise them with this nail polish calendar that will keep them busy for the rest of the year. Ciaté 'Mini Mani' Set, $58, available on Nordstorm.com.

Andy Worhol Advent Calendar:

For the artsy fartsy folks in your life, this Andy Warhol advent calendar includes Warhol's messages about art and life. Warhol: Christmas Tree Advent Calendar, $18, available at the MET.

The Recipe Advent Calendar:

Our pals over at HellaWella have created this fun recipe calendar to celebrate everything sugary and delicious during the holidays.

Advent Calendar...For Your Dog!:

Even your dog deserves a treat or two this season. This set includes munchy rawhide bones and rawhide twists.Ranch Rewards Dog Advent Calendars, $10, available at Pet Edge.

LEGO Advent Calendar:

Always a popular one for the kids, the LEGO advent calendar lets kids (or you) rescue Santa's sleigh. LEGO City Advent Calendar, $40, available at LEGO Shop.

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