The advent calendars for readers

According to tradition, the Advent calendar accompanies us from December 1st to 25th, giving us a small or large surprise each day. From the classic chocolate version to beauty products, there are more and more calendars ready to satisfy even the most demanding consumer. We've even had fun matching one to each zodiac sign. Advent calendars allow many brands (or multi-brand stores) to showcase their products, and the range to choose from is ever-growing. Beauty enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, and depending on their budget, they can opt for countless options. Unfortunately, it's not the same for book lovers: for us, Advent calendars are much harder to find. After lots of research, here are the ones I managed to uncover.

Il Saggiatore Advent Calendar

Currently, in Italy, there's only one major publishing house that has thought of gifting a book a day until Christmas. Il Saggiatore's Advent calendar is one of the most sought-after. The selection includes titles ranging from non-fiction to fiction, without missing out on collections of poetry and short stories. I opened the calendar to reveal the 24 books it contains—if you're curious, you can watch the full video here.

Land Editore Advent Calendar

Moving to the small independent publishing scene, we find another interesting offering. Land Editore has come up with a literary Advent calendar containing 20 First Letter books and 5 Deluxe Gadgets. The titles include both short stories and novellas, with the aim of making December a journey into literature.

La Diffusione del Libro

Few publishers create Advent calendars entirely dedicated to their own catalog, but several independent bookstores personally handle the assembly of custom calendars. Among them is La Diffusione del Libro in Lido di Camaiore, which offers customized calendars for both children and adults. You get to choose the books inside, with options for in-store pickup or shipping. 

Libreria degli Studenti

Among the independent bookstores that create Advent calendars is the Libreria degli Studenti in Rome. They will select second-hand books, individually wrap them, and place them in a tote bag designed for the occasion. Until November 30, you can order a custom calendar by choosing from their suggested themes, such as thrillers & mysteries, historical & adventure, fiction, and many others. Both in-store pickup and shipping are available.

Altroquando, Overlook, and Otherwise

Also in Rome, another independent bookstore offers an Advent calendar option. The teams at Altroquando, Overlook, and Otherwise put together a single large package containing 24 gifts—books, postcards, posters, or anything you choose. You can order it by filling out a Google form and specifying your preferences. Both in-store pickup and shipping are available.

Piccola Farmacia Letteraria

The Piccola Farmacia Letteraria, an independent bookstore in Florence, has prepared 24 individually wrapped packages, each containing books and themed stationery gadgets. They have also created exclusive items like literary Christmas ornaments and saint cards featuring pop culture characters. Unfortunately, the calendar is currently sold out.

Libreria Biblion

In Bologna, another independent bookstore has taken on the Advent calendar challenge. Libreria Biblion has created 24 packages containing both new releases and hidden gems, as well as chocolate, stationery lover gadgets, and many other surprises.

A Heart for Christmas

Ultimately, what we crave most is a good story in the full Christmas spirit. Therefore, a 24-chapter novel, like an Advent calendar, could be the best way to wait for Christmas.

Book Challenge

It's not exactly an Advent calendar, but it's close. 25 challenges and over 25 surprises: by completing the "assigned tasks" of the book challenge, you can unlock boxes containing small book-themed gadgets. Some of the proposed challenges include: attending a book presentation, either in person or online; preparing (or ordering) a dish mentioned in a book you've read; writing a letter to someone who inspired your love for books. It seems like a lovely gift idea for under the Christmas tree.

Pukka Herbal Teas

As I mentioned, there aren't many Advent calendar options for us book lovers. However, what's the one thing you can't do without during those cozy reading hours? That's right, a warm herbal tea. This calendar could be perfect for someone who already has plenty of books waiting to be read and just needs the perfect accompaniment.