Why advent calendars are also fun for colleagues and associates

Advent calendars are no longer just a cosy family tradition. What used to be something you’d only find at home has now made its way into offices and meeting rooms around the world. Too often, they’re still seen as purely personal gifts — but that’s selling them short. In fact, an advent calendar is an ideal way to bring a sense of warmth, appreciation, and connection into a professional environment. From small teams to large companies, more and more workplaces are embracing the tradition. Here are five reasons why.

1. A simple yet meaningful way to show appreciation

An advent calendar is a charming way to say “thank you” to colleagues or business contacts. Sure, there are many types of gifts you could give, but this one is special. It’s not just a single gesture — it’s 24 small moments of joy leading up to the holidays. Each day, when a new door is opened, the recipient is reminded of the person or company who gave it. That daily interaction leaves a lasting impression.

2. Brings the team closer together

Counting down to Christmas as a group creates a sense of unity. A shared advent calendar in the office quickly becomes a social ritual. Co-workers gather around, laugh about the surprises, and share the anticipation. Soon, there are informal “rules” about whose turn it is to open the next door, turning the countdown into a fun daily moment. Especially during the busy holiday period, those few minutes of shared excitement can do wonders for team spirit and morale.

3. Professional, yet personal

An advent calendar strikes the perfect balance between professional courtesy and personal warmth. The key is to match the calendar to the recipient. Luxury chocolate, premium teas, skincare products or even fun office gadgets all make great options — and many suppliers now offer personalised versions featuring your company logo or branding. For clients, it’s a gentle way to stay top of mind throughout December without being too formal or sales-driven.

4. A sustainable and reusable gesture

Advent calendars were long seen as wasteful, filled with too much plastic and packaging. Fortunately, that image is changing fast. More and more brands are now creating eco-friendly versions made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Take Tony’s Chocolonely, for instance: it is proof that an advent calendar can be both delicious and ethical. There are even stylish wooden calendars designed to be reused year after year — perfect for the office. Just look for FSC-certified wood if you want to go the extra sustainable mile. Sure, refilling it each year means finding 24 new little surprises over and over again — but with Foodworld-XL.com, that’s the fun part.

5. A smart marketing and branding tool

For businesses, advent calendars double as a creative marketing opportunity. A calendar featuring your logo or a selection of your own products keeps your brand visible all month long. It offers customers a fun, hands-on way to explore what you do and what you produce. It’s a light-hearted but powerful way to boost brand recognition, strengthen relationships, and even drive sales during the festive season. Be it for clients, employees, or partners, an advent calendar brings together goodwill and smart branding in one elegant gesture.