It's Day Three of Blogmas, and I'm still going strong(-ish). Today, I'm bringing you another sweet holiday surprise: a brand-new series on Haley Marie!
5 Under $50 will showcase some of the best style, beauty, and decor trends available on the web for, you guessed it, less than $50! As a beauty and fashion blogger who's also a broke college student, I know how tempting it can be to shop for cute new clothes, makeup that won't smudge, and dorm room decor when you're on a tight budget. That's why I've decided to launch this series, to help you find items that will suit your personal style without breaking the bank.
The first 5 Under $50 is all about advent calendars. If you're a little late to the Christmas game (like me!), you might still be shopping around for a stylish way to count down to the holidays. So, I've decided to scour the web for five of the best advent calendars of all shapes and sizes. Some come as DIY kits; others come with beauty or other goodies - but no matter which one you choose, I promise that none will disappoint!
Throughout the rest of Blogmas, I have a couple other exciting 5 Under $50 posts planned, from Secret Santa gifts to holiday party dresses. However, I'm hoping to keep this series going after Blogmas, too - so hopefully, you all will love it just as much as I loved writing it.
Until then, here are five inexpensive advent calendars perfect for this holiday season!
3D Advent Village from Anthropologie
It takes a village to count down to Christmas! (Sorry, that was not funny.)
For the avid DIY-er, this advent calendar kit from Anthropologie easily folds together to house clever facts and jokes about Christmastime. Designed by London artist Lucy Panes, the advent calendar takes inspiration from old photographs, folk art, English Christmas markets, and more to bring you an adorable way to house all your holiday goodies.
For just $18, you'll get 24 stackable house and tree boxes, 24 facts and jokes to house inside, and bunting, twine, and stickers to adorn your new advent village. Get it here.
Oh K! 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar from Lisa Angel
If you've fallen in love with the Korean beauty trend, this fun and playful gift set from Oh K! will meet all of your quirky Christmas needs.
Sold by Lisa Angel, each of the twelve doors in this condensed advent calendar is decorated with a totally kawaii illustration. From tiny woodland creatures to itty bitty pink polka dots, each day will make you go "Squee!" Though I won't give it all away, the holiday treats you'll unveil range from colorful hair chalk, to shimmering nail polish, to thick, luxurious false eyelashes.
For $19 (and free delivery!), you'll get all the satisfaction of cracking open those adorable doors, plus an array of goodies hidden inside. Get it here.
Advent Calendar Filled with Tea from kunstundtext on Etsy
Give yourself the gift of calm amid the overwhelming holiday season (not to mention finals)! German Etsy seller kundstund text has designed this personalized tea set with your "harmony and relaxation" in mind.
This advent calendar comes with 24 tea bags in 12 varieties from German tea-seller ALNATURA - so while counting down to Christmas, you'll also be able to enjoy the peaceful adventure of trying a new tea each and every day.
This calendar is on the pricier side, but I think the value is well worth the money - so, don't be afraid to splurge this holiday season. For $32.75, kundstund will ship this gift worldwide, and personalize the box with your name on it - plus you'll get instant relief from the stress of Christmas shopping! Get it here.
Inspirational Advent Calendar from Rock, Paper, Stars
Need a little motivation to get through your finals, Christmas shopping, and all of your other holiday obligations? This inspirational advent calendar from Rock, Paper, Stars will get you pumped up to achieve all of your December goals.
Once you order your advent calendar, you'll receive a box filled with 24 numbered envelopes. Contained within each envelope is a motivational postcard - so by the end of advent, you'll have a complete stationery set of 24 cards! That way, next Christmas, you'll be able to pay it forward with a little holiday cheer of your own.
For $32.02 (plus international shipping, unfortunately), you'l get a morning pick-me-up and a cute way to give a little kindness to your friends, family, and coworkers this holiday season. So, what are you waiting for? Get it here.
Countdown Calendar from Yankee Candle
Granted, most college students can't have candles in their dorm rooms - but if you're feeling a little more "naughty" than "nice" this holiday season, then Yankee Candle offers the perfect gift set!
Each day leading up to Christmas, you'll have the opportunity to open a new door that reveals a Yankee candle tealight in one of twelve holiday scents. From classic favorites like Christmas Cookie and Sparkling Snow, to newer arrivals like Holiday Bayberry and Bubbly Pomegranate, you'll be lighting up your world (and making it smell fantastic) in no time. This calendar even comes with a gold snowflake tealight holder so you can light your new candles in style.
Yankee Candle offers this amazing value for just $29.99. If you're a candle addict, be sure to keep this calendar high on your list! Get it here.
(Note: the advent calendar is sold out online, but you can usually find it at or order it to your nearest Yankee Candle store!)