Advent calendars have become all the rage in the last decade, hiding everything from cheese to expensive beauty products. I’m partial to the good old chocolate-filled ones, though, and I especially love IKEA’s advent calendar.
While the chocolates are pretty good, it’s the other surprises inside this particular advent calendar that are the main draw — and many people don’t even realize what a deal they are. By waiting to purchase them after December 1st, I actually make money buying them. Here’s how.
What’s in the IKEA Advent Calendars?
By outward appearances, IKEA’s advent calendar looks pretty standard. The picture is very IKEA, in that kind of retro, Scandinavian design that the company is known for. There’s only one design, and it’s always the same every year. But it’s what’s inside that counts.
Behind the 24 doors are some pretty tasty chocolates; they’re a huge upgrade from those $1 or $2 advent calendars from Trader Joe’s or Walmart. Most are some kind of truffle or chocolate bar, with all kinds of fillings and flavors. The orange chocolate crisps and the nougat praline with marzipan balls are my two favorites.
It’s the non-edible surprises that are the real draw, though. Behind two days’ windows, you get two coupon cards. Together, they more than make up for the price of the advent calendar, especially if you get it on clearance — but more on that later.
The first card is for everyone’s favorite: Swedish meatballs. The card is for a free meatball plate at IKEA’s popular restaurant, which comes with the famous meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, and lingonberry jam. That promo card is good for six months through June 6, 2026.
The second card is a straight $5 off coupon for IKEA. You can use it on any merchandise, but you can’t use it in the restaurants. There’s no minimum you have to spend, either, and it doesn’t expire. If all you want is a $5 stocking stuffer, boom, it’s free.
How Much Are IKEA’s Advent Calendars?
IKEA’s advent calendars are $15 regular price. Taking into account both the $5 coupon and the roughly $9 meatball plate, that means you’re only paying a buck for all the chocolates. That’s pretty good.
The real magic begins after December 1, though, when IKEA starts marking down the price for the calendars. I went the second week in December, and they were clearance priced at $7.50. That’s cheaper than the price of just the free meatball plate, turning this deal into an actual money maker. I’ve even purchased some of these before at $3 late in December, which is kind of mind-boggling. They’re practically giving away free meatballs and coupons at that point.
Though not nearly enough people know about this IKEA hack, some have caught on. “I bought 23, but I get that sweet employee discount too,” said one Redditor in a thread about the deal. “The cashier told me someone bought 50 yesterday.”
“They did the same last year and I bought like 8 of them,” said another. “It’s basically a real-life infinite money glitch.”
More on Cheapism
- Aldi’s Fan-Favorite Advent Calendars Are Back — This year, the Aldi Advent calendars make a major return — right alongside snacks for entertaining, dessert surprises, and holiday-ready convenience items.
- People Who Should Never Set Foot in IKEA — Here’s a playful look at the type of people who just might not be ideal IKEA customers.
- IKEA Is Opening New Locations Nationwide: Here’s the Full List — The Swedish furniture giant is back at it, adding more dots to the U.S. map in 2025 and 2026.
