Time doesn’t just fly these days, it jumps into Jeff Bezos’ spaceship and blasts off at insurmountable speeds. What we mean is, the new year is only two months away — and, to be frank, we’re all panicking over the fast-flowing sands of this year’s hourglass. If you need some help savoring the last few days of 2021 (or simply counting them down) look no further than advent calendars. These days, you can find an advent calendar for just about any interest, making it a festive (and often downright delicious) way to enjoy the holiday season.

From classic chocolate truffle-filled gift boxes to healing crystal collections and intriguing wine flights, we’ve unearthed the best holiday advent calendars that are sure to assuage any end-of-year funk you may be in. Below, read on and buy yourself something nice — whether it’s 12 days of “Sexmas” or 24 days of limited-edition jam spreads, you deserve a good advent calendar this year.

Best Unique Advent Calendars

Mochi Squishies Advent Calendar, $30.99 $26.99

According to our anonymous shopping data, R29 readers can’t get enough of the wacky finds we wrangled up in our unique advent calendar round-up. Apparently, Mochi Squishies, healing crystals, and mini crochet dolls are the best part of waking up in December (sorry Folgers).

Best Sex Toy Advent Calendars

Lovehoney Best Sex Of Your Life Couple’s Sex Toy Advent Calendar (Man + Woman), $199

What’s more delicious than chocolates? Try up to 24 days of sexy treats. Lovehoney’s Best Sex Of Your Life calendar as well as a few other sexy gifts are the way to go for 2021. Even if you’re not into the whole countdown to Christmas vibe this year, these advent calendars can save you hundreds of dollars on bestselling toys — tis’ the season for great sex AND great savings. 

Best Chocolate Advent Calendars

La Maison du Chocolat Advent Calendar, $75

You can’t go wrong with a traditional chocolate-filled advent calendar, especially if you don’t want your guests asking you about the couple’s sex toy gift box you accidentally left out on the kitchen counter. La Maison du Chocolat’s modern take on the classic square calendar will look great on a Christmas tree, or, if you’re into a more budget-friendly option, Godiva’s Chocolatier advent calendar is a major fan-favorite. 

Best Candy Advent Calendar

Mandalorian Candy Advent Calendar, $39.95

Some people like sweet, some people like sour, the majority like both. Get a taste of both worlds with a candy advent calendar this year. Whether it’s chock full of fruity gummy bears or a festive mix of Baby-Yoda-themed treats, your sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied. 

Best Beauty Advent Calendar

Charlotte Tilbury Dreams & Secrets, $200

Beauty advent calendars are some of the most anticipated gifts of the year. Why? Much like sex toys, there’s rarely a time you can get as much bang for your buck on luxury products. These three are currently topping our anonymous shopping data charts, but check out our full round-up for even more glamorous options. 

Best Food & Drink Advent Calendars

Bonne Maman Advent Calendar, $35

Chocolate is not the only food that belongs in these 24 little boxes. Cookies, limited-edition jam spreads, and some award-winning wines are just as fun to wake up to every morning. Check out Bonne Maman’s much-loved calendar or go big and cash in on 24 excellent wine picks from Ingoodtaste’s 2021 gift box. 

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Naming a pillow after the number one cliché bedding descriptor is always a bold move — but, that didn’t stop Purple from launching the latest addition to its home goods family in early September: The Cloud Pillow. So, when the brand generously offered to send me one to test out, my hopes were set somewhat high. While I did not expect my own personal cloud to navigate the skies seamlessly disguised as a jolly cumulonimbus, the name did set my hopes high. With a name like that, I expect something ultra-fluffy and ultra-soft. If it failed to deliver, how would I ever recover from such blatant false advertising? But curiosity got the better of me, especially after noticing it was so new that it lacked on-site reviews. I decided it was my duty to try out this $49 hypoallergenic, alternative down cushion in order to find out just how heavenly it really is.

Below, follow my journey below as I unbox, squish, and sleep many nights away on this plush bedding delight. No, it does not carry the brand’s legendary gel grid support, but that’s what makes it all the more special. Instead of solid, memory foam-like padding, this pillow was made for head-first dunks straight into feathery and fluffy bliss. Read on and decide for yourself if it’s worthy of a spot on your very own bed.

The Purple Cloud Pillow, $49

What is the Purple Cloud Pillow?

The newest Purple pillow on the scene is a simplified version of its older sibling, the TwinCloud Pillow. The TwinCloud’s unique design has two plush pillows of varying firmness stitched together so you can choose between firm and soft support. The Cloud Pillow, on the other hand, is just one pillow, and, most importantly, also the cheapest option Purple sells at just $49. Its insides are filled with “hypoallergenic, ultra-fine gel fibers that won’t clump, trap heat, or flatten over time,” per Purple’s product description. This also makes the pillow allergy- and airflow-friendly. You can wash it without fear of soggy lumps, tumble dry it on low heat, and expect it to last you several years. But if you’re not feeling it, the brand also offers a 100-night-trial and a one-year warranty.

First impressions?

The Cloud pillow was plush in the bag and even plusher when I freed it from that plastic cage. I plopped it on my bed (as pictured) and was impressed by its buoyant nature — no fluffing and barely any inflating time required. It has some weight to it, which is nice. It also felt expensive. The Purple Cloud Pillow would without a doubt be my weapon of choice at a pillow fight.

Although it’s not memory foam, I’ll never forget the feeling of when I first sunk my head into it. If I had to choose three words I’d say my first sleep with it was luxe, cool, and — dare I say it? —cloud-like. The cotton casing was crisp and taut from the impressive amount of gel fiber filling stuffed inside. Despite its top-notch squishiness, there is nothing saggy about this pillow. The airiness kept my head cool, calm, and collected all night long. You could easily cry in it for an hour and not feel too suffocated which I, unfortunately, have experienced with many other cushions (do not recommend).

If the Purple Cloud Pillow was a cloud, which one would it be?

After googling “types of clouds” I can confidently say that this pillow could easily ride with the cumulus gang, but the lightweight feel of it does give the cumulonimbuses a run for their money. I’m laying my back against it as I type right this very moment and it’s still as fluffy as when I first received it two weeks ago (and I’ve slept on it every night).

Would an angel sleep on the Purple Cloud Pillow?

If I was a cherub, I would definitely place my head atop this pillow when a cloud was not available. I might even carry it around for future naps.

The Twin Cloud Pillow, $89

Should you buy the Purple Cloud Pillow?

I recommend. Even if you like your pillows firm, the Purple Cloud is the perfect complement to a solid block of memory foam. It’s a less serious commitment of a $100+ pillow product too — a casual pillow if you will. Place it on the couch for naps, on your bed for when you need to sit up and write a review for work, make it your main nighttime squeeze, or all of the above. The only thing you have to worry about are the cherubs who might descend from the skies and snatch it while you’re not looking.

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The word "cozy" gains superpowers starting in the month of September and it doesn't lose its seasonal spark until around springtime. So it's only natural to want to stock up on gift-worthy, snuggly, and timely holiday treasures to carry you through all the upcoming cold-weather festivities. Today, we're relying on Amazon's endless inventory to help supply us with all the best extra-cozy products.

We've narrowed it down to 12 must-have holiday home goods that will bring the comfort in a big way. Whether you're buying for yourself or getting an impressive head start on holiday shopping, these festive (and affordable) trinkets truly give fall and winter a much-needed warm welcome. Electronic smores makers, hot chocolate bombs, fuzzy pillows, and more seasonal essentials await your eager clicks ahead.

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The holidays get earlier every year. But while we may hotly debate when it’s ok to start blasting Mariah Carey’s Christmas hits, there’s one part of the season we’re glad to see arrive in October: Black Friday shopping.

With expected shipping delays projected to be just as bad as last year, we’re already thinking about getting our holiday shopping done early. Accordingly, this year’s flurry of sales that have already hit the ground running, and we wanted to give you a head’s up on what to expect in the next 30+ days. We’re here to deliver everything you need to know and more to have a successful and discount-savvy Black Friday 2021. Read on below for a one-and-done comprehensive guide to the best Black Friday deals — from Walmart’s October savings event to last-minute Lululemon deals — happening now and beyond. And, of course, keep checking back for more as the real OG shopping holiday inches closer.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday pops up on our calendars the day after Thanksgiving (this year November 26) — but, it has since transformed into a mega shopping holiday that starts as early as October and fizzles out in the first week of December along with its sales event sister, Cyber Monday. In 2020, we saw bestselling Lululemon leggings up to 40% off, price-slashed buzzworthy sex toys, mattresses deals, new daily Amazon specials, and more rare scores. Look out for our extensive coverage in the next 30 days as we continue to scour the internet for the internet’s best Black Friday discounts.

When do Black Friday deals start?

The games have already begun over at Walmart and Chewy. Right now you can score $100 off Dyson, 53% off VANKYO projectors, $20 off Ninja air fryers, 46% off Peter Thomas Roth products, and tons of deals on women’s fashion at Walmart’s early deals event. Or, head to Chewy for up to 40% off beds, furniture, apparel, and more. However, the best of the best discounts often arrive when the week of Thanksgiving (November 24), travel through Cyber Monday (November 29), and continue on throughout the rest of the week.

What are the best Black Friday deals?

Check back later for more updates and info on all Black Friday 2021’s best deals happening this November!

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Paint and Instagram will always be in cahoots. What used to be high school girls posing in front of Millennial Pink storefront walls circa 2012 has since transformed into TikTokers flaunting OOTDs in their decked-out bedrooms and influencers snapping mirror pics in their luxury apartments. Since we were stuck at home for much of 2020, IG baddies couldn’t just book it to brunch to snap a shot of their new baguette bag. Instead, influencers had to get creative within the great indoors. Add that to the growing exhaustion with the stark farmhouse modern aesthetic, and suddenly house paint is Instagram’s new hottest accessory.

Another reason we all want sage green walls these days? Savvy brands are leveraging social media know-how to sell paint to eager Millennial and Gen Z DIYers. Backdrop, the virtual one-stop-paint shop founded in 2016 by married couple Natalie and Caleb Ebel, is likely responsible for some of your favorite influencers’ freshly painted apartments. We recently spoke with Natalie Ebel about her booming business and got the full scoop on what’s trending for 2021 and beyond. Read on and prepare to be inspired by the flurry of calming hues, vibrant pops of color, and innovative, easy ways to revitalize your space.

Paint is the most affordable way to completely transform a room.

Natalie Ebel, Backdrop co-founder

What Is Backdrop?

The Ebels got the idea to start a business after they laboriously painted a nursery for their first child in 2016. Their approach cuts out the normal pains of painting: multiple trips to and from the hardware store, stocking up on supplies (that you’re only kind of sure you might need), and exerting a ton of unnecessary mental energy. Instead, Backdrop makes it a three-step process — choose your color, calculate your necessary gear, and get to work. The brand also offers color consultations and sticker swatches for mess-free sampling.

Unlike many competitor companies, Backdrop also takes full advantage of social media. (Which is exactly how we discovered the brand!) Its Instagram is full of design tips and tricks as well as an impressive archive of tagged posts from happy customers. Backdrop is also surprisingly affordable. Compared to other bespoke paint brands on the market, each gallon of paint cashes in at a relatively affordable $69. You can also add on an Essentials Kit for $45 worth of supplies.

Backdrop One Gallon Paint Can, $69

What are the best paint color trends for 2021?

The pandemic and TikTok helped kick off a mass home improvement movement, including secret storage coffee tables, bedroom makeovers, and space-saving organization hacks. For more ambitious DIYers, however, paint offered a bold way to makeover a room. Backdrop noticed that people took two routes: relaxing, soothing hues for much-needed tranquilty or adventurous, show-stopping pigments that expressed a year’s worth of cooped up energy.

“Throughout this pandemic, people either wanted to stick with really calming colors or go really bold and bring cheerfulness to their space,” says Ebel.

Vibrant Blues

Backdrop Blue Is The Coolest Color, $59

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A top-seller on Backdrop’s site and a major trendsetter of 2021 was the accurately named bright hue, Blue Is The Coolest Color. Ebel noticed that rather than painting entire walls, customers were coating single doors or using the color as a vibrant accent for an energetic pick-me-up. Blue Is The Coolest Color was a collaboration with the funky home and gift shop Coming Soon NY, which is evident in the shades’ eye-catching aura.

Sage Greens

Backdrop Drive-Thru Safari, $59

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Over on the calmer side of the rainbow lies the warm sage green, Drive Thru-Safari. We saw this tone not only made waves in house paint but also pop up in a myriad of categories, from cookware to spring fashion and beyond. Instagrammer Tracy Sheer coated her kitchen in the soft, warm, mid-tone green while interior stylist Anna Brettschneider used it for a client’s studio space and often recommends it to others. Influencer Alyssa Coscarelli dipped her dining room in the chic, earthy hue as well. 

Mellow Beiges

Backdrop Palo Santo, $69

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Ebel also mentions that terracottas and cool yellows also made it high on the trends list, but the neutral beige Palo Santo reigned supreme. It’s hard to go wrong with such a simple palette. Interior designer Taylor Whitney added a complementary Palo Santo half-moon to her guest room back in 2020 while Coscarelli devoted an entire space to the cream color.

Having ‘Palo Santo’ on your walls gives it a calming effect in itself.

Natalie ebel, backdrop founder

What are the best paint color trends for 2022?

We’re now reaching the final stretch of 2021, and pigment professionals from Pantone to Benjamin Moore are releasing their annual colorful predictions. Behr recently announced that its silvery green shade of the year, Breezeway, will bring some much-needed peace to our homes in 2022. Pantone doesn’t announce its color of the year until December, but recently released a fashion trend report for spring and summer 2022 that’s filled with bright bubblegum pinks, spontaneous yellows, and vibrant magentas. At Backdrop, however, Ebel has her sights set on warm lilacs, light peaches, and slate blues.

Warm Lilacs

Backdrop GIn Blossoms (Coming Soon)

“I think warm lilac is going to be a really popular,” Ebel says. “It’s a tricky shade to nail. When you look at color you have to think, ‘I like this color on paper by itself, but can I live in it inside an entire room?’” Rather than giving the child-like vibes of a brighter purple, lilac adds a nice cool touch to any room in need of some subtle color. Get ready to spot this shade in bathrooms, bedrooms, and maybe accenting a squiggly mirror or two.

Slate Blues

Backdrop Silverlake Dad (Coming Soon)

This “super moody” slate blue is great for interiors and brings a mature flair to your space — hence the name “Silver Lake Dad”. It’s a nod to where Natalie and Caleb Ebel’s currently reside in Silver Lake, Califronia, and refers to a certain neighborhood type: “The person at their local Intelligentsia, scrolling through NPR’s Twitter feed, pondering how to teach the next generation of boys about feminism.” Regardless of your association to the color, a greyish blue is a wonderful relaxed addition to any room.

Light Peaches

Backdrop Earthly Delights (Coming Soon)

This light and bubbly shade is a more mellow edition of Backdrop’s bold, dark peach, Apertivo Hour, but still brings packs a pigmented punch. Both Earthly Delights was made to spark creativity. According to Backdrop, the shade should “make you happy, but like an earnest sort of happiness.”

If your white walls now seem a tad bit boring like mine do, head on over to Backdrop’s site and scoop up some groovy premium paint. And, of course, check back for quick access to the retailer’s fresh batch of colors coming soon this November. Baguette bags, Y2K hair clips, and phone cases beware — paint is social media’s next big thing.

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We said it once in a previous sofa round-up, and we'll say it again: Buying a couch is a commitment. So, if you're not prepared to take the plunge into a full-fledged living room setup, but you also don't want to reinvest in that bean bag blob you had in college, we understand. In fact we also have a solution: big comfy chairs.

They're great for quick naps, long reads, and the absolute best for small spaces when you're not in the mood for a chic loveseat. And, while most are perfect one, we found a few that really blur the line between seat and sofa with their impressive oversized designs. Ahead, check out all the best big comfy chairs for when you can't commit to a big comfy couch. From upscale CB2 artsy furniture finds to budget-friendly Amazon hidden gems, there's bound to be the perfect cushion for you.

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In the early aughts of fall 2021, we saw an uptick in flannel shackets and shiny new bakeware alongside the usual old-faithful likes of best-selling vibrators and good-looking desk chairs. Even before the end-of-summer air had a chance to crisp up, R29 readers — according to our vat of anonymous shopping data — used Labor Day and its slew of sales as a catalyst to stock up on autumnal essentials. Although our top-bought product list for September is filled with its fair share of cashmere sweaters and chunky loafers, there are still a few wackier wild cards shuffled in.

For our monthly mix of the most wanted products from the past 30 days, read on.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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