In 2026, the Advent calendar industry has infiltrated just about every tier of retail, and it seems we may already have a winner for the most diabolical offer of the year – all before Mariah Carey has fully defrosted.
On Tuesday morning, Kim Kardashian’s company Skims was forced to remove its $US148 limited-edition Accessories Advent Calendar, which sold in Australia for $264, from its website following social media backlash over its paltry contents.
The calendar was launched on October 29, but recipients of the Christmas gift box were quick to express outrage over what they discovered inside.
In one video, US influencer @kaylaryan is shown unpacking the calendar, declaring it “THE worst advent calendar I’ve ever seen”.
“This is terrible. This is a joke. I hope nobody buys this calendar. Genuinely, I think the packaging cost more than all of this combined… is this a prank?” she says.
In a statement to Page Six on Tuesday, a Skims spokesperson said the product “didn’t meet expectations” and that they had “personally contacted every customer who purchased the calendar and offered them a choice of a full refund or a Skims credit to put towards other products.”
“We’re aware of the feedback some customers have shared… and we’ve listened carefully.”
Skims’ advent calendar has become an annual affair in recent years. The 2025 offering featured 25 pairs of underwear for $US450.
The contents of their 2026 calendar, which sold out in less than 24 hours, is as follows:
- A teddy bear keychain.
- A three-pack of hair elastics.
- A two-pack of hair clips.
- Two packs of three bobby pins.
- Two packs of three hair scrunchies.
- A compact mirror keychain.
- A squishy toy.
- A two-pack of headbands resembling bra straps.
- A comb keychain.
- A logo keychain.
For a brand whose primary offerings are shapewear and underwear, many customers presumed its top holiday billing would include on-theme items, though the original product description did stipulate it would offer accessories.
“Count down to the holidays with this SKIMS accessories advent calendar, featuring twelve days of fun surprises,” its description read.
The brand did not state the calendar’s combined value, and individual products are not available on its website, but for a total price of $264, each should be worth about $22.
Kardashian’s lingerie empire, founded in 2019, is worth $US5 billion according to a November 2025 valuation.
TikTok users have been quick to parody the calendar, posting unboxing videos showing the detritus found between couch cushions, under their bed or at the bottom of their handbags.
Another influencer, who has alopecia, joked about being “so excited” for the hair-centric calendar.
This is far from the first time a brand has been called out for overhyping its Christmas offerings.
In 2017, British YouTuber Zoe “Zoella” Sugg was forced to apologise over a £50 advent calendar for being bad value for money, while luxury brands like Chanel and Dior have come under fire for underwhelming offerings at eye-watering prices in recent years.
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