The SKIMS advent calendar — officially sold as the “SKIMS Accessories Advent Calendar | Holiday Essentials” — is a 12-day holiday countdown box from Kim Kardashian's shapewear and loungewear brand. Priced at $148 in the United States and about £158 in the United Kingdom, the calendar promises “twelve days of fun surprises” spanning hair accessories and keychains. But when shoppers began opening the doors in early November 2026, the contents sparked a viral backlash so intense that SKIMS started issuing refunds. Below, we break down exactly what the calendar contains, how it works, whether it is worth the money, and how to buy it — or get your money back.

What Is the SKIMS Advent Calendar and How Does It Work?

The SKIMS Accessories Advent Calendar is a limited-edition holiday product that dropped in late October 2026 as part of the brand's seasonal collection. Unlike traditional beauty advent calendars that hide skincare, makeup, or fragrance behind each window, this one focuses almost entirely on small hair accessories and trinkets. There is no shapewear, no clothing, and no beauty products inside. The box has 12 doors, meaning it counts down 12 days rather than the full 24 days leading up to Christmas. At $148 for 12 doors, each surprise works out to roughly $12.33.

Advent calendars are a December tradition, but in recent years fashion and beauty brands have turned them into premium gift products. SKIMS joined that trend by marketing its calendar as a set of “holiday essentials.” The idea is that fans receive a small branded accessory each day, building excitement and unboxing content. The controversy arose because the items inside did not match what many shoppers expected from a $148 box.

A Door-by-Door Look at What's Inside the Calendar

Unboxing videos have revealed the complete contents. According to subscription-box reviews, the calendar holds four keychains (including a bear-shaped keychain), six scrunchies, six bobby pins, three packs of hair elastics, two hair clips, and two headbands. Early unboxings broke it down day by day: Day 1 featured a bear keychain, and Day 2 featured a three-pack of hair elastics. The remaining days continue with a mix of scrunchies, clips, headbands, and additional keychains.

To put it in perspective, the full list of items includes:

  • 4 keychains, including a bear-shaped keychain
  • 6 scrunchies
  • 6 bobby pins
  • 3 packs of hair elastics
  • 2 hair clips
  • 2 headbands

SKIMS describes the calendar as featuring “fun surprises,” but many shoppers expected the brand's signature pieces and were disappointed by what they found inside.

How Much It Costs and Where to Buy It

The SKIMS Accessories Advent Calendar is priced at $148 in the United States, with some outlets listing it at $150 and U.K. pricing around £158. It launched on skims.com, where the brand initially opened a waitlist before the calendar dropped with the holiday collection. Shipping is free on U.S. orders, and at $148 you are mostly paying for the SKIMS name on small hair pieces plus the gift box itself. The calendar appears to have sold out on the official site amid the surge of attention, so availability now depends on restocks or resale marketplaces.

How the $148 Calendar Went Viral: A Timeline

The calendar's journey from launch to refund offers moved quickly. In late October 2026, SKIMS announced the calendar and opened a waitlist. By early November, it had dropped as part of the holiday collection. On November 3, early reviews began circulating on TikTok questioning whether the contents justified the price. The backlash accelerated on November 6 and 7 as influencer unboxing videos went viral — one TikTok unboxing reportedly amassed between 34 million and 45 million views.

Viewers mocked the contents, with one widely shared comment comparing the items to “what I'd find on the floor if I pulled my headboard away from the wall.” Others labeled the box “junk,” a “scam,” a “rip-off,” and “a box full of pranks.” By November 8, SKIMS had issued a statement acknowledging the feedback and announcing refunds.

Is the SKIMS Advent Calendar Worth the Money?

The core criticism comes down to value for money. At $148 — about $12.33 per door — shoppers received hair ties, bobby pins, scrunchies, clips, headbands, and keychains that many felt were closer to budget-store items than a premium $148 gift. Critics pointed out that the calendar contains none of the shapewear or loungewear the brand is known for, and some reports estimated the individual items' combined value at a fraction of the asking price.

Supporters note that advent calendars are routinely priced at a premium for the unboxing experience and brand novelty, and SKIMS fans may still value the collectible seasonal packaging. However, the overwhelming reaction online — where the calendar was called everything from “junk” to a “scam” — signaled that many buyers felt the value simply did not match the price.

How to Get a Refund: What SKIMS Is Offering Customers

In a statement shared with TODAY.com on November 8, a SKIMS spokesperson said the company is “aware of the feedback” on the advent calendar and is now offering refunds to dissatisfied customers. Reports indicate SKIMS is providing a full refund or store credit.

For customers who want to return the calendar, SKIMS' standard returns policy allows new, unworn, and unwashed merchandise to be returned for a refund or store credit within 30 days with proof of purchase. If you purchased the calendar, contact SKIMS customer service or use the returns portal on skims.com to begin the process.

What's Next for SKIMS and Holiday Advent Calendars

Industry watchers expect the backlash to shape how SKIMS approaches future holiday releases. The episode highlights a broader lesson for brands: when customers pay a premium, they expect premium products rather than everyday accessories. SKIMS has not announced whether the calendar will be restocked or redesigned, and it appears to have sold out on skims.com. For shoppers considering a future purchase, the experience is a reminder to read unboxing reviews and check the full contents list before buying.

The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways

  • The SKIMS Accessories Advent Calendar 2026 is a 12-day calendar priced at $148 in the U.S. and about £158 in the U.K.
  • It contains hair accessories and keychains — four keychains, six scrunchies, six bobby pins, hair elastics, clips, and headbands — but no shapewear, clothing, or beauty products.
  • The calendar went viral in early November 2026 after unboxing videos drew tens of millions of views and widespread criticism.
  • SKIMS acknowledged the feedback and began offering full refunds or store credit to dissatisfied customers.
  • Customers can request a refund through SKIMS' returns process within 30 days of purchase.