Skims issues refunds after $276 advent calendar draws online backlash

Kim Kardashian's apparel brand Skims is refunding customers who bought its 2026 accessories advent calendar, a $276 Canadian item that became a viral target for online criticism. The company, valued in the multi-billion dollar range, is offering either a full refund or store credit to every person who purchased the product.

The calendar was marketed as 12 days of surprises. Inside the twelve doors, shoppers found hair ties, bobby pins, keychains, and a faux fur compact mirror. Online users mocked the contents, comparing the assortment to items lost at the bottom of a purse or on a car floor. Many called the package a mess or a scam.

Influencer Kayla Ryan posted a video on Saturday showing the contents of Day 4. She revealed three pink bobby pins and asked, "Are we serious right now?" She labeled it the worst advent calendar she had ever seen. By Monday morning, that video had received more than 20 million views. On Day 9, Ryan found a keychain comb that could not comb hair. She joked that she hoped the final day included a $150 gift card to cover her costs.

Another creator with a TikTok audience of nearly 65 million views opened Day 12. She showed a furry compact mirror attached to a keychain. Commenters agreed the value was low, with one user noting the items were worth perhaps $20. A Skims spokesperson told Page Six that the company had personally contacted every customer who bought the calendar. The company acknowledged that for some buyers, the calendar did not meet expectations.

The product description listed the full contents in advance. These included a bear keychain, hair elastics, scrunchies, bobby pins, a squishie, bra elastic hairbands, a comb keychain, a logo keychain, and the faux fur mirror. Some online observers argued that buyers who ignored the detailed list shared some responsibility for the disappointment.

Luxury brands have faced similar criticism for high-priced calendars in recent years. Chanel released a $1,025 calendar in 2021 that contained stickers and a keychain. Dior released a nearly $5,000 calendar in 2022 focused on candle accessories and soaps. Prices have continued to rise, with Dior selling an $11,000 version last year and Tiffany & Co. releasing a $158,000 jewelry calendar in 2019.

Despite the negative reaction, the Skims calendar is currently sold out. A waitlist is in place for future inventory.