Craftsman’s first-ever holiday advent calendar is here, and it is basically a socket set in disguise. The 12 Days of CRAFTSMAN Advent Calendar (model CMMT12426A) packs a VERSASTACK case, a 3/8-inch ratchet, extensions, and a pile of sockets behind 12 numbered doors. It runs $65 at Lowe’s and $50 at Ace, with Craftsman calling it a limited edition that disappears once it sells through.
For context, that is a mechanics starter kit plus a case, wrapped in gift packaging, priced like a mid-tier socket set. Lowe’s lists up to $200 in value.
The catch, as tool reviewers have been quick to point out, is what is actually inside.
What You Get in the 12 Days
Who Should Buy It
If you already own sockets, this is a tough sell on pure value. A basic metric-plus-SAE socket set covers most of this for less.
Where it works is as a gift. For a young DIYer building a first toolkit, or a garage-shelf stocking stuffer for someone who keeps borrowing your ratchet, unwrapping a tool a day for 12 days beats one boxed set under the tree.
The SAE and metric coverage stops at 9/16-inch and 16mm, so this will not anchor a serious mechanic’s toolbox. Think of it as the core of a car trunk emergency kit, with the ratchet and extension doing the heavy lifting.
Limited edition means limited. Craftsman’s own product page says to grab it while you can, and holiday novelty tool sets tend to sell out by early December. If it is on your list, buy early rather than waiting for a discount that may never come.
Shopping for a tool lover this season? Our 2026 power tool gift guide covers picks at every budget, and if you like the daily-unboxing idea, the Wera 2026 advent calendar takes a precision-screwdriver angle at a similar price. Craftsman shoppers should also note that Lowe’s changed how Craftsman tools are sold and shipped this fall, which affects delivery times on orders.