SKIMS Offers Refunds for $148 Advent Calendar After Social Media Backlash

Kim Kardashian’s apparel brand, SKIMS, is offering full refunds or store credit after its $148 Accessories Advent Calendar drew intense social media backlash over its sparse contents.

Viral Unboxing Videos Expose Pricey Holiday Trinkets

Released on October 29 as part of the brand’s holiday collection, the calendar was advertised as a box featuring twelve days of fun surprises and everyday favorites. But as content creators began unwrapping the 12 windows, excitement quickly turned to frustration. The calendar, which retailed for $148—equating to roughly $12.33 per compartment—was intended to capitalize on the popular social media trend of “unboxing,” where creators showcase products for their followers.

An unboxing video from creator Kayla Ryan helped turn the calendar into a running conversation about celebrity-brand pricing. As she opened the compartments, she expressed disbelief at the items, which included various hair accessories and keychains.

Another viral TikTok video, which gained 65 million views, featured a creator grimacing as she revealed the contents, comparing the accessories to items found in the bottom of a purse, on a car floor, or behind a dresser. One person commented on that video that the collection was wild for maybe $20 worth of stuff, while another described the contents as straight up disrespectful.

I can get these at Dollar Tree.

TikTok Creator, via CBS News

Unlike previous SKIMS holiday offerings, such as the 25-day Panty Advent Calendar priced at $450, this version contained no underwear, shapewear, or clothing, which left many customers feeling misled.

SKIMS Faces Scrutiny over Controversial Product Rollouts

SKIMS, co-founded by Kardashian, Jens Grede, and Emma Grede in 2019, was valued at $5 billion during a fundraising round in November 2025.

Despite this success, the brand has frequently faced scrutiny for its “avant-gardeproduct rollouts. Past examples include the 2023Ultimate Nipple Bra,which featured faux erect nipples, and theUltimate Bushmicro string thong covered in synthetic pubic hair. Critics have also compared the current advent calendar controversy to the 2017Fyre Festival” of advent calendars.

Retail expert Trae Bodge, co-founder of the Thread Needle Alley Foundation, noted that while brands often use these calendars to create an experience, the strategy can backfire if the perceived value does not match the hype. Other luxury brands, including Chanel and Dior, have faced similar backlash in previous years for charging high prices for calendars containing stickers, temporary tattoos, or miniature sample-sized items.

SKIMS Responds With Direct Customer Refunds

Following the intense backlash, the calendar was removed from the SKIMS website, where it had previously been sold out with a waitlist. On November 8, a company spokesperson confirmed that the brand had personally contacted every customer who purchased the item to offer a resolution.

Buyers were offered the choice of a full refund, with the return shipping fee waived, or a store credit equal to the purchase amount if they opted to keep the items.

We want every customer to be truly happy with what they receive from SKIMS. Their feedback matters to us and will directly shape how we approach future releases.

SKIMS spokesperson, via Today

Kardashian, who has an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion, remained a target of sharp criticism throughout the ordeal. Some social media users accused the brand of “gaslightingcustomers regarding the value of the items, while others argued that the billionaire entrepreneur was simplycashing in” on her audience. As the company looks to move past the controversy, it remains unclear how this feedback will influence the design of future holiday collections.