Kim Kardashian Brand Skims Offers Refunds Following Holiday Advent Calendar Backlash

Fashion and apparel brand Skims offered full refunds and store credit to customers after a holiday advent calendar priced at $148 drew widespread online criticism for containing cheap items.

The company co-founded by American reality television star Kim Kardashian removed the item from its website after viral unboxing videos on TikTok and other platforms sparked intense backlash from disappointed shoppers.

Purchasers expressed frustration over finding items such as hair ties, keychains, bra straps, and a squishy toy behind the festive windows, comparing the contents to items found at a dollar store or down the back of a sofa.

The controversy represents a rare stumble for the successful shapewear brand, which was valued at $5 billion in 2025 and has expanded into new partnerships and product lines since its launch in 2019.

Skims acknowledged the negative reception and reached out directly to buyers who purchased the seasonal product to make amends.

“We’re aware of the feedback some customers have shared about the SKIMS Advent Calendar, and we've listened carefully,” said a representative for SKIMS.

The spokesperson added that the company understood the calendar did not meet expectations and had personally contacted every customer to offer a choice of a full refund or a store credit.

According to The Straits Times, the company also stated that customer feedback will directly shape how the brand approaches future releases.

One TikTok creator posted a video unboxing the product and said, “Kimberly, you're genuinely about to piss me off. This is way too expensive.”

Another user on social media questioned the contents on video by asking, “What is this? A hair tie? What is this? A bra strap made into a hair tie...”

While most outlets reported the calendar price as $148, Nine.com.au reported the price as $216.

The brand continues its broader commercial expansion, including planned beauty ventures and collaborations with other major labels, as it addresses the fallout from the holiday misstep.