Believe it or not, did you know that non-chocolate advent calendars exist? Cue gasp. Soon, it'll officially be treat yo'self season, meaning whenever someone says, "Do you want..." you say "YES". Cakes, booze, biscuits - you name it, we're consuming it. There's no better way to celebrate our favourite time of year than by treating yourself EVERY SINGLE DAY until Christmas with an advent calendar.
Do you hear that? The jingling of sleigh bells? The clinking of champagne glasses? The rustling of the Quality Street box? You know it, we know it, so we'd better just accept it - Christmas is WELL on its way and it's time to get into the festive spirit. Whether it's a tea advent calendar or an alcohol advent calendar, there's an advent calendar out there for you.
If you're over the whole chocolate thing, you might be in the market for a different kind of tasty treat. Luckily for you, brands in the advent market have been working hard to make their non-chocolate advent calendars really stand out, especially the best beauty advent calendars. And, there really is something to tickle every tastebud. So, here are the best non-chocolate advent calendars out there.
SHOP: The very best non-chocolate advent calendars
Best music advent calendar
Etsywww.notonthehighstreet.com
Christmas music is just the best. If you're like us and start singing All I Want For Christmas is you at exactly 12.01 a.m. on December 1st, then this Personalised Christmas Playlist Advent Calendar might just be the one for you and yours. Who doesn't love a bit of Mariah?
Customer review: "Lovely idea! Got it for my boyfriend who doesn't eat chocolate. It was perfect. Many thanks!"
Pros
- Can be personalised
- Each door reveals a new Christmas track for an awesome playlist
- Five different designs are available
Cons
- Free Spotify account may contain ads
Best mindfulness advent calendar
AmazonA wild card advent calendar, but a good one. This Mindfulness Advent Calendar from Embracing Mindfulness is exactly what our stressed-out heads are in need of. It offers 24 mindful tasks - like a 'mindful winter walk' - to calm your headspace and, tbh, we're running out of ideas on our own, so this sounds perf.
Customer review: "I got this for my wife as a bit of an alternative to a chocolate calendar. Over the years I've given her a Yankee candle one, a Swarovski Crystal charm bracelet one and a gin one. This one is very good value and she's enjoying it more than any of the others."
Pros
- A thoughtful advent calendar
- 24 mindfulness tasks with Christmas themes
- Can use all year round
Cons
- Each calendar may vary
Best tea advent calendar
Twiningstwinings.co.uk
A calendar that will absolutely decrease your stress levels this Christmas, Twinings Superblend Advent Calendar features 24 carefully selected, organic herbal, fruit and green teas for when the rush around Christmas all gets a bit much.
Customer review: "Perfect gift for Christmas - the recipient was delighted!"
Pros
- Affordable price
- 24 teas from the Superblend range
- Each has an added botanical, vitamin or mineral
Cons
- Aren't hidden behind doors
Please drink responsibly.
FAQs
Where to find the best non-chocolate advent calendars?
If you're looking to shop the best advent calendars that DON'T involve chocolate (yes, that also includes the best men's advent calendars without the chocolate treats), there are a few places you can browse. Not On The High Street and Etsy have you covered with the best personalised options. However, other retailers like Amazon and Boots will sort you out with speedy delivery.
Jade Moscrop is the Commercial Content Editor for Closer, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she’s not writing about affordable homeware, beauty products and gym leggings, she can usually be found a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or listening to female-fronted rock bands.