If there’s one thing we know for sure it’s that everyone is a sucker for an advent calendar. No matter your age, nothing quite beats waking up to a little treat each morning in December.
From beauty Advent calendars to stationery, and even sex toy Advent calendars, there’s something to celebrate in the lead-up to Christmas for everyone. With so many great alternatives to chocolate on offer, we thought we’d have a look at the best weird and wonderful Advent calendars and countdowns.
While beauty and chocolate may reign supreme as the top picks for a festive countdown, we’re betting on the unique and quirky calendars taking the throne soon. So, expect the unexpected when you go through our round-up of the best alternative Advent calendars.
If you’re after something to bring the family together, little moments of calm each morning or even something to spice up your relationship this festive season, we’ve found them all. For everyone from tea lovers to movie marathoners, the perfect Advent calendar awaits you right here.
SHOP: The best alternative Advent calendars for Christmas
www.notonthehighstreet.com
This super sweet handmade Advent candle set is perfect for taking time out of your day and getting away from the stress that can exist during the festive period. With a burn time of 20 minutes per candle, dedicate this time each day to yourself and unwind.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Want to get toasty up with a fire this Christmas? The Naked Marshmallow Co. has the ultimate cosy advent calendar with 25 festive-inspired marshmallows. With a variety of flavours, stick them in some hot chocolate or ooze them into a smore for toasty goodness.
www.etsy.com
Something a little different to your usual chocolate Advent calendar but such a treat, this movie calendar contains 24 Christmas films to watch with a bit of fun trivia on each movie. This makes a lovely gift or a treat for the family and will make a precious keepsake.
www.ocado.com
Who would've thought that jam and spread would make for a delicious advent calendar? Well, if anyone were to do it, of course, it would be Bonne Maman - now we just need to stock up on some croissants.
The name says it all. This is the perfect advent calendar for all the crossword lovers out there. Inside each one of the 24 windows in this calendar, you will find a crossword puzzle to solve. All puzzles are designed to be both fun and challenging, ideal for all abilities.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Fitness fanatics rejoice, there's an Advent calendar made just for you. If you know someone trying to stay fit this festive season this is the perfect countdown for them. With different exercises to complete each day, such as plank for 30 seconds, this Advent calendar will leave you not feeling guilty about treating yourself to some festive goodies.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Each door of this personalised Advent calendar reveals a new Christmas tune, culminating in an awesome Christmas playlist for Christmas day. The ideal music lover gift and a great way to get in the festive spirit.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Share the excitement of Christmas with all your friends with this 24 Selfies to Christmas Advent Calendar Box, full of fun and plenty of likeable insta-worthy posts. A selfie a day never hurt anybody.
volcanocoffeeworks.com
Add a little pep to the 12 days of Christmas with this delightfully different coffee advent calendar. It's from a Brixton-based, independent, coffee roaster and is stuffed with 100g bags. That’s enough to make at least five cups of Joe per bag. Whoooeee!
www.tappd.co.uk
Raise your Christmas spirits with this gorgeous cocktail countdown box from Tapp'd. It contains 12, FULL SIZE, vegan and gluten-free cocktails including cosmos, mojitos, and TOWIE cast favourite, pornstar martini. Bottoms up!
When are advent calendars released?
Advent calendars can go on sale as early as August, but the bulk of the industry's favourite brands put theirs on sale between September and November. Make sure to sign up for your favourite brands' waitlists and keep an eye on your emails - once they're gone, they're gone!
What to give someone at Christmas?
We've already had a look at the best Christmas gift ideas that your sister-in-law will adore and some gorgeous festive presents for mums, but why not treat a loved one to some Christmas pyjamas that even Holly Willoughby is a fan of?
We've also had a look at the best gifts for the homeware obsessed out there, fun and affordable presents for cats and dogs and we've even had a look at the best Christmas gift ideas perfect for aunts and uncles.
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