*Some of the below items and links are affiliate, some have been gifted for the purpose of this guide and some are purely because I would love to receive them myself.
One of my favourite things about Christmas is the build up to the big day. Take the opening of advent calendars, little treats every day that come out from behind doors which you have to find – its like a mini treasure hunt everyday with a guaranteed prize at the end of it!
We have always created our own versions of advent calendars every year, from wooden houses where treats are tucked behind each door to a book advent where the kids get to open a new book gift each day which we read at bedtime. There really is an advent calendar for everyone and I have summed up some of my favourites below.
After selling out last year the luxury Blue Bird Tea Co ‘Advent Calendar of Tea’ is back for 2017 and set to sell out again this year! With a new design and even more exciting tea themed gifts behind each window this is a surefire winner!
Discover the brand new exclusive Christmas blends not available to purchase individually in tea bags this year… Mrs Claus’ Raspberry Prosecco, Mince Pie + Spiced Clementine to name just a few!
Other tea gifts include: mini matcha sachets, Bluebird pin badge, and tea scented solid perfume! rrp: £36.00
I think this is so cute for a little one who would like a keepsake this Advent! This adorable Advent Calendar from Letteroom has 23 Little Charms that you add to the bracelet supplied, perfect to wear on Christmas day. This Nutcracker-themed advent calendar with a difference. Rather than chocolate, she’ll get a new charm to add to her bracelet. It comes with two trays featuring twelve compartments holding a bracelet and a mix of 23 different charms with metal clasps. rrp: £21.95
Another option from Letteroom but this time for adults is this fabulous Prosecco Advent Calender! This advent calendar is filled to the brim with 24 mini bottles of prosecco, cava and champagne. With a decadent mixture of 20cl bottles white and rosé fizz including prosecco, cava and champagne this is great for anyone who loves bubbles! rrp: £145.00
Attention chilli lovers! The Big Chilli Advent Calendar is here to heat things up this Christmas. Try 24 different chillies from around the world – without leaving your kitchen.
From the mild Mexican Pasilla to smoky Chipotle, and the world’s hottest chilli, the Carolina Reaper – you’ll experience the diverse flavours of the much-loved chilli pepper.
Includes 24 must-try recipes. Sit down to Mexican scrambled eggs for Sunday brunch, sip a ‘liquid fire’ vodka Bloody Mary, cook a fearsomely hot Bhut Jolokhia rogan josh, and treat friends to chilli-lime fudge. You’ll be an expert on all things chilli by Christmas Day! rrp: £35.00
Everyone loves a beauty advent calender and this has to be one of the best ones I have seen this year, there is obviously scandal that surrounds some of the more expensive versions this year but I feel this one is great value for money and contains something each day that I would actually use!
What about building your own advent? At least this way you can guarantee you are going to get everything you love. Bargain Booze have introduced a concept where you can buy spirit miniatures, spend over £20 and receive a free advent calendar to fill! Based on the spirit miniature prices you can create your own from as little as £47!
Open a beautiful door each day and revel a Grace Cole moment, to add a touch of glamour to your day or for when you get ready for those special festive moments. This elegant and indulgent advent calendar contains Bath & Shower Gels (50ml), Hand & Nail Creams (30ml) and Soaps (30ml) from Grace Cole’s favourite fragrances (Vanilla Blush & Peony; White Nectarine & Pear; Wild Fig & Pink Cedar and Nectarine Blossom & Grapefruit) as well as Tealights (15g) to set the mood and Gold Glitter Nail Files to make sure you are perfectly ready to shine this Christmas. rrp: £45.00
Crafting with the kids is something I love to do so having a little project to do each day really appeals to us. Hama fantastic Christmas with this new Advent Calendar designed to inspire ‘Yule’ and yours this Winter! Create exciting festive designs daily that can be used as gifts, to decorate your Christmas tree or simply as stand-alone decorations. From snowflakes to penguins, there are hours of fun to be had creating your very own magical Christmas scene. The Hama Advent Calendar comes with 5,000 beads, 5 peg boards of difference shapes, 6 bead supports, ironing paper and instructions for ages 5+. rrp: £15.99.
From the delicious Carluccios comes an Italian chocolate filled advent calender. Behind each window hides a delicious foil-wrapped chocolate treat, perfect for children and grown-ups alike. A number of festive woodland characters will make an appearance, not forgetting the star of the show, Babbo Natale, aka Father Christmas himself. rrp: £9.95
This grown up Advent calendar from Divine is the perfect choice for those who prefer the intense cocoa taste of dark chocolate, or for those avoiding dairy.
The beautiful illustration of a wintery woodland scene will appeal to animal lovers too, and each door opens to reveal a British wildlife fact. In addition, 3p from every calendar sold will be donated to the Woodland Trust. Divine chocolate is committed to sustainability, which is why the calendar is certified by the vegan society and its environmental credentials are featured on the back of the pack. Divine is proudly palm oil free, committed to sustainable farming and only uses recyclable FSC paper and card. rrp: £5.00
I am a huge candle lover so I couldn’t not feature a suitable advent calender from one of my favourite stores – Wax Lyrical! Featuring all 3 of their festive Christmas fragrances, this Advent Calendar is the perfect way to count down to the big day! Spread the beautiful fragranced tealights around your house to create the perfect seasonal atmosphere. rrp: £24.00
What are you doing for Advent this year? Do you make your own calendar or buy one?
XOXO
Debbie
4 responses to “Ultimate Guide to the Best Alternative Advent Calendar”
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There are some great advent calanders this year. Love the look of the wax lyrical one here. I’ve been considering the Amazon beauty one too have u seen that one?
So many lovely advent calendars. I would love to try the prosecco one next year (once I’ve given birth!)
Wow, what a cool marketing strategy. I want the tea and the bracelets calendar! Indeed so gorgeous and amazing finds! Loving it and excited to have these two.
There’s some great advent calendars out at this year, I’ve been trying to get a cheese one but can’t believe how quick they sold out x