From festive tipples and feasting calendars to beauty, jewellery and homeware must-haves, here’s our top 10 selection of alternative advent calendars available to buy this year.
Words Ingrid Walker
Struggling to get into the festive spirit this year? With a second national lockdown now in full force, the build-up to Christmas has never felt bleaker. If like us you are feeling particularly Scrooge-like about this coming December, why not invest in a slightly extra alternative advent calendar to lift your spirits during the festive countdown.
Dior Beauty Calendar
As Christmas approaches, how better to count down the days of December than with a daily Dior surprise? Designed by artist and illustrator Safia Ouares, the luxe white card calendar opens to depict Paris’ 30 Avenue Montaigne, Dior HQ, during a glittering night scene. Behind the 24 doors of this highly coveted calendar, you will find mini versions of 8 perfumes, 8 make-up items, and 7 skincare products, as well as an exclusive Dior snow globe. £340.00
Bahoma London
Taking us on a dazzling and decadent journey in the run-up to Christmas is Bahoma London, with their three advent calendars. Encased in an ornamental marbled box, the Bahoma calendar is available in white or black reflecting the signature Bahoma scents of White Pearl and Obsidian Black, as well as a red version full of Christmas-themed scents such as Caramel Tea, Cinnamon Spice, Silent Night and Spirit of Christmas. The calendar holds 24 hand-made home fragrance and personal care products, all designed and produced in East London. Was £240.00, now £120.00
The Body Shop
The Body Shop’s three cruelty-free advent calendars are illustrated with sketches of the liberal streets of Brighton and the merry mavericks who celebrate throughout them. Created for every budget, behind the doors you will find an array of full-sized and mini best-selling and new products. The Big Advent calendar houses pampering face masks, the full-sized Banana haircare duo and an Almond Milk and Honey Body Butter. What’s more, with each purchase, you will be supporting organisations that give safety, security and a home to women affected by Covid-19. £70
Cowshed
Festively adorned with illustrations by artist Tallulah Fontaine, the limited edition Cowshed advent calendar is perfect for any organic skincare lover. The deluxe and pleasingly unisex calendar is filled with a wide selection of skincare and body products, which are all cruelty-free, vegetarian and include no parabens, mineral oils or silicones. £130.00
Freedm Street calendar
Making Christmas a less wasteful time of year, the Freedm Street Advent Calendar is plastic-free and is as zero waste as possible. Valued at over £325, inside you will find 17 full-sized cruelty-free, vegan beauty products, alongside three lifestyle products, and three snacks by mainly small businesses, as well as three mystery doors which reveal a good deed you’ve done for a charity this Christmas.£149.00
Missoma
The wise men can keep their frankincense and myrrh, as wise women gift demi-fine jewellery brand Missoma’s luxe gold calendar. Illustrated by Vicki Murdoch of Silken Favours, the Missoma calendar conceals an array of their best-selling and must-have pieces, worth over £745. We love the gold twisted choker, Amazonite mini pyramid charm hoops, gold molten cuff and the cute Missoma playing cards, which we’ll be making use of over the holidays. This is your instant jewellery wardrobe revamp. £395.00
Diptyque
Encased in a collectable Diptyque box decorated by Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni, the coveted Diptyque advent calendar offers an array of 25 luxury candles, fragrances and body care products. Alongside the brand’s signature scents, this year’s calendar features a limited-edition Moonlit Fir candle and festive yuletide decorations. £320.00
The Cambridge Distillery Tasting Set
We aren’t necessarily suggesting that kick-starting your December morning with an alcoholic drink is the way to go, but there’s no better way to get in the festive spirit than with a luxury tipple. Housing 12 days of gin and a limited-edition glass, The Cambridge Distillery Tasting Set offers an array of unique flavours, from Truffle to Lady Grey & Marmalade, all made in England using botanicals grown in and around the home of co-founders William and Lucy Lowe. £99.99
Fortum and Mason Feasting Calendar
Indulge each day in December with the Fortnum & Mason Feasting calendar. Filled with 25 treats, from elevated store cupboard essentials such as Earl Grey tea, King’s Blend coffee, pickles, olive oil, orange and champagne marmalade and strawberry preserve, you’ll also find treats such as Toffolossus biscuits and salted caramel florentines, as well as a healthy dose of rum, gin, vodka, and a personal-sized bottle of champagne. This calendar is nothing less than extravagant. £200.00
Offblak tea Advent Calendar
Enjoy a festive cuppa each morning with the Offblak tea Advent Calendar. We love Offblaks bold packaging and array of 12 classic flavours with a festive twist, such as spearmint & chocolate, blueberry and mint, and cranberry and cinnamon. £19.99