Who says advent calendars have to be all about chocolate?
These days the countdown to Christmas is an event in itself, with everything from luxury beauty treats to mindful moments. So we’ve been searching the shops to find some alternatives to a daily choccie (though we love a Daily Milk count down just as much)
The OG Beauty: Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar – £285
The ultimate indulgence for beauty lovers, Liberty's iconic advent calendar is back with 29 luxurious treats, including 21 full-sized products from names such as Augustinus Bader, Sunday Riley and Trinny London. Worth over £1,300, it's a fabulous way to discover some new beauty favourites while enjoying a little everyday luxury.
A Scented December: Great House Farm Stores – £82
Bring a little calm to the Christmas chaos with this beautifully considered candle calendar. Behind each door is a hand-poured scented tealight, made on a Welsh farm using plant-based wax and essential oils.
With 24 gorgeous fragrances to discover and a limited edition ceramic holder included, it's a lovely excuse to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment each day.
A Mindful Countdown: Bimble & Bolt – £44
Perfect for Pilates devotees, yoga lovers or anyone in need of a little December self-care, this wellness-inspired calendar is filled with feel-good surprises.
Expect cosy socks, including grip pairs for the studio, alongside snacks, recovery essentials and thoughtful little treats. A refreshing way to make the festive countdown as much about looking after yourself as celebrating Christmas.
Piece by Piece: Ravensburger – £29.99
Puzzle lovers will adore this charming alternative to the traditional advent calendar. Featuring 24 individually boxed, 56-piece jigsaws, each day reveals a beautifully illustrated festive scene. Complete them one at a time or join them together to create one larger Christmas picture. A wonderfully cosy way to spend time in December.
Let It Grow: Verve Shelter Seed Advent Calendar – £15
One for the green-fingered, this clever calendar swaps sweet treats for 24 packets of seeds, including flowers, herbs and vegetables.
There's even a mini grow house and planting essentials to help get things started, making it a gift that keeps on giving long after Christmas. Better still, B&Q donates £2 from every calendar sold to housing charity Shelter.
Murder Under the Mistletoe: Puzzle Post – £39.90
Christmas takes a deadly turn at Hamilton Castle in this brilliantly different murder mystery calendar. Set in 1926, it invites you to unravel a festive whodunnit through 12 envelopes filled with clues, codes, newspaper cuttings and intriguing secrets. Perfect for amateur detectives, it can be enjoyed over 12 days or solved in one wonderfully entertaining evening.
Build Up to Christmas: LEGO City – £22.99
Little builders can create their own festive world with this year's LEGO City calendar. Each of the 24 doors reveals a miniature build, character or accessory, including Santa, Mrs Claus, elves and an adorable baby reindeer. There's even a foldout Santa's workshop playmat to bring everything together.
A fun, creative countdown with plenty to enjoy long after the decorations come down.
Foodies will love this delicious twist on the traditional advent calendar. Featuring 12 miniature jars of Tracklements' much-loved condiments, there's everything from Caramelised Onion Marmalade and Sticky Fig Relish to Fresh Chilli Jam and Robust Wholegrain Mustard. Perfect for jazzing up festive cheeseboards, Boxing Day leftovers and Christmas nibbles, it's a wonderfully tasty way to celebrate the season.