As soon as November arrives, the excitement for advent calendars begins in our house. There’s something joyful about lining them up, deciding who gets what, and knowing that the countdown to Christmas will be filled with a little daily surprise. This year we’ve gone for a mix of beauty, skincare and classic chocolate. Here’s a closer look at the calendars in the photo and why each one deserves its spot.
The W7 Beauty Blast calendar is bold, bright and packed with makeup treats. It’s a fun option for teens or anyone who loves experimenting with different beauty looks. I bought it with Isla in mind—she loves creating amazing makeup looks. Expect lip products, eyeshadows, mini mascaras and a varied mix of colors and textures. Each day feels like a proper discovery.
For luxury skincare fans, the Elemis calendar is a highlight. This is the first time we’ve had it, and I’m very excited. It’s filled with travel-size and full-size products that feel like treats throughout December. From cleansing balm to hydrating creams and body-care favourites, this one is perfect for a little daily self-care. It’s also beautifully packaged.
The L’OR calendar is a treat for coffee lovers. Hubby loves his morning brew, and this is a nice way to try different flavours. With a chic black-and-gold design, it looks premium and includes a curated collection of coffee pods. It’s a simple way to explore new flavours without committing to a full box.
A wonderful choice for younger children or families avoiding common allergens, the Play in Choc calendar contains organic chocolate made with simple ingredients and a small cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, planet-friendly and tastes lovely, too. It’s one of the sweetest and most thoughtful calendars for kids.
Perfect for the men in the house, or an older teenager like Noah, the Nivea Men calendar is practical and full of products they’ll actually use. Inside are grooming essentials such as shower gels, face washes, moisturisers and handy accessories. It’s a solid all-rounder that encourages a bit of self-care in the busiest month of the year.
A Christmas classic. Lindt chocolate is always a favourite, and this calendar is filled with their smooth, creamy chocolates. Ideal for anyone who wants a traditional chocolate countdown, especially if you love the festive Lindt characters.
For peanut butter fans, this one is a must. Every day has a Reese’s treat, from the classic cups to mini surprises. It’s fun, colourful and sure to make December a little sweeter. The family will be fighting over these each day.
The Cadbury Heroes calendar brings nostalgia. Packed with miniature favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge, it’s a perfect pick for families who love a mix of classics. It’s playful, familiar and always a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who enjoy guessing which mini chocolate they’ll get each day.
These are the calendars we’re opening this year, and they’ve created a lovely display at home. If you want more festive ideas, you might read about last year’s advent calendars for 2024. I bought most of these calendars from local supermarkets or Amazon, except for Elemis (linked above); you can still order some today in time for tomorrow. Let me know in the comments which advent calendar you’ve chosen this year.
