November brings a real buzz for advent calendars in our house. There’s something special about lining them up, deciding who gets what, and counting down to Christmas with a tiny surprise each day. This year we’ve chosen a mix of beauty, skincare and classic chocolate. Here’s a closer look at the calendars in the photo and why each one earned its place.
The W7 Beauty Blast calendar is bold, bright and packed full of makeup treats. It’s a fun pick for teens or anyone who loves trying new beauty looks. I bought it with Isla in mind, as she loves creating makeup looks. Expect lip products, eyeshadows, mini mascaras and a range of colours and textures. Each day feels like a proper discovery.
For luxury skincare fans, the Elemis calendar is a highlight. This is my first year with it and I’m excited. It’s packed with travel-size and full-size products that feel like a little daily luxury in December. From cleansing balm to hydrating creams and body care favourites, it’s perfect for a daily moment of self-care. The packaging is lovely too.
The L’Or calendar is a treat for coffee lovers. Hubby loves his morning coffee, and this calendar is a nice way to sample different flavours. With a chic black-and-gold design, it looks premium and includes a curated set of coffee pods. It’s a great way to explore new flavours without buying a full box.
A wonderful pick for younger children or families avoiding common allergens. The Play in Choc calendar features organic chocolate with simple ingredients and a small cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, planet-friendly and tastes lovely. This is 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 well-rounded calendar that encourages a bit of self-care in the busiest month.
A Christmas classic. Lindt chocolate is always a favourite, and this calendar is full of the smooth, creamy chocolates they do so well. 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 guaranteed to make December a little sweeter. The family will be competing for these each day.
The Cadbury Heroes calendar brings back nostalgia. It’s filled with miniature favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge, 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’re after more festive ideas, you might enjoy reading about last year’s advent calendars for 2024. I got most of these calendars from local supermarkets or Amazon, except for Elemis (linked above); you can still order some today to get ready. Let me know in the comments which advent calendar you’ve chosen this year.
