As soon as November arrives, we start getting excited about advent calendars. Lining them up, deciding who gets which one and knowing each day will bring a small surprise makes the season feel special. This year we’ve mixed beauty, skincare and classic chocolate — here’s a closer look at the calendars in the photo and why each one earned a spot.
The W7 Beauty Blast calendar is loud, colourful and full of make-up treats. It’s a playful choice for teens or anyone who likes trying new looks. Expect lip products, eyeshadows, mini mascaras and a good range of shades and finishes — each day really does feel like a little discovery.
Fans of luxury skincare will love the Elemis calendar. This was my first time trying it and I’m thrilled — it contains travel and full-size favourites, from cleansing balms to hydrating creams and body care treats. It feels like a small moment of self-care every day and the packaging is lovely too.
The L’OR calendar is perfect for coffee lovers. My husband drinks coffee every morning, so this felt like a nice way to sample different flavours. With a chic black-and-gold look, it includes a selection of coffee pods — great for trying new blends without buying a whole box.
Play in Choc is a sweet pick for little ones or families avoiding common allergens. The calendar uses organic chocolate made from simple ingredients and includes a small cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, eco-friendly and tastes great — a thoughtful choice for kids.
For the men in the house, or an older teen like Noah, the Nivea Men calendar is practical and useful. It’s packed with grooming basics — shower gels, face washes, moisturisers and handy extras — a solid way to encourage a bit of self-care during a busy month.
Lindt is a classic for a reason. This calendar is full of smooth, creamy chocolates and festive characters — ideal if you want a traditional chocolate countdown.
Reese’s is a must for peanut-butter fans. Each day brings a Reese’s treat, from classic cups to mini surprises. It’s colourful, fun and guaranteed to make December a bit sweeter — expect family members to compete for the best days.
The Cadbury Heroes calendar is all about nostalgia. Filled with mini favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge, it’s a playful mix of classics that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Kids especially enjoy guessing which mini chocolate they’ll get each day.
These are the calendars we’re opening this year and they make a lovely display at home. I bought most from local supermarkets or Amazon, with the Elemis calendar ordered separately — some are still available to order if you want one for tomorrow. Tell me which advent calendar you chose this year.
