When November arrives, advent calendar season officially begins at our house. Lining them up, deciding who gets which one and knowing each day will bring a small surprise makes the countdown to Christmas extra special. This year we’ve mixed beauty, skincare and classic chocolate. Here’s a closer look at the calendars we’ve chosen and why each one earns a spot.
The W7 Beauty Blast calendar is bright, bold and full of makeup treats — a fun pick for teens or anyone who likes experimenting with looks. Expect lip products, eyeshadows, mini mascaras and a good range of colours and textures. Each day feels like a little discovery.
The Elemis calendar is a real treat for skincare lovers. It includes travel-size and full-size products, from cleansing balm to hydrating creams and body care favourites, making it perfect for a bit of daily self-care through December. The packaging is lovely, too.
The L’OR calendar is aimed at coffee fans. With a chic black-and-gold design, it contains a curated selection of coffee pods, offering a simple way to try different flavours without buying full boxes.
Playin’ Choc is a great choice for younger children or families avoiding common allergens. It pairs organic chocolate made with simple ingredients with a small cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, eco-friendly and tasty — a thoughtful option for kids.
The Nivea Men calendar is practical and useful for men or older teens. It’s packed with grooming essentials such as shower gels, face washes, moisturisers and handy accessories — a helpful little boost to self-care during a busy month.
Lindt’s advent is a classic choice. Full of the brand’s smooth, creamy chocolates and festive characters, it’s ideal if you want a traditional chocolate countdown.
For peanut-butter lovers, the Reese’s calendar is a must. Each day hides a Reese’s treat, from classic cups to mini surprises — colourful, fun and sure to be fought over.
The Cadbury Heroes calendar brings nostalgia with mini favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge. It’s playful, familiar and always a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who enjoy guessing which mini chocolate they’ll get.
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; some may still be available to order at short notice. Which advent calendar have you chosen this year?
