As soon as November arrives, the advent calendar excitement begins at our house. We line them up, decide who gets which one, and enjoy a small surprise each day as Christmas draws nearer. This year we’ve chosen a mix of beauty, skincare and classic chocolate — here’s a closer look at the ones in the photo and why each earned a spot.
The W7 Beauty Blast calendar is bright, bold and full of make-up treats. It’s a fun pick for teens or anyone who likes experimenting with looks. I chose this with Isla in mind since she loves creating dramatic make-up. Expect lip products, eye shadows, mini mascaras and a good variety of colors and textures — each day really feels like a discovery.
The Elemis calendar is a real treat for luxury skincare fans. It’s my first time trying this one and I’m excited to open it. It includes travel-size and full-size products — from cleansing balms to hydrating creams and body care favourites — perfect for a little daily self-care, and beautifully packaged too.
The L’or calendar is aimed at coffee lovers. My husband enjoys his morning coffee, so this felt like a nice way to try different flavours. With a chic black and gold design, it looks premium and contains a curated selection of coffee pods — a simple way to sample new blends without buying full packs.
Play in Choc is a lovely option for younger kids or families avoiding common allergens. It combines organic chocolate made with simple ingredients and a small cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, eco-friendly and tasty — one of the sweetest, most thoughtful calendars for little ones.
The Nivea Men calendar is practical and ideal for men or older teens like Noah. It’s packed with grooming essentials — shower gels, face washes, moisturisers and handy accessories — a useful and uncomplicated way to encourage a bit of self-care during a hectic month.
A Christmas classic, the Lindt calendar is full of the smooth, creamy chocolates they’re known for. It’s perfect if you want a traditional chocolate countdown and enjoy Lindt’s festive characters.
For peanut butter fans, the Reese’s calendar is a must. Each day brings a Reese’s treat, from classic cups to mini surprises. It’s colourful, fun and guaranteed to make December a little sweeter — expect family squabbles over these!
The Cadbury Heroes calendar brings nostalgia with miniature favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge. It’s playful and familiar, a crowd-pleaser for families who enjoy a mix of classic chocolates and the daily guessing game.
These are the calendars we’re opening this year and they’ve made a lovely display at home. Most were bought from local supermarkets or Amazon, with Elemis ordered separately, and many are still available to order if you’re preparing for the season. If you want more ideas, you might enjoy looking back at last year’s advent calendars.
