When November arrives, advent calendar season begins in our house. I love lining them up, deciding who gets which one, and knowing each morning will bring a small surprise. This year we chose a mix of beauty, skincare and classic chocolate — here’s a closer look at each calendar and why it earned a spot.
The W7 Beauty Blast is bright, bold and full of makeup treats. It’s a playful choice for teens or anyone who likes experimenting with looks. Inside are lip products, eyeshadows, mini mascaras and a wide range of colours and textures — each day feels like a mini discovery.
Elemis is a favourite for skincare lovers. This was my first time trying their calendar and it didn’t disappoint. It includes travel and full-size items, from cleansing balms to hydrating creams and body products — perfect for a bit of daily self-care, and beautifully presented too.
The L’OR calendar is for coffee fans. My husband enjoys trying new brews, so this felt like a nice treat. With a sleek black-and-gold design, it contains a curated selection of coffee pods — a simple way to sample different flavours without buying full boxes.
Playin’ Choc is a lovely option for younger children or families avoiding common allergens. The calendar pairs organic chocolate made from simple ingredients with a small cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, planet-friendly and tasty — a thoughtful pick for kids.
The Nivea Men calendar is practical and useful for men or older teens. It’s packed with grooming essentials like shower gels, face washes, moisturisers and handy accessories — a great way to encourage a little self-care during a busy month.
For a traditional chocolate countdown, Lindt is a classic. This calendar is full of smooth, creamy chocolates and festive characters — ideal if you want the familiar, indulgent Lindt experience.
Reese’s is a must for peanut-butter fans. Each day hides a Reese’s treat, from classic cups to mini surprises. It’s colourful, fun and sure to make December sweeter — expect family members to compete for them.
The Cadbury Heroes calendar brings nostalgia with mini favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge. It’s playful and familiar, perfect for families who enjoy a mixed bag of classic chocolates and the daily guessing game.
These are the calendars we’re opening this year, and together they make a lovely display at home. I bought most of them from local supermarkets or Amazon, with the exception of Elemis, and many are still available to order. For more festive ideas, see last year’s advent calendar picks.
