As soon as November arrives, excitement for advent calendars begins in our house. Lining them up, deciding who gets which one and knowing each morning will bring a small surprise makes the countdown to Christmas feel extra special. This year we’ve chosen a mix of beauty, skincare and classic chocolate — here’s why each calendar earned a place on our mantel.
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 trying new looks — lip products, eye shadows, mini mascaras and a good variety of colours and finishes. Each day feels like a little discovery.
The Elemis calendar is a must for skincare lovers. Packed with travel-size and full-size products, it’s a lovely way to enjoy small moments of self-care through December, from cleansing balms to hydrating creams and body favourites. The packaging feels indulgent, too.
The L’or coffee calendar is perfect for coffee fans. With a chic black-and-gold design, it contains a curated selection of coffee pods — a great way to sample new flavours without buying full boxes and a nice morning treat.
The Play in Choc calendar is a wonderful option for younger children or families avoiding common allergens. It features organic chocolate made with simple ingredients and includes a little cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, planet-friendly and delicious — a thoughtful choice for kids.
The Nivea Men calendar is a practical pick for men or older teens. It’s filled with useful grooming items like shower gels, face washes, moisturisers and handy accessories — a sensible way to encourage a bit of self-care during a busy month.
The Lindt calendar is a Christmas classic. Full of smooth, creamy chocolates and festive characters, it’s ideal for anyone after a traditional chocolate countdown.
For peanut-butter fans, the Reese’s calendar is hard to beat. Every day offers 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 miniature favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge. It’s playful, familiar and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who enjoy guessing which mini chocolate they’ll get.
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 online; Elemis was the only exception. Many of these options are still available to buy if you want to add one to your own countdown.
