Christmas is a time for giving, receiving and eating – so it’s time for the Daily Star to help you out with all three of those. Advent calendars are both joyous and also a bit of a nightmare because the market is flooded with them.
So over the last three months, we’ve been testing out some of the best ones out there, across the entire family spectrum, to come up with the ultimate guide to advent calendars for you. And having tried more than 40, we’ve narrowed it down to just 11, alongside three hampers for special mention
From fitness and health, to beauty, alcohol and even children’s ones – and yes, chocolate – we have covered pretty much the entire market, and there’s a few unique hampers in there to boot.
And with that said, strap yourselves into to your sleigh, may your Yuletide be merry and bright, and read on as we show ho ho ho (sorry) you the best advent calendars currently available to buy.
Chocolate
This is probably the most beautiful advent calender out of all the ones I tried. It’s stunningly presented and contains 24 assorted chocolates made one of the most iconic names in the industry, all inspired by classic Christmas flavours.
It’s priced at £54, and really is well worth the money. This will make the run up to Christmas a special time, and the box you’re left behind will actually add something to the festive spirit in your home.
I really liked this one, mainly because it’s quite minimalist. Made in Dorset and price at just £29, there is a vegan and non-vegan version, both of which taste great. You get 25 handcrafted truffles, all of which are unique in flavour. While it lacks in specific Christmas design, it makes up for in quality and colour. This would make a great gift, or even to keep for yourself while relaxing with a glass of mulled wine for 25 nights in a row.
Honourable mentions
Love Cocoa: For £29.95, you get a huge box with quality chocolates behind each door. Worth a punt if you want something different.
Tony’s Chocoloney: This is the cheapest at around £12.50, and you know what you get with this brand. It’s not a high-end calender, but just as enjoyable.
Alcohol
This one is HUGE, and costs £89.99 . . . but you get 25 mini bottles of wine and one full-sized one to boot. There’s not much I can say about it other than sit back, relax, and enjoy tasting a new quality wine every single night in the run up to Christmas. What more could you want?
I loved the boxing on this one. It’s solid, well designed and can easily be used afterwards for storage. The product inside is also well thought out, with a tonic to accompany a gin. They don’t call this the “ultimate advent calender” for nothing, and it’s worth the £70 price tag for gin lovers.
A new dram every night? Why not. This one screams class, with a stunning box and great selections of rum or whisky contained within, depending on what you buy. I’m very certain that the value of alcohol, and the individually designed bottles, are far more expensive than the £49.95 starting price. A must have for any whisky or gin fan.
Children’s
Disney Princess/Harry Potter LEGO
Everyone loves lego, everyone loves Disney Princesses (you know you do) and everyone loves Harry Potter (yes, even me). I’m putting these two together as they are the same basic idea. You get 24 individual characters or items to build, all culminating in a scene featuring all of it where the calender box is the set to play with it all on. It’s so well thought out, and will keep all younger kids (and big ones) happy on Christmas Day. Prices vary, but average out to around £24.99.
I am yet to grow out of Pokemon, so this calender was a great one for me. The presentation is great, and makes you feel like a true card collector. Each box contains eight foil Pokémon TCG cards with a festive stamp, five booster packs and seven three-card fun packs, two Pokémon coins, two sticker sheets and one sidekick keyring featuring Chien-Pao. Currently priced at £42.99, it’s a true bargain for any Pokemon fan.
Mixed bag
Yes, there is such as thing as a tools advent calendar, and for £24.99 it’s a winner for any DIY fans. You spend 24 days collecting tools, and on day 25 you get a box to put them all in. You won’t find a set as good as this for that price, so it’s worth it just for that.
Beauty fans, follow my advice and buy this. It’s a stunning set of perfumes and fragrances, as well as other beauty products from a classy Scottish make. Although prices at £80, you won’t regret buying this as you’ll spend the next year using all the great products contained within.
MyProtein (reviewed by Abigail Hunt)
I was so excited for the Myprotein Christmas calendar to arrive because I’m an absolute gym nut! On opening all of the doors I was eager to wolf down the protein snacks in one go, until I realised they contained gelatine. So, not the best for vegans or veggies when it comes to the treats, but there still was a load of protein powders suitable for my diet – and don’t forget the shaker and socks which I was delighted with. Luckily the snacks didn’t go to waste as my boyfriend will eat virtually anything.
Hampers
Macknade is a popular Kentish-Italian food hall and foodie destination. With strong roots in the garden of England and the island of Ischia in Italy, many of their hampers embody a love letter to their Italian heritage, whilst others remain traditional, full of fabulous festive favourites. With eighteen different options available, there is something to suit every taste and price range.
I tried three of their range, and wasn’t disappointed. Prices vary, so it’s worth checking their website. I urge everyone to support a local business and give these a try.
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