From stationery and socks to marshmallows and gin...
The Christmas countdown is officially on, and with the cold weather setting in and Yule logs and mince pies coming into the shops, we're feeling more festive than ever.
A winter of Love Actually, Christmas markets and eggnog tasting is upon us, and there's no better time to get started. But before we put our feet up in front of The Holiday with a mug of mulled wine, there's some Christmas prep to do.
Christmas present lists, wreath making, Christmas cake baking and of course the selection of the perfect advent calendar.
There are chocolate advent calendars coming in all forms, flavours and prices, from the classic Cadburys option to this year's gourmet Pierre Marcolini offering. And beauty advent calendars are all the rage, with skincare and make up brands' options, from affordable to luxury, on every Instagrammer's wish list.
But if you're not a beauty junkie, fear not, because there are plenty of alternative advent calendars that are just as exciting, and there is quite literally something for everyone.
Are you a wine fan? Do you love gin? Marshmallows? Socks? Stationary? Puzzles? Pork scratchings? Beer? Coffee? Tea? The list goes on.
And, well, if the answer is yes then there is an alternative advent calendar out there for you, and - you guessed it - we've rounded up our top favourites into this handy gift guide.
So, curl up in front of a Christmas classic, pour yourself a festive cocktail and have a scroll through our top picks...
Johnny Loves Rosie Jewellery Advent Calendar
Yes, a jewellery advent calendar exists - and we're obsessed. Johnny Loves Rosie's Christmas advent calendar offering includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and charms. Perfect for the girl who is a bit beauty calendared out!
How much is it?
£40
When is it available?
Now!
Kikki.K Stationery Lover's Advent Calendar
Another Advent Calendar dream for the girl who loves to plan, this creation from super chic Swedish label Kikki K will have you set. From sweet star-covered pens to stickers, candles, little notepads and inspiring quotes, each day holds a new and uplifting little surprise to get you through the fun but sometimes frantic blur that is December.
How much is it?
£90
When is it available?
Now!
Freixenet Advent Calendar
Valued at £180 quid, this calendar not only includes Freixenet's iconic cava bottles for fizz lovers, but also 4 Yankee Votive Candles, drink shimmers, prosecco lip balm, a bath bomb and six Nail Inc nail varnishes!!! Take the phone off the hook and get ready to re-laaax, this Advent Calendar is all you need if you're ready for the ultimate self-care extravaganza (festive style).
How much is it?
£75
When is it available?
Now!
Sainsbury's Ilchester Cheese Advent Calendar
Asda is selling a cheese advent calendar. This is not a drill. We repeat. This is not a drill! Each day, you will find a delicious cheese behind each door, coming in seven key types - Jarlsberg, Applewood, Mature Cheddar, Edam, Red Leicester and Wensleydale with cranberries. Count us in!
How much is it?
£10
When is it available?
Now!
Drinks By The Dram Gin Advent Calendar
Dive straight into the festive spirit by treating yourself or a loved one to one of these advent calendars, which offers every fine spirit from whisky, to rum...to gin.....to Tequila. Purchasing this gift is a sure fire way to keep yourself warm and merry this Christmas season. A dram a day keeps the doctor away, right?
How much is it?
£124.95
When is it available?
Now!
Martha Brook 24 Days Of Stationary Advent Calendar
Are you someone who loves to be organised? If so, then this advent calendar is perfect for you! Complete with everything from a personalised notebook, to a luxury pen, foiled thank you cards and cute paperclips, each day of December will offer a new surprise that will help you tick off those Christmas check lists and keep you fashionably up-to-date.
How much is it?
£85
When is it available?
Now!
Candy Kittens Advent Calendar
What to get the vegan friend who can't enjoy the usual chocolate advent calendars? A Candy Kittens vegan sweets advent calendar of course! Coming in four flavours - blueberry bliss, peach fizz, sour watermelon and wild strawberry - it's no wonder these are flying off the shelves.
How much is it?
£12
When is it available?
Now!
Pact Coffee Advent Calendar
Are you constantly scaling different coffee houses across the city for the trendiest and most obscure new coffee bean? Well, the Pact Coffee Advent Calendar will allow you to do this from the comfort of your own home by offering a carefully curated selection of 25 specialty coffees, all sourced through direct trade and from eight different origins. Better yet, Pact Coffee are promising to donate 50p from every Christmas product sold to Shelter's emergency helpline, which supports people struggling with homelessness.
How much is it?
£39.95
When is it available?
Now!
HonestBrew Craft Beer Advent Calendar
Sometimes there is just no better way to unwind after a hectic day than sinking into your sofa and cracking open a lovvvely cold beer. Or maybe you're having a chilled Saturday night in with friends and want a nice movie accompaniment? HonestBrew has got you covered. Offering 24 beers in 15 different craft styles, it will take a festive craft beer landscape straight to your home by offering the perfect take-the-edge-off treat.
How much is it?
£69.90
When is it available?
Now!
Snaffling Pig Pork Crackling And Beer Advent Calendar
After totally SELLING OUT last year, this Snaffling Pig Co. Advent Calendar is back again this year, and it is bigger and better than ever!!! (because the pieces are literally bigger than the pieces that were inside the packets last year). Yes, don't worry - it contains ALL the Snaffling Pig flavours - and it even comes with beer!
How much is it?
£65
When is it available?
Now!
T2 Blame It On The 12 Days Of Christmas Advent Calendar
If you're a tea lover, then this wholesome Advent Calendar is the perfect purchase for you. With each day bringing two luxe teabags, you can kick-start every morning of December by sharing the different flavours offered with a friend - how cute!!!
How much is it?
£20
When is it available?
Now!
The Naked Marshmallow Co. Advent Calendar
Offering six different delicious flavours including Salted Caramel, Candy Floss, Strawberry Cream, Gingerbread, Mint Choc Chip & S'mores, marshmallows have never been so exciting. For the ultimate treat on Christmas day itself, a milk chocolate spoon behind door 25 will make a delicious real hot chocolate drink and includes a classic Vanilla Bean marshmallow to be dropped on top... Wow. Sorry. All this talk of daily delicious chocolately marshmallowyness has got us feeling ready to melt, and ready to order right now!
How much is it?
£17
When is it available?
Now!
Bird & Blend Tea Co. Matcha Tea Advent Calendar
Announcing, for the first time in world history (honestly), the Matcha Tea Advent Calendar!! This baby offers as many as 23 taste-bud-tantalising flavours of Matcha tea, and has a total of 91 servings of the sweet stuff. If you or someone you love likes a lotta matcha, then look no further than Bird & Blend's unprecedented Advent Calendar.
How much is it?
£65
When is it available?
Now!
Fortnum's Musical Advent Calendar
Fancy having an Advent Calendar that you can keep in your home for years to come? Decorated with the façade of Fortnum's Piccadilly store, this wooden Calendar contains 24 spaces to hide sweets, toys and other treats. On opening each door, a different Christmas tune will play to liven up your home. Everyone loves a bit of tradition at Christmas, you could make this one of yours!
How much is it?
£165
When is it available?
Now!
Drinks By The Dram World Rum Advent Calendar
If you're a fan of rum, then there's really no more exciting purchase you could possibly make this Christmas than this World Rum calendar. Containing 24 drams of rum from alllll over the globe, this Calendar will expand your knowledge of the festive winter warmer to an impressive degree without even having to leave your home.
How much is it?
£149.95
When is it available?
Now!
Asda's Harry Potter Advent Calendar
Yes, the rumours are true. A Harry Potter advent calendar exists - and at just £15, it's definitely coming cheap. Each window has an HP charm behind it, but proving popular, they seem to have already sold out. Here's hoping
How much is it?
£15
When is it available?
Sold out!
One thing’s for sure, December will be a fantastic month! We officially cannot wait.
