As soon as November arrives, the excitement for advent calendars properly begins in our house. There’s something so joyful about lining them all up, deciding who gets what, and knowing that the countdown to Christmas will be filled with a little daily surprise. This year we’ve gone for a mix of beauty, skincare and classic chocolate. Here’s a closer look at the advent calendars in the photo and why each one deserves its spot.

W7 beauty blast advent calendar
The W7 Beauty Blast calendar is bold, bright and packed full of make-up treats. It’s a fun option for teens or anyone who loves experimenting with different beauty looks. I got this with Isla in mind as she loves creating amazing make up looks! Expect lip products, eye shadows, mini mascaras and a good variety of colours and textures. It’s definitely one of those calendars where each day feels like a proper discovery.

Elemis advent calendar
Luxury skincare lovers will know that the Elemis calendar is always a highlight. This is the first time I have had this calendar and I am very excited. It’s filled with travel-size and full-size products that feel like such a treat throughout December. From their cleansing balm to hydrating creams and body care favourites, this one is perfect for a little daily self-care. I love how beautifully packaged it is too.

Personalised chocolate advent calendar from Vistaprint
One of my favourite ideas this year has been creating a personalised chocolate advent calendar via VistaPrint. You can customise it with your own photos and messages, which makes it feel really special and completely unique. It’s a lovely option if you want something sentimental as well as tasty, and it works so well as a gift for grandparents, partners or even older children who appreciate that personal touch.


L’or advent calendar
The L’or calendar is one for coffee fans. Hubby loves his coffee in the morning and I thought this would be a nice treat and a great way to try different flavours. With a chic black and gold design, it looks premium and includes a curated collection of coffee pods. It’s a great way to explore new flavours without committing to a full box and feels like a nice treat.

Play in choc advent calendar
A wonderful choice for younger children or for families avoiding common allergens. The Play in Choc calendar includes organic chocolate made with simple ingredients and a little cardboard toy to build each day. It’s creative, kind to the planet and tastes lovely too. This is easily one of the sweetest, most thoughtful calendars for kids.

Nivea men advent calendar
Perfect for the men in the house, or an older teenager like Noah, the Nivea Men calendar is practical and full of products they’ll actually use. Inside are grooming essentials such as shower gels, face washes, moisturisers and useful accessories. It’s a great all-rounder that encourages a bit of self-care in the busiest month of the year.

Orchard Toys
The Orchard Toys advent calendar is brilliant for the younger ones. Instead of chocolate, each day reveals a puzzle piece or activity that gradually builds into a festive scene. It’s educational, fun and perfect for little hands that enjoy something interactive. This one always feels a bit special because it becomes part of the daily routine, offering a calm moment of play before the school run.

Lindt advent calendar
A Christmas classic. Lindt chocolate is always a favourite and this calendar is full of the smooth, creamy chocolates they do so well. Ideal for anyone who wants a traditional chocolate countdown, especially if you love the festive Lindt characters.

Reese’s advent calendar
For peanut butter fans, this one is a must. Every day has a Reese’s treat, from the classic cups to mini surprises. It’s fun, colourful and guaranteed to make December that little bit sweeter. The family will be fighting over these each day!

Cadbury heroes advent calendar
The Cadbury Heroes calendar brings all the nostalgia. Filled with miniature favourites like Wispa, Dairy Milk and Fudge, it’s the perfect pick for families who love a mix of classics. It’s playful, familiar and always a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who enjoy guessing which mini chocolate they’ll get each day.

Cadbury Biscoff
This is my personal favourite this year. The Cadbury Biscoff calendar combines the smoothness of Cadbury chocolate with the caramelised crunch of Biscoff, and it’s absolutely delicious. I’ve found myself genuinely excited to open it each morning. It feels like a proper grown-up treat without being too rich, and it’s the one calendar I’m refusing to share.
These are the calendars we’re opening this year and it’s created such a lovely display at home. If you’re looking for more festive inspiration, you might enjoy reading about last years advent calendars for 2024. I got most of these calendars from local super markets or Amazon, except for Elemis (linked above) and you will still be able to order some today in preparation for tomorrow!
Let me know in the comments which advent calendar you’ve chosen this year.