Christmas is on the horizon and we can really feel it! The air is cold and crisp, the Christmas lights are being put up and the advent calendars are fully stocked on the supermarket shelves.
We’re getting ready for December by picking out our advent calendars for this year. Of course, chocolate advent calendars are the most popular and traditional, but lots of brands are jumping on the trend and offering their own.
Upgrade your chocolate advent calendars this year with alternative calendars, including beauty, jewellery, food, drinks, toys and more. Depending on the price, these advent calendars are either 12 or 24 doors and some are currently on sale in retailers’ Black Friday deals.
Below are our favourite alternative advent calendars (including top discounts) and where to shop them from this year.
The best alternative Advent Calendars 2021
NYX Professional Makeup Gimme Super Stars! 24 Day Holiday Advent Calendar: £35.40 at Very
For the makeup lovers, the NYX Makeup Advent Calendar is a 24-day holiday countdown that features bestselling mini and full size makeup products. This advent calendar updates your makeup collection with a range of face, eye and lip products. Find a selection of classic, new or seasonal makeup picks, perfect for daily wear or for special occasions, like Christmas parties. This limited edition advent calendar is currently on sale at Very, discounted from £59 to £32.40 in their Black Friday sale.
LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar: £24.79 at Amazon
Something for the kids or Harry Potter fans, create a fun Harry Potter scene with the LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar. This 24-door calendar features 6 minifigures, including popular characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco, Griphook and Dudley Dursley. It also contains models like fireplaces, Hedwig and other fun accessories. When you’ve unpacked all your figures, don’t throw away the calendar as it converts into a board game.
Clarins 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar: £52 at John Lewis
Popular skincare brand, Clarins’ 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar is currently 20% off in the John Lewis Black Friday sale. If you’re a beauty or Clarins fan, this calendar includes classic and festive products, including mascara, face scrubs, cleansers, makeup remover, lip oils and primers.
Brewdog Craft Beer Advent Calendar: £39.95 at Brewdog
Alcohol advent calendars are fast becoming a popular alternative to traditional advent calendars. The Craft Beer Advent Calendar from Brewdog has 24 different beers that range from pale ales to IPAs. If you’re a big Brewdog fan, you’ll find 14 new beers for 2021, 6 new beers for Christmas and 4 online exclusives. As this calendar sold out quickly last year, Brewdog are taking £10 off so you can get yours in time for December.
Missoma 12 Days of Missoma Advent Calendar: £395 at Selfridges
On the more expensive end of the spectrum, the Missoma Advent Calendar is a 12-door limited edition calendar that’s worth £812. It features bestselling jewellery pieces from the most popular UK jewellery brand, including yellow gold, sterling silver and pearl materials. Find designer necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hair clips and more behind each door.
Virgin Wines Luxury Gin Advent Calendar: £109.99 at Very
Who doesn’t love a gin at Christmas? The Virgin Wines Gin Advent Calendar has 24 amazing gins on offer from award-winning brands, including Sipsmith, London Dry, Navy and more. Explore new flavours including festive spiced orange, pear and pink peppercorn, and heather. If you’re into Virgin Wines, they also have wine and beer advent calendars up for grabs at Very.
Yankee Candle Advent Calendar Wreath: £21.49 at Amazon
Candles are extremely popular Christmas gifts so why not treat yourself or someone else to a Yankee Candle Advent Calendar? This 24-door calendar includes 24 festive scented tea lights and a clear glass holder to display them in. Enjoy 8 Yankee Candles’ festive fragrances including Snowflake Cookie, Christmas Magic and Pecan Pie Bites. The calendar also has a pretty wreath design which adds more decoration to your home.
Cath Kidston Bath & Body Advent Calendar: £40 at John Lewis
The Cath Kidston Bath & Body Advent Calendar is easily the most beautiful advent calendar on the market right now. It features 24 bath and body treats, including hand creams, essential oils, lip balms, bath bombs and more. At £40 at John Lewis, this Cath Kidston advent calendar is extremely affordable and updates your bath and skincare routine.
Where to buy alternative advent calendars
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I own a four-figure fragrance collection – these are the three Black Friday deals from The Fragrance Shop I'd buyBlack Friday is the best time to add to your fragrance collection – here's what I'm buying
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31 best watch deals under £500 you should buy in the Black Friday salesFancy a new watch? Whether for yourself or as a gift, there's no better time to buy
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I own this Levi's jacket – it's a bargain at half price in the Prime Day sale!Get ready for winter with this cosy sherpa-lined jacket
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The Dyson Airwrap is $100 off for Prime Day — but it won't last longThe Dyson Airwrap is never reduced, so now's your chance to grab one
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Beaverbrooks announces up to 50% off in huge summer saleThere's impressive savings on designer watches, watch accessories and jewellery
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This custom leather jacket is 15% off in the Black Friday saleThe Jacket Maker is offering 15% off its entire range of jackets, shoes and bags
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The Elf x Crocs collaboration is everything I want this ChristmasThe Elf x Crocs Classic Clogs are silly and ridiculous… and I need a pair
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Ray-Ban Stories go on sale plus 20% off custom styles during the holidaysGrab the latest smart glasses from Ray-Ban on sale
