12 of the best Advent calendars
| 12th November 2021
Advent calendars: With every year that passes by, the Advent calendar market gets more and more creative, and I am totally here for it! Advent calendars make great early Christmas gifts, I personally love the Christmas build up and the surprise each day of December brings.
From skincare to booze and everything in between, there really is an advent calendar for everyone. This year, I have compiled a list of some of the most impressive calendars I have come across.
Let’s start with some family friendly calendars. I was very impressed by the Play in Choc Advent Calendar (£55). Not only does it contain the some of the most eco-friendly (and vegan) chocolate on the market, but it also contains a 3d puzzle and some fun, educational facts to help broaden little minds.
For a personalised advent gift, the countdown to Christmas (£25) slate board comes with chalk so your little one can cross off each day that goes by. Start a tradition and hang their board in a prominent place each year.
Why not keep the kids occupied with the crafty Toucan Box Very Merry Advent Calendar (£45). For hours of fun, this calendar includes 5 enchanting books, 7 exclusive crafts, 4 yummy recipes and even a merry mischief elf. Toucan Box also have a great craft subscription box which makes a fantastic gift which includes a magazine full of fun activities as well as activities which are both eco-conscious and educational.
If your kids are fans of Elf on a Shelf, then this North Pole Advent Train (£27.99) makes a great addition. Each daily surprise makes part of a colourful, playable Christmas tree farm. Just make sure Scout Elf is close by to keep an eye on the train, and to make sure mischievous hands don’t sneak any peaks on future days!
Now we all know that advent calendars aren’t just for kids! They are for pets too! Lily’s Kitchen has dog and cat friendly calendars (£10) so your furry friend doesn’t get left out.
If you fancy transforming your home with some festive scents, Sassy Wax Melts Advent Calendar (£44.99) includes 24 unique seasonal delicious scents to get you in the Christmas spirit. Behind each door you will find a wax melt which is both vegan and cruelty free. I’m a huge fan of these melts, the fragrance reverberates through the whole house. These calendars will need to be pre-ordered so make sure you get your order in before it’s too late. What’s more, you can get 10% off the entire Sassy Wax range by using the code VIVA10.
Do you have a green fingered friend or family member in your midst? The Rose Press Garden Flower Seed Advent Calendar (£45) contains a mix of annuals, biennials & perennials in a mix of pretty shades. They have been specially chosen to create gorgeous garden borders but a lot of them can be used for a cutting garden too.
The vast majority of varieties will flower in summer and there are a few varieties which you can sow this Spring for save for flowers the following year (don’t worry, all the growing instructions are included). You can sow the seeds from January onwards and through Spring for a gorgeous summer display.
If you are or know a coffee lover, the Beanies Coffee Advent Calendar (£20) is one for you. Including 44 sachets, as well as two mystery jars you can experience a range of flavours every morning throughout December!
If tea is more your bag, The Bird & Blend Advent Calendar (£38) is one for you. Each window contains two tea bags, each with a sophisticated, festive blend for you to enjoy. Some of the flavours include Snowball & Hazelnut Rocher, Gingerbread Chai and Peppermint Hot Cocoa (my personal favourite). Bird & Blend have also created a fabulous Christmas tea gift box (£24) which includes six loose leaf festive blends and some tea infuser sacs for less mess. Plus – this gift set comes pre-wrapped for your convenience!
There are plenty of foodie calendars available this year. My personal favourite foodie calendar of the year has to be from Flapjackery. Their Flapjack Advent Calendar (£50) contains 24 of the best festive flapjacks you’ll ever taste. Both gluten-free and vegetarian this calendar promises a taste sensation everyday!
For a traditional advent calendar, the Niederegger Santa Chocolate & Marzipan Advent Calendar (£35) is a true festive treat. Niederegger is a benchmark in marzipan since 1806, and to this day their famous recipe remains unchanged. Made from the finest Mediterranean almonds, sugar and their secret ingredient, this luxury confectionery brand gives you a real taste of Christmas. Their over-sized advent calendar comes jam packed with the popular treats from their marzipan, truffles and praline range, and each window has more than one treat.
Finally, for the chocolate centric, the Love Cocoa advent calendar (£24.95) by James Cadbury for the Royal Opera House is an artisan chocolate advent calendar with 100% of the profits going directly to the NHS.
Each calendar contains 23 rich and creamy chocolate truffles, in four delicious flavours: Giant Rocher, Hazelnut Praline, Dark Chocolate Ganache and Gianduja Square Truffle, with two surprise mystery bars in the final run up to the big day.
Love Cocoa also plant a tree for every product sold. In 2020 they planted in excess of 500K trees in Cameroon. The inspiration for this comes from George Cadbury and his love for sustainability and the environment. All Love Cocoa chocolates are Free from Palm Oil.