The countdown is well and truly on. With 48 days until Christmas and just three short weeks until December hits, it’s time to start thinking about this year’s advent calendars (if you’ve not already got them squirrelled away under the bed ready, of course…).
We all know that Diptyque or Liberty are the ultimate Holy Grail, but for something a tad more affordable, we’ve got you covered. Roll up, roll up for a few of our faves.
As a lifelong stationery lover I am marginally obsessed with Martha Brook London's 24 Days of Stationery, with whimsical gifts inspired by woodland fairy tales, from notebooks and cards to pencils and desk accessories. £95 from www.marthabrook.com.
For conscious beauty lovers, L’Occitane has several calendars to choose from, including a gorgeous reusable fabric calendar and a box of refills for those who bought one last year. We adore the classic beauty advent (£55 from www.uk.loccitane.com) featuring a generous selection of travel-sized favourites, including its cult hand creams and indulgent Almond and Verbena shower products.
Nothing beats curling up with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter's eve. Thankfully Whittard has come to the rescue with its epic hot chocolate calendar. 12 delectable flavours, from signature classics to creative, cutting-edge concoctions, with double servings nestled in each drawer for 24 days of chocolatey gooness. £70 at www.whittard.com.
We love a home grown brand and the Scottish products from Arran Aromatics have become something of a favourite in recent years. The £70 calendar features products worth over £140, plus if you sign up to their newsletter you can receive 20% off. With EDTs, soaps, shower gels and hair products plus two scented candles, we’re mighty tempted to open it all in one go for a pamper night… but we’ll try our best to be good. www.arran.com
There’s no shortage of calendars for those with a sweet tooth, but for those with a slightly more unusual taste, Danish liquorice aficionados Lakrids by Bülow have 24 days or surprises lined up, with old favourites and new flavours sure to delight any liquorice lover. £49 from www.lakridsbybulow.co.uk.
For those who love to be behind the stove, Sous Chef stocks a nifty little number from Terre Exotique taking you on a spice journey across the world. Featuring 24 unique spices, salts and peppers, tit’s perfect for those those who love new flavours, complete with tasting notes and recipe ideas. £28.50 from www.souschef.co.uk
From a Gingerbread Chai to a Pina Colada tea, we can’t wait to get our tastebuds on the Bird & Blend calendar. Its 24 quite frankly delicious sounding discoveries are a far cry from your bog standard PG Tips and also available in a caffeine free box. £38 from www.birdandblendtea.com
We’re quite taken with the Funkin’ Cocktails calendar, the perfect excuse for a daily festive tipple. Each window hides a selection of award-winning Nitro cocktails, including the new Peach on the Beach and classic flavours like a Passion Fruit Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Pina Colada. £49.99 from www.funkincocktails.co.uk
We almost forgot the kids. If they are anything like my niece and nephew, the only calendars they care about are Lego, with Lego Friends, Guardians of the Galaxy, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Lego City each delivering a plethora of fabulous festive little bits of plastic to get lost in hoover bags and under rugs. Snap them up before they sell out - £29.99 each at www.lego.com.
