Jack's Love List #40: Get Ahead of Advent
The best advent calendars for every taste (and why September isn’t too early to start shopping)
This week it’s all about advent calendars – and yes, I know it’s still September, but hear me out. The good ones sell out quicker than you can say “mulled wine,” and no one wants to be the sad soul left empty-handed come December 1st. Future-you will thank present-you when there’s a little door to open and a treat waiting behind it. I’ve pulled together some favourites that go beyond the usual chocolate squares – think food and drink for the home, those classic beauty heroes that work “for her” or “for him,” and, my personal highlight this week “Forever” gorgeous reusable advent calendars you can bring out year after year. Let’s dive in.
For Home:
This section is a little ambiguous this week, basically, these are the calendars that aren’t chocolate and aren’t beauty, but are brilliant for everyone in the house.
First up, coffee lovers: Grind have launched a 12 Days of Coffee advent calendar. Traditionally, 12-day calendars run from December 13th through to Christmas Eve, and this one gives you twelve speciality coffees, available in either whole bean or ground. All are sustainably grown, ethically sourced, and hand-roasted in London by Grind themselves. A very chic way to get your morning caffeine fix, festive style.
More of a tea drinker? Twinings have their 24 Days of Tea advent calendar, absolutely jam-packed with herbal, fruit, and classic blends. It’s a great way to sample teas you wouldn’t normally buy (instead of committing to a box of 50 bags at the supermarket). I also love the idea of making it a little ritual, come home from work, put the kettle on, and discover that day’s festive brew.
And of course, no brew is complete without a biscuit. Harrods have created a 12 Days of Christmas Biscuits calendar, with flavours like pistachio cherry, cardamom-spiced, salted caramel shortbread, and good old-fashioned chocolate chip. The only problem? I’d demolish all twelve days with just one cup of tea.
Now, moving away from food (my diet thanks me), let’s talk candles, the crème de la crème of advent calendars in my book. Diptyque have brought out their Advent Calendar at a rather decadent £399. Yes, it’s an investment, but you get a mix of small and medium candles, plus a chance to try scents you might never have discovered otherwise. As you all know, I’m a year-round Diptyque advocate (candles, aftershaves, the lot), so, Dave? Mum? or Santa? If you’re reading, take note.
If you’d prefer something a little more budget-friendly, St. Eval (a gorgeous Cornwall-based candle company) have a 24 Tealights advent calendar for £50. Each tealight is a different scent, so your home smells beautifully festive all through December.
And finally, because it’s not Christmas without a tipple: That Boutique-y Gin Company have their ever-popular Gin Advent Calendar. Priced at £59.95, it hides 24 wax-sealed 30ml samples behind its doors, with flavours like chocolate orange, neroli, cherry, and my personal favourite - GINgle All the Way. Cheers to that.
Links:
Grind Coffee Calendar £29.95 - Click Here
Twinning 24 days of Tea £25.00 - Click Here
Harrods 12 Days of Christmas Biscuit Calendar £38.00 - Click Here
Diptyque Advent Calendar £399.00 - Click Here
St Eval Tealight Advent Calendar £50.00 - Click Here
That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar £59.95 - Click Here
For Her … (and for Him):
There are so many beauty calendars around that it can feel overwhelming, but I’ve rounded up a few of the best. And honestly, in this day and age, the “for her” and “for him” labels are pretty fluid, it really just comes down to the products you like to use. The beauty of these calendars (pun intended) is that they’re an amazing way to try out new brands without splashing out on full sizes product. Think of it as “try before you invest.”
First up, the iconic Liberty Beauty Calendar. It’s one of the calendars everyone talks about, and with good reason. At £275, it’s definitely a splurge, but the contents add up to a whopping £1,245 worth of products. Inside you’ll find cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances (with a lot of generous sample sizes too). Plus, the illustrated box is a thing of beauty in itself, reusable for years to come, maybe to stash treats for kids or partners later on.
For something more budget-friendly, the Boots x Macmillan 24 Days of Joy Calendar is such a winner. It features classics from No7, Soap & Glory, Liz Earle, and more. The best bit? Proceeds go straight to Macmillan, funding their support services for people living with cancer. It is Gifting and giving.
Next, the LookFantastic Advent Calendar. As I said on Instagram last week, this is one that always sells out fast (consider this your gentle nudge to get organised early!). It’s £105, but worth over £655, and packed with mainstream brands you’ll actually know and use, like MAC, Iconic London, ESPA, Aveda and more. If I had to pick one beauty calendar for myself, this would be it.
Finally, a new-to-me option: the Anthropologie Beauty Calendar. It’s £98 and worth £365, with big names like Malin + Goetz, UKLASH, OPI, and my all-time fave, L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil. Such a lovely mix.
Links:
Liberty Beauty Calendar £275.00- Click Here
Boots X Macmillan £44.00 - Click Here
Look Fantastic The Beauty Advent Calendar £105.00 - Click Here
Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar £98.00 - Click Here
For Him… (and for Her):
Like I said, beauty calendars aren’t really gendered anymore, but under the “men’s” section I found a few gems that lean more towards skincare, fragrance, and grooming.
First is the Ted Baker 24 Days of Essentials from Boots at £46. It’s filled with everyday grooming staples, body wash, moisturiser, cleanser, hair products, plus handy extras like tweezers and nail clippers. A safe bet if you like a no-fuss calendar.
Then there’s the Liberty Men’s Advent Calendar. At £260, it’s a touch cheaper than the women’s, with contents worth £932. This is the one I had last year, and it was such a treat, I’m still hooked on Marvis toothpaste and Philip Kingsley from it. Skincare, fragrance, and a good mix of indulgent essentials.
For something a little more fun, White Stuff’s 12 Days of Christmas Sock Advent Calendar. Yes, that’s a mouthfu, but at £20 (currently reduced), you get 12 pairs of festive socks. Honestly, what’s more joyful than pulling out a new pair of Christmas socks every morning?
And finally, not just for men, but I had to include it, Lego Advent Calendars. Star Wars, Harry Potter, or a general Lego build. Each day you get a little figure or mini build, which I think beats a moisturiser or chocolate square. Great for big kids and little ones (plus, less sugar before school…).
Links:
Ted Baker Advent Calendar £46.00 - Click Here
Liberty Men’s Calendar £260.00 - Click Here
White Stuff 12 Days Sock Advent Calendar £20.00 - Click Here
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar £29.99 - Click Here
Forever:
I love that this section ties so neatly with For Home, For Her, For Him. These are the forever calendars: reusable, sustainable, and destined to become part of your family traditions. Fill them with chocolates, sweets, little trinkets, or even notes, it’s the kind of Christmas magic that grows with you.
First, from one of my favourite brands, Emma Bridgewater. Their Rosehip & Ivy Fabric Advent Calendar which they show can be filled tiny trinkets like miniature mugs, ceramic baubles, and felt decorations (these are note included, but is a great idea for Bridgewater fans). They even suggest filling it with daily promises to your partner like “I’ll empty the dishwasher today” or “Meet me for drinks at seven”, which I think is adorable and a perfect way to keep the connection alive in a busy December.
Dunelm have a gorgeous Heritage Round Wooden Advent Calendar at £35. Beautifully painted, with doors of all shapes and sizes, and it even rotates like a Christmas carousel. Whimsical, magical, and endlessly refillable.
BrandAlley also have a beautiful Zinc House Advent Calendar, 24 uniform doors, delicate laser-cut house silhouettes, and a rustic finish that feels very White Company / Neptune. Even better, it’s currently £35 (down from £74.95), so a total bargain.
And speaking of The White Company… their Christmas Tree Advent Calendar is a fabric hanging style with 24 soft velvet pockets. I love the deep red and monochrome palette, classically Christmassy, but with that chic White Company twist.
Links:
Emma Bridgewater Rosehip & Ivy Advent Calendar £68.00 - Click Here
Dunelm Heritage Round Fillable Advent £35.00 - Click Here
Brand Alley Tin Advent Calendar £35.00 - Click Here
White Company Christmas Tree Advent £46.00 - Click Here
And there we have it, advent calendars for literally everyone. From beauty buffs to biscuit dunkers, gin lovers to Lego builders, and those forever pieces you’ll bring out year after year. The only thing left to do? Get yourself organised now. Because if you wait until November, don’t come crying to me when Liberty’s and Look Fantastic are sold out and you’re stuck with a dusty supermarket chocolate one. You’ve been warned.
As always, remember to like, subscribe, comment, tell a friend, tell your mum, tell your neighbour’s dog, you know the drill. Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to calendars this good.
Great choices Jack and something a bit different from chocolate! I know someone who’d love the St Eval one x