The best things come to those who open one door at a time. Apparently.
From miniature dinosaurs and LEGO adventures to luxury skincare, designer jewellery and a rather respectable supply of gin, this year's advent calendars are giving Christmas Day some serious competition.
December used to be a fairly straightforward affair. Open a little cardboard door, eat a suspiciously waxy chocolate and get on with your day. Now you can start the morning with a new serum, add another piece to your jewellery collection and finish with a miniature gin. All before you've bought a single Christmas present. Whoever decided that advent calendars were exclusively for children clearly lacked imagination.
“The concept of one surprise per day is proving remarkably difficult to enforce, especially when the grown-ups are secretly contemplating doing exactly the same thing.”
The children, meanwhile, have upgraded too. Dinosaurs are roaming the breakfast table, LEGO is multiplying at a rate that defies explanation, and someone has already opened tomorrow's door. Possibly next Tuesday's as well. The concept of one surprise per day is proving remarkably difficult to enforce, especially when the grown-ups are secretly contemplating doing exactly the same thing.
Naturally, the advent calendar industry has become very good at convincing us that December requires its own shopping budget. Some of the price tags could comfortably cover Christmas dinner for twelve, although we'd argue that a beautifully packaged collection of Jo Malone fragrances is considerably more exciting than another afternoon spent peeling potatoes.
From skincare worth rearranging your bathroom cabinet for to jewellery, gourmet treats and toys that might actually survive beyond Boxing Day, we've selected the advent calendars we'd happily make room for. Some are wonderfully extravagant, others refreshingly affordable, and a few may require a certain amount of creative accounting.
After all, nobody said you were only allowed one.
For The Kids
The trouble with children's advent calendars is that patience isn't generally their strongest suit. By December 3rd, someone has already opened the wrong door, someone else is demanding to know why Christmas is taking so long, and you're considering hiding the entire thing until the 24th. Still, at least getting them out of bed won't be a problem.
1.Mattel Jurassic World Advent Calendar — £29.99
December is about to get prehistoric. With 19 miniature dinosaurs, a human figure and four scenery pieces inspired by Jurassic Park's famous Visitor Centre, this calendar delivers a daily dose of dinosaur-related chaos. Much more entertaining than chocolate, although considerably more likely to take over the dining table.
2. Meri Meri x Ladurée Charm Bracelet Advent Calendar — £65
A little Parisian charm for the smaller members of the household. This beautifully presented collaboration reveals a gold-tone bracelet and 23 delightful charms and tassels, creating a new piece of jewellery throughout December. The pretty keepsake box doubles as a jewellery case, which is rather sophisticated for someone who still needs reminding to brush their teeth.
3. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2026 — £29.99
Even a galaxy far, far away celebrates Christmas. This year's Mandalorian-themed calendar features Grogu in a festive jumper, miniature spacecraft and familiar Star Wars characters. With 293 pieces to discover and assemble, it's an excellent excuse to spend December building an intergalactic empire instead of doing homework.
4. LEGO Friends Advent Calendar 2026 — £22.99
Christmas in Heartlake City involves considerably more snowball fights and hot chocolate than your average December morning. Behind the 24 doors are three mini-dolls, six adorable animals and plenty of festive accessories, including a pony and penguin. A miniature winter wonderland without the inconvenience of actual snow.
5. PLAYMOBIL Christmas Baking At The Rider Café — £29.99
Horses, Christmas biscuits and a miniature café? Someone has clearly understood the assignment. This charming calendar gradually reveals a festive riding café, complete with a horse, pony, baking accessories and even a horse-shaped biscuit cutter for real kitchen adventures. Expect requests for pony ownership to follow.
6. Mattel UNO Advent Calendar — £17.99
For families who believe a friendly game of UNO should end in accusations of cheating and at least one dramatic exit. The first door reveals a playable deck, with subsequent days introducing festive cards, game pieces and unexpected twists. Twenty-four days of family bonding. Terms and conditions apply.
7.Legami Dream Peaks Advent Calendar — £49.99
Stationery enthusiasts, prepare to lose all self-control. Legami's whimsical Christmas village conceals 24 surprises, including miniature notebooks, stackable highlighters, squishies and the brand's much-loved erasable pens. The grand finale features a special limited-edition pen. Ideal for tweens who consider their pencil case a carefully curated collection.
8. Lindt Teddy Advent Calendar — £15
Because sometimes the original idea really was the best. Lindt's adorable Teddy calendar delivers 24 days of milk chocolate treats, complete with an interactive Christmas story brought to life through augmented reality. A reassuringly traditional choice, with considerably better chocolate than the calendars of our childhood.
For Him
For the man who insists he doesn't want an advent calendar, right up until he discovers what's inside yours. Fortunately, we've found a few alternatives to borrowing your expensive skincare. Think excellent coffee, a well-stocked drinks cabinet and enough gourmet treats to make sharing entirely optional.
1. LOOKFANTASTIC Grooming Advent Calendar — £90
A bathroom cabinet overhaul, conveniently disguised as a Christmas countdown. With 25 grooming surprises, including 15 full-size products from Elemis, ESPA, Shiseido and Rituals, this is serious skincare territory. The contents are worth over £469, so it's also rather more economical than letting him loose in the beauty department.
2. Grind Coffee Advent Calendar — £33.99
Twenty-five coffees. Twenty-five mornings. Not a single disappointing chocolate in sight. Grind's calendar features a selection of its signature blends in Nespresso Original-compatible pods. A rather stylish solution for anyone who prefers their Christmas spirit with a double espresso.
4. Drinks By The Dram Gin Advent Calendar — £72.99
Consider this a very civilised tour of the gin world, without the airport queues. Twenty-five miniature bottles introduce a selection of distilleries, styles and botanicals, from traditional London dry to more experimental creations. Whether he discovers a new favourite or simply develops stronger opinions about tonic is entirely up to him.
5. Fortnum & Mason Feasting Advent Calendar — £265
Fortnum's has never been terribly interested in doing things by halves, and its Feasting Advent Calendar is no exception. With 26 gourmet treats, including 20 full-size products, expect everything from decadent biscuits and chocolates to preserves and pantry luxuries. Frankly, the biggest challenge will be convincing him that the contents are intended to last until Christmas.
For Yourself (Obviously)
You've bought the presents, remembered the school Christmas performances and somehow become responsible for locating everyone's festive knitwear. Surely that deserves more than a chocolate behind a cardboard door? Consider this your permission to be thoroughly self-indulgent. You can always act surprised when it arrives.
Gatineau 12 Days Of Christmas Advent Calendar — £98
Twelve days of French skincare, without having to set foot in a Parisian pharmacy. Featuring six full-size products alongside a selection of Gatineau's bestselling treatments, this £355 collection is a rather attractive way to upgrade your skincare routine. Your bathroom shelf may need reorganising.
Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2026 — £285
Liberty has assembled a beauty guest list worth getting excited about. Augustinus Bader, Sunday Riley, Sisley and Violette_FR are among the names hiding inside its beautifully illustrated calendar, with 29 products worth over £1,300. At £285, the maths is almost as satisfying as the contents.
Jo Malone London Christmas Kist Advent Calendar — £375
A little black trunk with very expensive intentions. Jo Malone London's 25-day calendar is filled with miniature colognes, candles and body-care favourites, culminating in a 30ml Tangerine & Honey Cologne. Beautifully presented and entirely unnecessary in the most delightful way.
Missoma Gold Jewellery Advent Calendar — £249
Whoever decided jewellery should be reserved for Christmas morning clearly lacked ambition. Missoma's pink velvet keepsake case conceals six exclusive pieces, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings, with a combined value of £693. Six additions to your jewellery collection before Santa has even located the chimney. Excellent planning.
