Advent calendars have become much more than just one chocolate a day. From luxury beauty collections to gin tasters and DIY kits, there’s an advent calendar for everyone. In this guide, we’re exploring some of the best advent calendars for 2024, perfect for adding a sprinkle of festive cheer to every December morning. Whether you’re treating yourself or finding a unique gift, here’s a selection of my favourites. You will find the gin advent calendar from Master of Malt, and the beauty advent calendar from OK! Beauty Box. You will even find a fun DIY option for personalising the countdown.
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OK! Beauty Advent Calendar by Hannah Martin
The OK! Beauty Advent Calendar by celebrity make-up artist Hannah Martin has become an instant hit. The professional make-up artist is also known as the “queen of radiant skin and smoky eyes”. Known for her work on royal wedding looks for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie and for having assisted Kate Middleton. This is a beauty advent calendar that doesn’t just deliver products. It gives you the expertise of a renowned make-up artist right at your fingertips.
Worth over £570 but retailing for £100, this calendar includes 26 products (17 of which are full-size). You will find inside high-end brands like Shiseido, Origins, and Aromatherapy Associates. Hannah has even included exclusive daily video tutorials to show how to get the best out of each product. With everything from skincare saviours to make-up essentials, this is a fabulous choice for beauty lovers. This compact, 100% recyclable calendar was featured on ITV’s This Morning as a top beauty advent calendar under £100, making it both an eco-friendly and expert-approved choice.
Key Highlights:
- Products valued at over £570
- Includes 17 full-size items (plus one must-have beauty tool)
- Access to Hannah Martin’s daily video tutorials
- 100% recyclable packaging
- Reusable, magnetic box
Where to buy: OK! Beauty Box website
Master of Malt – Gin Advent Calendar
If you’re on the hunt for an alcohol advent calendar, look no further than the Master of Malt Gin Advent Calendar. Priced at £64.95, it’s a true delight for gin enthusiasts. Each day reveals a different 30ml wax-sealed gin sample, from classic botanicals to festive-inspired flavours. This year’s selections include unique creations such as Christmas Tree Gin, Pink Grapefruit Brûlée Gin, and Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Gin. With 24 expertly chosen gins from That Boutique-y Gin Company, this calendar is perfect for anyone wanting to savour the season with a daily gin surprise.
Key Highlights:
- 24 wax-sealed gin samples
- Unique flavours to keep you guessing
- Ideal for gin lovers and a great conversation starter
Where to buy: Master of Malt website
Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar 2024
Step into the luxurious world of Charlotte Tilbury with her 2024 Beauty Treasure Chest of Love. This 12-drawer beauty advent calendar, priced at £170, holds a mix of skincare and make-up icons. Charlotte Tilbury’s products are known for their universally flattering formulas. Therefore, each item inside this calendar is sure to delight. The heart-shaped, ruby-red box has jewel-handled drawers that once emptied, can be reused as a jewellery case. This beauty advent calendar brings elegance and excitement to each December morning.
Key Highlights:
- 12 beauty treasures from Charlotte Tilbury
- Reusable as a jewellery box
- Perfectly suited for skincare and make-up fans
Where to buy: Charlotte Tilbury website or through ASOS
Price: £170
Lindt 3D TEDDY Advent Calendar
For those who love a traditional advent calendar, the Lindt 3D TEDDY Advent Calendar is a classic choice. At just £20, this calendar is filled with Lindt’s famous Swiss chocolates. You will find their iconic Lindor truffles, chocolate Santas, and creamy snowdrops. The 3D design of a teddy bear adds a lovely festive touch, making it especially delightful for children (or anyone with a sweet tooth!).
Key Highlights:
- Filled with luxury Lindt chocolates
- Festive 3D TEDDY design
- The affordable and traditional choice for chocolate lovers
Where to buy: Lindt UK website
Astrid & Miyu 24-Day Advent Calendar in Gold
If you’re after a truly luxurious countdown, the 24-Day Advent Calendar in Gold by Astrid & Miyu is designed to dazzle. Priced at £695, this calendar is the ultimate treat for jewellery lovers, featuring 23 unique pieces handpicked to build a dream collection. Each piece is versatile and stylish, including 12 exclusive designs created for this year’s calendar. The jewellery is all ideal for stacking or standalone statements.
The packaging is equally indulgent. Housed in a faux leather and suedette jewellery box illustrated by the talented Nïma Nïma Studio, it’s a stunning keepsake. Alongside the jewellery, Astrid & Miyu has added a £50 voucher, letting you choose one more item to complete your look. This calendar is an ideal gift for someone looking to upgrade their jewellery collection. This option also comes in silver.
Key Highlights:
- 23 exclusive jewellery pieces, including 12 new designs
- High-quality faux leather and suedette box for long-term storage
- Includes a £50 voucher for a final custom piece
RRP: £695
Availability: Astrid & Miyu website
Astrid & Miyu 12-Day Advent Calendar in Gold
For those looking for a more budget-friendly luxury experience, the 12-Day Advent Calendar in Gold is another beautiful option from Astrid & Miyu. Priced at £345, it offers 12 days of festive excitement with a curated selection of 11 must-have jewellery pieces. The calendar includes exclusive new colours of best-selling designs as well as a mix of the community’s favourite styles.
Like the 24-day option, this calendar includes a £50 voucher to help you choose an additional piece, ensuring your final stack feels complete. The 12-Day Advent Calendar is a wonderful option for anyone seeking a bit of elegance without the full commitment of the 24-day set. This calendar is a lovely gift idea or can be a personal indulgence. This option also comes in silver.
Key Highlights:
- 11 specially selected jewellery pieces, including exclusive colours
- £50 voucher for a final custom choice
- Ideal for those seeking luxury in a more compact format
RRP: £345
Availability: Astrid & Miyu website
Why Choose a Jewellery Advent Calendar?
Jewellery advent calendars like those from Astrid & Miyu are an exciting, stylish alternative to traditional beauty or chocolate calendars. They’re a fantastic way to slowly build up a collection, allowing you to experiment with different pieces and find a stacking style that suits you. With exclusive designs that won’t be available elsewhere, these calendars also make thoughtful gifts for any jewellery lover who appreciates fine details and a touch of everyday luxury.
Sostrene Grene – DIY Advent Calendar
For a personal touch, consider the DIY Advent Calendar from Sostrene Grene. This charming calendar is made of 100% FSC-certified paper and includes 24 small boxes to fill with your choice of treats, toys, or messages. It’s perfect if you’re looking to create a custom countdown tailored to a loved one’s tastes. This DIY calendar allows you to get creative with little surprises each day, whether that’s a heartfelt note, small treats, or daily inspirations. It’s a lovely choice for anyone who enjoys crafting or wants to give a thoughtful, personalised gift.
Key Highlights:
- 24 fillable boxes for a personalised countdown
- Made from eco-friendly, FSC-certified paper
- Ideal for those who want to create a bespoke advent calendar
Where to buy: Sostrene Grene website
How to Make an Advent Calendar: Creative Ideas
Creating your own advent calendar is a fantastic way to add personal charm to your Christmas countdown. Here are a few ideas for making a unique advent calendar that can be customised for family, friends, or yourself.
Firstly, choose the calendar style. You could use the Sostrene Grene DIY Calendar as a base or even repurpose envelopes, small fabric bags, or mini gift boxes. Secondly, fill with the advent calendar with thoughtful surprises. You can add little treats, small notes, or handmade coupons for cosy activities like “movie night” or “hot chocolate evening”. Lastly, decorate the calendar. Use stickers, paint, or even dried flowers to add a decorative, festive feel.
What to Put in an Advent Calendar: Fun Filler Ideas
Not sure what to put in your DIY advent calendar? Here are some ideas:
- Small Chocolates or Sweets: A classic, easy filler for each day.
- Personal Notes or Jokes: Great for close friends and family members.
- Mini Beauty Samples: Add a touch of luxury with skincare or beauty samples.
- Holiday Recipes: Include recipe cards for festive bakes and treats.
Where Can You Buy Advent Calendars?
Most major retailers will stock advent calendars in the lead-up to Christmas. However, if you’re looking for specific, unique options, here are some places to check out:
- Beauty Advent Calendars: For beauty enthusiasts, the Charlotte Tilbury and OK! Beauty calendars are both available online.
- Alcohol Advent Calendars: Retailers like Master of Malt offer a fantastic range, including the gin advent calendar mentioned above.
- DIY Advent Calendars: Stores like Sostrene Grene are perfect for finding creative, blank-slate calendars to customise.
Advent Calendar Prices: What to Expect
Advent calendars are now available in a broad range of styles and price points. You can find everything from traditional chocolate-filled versions to luxury options. There are advent calendars now filled with beauty products, artisan foods, or even miniatures of wines and spirits. Ultimately, here’s what you can expect to pay depending on the type of advent calendar:
1. Classic Chocolate Advent Calendars
- Price Range: £1 – £25
- What to Expect: Affordable chocolate calendars are perfect for kids or those looking for a nostalgic touch. They’re readily available at supermarkets, often starting as low as £1 for basic designs, with higher-end brands like Lindt or Ferrero Rocher priced closer to £15 – £20.
2. Beauty and Skincare Advent Calendars
- Price Range: £50 – £400
- What to Expect: Beauty advent calendars have gained popularity, especially those by brands like Cult Beauty, Liberty, and Look Fantastic. Furthermore, premium skincare, makeup, and haircare products have become extremely popular in the advent calendar world. High-end brands like Jo Malone and Dior offer luxury versions that can exceed £300, while mid-range options like The Body Shop or Revolution Beauty start around £50.
3. Food and Drink Advent Calendars
- Price Range: £20 – £200
- What to Expect: Food-themed calendars cover everything from gourmet cheeses and teas to snacks, honey, or jams. Drinks advents, especially those featuring wines, gins, or whiskies, start at around £40 and go upwards depending on the brands and quantities included. Whisky or gin advent calendars can reach £200 or more, especially if they feature premium selections.
4. Toys and Kids’ Advent Calendars
- Price Range: £10 – £50
- What to Expect: Ranging from around £10 to £50, these calendars usually feature small toys or collectibles. Lego, Playmobil, and Hot Wheels often release themed advents priced between £20 and £40. Therefore, these calendars are a hit with kids and can include small figurines or even mini builds.
5. Home and Lifestyle Advent Calendars
- Price Range: £20 – £100
- What to Expect: Increasingly popular, these calendars might include candles, bath bombs, or small home decor items. Furthermore, brands like Yankee Candle offer versions that start around £30, while more artisanal options may go for closer to £100.
Why Choose an Advent Calendar?
Advent calendars are an exciting way to celebrate the days leading up to Christmas. Therefore, allowing us to pause and enjoy a little treat each day. Whether you prefer beauty advent calendars, a gin advent calendar, or the joy of crafting a make-your-own advent calendar, there’s something special about the ritual of opening each day’s door. So, treat yourself or surprise someone special with one of these fabulous options for 2024!
