I have blinked and we are full steam ahead into the festive season and I am ready for it. I am so excited about the festive season this year. I will be spending it with my family, and this might not sound like a big deal to most. but last year I was on my own as my husband is in an emergency service job. So I spent it watching festive films with my dogs whilst he worked. But this year we will be with our family and I feel blessed to be with them.
So that makes advent calendars even more important this year as I am counting down to a special Christmas spending time with my family.
so without further ado, let's get into my top picks this year. A smaller collection this year I wanted to keep to the more affordable calendars and a smaller selection. I mean let's face it we are all in one way or another being affected by the current climate but it's the season. These are my faves.
*As with all my gift guides, some of these items are gifted some I have bought for this review. some links are amazon afflicted links meaning if you buy through them I get a little percentage of the cost at no cost to you.
Children
ROBLOX- Blind Multipack Advent Calendar Fantastic advent for any children over 6+. If you don't know what Roblox is it's an online game platform which has games and chat options for children. It's described as a digital universe and has everything from games to play but you can actually create your own game and make money from it.
This calendar is not only perfect for any Roblox fan but for any child. This is a 24-day advent with lots of holiday-themed Roblox characters and accessories. Every day you get a new toy. Mix and match the characters and accessories to make your own fun characters.
Sweet treats
Chocolate Covered Oreo Advent Calendar by La Di Da Sweet treats
This is an oreo lover like me's dream. I mean behind each door is a hand-decorated mini oreo. Each mini Oreo is dipped in either white or milk Belgian chocolate and then they are hand decorated with cute sugar paste Christmas decorations. I mean if you have an oreo fan in the house they will be delighted with this stunning calendar.
For research, I of course hate to try these. I mean they were not going to keep sitting there looking at me and they are far too delicious. In fact, they are almost too good to gift to anyone so order yourself one too.
Haribo Advent Calendar Christmas Sweets Advent I mean is it even Christmas without Haribo. I love Haribo so a Haribo advent calendar is a complete no-brainer in this house. Even If I have to buy two as my husband loves them too.
It is crammed with all the festive favourites from Goldbarens Maoam to happy colas. All your faves and many many more are in Haribo's famous calendars.
Vegan and Free from
In the vegan and Free from game, their is an outstanding winner NOMO
NOMO CARAMEL ADVENT CALENDAR I am by no way dairy free. Still, I do try to eat fewer Lacto products and I am always on the hunt for a great alternative and by god, NOMO caramel drops are heaven in a little chocolate. In this gorgeous gold triangle, you get 25 Window Advent Calendar filled with 24 Caramel Drops and a Caramel Bar for the last day.
NOMO ADVENT CALENDAR £5 This is their standard calendar and there is nothing standard about it.
It has a gorgeous design they have two in their collection this year with 24 Window Advent Calendar -12 Caramel & Sea Salt Choc + 12 Creamy Choc Drops.
Both are non-dairy alternatives to milk chocolate and the best I have found as an alternative.
Alcohol
I know get on with it Laura. I don't know where to start. This is the ultimate calendar for any gin lover. I am not the biggest drinker but I do love a nice gin and because I don't drink often I never know what to order and boom enter this advent calendar and I will now know my favourite gin.
This is an awesome Scottish distiller based in St Andrews. This isn't just any gin this is high-end luxury gin. Dont worry it is still affordable.
Eden Mill has the ambition to create the finest gins and Scotch whiskies with minimal environmental impact combining traditional distilling techniques with ground-breaking innovation.
Within the calendar are a 5cl mini bottle of
Nine Islands Gin, Love Gin, Original Gin, Golf Gin, Red Snapper Gin, Neptune Gin Candy Cane Gin, Rosa Rosa Gin, Serendipity Gin, Forager Gin, Forbidden Gin and Passion Gin
- Along with two stunning Eden Mill-branded Tulip Gin Glasses perfect for trying your new favourite gins just add ice and your favourite mixer and you have the perfect gin cocktail.
- So far Passion is my favourite but I am still working my way thought them all.
Non alcoholic Drinks
In my house, we have one tea connoisseur and one coffee connoisseur so you know I needed to include the best of these two offerings.
It's a 24-day calendar and every day you receive two surprise tea parcels.
A bit of a spoiler. flavours include Snowball Hot Cocoa, Pina Colada, Cold Weather Warrior Tea, Tea & Toast, Great British Cuppa Tea, Birthday Cake Tea and many many more.
You can also join the digital ADVENTure just scan the QR code and you will be able to get involved.
Chimney Fire Coffee is another fantastic ethical sustainable and award-winning UK coffee company. I could list the reason this is an amazing company but go check them out for yourself you will be blown away if like me you are a coffee fan.
Before I get into the calendar I need to mention I was drawn to this company due to their Re-Cycle project which gives - £1 from every box goes to charity.
Re-Cycle is a small charity that refurbishes donated bicycles from the UK, working with local partners to distribute them to rural communities in Africa. £1 from every 12 Days of Discovery Christmas Gift Pack will be donated to the charity, which have helped increase school attendance by 30% and donated over 112,000 bikes, with 98% still operational after 3 years.
Back to the calendars. There are four options: whole bean, course cafetiere, medium filter and fine espresso stovetop.
I have chosen course for cafetiere.
This is 12 days of 70g bags of coffee. These have been selected from their 2022 discovery range.
This is 12 days of 70g bags of coffee. These have been selected from their 2022 discovery range.
Each coffee has been carefully selected by their roasters team to satisfy different tastes, and introduce a new and interesting coffee from around the world.
For example
April Discovery Coffee - Nicaragua - ApanásRaspberry Jam, Stewed Apple, Brown Sugar
December Discovery Coffee - Mexico - Los Milagros
Light Fudge, Milk Chocolate, Sweet
This is a sure-fire winner for any coffee fan!
Beauty
My favourite affordable beauty calendars are from Mad beauty they always knock it out the park with their fun and festive beauty calendars.
Disney Mickey Jingle All The Way Day Advent
This is one for the mickey mouse fan or Disney fan of course. With bath and body products in a festive scent. This is a 12-day advent calendar with products ranging from body wash to hand cream and lip balms. A great option for any Disney fan.
MAD Beauty Jingle Bells Advent Calendar
I love the packaging of this calendar and it is crammed packed with self-care goodies. I adore the cranberry scent of these products. This is a 12-day calendar with bath and body products at its heart.
It has everything from bath salts to lip balm and bath super fun and festive.
Dogs
I wouldn't be me if I didn't include one of the most important parts of my family the Dogs This year the dog has a Webbox Christmas Advent Calendar for Dogs. They love to have an advent calendar and will take me to it first thing every morning.
The Webbox dog advent is made from Carob and free from cocoa, grain and wheat. One of my dogs is great and wheat allergic so that is perfect. This is the perfect choice for any pup in your life. They say you can't buy love but with this, I can. It is also made in the UK.
I hope you have enjoyed this little guide to the best advent calendars this year and don't forget to check back as the gift guides are on their way.
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