Count down to the most wonderful time of the year with our pick of the best and most unique Advent calendars
Our five favourite Advent calendars
Best for: beauty devotees
Extravagant beauty Advent calendars are increasingly popular and now Harvey Nichols is getting in on the action with the release of its first one. Full to the brim with 34 goodies (that’s multiple presents per day!), it includes mini favourites from Harvey Nichols’ finest beauty brands, including Fenty Beauty, La Prairie, Charlotte Tilbury and La Mer. There are even five vouchers for in-store treatments. Better still, the calendar is an absolute steal at just £250, with the contents worth over £1,200. The Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2022, £250, Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Best for: eco warriors
If you’re on the hunt for something a little different, then look no further than Holland & Barrett’s 25 Days of Conscious Beauty Advent Calendar. This extra-special calendar features 25 vegan-friendly beauty and wellbeing products – including 14 full-size gifts – from a range of brands that includes Weleda, Evolve and Ethique. In total, the products are worth over £180, but you can snap up the calendar for just £35. Holland & Barrett 25 Days of Conscious Beauty Advent Calendar, £35, Holland & Barrett, 50 Brompton Road, SW3 1BW
Best for: alternative sweet treats
This whimsical festive Advent calendar from award-winning popcorn makers Joe & Seph’s is perfect for those who fancy something a little different from solid chocolate during the countdown to Christmas. Behind each door is a taster of delicious popcorn – with over 175g in total. Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar, £29.95, available at Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Best for: head-to-toe beauty
Space NK is back with its best-selling beauty Advent calendar, featuring 25 carefully curated gifts. Filled with products from a host of premium brands, from a Summer Fridays CC Me Serum to a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick, this is one Advent calendar you’ll want to keep all to yourself. Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar, £215, Space NK, 40 Hans Crescent, SW1X 0LZ
Best for: the house proud
This limited-edition calendar from Florentine master perfumer Dr Vranjes is truly one of a kind. Handmade in Tuscany, this impressive calendar features 24 “scented surprises” inside beautifully crafted windows and drawers. Discover a mix of scented candles, home fragrance sprays and Christmas ornaments. Once you’ve got through the calendar by Christmas Day, make sure you hold on to it as a decorative jewellery holder. Dr Vranjes Firenze Home Fragrance Advent Calendar, £400, available at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL