Amazing advent calendars for the Christmas countdown

The countdown to Christmas is almost upon us, and while the supermarket aisles are lined with chocolate-filled calendars and Christmas confectionery, we’re counting down the days with a twist this festive season.

We’ve pulled together a selection of stunning advent calendars to bring extra sparkle to your December days, from luxury whiskies and craft gins to fragrant teas and tasty cheese.

Whether you’re looking for an extra special gift or fancy treating yourself in the run up to Christmas – these are our favourite decadent doors you won’t want to wait to open.

Runner’s Advent Calendar

Bimble & Bolt, £39.99

If your New Year’s resolution involves donning a pair of running trainers and hitting the January streets, this is the advent calendar for you. 

Each gift has been hand-picked with runners in mind, from fitness accessories to hydration and snacks that will have you jogging out the door before you can say ‘another mince pie, please’. 

This calendar also makes a great gift for park runners, marathon makers and fitness fanatics. Run don’t walk – this one usually sells out fast.

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Little People, BIG DREAMS Advent Book Collection

Waterstones, £21.99

This one’s for the bookworms. Each envelope features a mini book dedicated to inspirational people throughout history, from freedom-fighter Martin Luther King to pop sensation Taylor Swift.

Designers and artists, activists and scientists – all feature an inspirational message to encourage your small ones to dream big.

We think this is a magical way to switch the chocolate for keepsakes that little kids (and big kids) will treasure.

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Ilchester Cheese Advent Calendar

Ocado, £9

If the Christmas Day cheeseboard still feels like a distant dream, this advent calendar will satisfy your cheese cravings one door at a time. It’s also a great way to sample some different cheeses so you can curate the perfect cheeseboard come the big day. 

You’ll want to keep this one in the fridge though, or you’ll have more stinky cheese than you bargained for.

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Jesus is Born Traditional Advent Calendar

The Advent Calendar Shop, £6.99

For a more traditional (and sustainable) approach to advent, these paper calendars are beautifully illustrated and will bring a smile to your face every day. This one depicts a snowy nativity scene – behind each door you’ll be delighted by a detailed and decorative picture. 

There are lots of other retro designs to choose from too, with pop-up options available for extra oomph.

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Craft Gin Club Countdown Gift Set

John Lewis & Partners, £34.95

Not a traditional advent calendar, this seven-day countdown calendar is sure to get you in the party spirit, with gin-spired treats behind every door – from mini bottles of hand-picked craft gin to gin-scented candles. 

An excellent Christmas gift for gin lovers, who will be able to count down to the New Year in style.

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Luxury Whisky Advent Calendar

Not on the High Street, £249.95

Experience the rarest and most luxurious flavours of Scotland with this stunning whisky advent calendar. Presented in a wooden cabinet-style box, each whisky is hand-picked from the best distillers in Scotland, across the Lowland, Speyside, Highlands, Islands, Islay and Campbelltown regions.

Each dram contains 50ml straight from the cask whisky – what better way to warm up on a cold December day than a sip of the best whisky Scotland has to offer?

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Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Brewdog, £55

Brewdog is back with its crate of 24 Christmas craft beers, complete with a special Brewdog glass to serve your festive beers. It’s great value for money at just £55, and an ideal gift for the beer-lovers in your life.

A very hoppy Christmas indeed. 

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Piccadilly House Musical Advent Calendar

Fortnum & Mason, £180

Fortnum and Mason know how to elevate the advent calendar experience. This beautifully crafted wooden calendar not only looks stunning – depicting the iconic Piccadilly façade all decked out in festive frills – it also plays a jolly Christmas tune every time you open a miniature door. 

It’s worth splurging on this decadent calendar for the musical box alone, which can be refilled each Christmas and passed down as a family heirloom. Not to mention the sweet and personalised treats that will delight you behind every door. 

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Newby Teas Advent Calendar

Selfridges, £89.99

If your day doesn't start without a cup of tea, this advent calendar is sure to put a spring in your step from the very first mug. 

Starting with a classic English Breakfast and taking you on a fragrant journey through Moroccan Mint, Indian Breakfast and Pride of Africa, each sachet of Newby Tea will transport you somewhere warm and cosy on those chilly December days. 

It also comes in this beautifully designed box, with a drawer for each sachet. Tea-lightful!

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Farmshop Christmas Advent Calendar

Daylesford, £250

Another advent calendar we would buy for the box alone, which is modelled on Daylesford’s flagship store and artistically reimagined by artist Nina Fuga. They’re also handmade, which makes this advent calendar an extra-special choice this Christmas.

Inside, you’ll find 24 hand-crafted treats from the farm shop, from fine foods to fragrance that will keep your home smelling – and tasting – divine throughout the festive season.

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