Remember when advent calendars were little more than a paper square that you peeled back to reveal a mini festive scene?
Now seeing what’s behind that little door each morning is more exciting than what’s buried beneath the tree.
For children the countdown is what makes the real magic of Christmas, which is why we have selected our favourites for mums, children and the whole family.
For Mamas...
Best For Luxury: Maison Dior
Who doesn’t want to open the door to Maison Dior’s enchanted world before the school run each morning? Illustrated by Vincent Darre, it features amazing mini versions of their beauty classics and candles – a true Christmas indulgence.
Best For Value: Marks & Spencer
As essential as your festive bag of Percy Pigs – Marks & Spencer’s beauty bonanza boasts £300 worth of product, which you can buy for £40 when you spend £25 on clothing, home and beauty in store or online. Bring on the Christmas countdown.
Best For Something Different: Fortnum & Mason
When the Christmas madness hits, sometimes only some dark chocolate Florentines and a quarter bottle of champagne will do, which is why Fortnum & Mason’s Feasting advent calendar is one of our favourites.
Best For Fragrance: L'Occitane
Featuring 24 of the brand’s most popular products including Shea Intensive hand balm, thirst-quenching cream and cherry blossom bath and shower gel, this one is selling fast.
And For Children...
Best Value: Lego Harry Potter
Calling all Harry Potter fans (a few mums and dads will be all over this too) this brilliant calendar includes a micro Hogwarts Express, a Great Hall table, as well as Hermione, Ron, Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter himself not to mention Hedwig – it’s a great buy.
Best For Chocolate: Hotel Chocolat
It’s hard to beat Hotel Chocolat when it comes to a sweet indulgence, and their Up To Snow Good children’s calendar is filled with delicious snowmen, penguins and Santas – just don’t be surprised if all the doors are opened by week one.
Best For Keeping Them Amused: Playmobil
Little ones will love building their very own Santa’s Christmas workshop as they countdown to the big day. Bursting with sleighs, elves, toys and angels it will keep them amused long after the last door is opened.
Best For Stationary Joy: Smiggle
We have yet to meet a child who doesn’t love Smiggle. Stacked with stationery surprises, there are also 30 golden tickets to win a huge Smiggle shopping spree – cue excited squealing.
And The Ultimate For All The Family: Fortnum & Mason
A family heirloom to treasure: fill this beautiful musical wooden calendar with your own treats and gifts in the run up to Christmas and as you open each door, it plays a merry tune – it doesn’t get much better.
