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When I was growing up the only advent calendars were chocolate ones. Plain and simple, and we were always thrilled with the result. Nowadays there is a whole range of options for counting down to Christmas. I’ve scoured the market to find what I think are the best alternatives to chocolate advent calendars.
Chocolate free advent calendars do tend to be a bit more expensive, but quite often the result is something that will get used or enjoy much more than a square of chocolate before breakfast! Plus, an unusual advent calendar is bound to put a smile on someones face.
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Kids Advent Calendars
Crayola Christmas Countdown
An art lovers dream, 24 days of creativity to keep kids occupied right up to Christmas with the Crayola Christmas Countdown. Something to do rather than something to eat, it provides 24 holiday themed crafts to see you through the Christmas season.
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar
There are many lego advent calendar options, but the Star Wars one is my favourite. Suitable for ages 6-14, there are 24 doors to open and over 300 pieces. Behind each one is a Lego Star Wars character or model, which they can play with on the fold out playmat that is included.
If you prefer to make up your own advent calendar for kids then check out these ideas for filling a homemade advent calendar
Playmobil Christmas Advent Calendar
If your little one isn’t ready for Lego yet, then they can still have a playset with the Playmobil advent calendar. It has 24 surprises, which together make a cute Christmas forrest scene. Suitable from 18 months plus, even the littlest playmobil fan can get involved.
Beauty Advent Calendars
Lush 12 Days Of Christmas
The run up to Christmas can be pretty stressful, so the Lush Advent Calendar is the perfect way to wind down. With 12 different bath, shower and body products to enjoy you can appreciate a little gift every day as you count down to the big day.
Technic Cosmetic Calendar
Alternatively, the Technic Christmas Countdown Calendar also has everything you need for basic beauty needs. Each door holds either a beauty goodie or handy accessory. It is a cute beauty advent calendar for teens or adults to both enjoy.
Nivea Advent Calendar
A brand that we all know and love, the Nivea advent calendar has 24 days of creams, face masks, lip balms and more. It is made out of 30% recycled materials and 100% plastic free outer packaging, so you can take care of the planet as well as yourself.
Cath Kidston
As a long term Cath Kidston fan I am so excited to get my hands on one of these! The Cath Kidston Christmas Calendar has 24 beauty treats of hand creams, body lotions, bath fizzers & lip balms. Aimed more at skincare and body care rather than cosmetics it looks like a lovely self care advent calendar.
Booze Advent Calendars
Wine Advent Calendar
Wine is always a hit in our house so this Wine Advent Calendar fits the bill. 24 days of a mixture of red and white wines to keep any wine lover happy! There is even a half bottle of champagne in the roof to enjoy on Christmas eve.
Gin Advent Calendar
While JHogg is opening a beer calendar, I would love a gin one. One of our favourites things to do is try out new gins, but it can take us quite a while to drink a bottle. 24 miniatures in this Gin Advent Calendar means that I could try 24 different gins in December.
If you’re a gin lover then check out the I Love Gin Subscription Box to get gin delivered to your door every month!
Beer Advent Calendar
JHogg is a craft beer fan, and I know a Beer Advent Calendar would be right up his street. 24 brews from pale ales, IPAs, to lagers and more, some will be favourites already and some will be new to try. Just enough to tickle your taste buds while wrapping presents in the evening.
Food And Drink Advent Calendars
Coffee Advent Calendar
Because who doesn’t need a caffeine boost the morning after the Christmas party?!
Haribo Advent Calendar
I have had a Haribo advent calendar in the past. It made a nice change from the usual chocolate calendars and is a bargain price too. Plus – the bags are the perfect size for treating hypos!
Popcorn Advent Calendar
For a sweet treat that isn’t chocolate, the Popcorn Shed Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar has 24 mini bags of flavoured popcorn in 6 different flavours. They even have a vegan advent calendar that is dairy and gluten free to try and accommodate any free-from dietary requirements.
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