Yes the big countdown is on, no not Brexit, forget all that doom and gloom as Christmas is on its way. It’s finally December and to mark the first post of our festive Countdown we’ve earmarked day one of Advent with a collection of the very best Advent Calendars around at the moment. Not a chance will you be finding some limp Sprigg of holly or a Solitary chocolate button in any of these little beauties, no siree its festive cheer or maybe even cheers with these bevvy of beauties.
First up one for the ladies, make this year’s countdown to Christmas the best yet with the 24 Days of Clinique advent calendar. Bursting with the brand’s signature skincare, fragrance and make-up must-haves, including the Smart Night, Custom-Repair Moisturizer, Pep-Start, Eye Cream and Clinique Pop, Lip Colour and Primer, it’s guaranteed to get loyal fans of the label and novices alike in the festive spirit.
Now is a daily stationery gift the stuff of your dreams? If so, this stationery-centric advent calendar from super sweet Swedish label Kikki K. is perfect for you (we’re sure it makes a good gift, too, although you might find yourself reluctant to hand it over). From sweet star-covered pens to stickers, candles, little notepads and inspiring quotes, every day holds a new little surprise in the run up to Christmas Day.
Yes I know this next Calendar isn’t strictly an Advent Calendar, but it is still the season to be jolly and the Clarins for Men 12 days of Christmas calendar could be an absolute God send if we indulge a little too much in the Yuletide Merriments. Set contains: Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream 20ml, Active Hand Care, Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate 100ml, Blue Orchid Oil, Super Moisture Balm, Shampoo & Shower, Active Face Wash, SOS Hydra Mask, Line Control Balm, Relax Bath and Shower Concentrate, 7 Day Double Serum and Hydra-Essentiel Lip Tube.
Now, down to the good stuff, this one is strictly for Adults only and should be kept out of reach of little prying hands. This Advent Calendar includes a full bottle of The Lakes Distillery award winning Explorer Gin. Perfect for pairing with the premium tonics behind every door. Just add ice and join in the Christmas Spirit! It includes: Gin Lakes Explorer Gin Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon TonicWater Double Dutch Indian Tonic Water Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil Tonic Water Franklin and Sons Pink Grapefruit Tonic with Bergamot Franklin and Sons Rosemary Tonic with Black Olive Lixir Tonic Blood Orange & Cinnamon Fentimans Naturally Light Tonic Water Luscombe Grapefruit Tonic Water, Phew.
What better way to count down to Christmas than with the L’Occitane Calendar of Dreams! Hidden behind every door are 24 magic treats for yourself or the loved ones from L’Occitane fragrance, skincare, body and hair care. Illustrating this year’s calendar is French fashion house Castelbajac Paris. When L’Occitane’s ethical and sustainable commitments meet the bright, bold and colourful world of Castelbajac, the result is a happy and poetic expression, beautifully translated in L’Occitane’s Calendar of Dreams.
Ohhh this could keep fellas happy and quite for hours with a Build your own piece of retro technology over 24 days – a working analogue film camera! Construct a mini replica of a classic 1929 twin lens reflex camera. Includes detailed manual, mini screwdriver and surprise accessories! Camera film not included. I do need to point out that this is Suitable for age 14 years +and includes: Camera parts, mini screwdriver, instruction booklet, surprise accessories.
The stunning, five-storey façade depicts the iconic frontage of Newby’s own headquarters: N. Sethia House. Depicting a glamorous Venetian masquerade festive soiree in full swing complete with a smattering of snowfall, the calendar is a work of art you’ll look forward to opening every morning. From the opening of the first drawer on 1st December, tea lovers experience 24 luxury blends from Newby’s Classic Tea Bag Collection. Each drawer includes four individually wrapped sachets of a select Newby blend, and no two drawers are the same.
One for the connoisseurs of the fine art of craft brewing. This advent calendar contains a selection brewed by Adnams in Southwold. Designed to take you on a tasty beer adventure from lagers via pale ales, it provides a very “hoppy” start to your Christmas celebrations, including the Earl Grey Lager, Blackshore Stout and Ghost ship. Hic.
To counter the inevitable effects of the festive season, those kind folk over at MRPORTER have thoughtfully selected a bunch of products that’ll hide signs of late nights, long days and plummeting temperatures – call it the ’12 Days of Grooming’, if you will, though we won’t blame you if you can’t wait to open each drawer. It comes housed in a compact presentation box that makes it a great gift for loved ones, too And contents everything from Dr Barbara Sturm’s Face Scrub which rejuvenates skin and contains Vitamin A and Horse Chestnut Serum to reduce redness. Baxter of California’s aluminium and alcohol-free Travel Sized Deodorant is made with Witch Hazel and Tea Tree extracts to keep you fresh all day. Right the way through to Marvis’ Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste is formulated to target plaque and dull-looking teeth. 
’Tisn’t the season to do things by halves. Open up this two-sided advent calendar packed full of gifts, which makes a great Christmas present in itself. Daily surprises include Salted Caramel Vodka, crackers filled with pecan praline, a meltingly-smooth Hazelnut Bûche, macadamia and coconut snowballs (too good to throw) and our super-smooth, award-winning Cocoa Gin. Make every day merry and brighter.
