As the evenings get shorter, the knitwear comes out, and the nation quietly debates the appropriate hour to crack open the good tin of chocolates, there’s one festive tradition that’s grown from childhood ritual to fully-fledged lifestyle moment: the Advent Calendar.
Once upon a time it was all cardboard shepherds, glitter that got everywhere, and a daily chocolate shaped like something vaguely seasonal. Now? Advent has become a cultural event in 24 instalments — a miniature world of craftsmanship, indulgence, nostalgia, and the occasional wildcard.
And this year’s crop doesn’t disappoint. From socks to single malts, bricks to beauties, here are some of the standout options worth knowing about.
The SockShop Advent Calendar – 24 Days of Toe-Tapping Joy
For the man (or woman) who appreciates that true style starts from the ground up, The SockShop has delivered a genuinely delightful option. Behind each door sits a fresh pair of socks — patterned, playful, or perfectly understated. It’s the kind of calendar that actually makes December mornings easier: open door, grab socks, crack on with life. No faff, just fun.
If your sock drawer is currently hosting more holes than a darts team practise board, this is the festive reset you need.
Jameson Irish Whiskey Advent Calendar – A Drop of Dublin Each Day
For those who prefer their countdown with a bit more bite, Jameson steps up with an Advent calendar that brings proper Irish cheer to the dark winter nights.
Each window reveals a dram of Jameson’s celebrated Irish whiskey — from classic pours to limited-edition blends. It’s an education, a tasting flight, and an excuse to finish work on time, all rolled into one. It’s also a calendar to be opened responsibly — or at least responsibly enough.
As advent traditions go, this one certainly warms the chest better than a mulled wine in a plastic cup at a damp Christmas market.
Lego Advent Calendar – Nostalgia You Can Build On
A perennial favourite, and for good reason. Lego Advent calendars offer something no other brand can quite match: the daily joy of building something tiny, fun, and completely unnecessary — the very essence of Christmas, some might argue.
Whether you’re into Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, or classic cityscapes, Lego crafts 24 micro-treasures that steadily form a festive scene. This is the perfect option for the young, the young-at-heart, and anyone who has tried adulthood and decided it’s overrated.
Rituals Wreath Advent Calendar – A Luxe Twist on Tradition
Rituals have taken the Advent game to sculptural new heights with their Wreath Advent Calendar — a beautifully designed, ready-to-hang centrepiece that doubles as décor.
Packed with indulgent minis from their signature collections — think foaming shower gels, home fragrances, creams, candles, and self-care treats — it’s essentially a daily spa moment disguised as a Christmas decoration. Stylish, serene, and absolutely on-brand for anyone who likes their December with a side of calm.
Football Advent Calendar (24‑Day) by HOIDOKLY
– For the Footie Fanatic
This calendar from HOIDOKLY is tailor-made for lovers of the beautiful game. It features 24 days of football-themed surprises — small accessories, charms and merriment designed to count you down to Christmas while showing off your sport obsession. It’s available on Amazon UK (sold via “Hoidokly Direct”) and described as:
- “Advent calendar 2025 football contains 24 unique and adorable characters to brighten up every day of December.”
- “Advent Calendar football 2025 surprise your loved ones with a gift that combines creativity and festivity.”
- Ideal for younger fans or anyone who wants a seasonal build-up with a sporty twist.
Lindt Chocolate Factory Advent Calendar – John Lewis Exclusive
If December had a flavour, Lindt would probably claim it. And honestly? Fair play to them. The Lindt Chocolate Factory Advent Calendar, available exclusively at John Lewis, is the kind of festive indulgence that makes you briefly consider replacing breakfast with truffles — purely for seasonal morale, of course.
Presented like a miniature cocoa wonderland, this calendar is filled with a curated selection of Lindt favourites: milk classics, melt-in-the-mouth minis, and those dangerously moreish nuggets that disappear far quicker than you’d care to admit. It’s the grown-up version of the Advent calendars we loved as kids — but with far better chocolate and far less disappointment behind each door.
At £25, it strikes that sweet spot between treat and tradition. Stick it on the kitchen counter, the office desk, or anywhere you need a daily morale boost. After all, December is a marathon… and Lindt is deliciously reliable fuel.
If you’d like, I can now re-drop this into the full Advent post so everything sits seamlessly together.
Bosch Hand Tool Advent Calendar 2025 – 41-Piece DIY Kit
If your inner handyman (or handywoman) wants a proper festive workout, the Bosch 41-piece Advent Calendar is the kind of gift that makes December both practical and fun. Behind each of the 24 doors, you’ll find a real, high-quality Bosch tool or accessory — not a cheap toy, but proper gear that’s built to last.
Here’s what’s inside: a 150 mm hacksaw, a T-handle bit screwdriver plus 18 bits, 180 mm combination pliers, a deep-hole marker pencil, a 10-piece hex key set, two extra hacksaw blades, and even six multicolour pencil leads — all stored in a rugged fabric zip-up bag.
It’s not the cheapest calendar on the shelf — Very lists it at £43.99. But for a quality tool kit that you’ll actually use after Christmas? That’s pretty solid value. Plus, you’ll get a storage bag from Day 1, so you’re not left with loose bits scattered around your workshop.
SELFRIDGES SELECTION Festive Mini Mince Pie Advent Calendar
If your December mood leans more “comfort food gourmand” than “squeaky clean spa,” then the Selfridges Selection Mini Mince Pie Advent Calendar is your secret weapon. Behind each of its 24 doors (yes, 24 — with a cheeky little bonus cake on Day 25), you’ll find a tiny, buttery pastry bursting with festive flavours.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill mince pies, either: there are classic, citrus, almond and chocolate-topped versions to keep things interesting. And if you somehow make it to Christmas Day without eating half the calendar already? Door 25 reveals a mini Meg Rivers Christmas cake.
Priced at £39.99, it’s a luxurious, indulgent way to countdown — especially for anyone who thinks mince pies are the understated MVP of the festive season.
