Best advent calendars UK 2023: top festive countdown picks
Looking for the perfect advent calendar to count down to Christmas? From luxurious beauty collections to exclusive jewelry pieces, the UK market offers an exciting array of options for the 2023 festive season. Let’s explore some of the most popular beauty advent calendars that promise to make your December truly special.
Most popular beauty advent calendars
Beauty advent calendars have become increasingly sought-after in recent years, offering an exciting way to discover new products and indulge in luxury skincare and cosmetics. Here are some of the most impressive options for 2023:
Vogue festive calendar
The Vogue Festive Calendar stands out as one of the most luxurious offerings of 2023, priced at £350. This premium calendar includes 31 carefully curated products, featuring 13 full-sized beauty items and an exclusive bracelet worth £110. The total value exceeds £1,500, making it an attractive option for beauty enthusiasts seeking luxury products.
Liberty beauty advent calendar
Liberty’s highly anticipated beauty advent calendar, priced at £250, offers exceptional value with products worth over £1,000. The calendar includes 29 premium products, with 20 full-size items spanning skincare, fragrance, candles, and haircare. Some lucky purchasers might even find a golden ticket worth a £1,000 Liberty store voucher.
Sephora favourites advent calendar
The Sephora Favourites calendar, available for £189, presents an impressive collection of 36 products, including 23 full-sized items from prestigious brands like Neom, Rare, and Elemis. This calendar represents excellent value for those wanting to explore a diverse range of beauty products.
Rituals premium advent calendar
At £165, the Rituals Premium Advent Calendar offers a unique experience with its LED Christmas lights decoration. The calendar contains 24 products, including five full-sized items, and is thoughtfully designed to appeal to both men and women. You can find more details about this calendar on Grazia Daily.
Soap & Glory ’It’s a Pinker Wonderland’
For those seeking a more affordable option, the Soap & Glory calendar offers excellent value at £36.80. This festive treasure includes 24 products, featuring sheet masks, fragrances, body care items, and skincare essentials. While it includes numerous body creams, the four full-size body products make it a worthwhile investment for body care enthusiasts.
Barry M 25 days of beauty discovery
Priced at £45, this vegan and cruelty-free calendar includes 25 full-sized products, making it an excellent value proposition. The selection features 11 makeup items, seven nail polishes, and seven accessories, all exclusive to the calendar. You can explore more beauty advent calendar options at TAT London.
These beauty advent calendars offer various price points and product combinations, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or searching for the perfect gift, these calendars provide an exciting way to countdown to Christmas while discovering new beauty favorites.
Luxury and jewelry advent calendars of 2023
For those seeking an extra special countdown to Christmas, luxury and jewelry advent calendars offer an indulgent way to celebrate the festive season. These premium calendars combine exquisite craftsmanship with precious materials, making them perfect for treating yourself or as a memorable gift.
Missoma gold jewelry advent calendar
The Missoma Gold Jewellery Advent Calendar stands out as one of 2023’s most coveted luxury options, priced at £395. This carefully curated collection includes 12 pieces of stunning jewelry worth over £827, making it an excellent value proposition for fine jewelry enthusiasts. The calendar features:
- Signature Mini Star Ridge Pendant Necklace
- Lucy Williams Mini Orb Ear Cuff
- Various earrings, necklaces, and bracelets
- Mix of classic and contemporary designs
The White Company luxury home advent calendar
The White Company’s advent calendar offers a sophisticated approach to festive countdown, priced at £195. This elegant calendar features 25 pull-out drawers filled with premium home fragrances and accessories, including:
- Four full-size signature candles
- Mini home sprays
- Exclusive illustration of the flagship store
- 25 days of luxury gifts (one more than standard)
Bamford 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar
For those who appreciate botanical luxury, the Bamford advent calendar, priced at £195 (with contents worth £270), delivers a premium experience with:
- Nine full-sized items
- Premium candles and fragrances
- Botanical hand and body care products
- Elegant packaging perfect for gifting
Bobbi Brown Dazzle and Glow advent calendar
The Bobbi Brown advent calendar combines luxury with practical beauty essentials at £160 (worth £223). The carefully selected contents include:
- Three full-sized premium makeup items
- Nourishing skincare products
- Professional-grade cosmetics
- Exclusive holiday-themed packaging
These luxury advent calendars represent some of the finest options available in the UK market for 2023, offering exceptional quality and value despite their premium price points. Each calendar provides a unique way to experience high-end products while building anticipation for the holiday season.
Chocolate and food advent calendars
For those with a sweet tooth or foodie inclinations, chocolate and food advent calendars offer a delectable way to count down to Christmas. These calendars remain the most popular choice in the UK, with 64% of consumers opting for chocolate-filled varieties according to recent statistics from Statista.
Premium chocolate advent calendars
Luxury chocolate advent calendars have seen a surge in popularity, offering artisanal truffles and high-quality confections. Notable options include:
- Fortnum’s Chocolate Truffle Selection – featuring hand-crafted truffles and pralines
- Lindt Festive Select Calendar – offering a mix of premium milk, dark, and white chocolates
- Hotel Chocolat Grand Advent Calendar – including both classic and innovative flavour combinations
Gourmet food calendars
Beyond chocolate, food-themed advent calendars have expanded to include various gourmet offerings. Popular choices include:
- Cheese advent calendars featuring artisanal selections
- Tea and coffee calendars with daily brewing options
- Popcorn calendars with different flavours each day
- Jam and preserves calendars featuring seasonal varieties
Beverage advent calendars
Drinks-themed calendars have become increasingly sophisticated, with options such as the Hawkstone ’The Hoppy Christmas One’ advent calendar, priced at £85. This particular calendar, as noted by Grazia Daily, includes 24 different beverages ranging from premium lagers to craft IPAs and ciders.
Other beverage calendar options include:
- Wine calendars featuring both red and white varieties
- Gin calendars with different botanical blends
- Non-alcoholic options featuring craft sodas and premium soft drinks
Dietary-specific options
To cater to various dietary requirements, many manufacturers now offer specialised advent calendars:
- Vegan chocolate calendars using plant-based ingredients
- Gluten-free confectionery options
- Sugar-free alternatives for health-conscious consumers
- Organic and fair-trade chocolate selections
When selecting a food or beverage advent calendar, consider factors such as dietary requirements, storage conditions, and expiration dates. Many premium calendars require pre-ordering due to high demand and limited availability.
Kids and toy advent calendars
The excitement of counting down to Christmas takes on a whole new dimension with toy advent calendars, offering children daily surprises that spark imagination and creativity. These calendars have become increasingly sophisticated, featuring beloved brands and collectible items that create lasting memories.
LEGO advent calendars
LEGO continues to dominate the toy advent calendar market with multiple themed options that combine building fun with festive excitement. Their 2023 collection includes the popular LEGO City, LEGO Friends, and Star Wars editions, each containing 24 unique builds that can be integrated into existing collections. Each door reveals buildable mini-figures, vehicles, or seasonal decorations that create an engaging Christmas narrative.
Character-themed calendars
Popular franchises have embraced the advent calendar trend, with Harry Potter and Playmobil leading the way. These calendars typically feature:
- Collectible figurines and accessories
- Scene-building elements
- Character-specific items
- Interactive play features
Educational advent calendars
A growing trend in the toy advent calendar sector is the focus on educational value. These calendars combine learning with fun through:
- Science experiments and activities
- Arts and crafts projects
- Building challenges
- Nature-themed discoveries
Sustainable options
Responding to increasing environmental awareness, many manufacturers now offer eco-friendly alternatives. Wooden reusable advent calendars have gained popularity, allowing parents to fill compartments with their chosen toys or treats year after year. These sustainable options often feature:
- Recyclable materials
- Wooden construction
- Refillable compartments
- Heirloom-quality craftsmanship
When selecting a toy advent calendar, consider the child’s age, interests, and the calendar’s long-term play value. Many of these calendars create collections that can be enjoyed long after the holiday season has passed, making them a worthwhile investment in holiday joy and entertainment.
Where to buy advent calendars online
Finding the perfect advent calendar is easier than ever with numerous online retailers offering extensive selections. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places to purchase advent calendars in the UK.
Major retailers
Leading department stores and beauty retailers offer exclusive advent calendars, often featuring their own branded products or curated selections from multiple brands. Notable options include:
- Liberty London – Known for their highly sought-after beauty advent calendar
- Selfridges – Offers premium beauty and lifestyle calendars
- Cult Beauty – Features carefully curated beauty products
- Sephora – Provides a mix of makeup, skincare, and beauty accessories
Supermarket options
Major supermarkets provide more affordable advent calendar options, with many offering special deals through their loyalty programs. Supermarket advent calendars often include:
- Morrisons – Offers exclusive deals through their More loyalty scheme
- Tesco – Features special Clubcard prices on advent calendars
- Aldi – Provides budget-friendly options across various categories
- Lidl – Offers digital advent calendar rewards through Lidl Plus
Specialist retailers
For specific themed advent calendars, several specialist retailers offer unique options. Premium advent calendars can be found at:
- The White Company – Luxury home and lifestyle calendars
- Fortnum & Mason – Gourmet food and drink selections
- Pandora – Exclusive jewelry advent calendars
- LEGO – Official LEGO themed calendars
Timing your purchase
Many popular advent calendars sell out quickly, particularly premium beauty and luxury options. It’s advisable to:
- Sign up for retailer newsletters to receive early access
- Purchase as soon as calendars become available (usually October)
- Join loyalty programs for exclusive pre-sale access
- Set reminders for release dates of limited edition calendars
Keep in mind that while some retailers offer last-minute deals, the most sought-after calendars typically sell out well before December. Consider signing up for waiting lists if your preferred calendar is temporarily out of stock.