The Best Advent Calendars: Ideas for Every Age and Budget

October 7, 2026

Christmas 2026 key dates (UK)

Black Friday: Friday 27 November
Advent Sunday: 29 November
Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December (bank holiday Monday 28 December)
Last posting dates: Royal Mail usually recommends mid December for second class and a few days later for first class. Check Royal Mail for this year's exact dates.

Advent calendars have gone far beyond chocolate. There are now calendars for beauty fans, gin lovers, LEGO builders, tea drinkers and dogs.

Popular calendars sell out by mid November, so if you have one in mind, buy early. Check what's actually inside before you buy, as value varies a lot.

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For adults

Gin, whisky or wine miniatures
Beauty and skincare
Loose-leaf tea or coffee
Cheese or hot sauce

For kids

Chocolate calendars
LEGO or toy calendars
Craft or activity calendars
Book-a-day calendars

For couples

Date-night idea calendars
Puzzle or escape-room calendars
Candle calendars
A DIY calendar of handwritten notes

DIY ideas

Fill 24 envelopes with notes and treats
Reusable fabric pockets
Matchbox drawers
24 wrapped books

Key things to remember

Buy before mid November.
Check the contents list.
A DIY calendar is the most personal.

Frequently asked questions

When should you buy an advent calendar?

Ideally in October or early November, before popular ones sell out.

When do you start an advent calendar?

Most start on 1 December and run to 24 December.

Are advent calendars good value?

Some are, some aren't. Compare the full-size price of what's inside before buying.

What is a good example of the best advent calendars?

"Gin, whisky or wine miniatures" is one of 16 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

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Gardening Advent Calendar 2026

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