If there’s a preferred way to count down to Christmas for most, it would have to be via Christmas advent calendars. Waking up every morning from December 1 until 25 to peel open a cardboard door to find a small surprise…it honestly doesn’t get any better.
Advent calendars have come a long way since being filled with sub-par supermarket chocolate. And, as much as we *try* to enjoy chocolate advent calendars, their novelty wears off quicker than you can say, Feliz Navidad.
Lucky for us, almost every brand (think beauty, wine, candles, LEGO and more) has come out with its version of the best way to count down to Christmas.
So, if you’re ready to up your Christmas countdown game this year, we’ve rounded up the best advent calendars that *aren’t* chocolate to buy for yourself or a loved one.
The best advent calendars that aren’t chocolate 2023
2023 wine advent calendar, $150 at Laithwaites
If a glass of vino is more your forte, Lathwaites has you sorted. 24 doors of festive tipples to discover, from Aussie reds to best-selling Italian Proseccos, there’s a unique drop just waiting to be sipped.
Twelve Wines Of Christmas advent calendar, from $295 at Good Pair Days
Each box features 12 amazing wines, and in true advent calendar fashion, these wines will be hidden from your online cellar until December 1. Plus, each calendar comes with the brand’s custom-designed wine bottle table chiller and matching sparkling wine tumblers to ensure you’re well equipped for a wine-filled countdown.
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Old & Rare whisky advent calendar, $1579 at Master of Malt
Welcome to a whisky-filled countdown with this advent calendar available on Master of Malt. With two dozen whiskies inside waiting to be discovered, it’s the ultimate adventure through the rare delights of the whisky scene.
24-days of Christmas advent calendar, $275 at Glasshouse Fragrances
It’s starting to smell a lot like Christmas! Whether it’s body creams, candles or fragrance mists…Glasshouse Fragrances knows how to do it. This 24-day Christmas advent calendar will leave you (and your home) smelling irresistibly good, but you’ll need to be quick – this limited-edition advent calendar *will* sell out.
The Bearded Man Company Christmas advent calendar, $76.99 at hardtofind
A niche advent calendar that’s well worth considering for the man in your life. Behind each door, there’s an artisan-produced, small-batch and organic beard oil in different scents – he’s bound to find a favourite (or two).
Classic Beauty Advent Calendar, $119 at L’Occitane
Filled with 24 beauty treats to explore through the month of December, this advent calendar is worth the excitement. Featuring a range of your favourite L’Occitane scents and products, you will be glowing all month long.
24 Day Fabulous Tea Bag advent calendar, $48 at T2
We’ll be sipping tea every day until Christmas in December (and beyond) thanks to T2. Experience the taste of T2 with 24 celebratory tea bags – your Sunday afternoon wind down is now a little bit luxe.
Palm Beach Christmas candle advent calendar, $99.95 at Myer
Discover 12 festively fragranced mini candles to burn all month long with scents such as Gingerbread Crumbs, Christmas Tree, Chocolate Candy Cane and more – this is the only way we want to count down to Christmas.
Clinique 24 Days of Clinique, $300 at Adore Beauty
Filled with 24 skincare and makeup essentials (valued at over $570), the Clinique Advent Calendar is one for the wishlist this Christmas. Featuring goodies, including a three-step skincare routine, best-selling lip colour, a cult-favourite makeup remover and more, this box is made for the beauty lover to explore and try all throughout December.
LEGO Harry Potter advent calendar, $53.99 (usually $59.99) at LEGO
LEGO fans – big or small – will be thrilled with this fun and interactive advent calendar. Even more so if you’re a Harry Potter fan. Behind each door, you’ll find pieces that will create iconic film scenes, including mini figures of the film’s main characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and more.
7 Nights Of Temptation lingerie advent calendar, $100 (usually $186.95) at Lovehoney
Your express pass to Santa’s Naughty List. This lingerie advent calendar from Lovehoney features seven of the sexiest lingerie pieces and accessories that are worth over $180. Pieces are adjustable, ensuring you’ll find the perfect size for you.
Drinks by the Dram spiced rum advent calendar, $157.97 at Master of Malt
Discover a whole range of expertly curated spiced and flavoured rums with this spicy advent calendar. Behind each door, you’ll find different wax-sealed 30ml tasters from various producers encompassing various flavours. Are you ready to dive into the world of spiced rum?
