What are advent calendars used for?

They count down the days to Christmas, with one door to open each day. Advent is the Christian season of preparation before Christmas, and the custom began in German Christian households. Almost all the calendars here are secular, with chocolate, toys, beauty products, tea or dog treats behind the doors.

When should you give someone an advent calendar?

Give it before 1 December, so the first door can be opened that morning. Late November is the usual time, and ordering in October or early November lowers the risk of sold-out stock. If it arrives after 1 December, the recipient can open the doors up to that day’s date.

Why do advent calendars only have 24 doors?

Most count the days from 1 December to Christmas Eve, which gives 24 doors. A few add a 25th door for Christmas Day, as some chocolate and seed calendars on this site do. The church season of Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so its length changes from year to year, while shop calendars keep to the fixed December dates.

How much does an advent calendar cost?

In this collection prices run from £4 to £37, with the middle near £15. Chocolate calendars start at £3 and the middle of that range is £10, while toy calendars sit near £25 and beauty ones near £33. Divide any price by 24 to see what one door costs.

What is the best advent calendar this year?

No single calendar suits everyone, so start with the person. A child needs a toy calendar with the right age label, an adult usually wants tea, chocolate, a hobby kit or beauty products, and a chocolate calendar works for almost anyone who eats chocolate. The best advent calendars guide compares chocolate, beauty and LEGO calendars.

Are there advent calendars for dogs?

Yes. Dog calendars hold 24 treats made for dogs, such as meaty or grain-free ones. Do not feed a dog from a human chocolate calendar, because chocolate is toxic to dogs. The guide to dog advent calendars covers which ones are safe.

Advent calendars: chocolate, beauty, toys and more page 2

Mason Life

Mason Life fishing advent calendar, 24 lures for fresh and salt water

★★★★★★★★★★ (174)

£16.79 View on Amazon

Mydova

Christmas tree building set advent calendar, 24 boxes, 1,100 pieces

★★★★★★★★★★ (170)

£33.99 View on Amazon

Topline

Seeds advent calendar with 24 seed packets and 2-piece greenhouse

★★★★★★★★★★ (164)

£27.99 View on Amazon

Ucanbe

UCANBE 2026 makeup advent calendar, primer, lip oil, lash curler

★★★★★★★★★★ (161)

£34.99 View on Amazon

Yunstk

Gemstone advent calendar for kids, 24 rocks and DIY jewellery

★★★★★★★★★★ (142)

£15.99 View on Amazon

Baeido

Chakra crystal advent calendar, 24 stones with cards and pouch

★★★★★★★★★★ (142)

£14.99 View on Amazon

Get Trend

Marvel socks advent calendar, 24 pairs, UK sizes 7 to 11

★★★★★★★★★★ (128)

£40.49 View on Amazon

Love Urban Beauty

Love Urban Beauty vegan makeup advent calendar, 24 gifts

★★★★★★★★★★ (121)

£13.99 View on Amazon

Mini Brands

Mini Brands mini books advent calendar by ZURU, 24 miniatures

★★★★★★★★★★ (113)

£19.99 View on Amazon

Oukzon

Oukzon men’s advent calendar, 24 days, beard care and body care

★★★★★★★★★★ (111)

£29.99 View on Amazon

iZoeL

Fitness advent calendar with 24 gym accessories and bands

★★★★★★★★★★ (107)

£33.99 View on Amazon

MAD Beauty

Disney Stitch bath and body advent calendar by MAD Beauty

★★★★★★★★★★ (106)

£24.95 View on Amazon

Lihao

Wooden Christmas tree advent calendar with 24 hanging decorations

★★★★★★★★★★ (89)

£13.99 View on Amazon

GuyLian

Guylian Belgian praline chocolates advent calendar, 254 g

★★★★★★★★★★ (88)

£15.99 View on Amazon

Onehaus

Golf advent calendar with ball markers, balls, tees and socks

★★★★★★★★★★ (85)

£21.99 View on Amazon

TonJin

Fishing lure advent calendar, 24 baits for fresh and saltwater

★★★★★★★★★★ (73)

£15.98 View on Amazon

Cadbury

Cadbury Biscoff advent calendar with 24 chocolate chunks, 236 g

★★★★★★★★★★ (61)

£5.48 View on Amazon

KitKat

KitKat milk chocolate Christmas advent calendar, 85 g

★★★★★★★★★★ (53)

£3.40 View on Amazon

Ucanbe

UCANBE 24-piece makeup advent calendar, liquid blush and sponge

★★★★★★★★★★ (51)

£27.18 View on Amazon

Pringles

Pringles advent calendar with 40 g tubs of crisps

★★★★★★★★★★ (48)

£32.30 View on Amazon

Manucurist

Manucurist nail polish and nail care advent calendar, 24 products

★★★★★★★★★★ (46)

£110.00 View on Amazon

Laikou

LAIKOU Sakura advent calendar, 24 days of skincare and body care

★★★★★★★★★★ (38)

£54.97 View on Amazon

Badcolor

BADCOLOR 2026 makeup advent calendar with bronzer and false nails

★★★★★★★★★★ (37)

£31.99 View on Amazon

Saffron LONDON

Saffron London men’s advent calendar, 24 days of mini fragrances

★★★★★★★★★★ (35)

£39.99 View on Amazon

Toospesy

Kids’ washable makeup advent calendar with unicorn bag, ages 6+

★★★★★★★★★★ (29)

£29.99 View on Amazon

Prices checked on Amazon UK on 3 October 2026; they may have changed since. The price ranges and medians quoted in the text of this page come from the check of 29 September 2026. Ratings and review counts are those of Amazon shoppers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.