In 2019, no longer is it acceptable to countdown to Christmas with only chocolate. Alternative advent calendars stuffed with everything from beauty products to scented candles to bottles of prosecco are the festive purchase du jour, and if sales figures from previous seasons are anything to go by, you need to add the release dates to your diary, because these babies sell out fast.
We would, of course, never suggest that you replace your go-to chocolate advent calendar – but this year, there are some truly gorgeous non-chocolate advent calendars to enjoy alongside it. Christmas starts here, with our round-up of the best alternative advent calendars for 2019.
Be sure to bookmark this page, as we’ll be updating it as soon as we find out about the latest advent calendar drops. Oh, and there might even be a little something from the beauty buffs YOU in the works too – we’ll keep you posted.
Beauty advent calendars 2019
Diptyque
Advent Calendar, £320, Diptyque (from November)
Is there any sight more worthy of festive angel song than this many mini Diptyque candles in one place? In the 25 drawers there’s something to suit all noses, from fruity to floral to fresh, plus a selection of gorgeous eau de parfums and even some lucky charms to see you through your Christmas celebrations and beyond.
Net-A-Porter
Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar, £225 (worth £790), Net-A-Porter (from October)
One of the first advent calendars to be unveiled this year is also one of the most luxurious, containing almost £800 of cult products from brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Sunday Riley, Marc Jacobs Beauty and Victoria Beckham favourite, Barbara Sturm. There’s a good mix of skincare and make-up, and a fair amount of haircare tucked in the chic monochrome drawers as well.
Jo Malone
Jo Malone London Advent Calendar, £320, Jo Malone London (from 1 October)
Virtually guaranteed to sell out in seconds, Jo Malone advent calendars are always stunning, and the 2019 edition is no exception. In addition to fragrance – like a mini Blackberry & Bay cologne – you’ll find body care and candles, plus new additions that you might not have tried before, such as the Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense.
Charlotte Tilbury
Glittering Galaxy of Make-up Magic, £150, Charlotte Tilbury
If anything could convince you to jump on the Charlotte Tilbury bandwagon, it’s her incredible ‘Galaxy Of Make-Up’ alternative advent calendar for 2019. Open the drawers to discover the A-list MUA’s hero products, including Magic Cream, Legendary Lashes and a full-size Pillow Talk lipstick (you know, the one that’s so popular it sells every two minutes).
The Body Shop
Ultimate Advent Calendar, £99, The Body Shop (from 9 September)
The Body Shop has three lovely advent calendars this year – the fully-stocked Ultimate option is the most expensive, at £99, but the entry-level calendar, £49, and the deluxe, £69, are both also excellent options, stuffed with a mix of full-size and sample size bestsellers – think shower gels, body butters, face masks and more.
Molton Brown
Advent Calendar, £175, Molton Brown
This black and rose gold calendar is bursting with all of the creams, balms and oils a woman could wish for. Perfect as a gift for a friend or a self-gift of the most luxurious order – indulgent bathing at its finest.
Rituals
Scrubs, gels, and washes all await you inside the the boxes of this 3D calendar, with lotions and potions from many of Rituals’ signature ranges, like the Ritual of Namasté and Samurai. The bottles and tubes are generously sized and smell, as one would expect, delicious. Spoiler alert: every Sunday you get a scented candle.
Atelier Cologne
Atelier Cologne Advent Calendar, £250, Selfridges (from October)
Encased in the beautiful wrapping lie travel sprays, body lotions, hand creams and even full-size 30ml fragrances, plus Atelier’s iconic leather cases so you can keep them safe.
Nuxe
Advent Calendar, £59, Nuxe (from 1 October)
Not already a convert to French beauty company Nuxe’s cult products? This calendar will turn you into one. Start with Huile Prodigieuse, which can be used to nourish your hair and skin whatever the weather, then work your way through the delights of the other tubes and pots.
Food advent calendars 2019
Biscuiteers
Biscuiteers Limited Edition Advent Calendar, £175, Biscuiteers.com (from September)
Anyone who’s ever eaten an immaculate Biscuiteers treat knows that they’re much more than just biscuits – they’re works of art. The £175 price tag includes a fabric calendar designed by Sophie Conran that can be used forever, plus a tin of 24 hand-iced biscuits to fill the pouches this year.
Lifestyle advent calendars 2019
Paperchase
Advent calendar, £35, Paperchase (from 1 October)
If the crisp page of a new notebook is high on your list of favourite things, Paperchase’s advent calendar will be right up your street. The brand hasn’t revealed the full contents of the 24 doors just yet, but you can expect vouchers, pens, stickers, and a 2020 diary, plus many more stationery delights.
Lily’s Kitchen
Christmas Spectacular Advent Calendar for Dogs or Cats, £10, Ocado (from end of September)
For anyone whose four-legged friend is essentially another child, Lily’s Kitchen offer treat-filled calendars for both dogs and cats to keep them happy throughout the run-up to the big day.
