From Cadbury to Lego and PlayStation, we look at the top chocolate, alcohol and beauty advent calendars for 2024.
Until just a few years ago, UK advent calendars were hardly the most inspiring of products.
However, things have moved on lately as festive fans can now spend hundreds of pounds on luxury calendars stocked with anything from champagne to cheese.
But how do you find an affordable option? We’ve searched for the best value-for-money advent calendars of 2024.
While we’ve always attempted to find calendars for under £10 in previous years, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis didn’t make that easy in 2024.
Chocolate advent calendars
Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar, £1 at Morrisons, £2+ elsewhere
If you have fairly traditional tastes, an advent calendar from Cadbury is likely to occupy pride of place on your mantelpiece when December comes.
You can currently pick one up for just £1 from Morrisons (offer expires end Sunday, 10 November).
Sadly it's in-store only and you'll need to hold a More loyalty card to get that price, otherwise, it's £2.75
If you miss the Sunday deadline, or simply don't live near a Morrisons, then Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco all sell it for £2.
You’ll need a Nectar card to bag this price from Sainsbury’s as it is typically £2.25.
Likewise, you’ll need a Clubcard to get the discounted price at Tesco as it is normally £2.50.
Galaxy Advent Calendar, £2.45, Tesco
If you’re a fan of Galaxy chocolate, this could be a cheap option.
Although the calendar is normally £2.75, Clubcard members can bag it at Tesco for £2.45 until 4 December.
Up to Snow Good Advent Calendar, £8.95, Hotel Chocolat
We’re always pleased to see an option from luxury brand Hotel Chocolat on our tenner budget, so it’s good to know the Up to Snow Good advent calendar has made a return this year.
It includes 24 penguins, Santa figures and snowmen, with a supersized option on Christmas Eve.
An ‘Unbelievably Vegan’ option is also out there, which includes 24 “cute chocolate characters” in Nutmilk.
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Beauty advent calendars
Sence Collection advent calendar, £16.66, Boots
If you’re looking to bag a bargain, a beauty advent calendar may not be the best option as these tend to be at the pricier end of the market.
One of the most affordable options for cosmetic fans this year is the Sence Collection Holiday Spirit calendar from Boots.
According to the website, it includes “25 mini self-care treasures”, such as bath crystals, body mist, a hair and face mask.
Chit Chat 24-Day Cosmetic and Toiletries advent calendar, £11, Argos
As another relatively affordable option, Argos’ Chit Chat 24-Day Cosmetic and Toiletries range comes shaped as a Christmas tree.
It includes four nail polishes, four eye shadows, one lip balm and one nail file.
Although you can currently get the calendar for £11, this is a massive discount as it is normally £22.
12 Days of Beautiful Advent Calendar, £14.95, W7 Makeup
During a limited-time offer, cosmetics company W7 has a Days of Beautiful advent calendar.
As a 12-day offering, its contents include lipsticks, gloss, bronzing drops and mascara.
A Beauty Bites Version is also available from Superdrug, for £19.95.
According to the product description, this includes “12 glamorous makeup surprises”.
Lego and toy Advent Calendar, £16.99, Very
As any parent probably knows, you’re unlikely to find a Lego calendar for under £10. But we thought it was worth including the cheapest options for those hoping to treat Lego fans.
As a gift for children of five and over, this year’s offering also allows you to fold out the playmat on the box into a wintery scene.
At the moment, Very has this on offer for £16.99 – reduced from £19.99.
Similarly, it is currently available for the same rates from Amazon.
However, as these products are often in high demand, stocks tend to sell out quickly.
Also, be aware that it does include a fairly hefty 195 pieces.
Paw Patrol Advent Calendar, £15, Argos
If you fancy a change from Lego, there’s the Paw Patrol advent calendar. It will set you back a bit more at around £15 from Argos.
It Includes figures of the pups and allows kids to create “a thrilling snow day in Adventure Bay”.
There are 24 gifts included.
Fill-your-own advent calendars
Fabric Advent Calendar, £8, Ocado
If you’d prefer to give a more personalised gift over the festive season, you might want to consider this “fabric tree” option from Ocado.
Being primarily designed as “a hanging decoration”, this one may appeal to adults more than kids.
Although it is usually £8, it is on offer from £12 at the time of writing.
Alcohol and low-alcohol calendars
The Marksologist Advent Calendar £10, Ocado
If you’re looking for booze-themed chocolates during the festive period, this offering from M&S could be a winner.
Flavours include espresso martini cocktail, rose Negroni, Paloma and smoked daiquiri.
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky Liqueur Advent Calendar, £25, Threshers
If you’re a fan of spirits, you may want to consider this offer from Threshers.
You’ll receive 20 5cl bottles and four “surprise gifts”.
While the calendar is currently available for £25, the usual price is £35.
Gordon’s Pink 5cl and Chocolate Advent Calendar, £7, B&M
While most alcohol advent calendars bust our £10 budget, this offering allows party lovers to get into the festive spirit with a 5cl bottle of pink gin and 24 milk chocolate squares.
If you prefer a different tipple, there are other versions with Baileys, and Smirnoff vodka, all priced at £7.
Interactive Alcohol-Free Advent Calendar, £59.99, Wise Bartender
Although this massively breaks our £10 budget, we wanted to include an option for those who aren’t big drinkers.
Online retailer of no- and low alcohol products Wise Bartender is offering two advent calendars this year.
If you choose the ‘Sweet and Tasty’ option, you’ll receive a selection of wines, beer and cider.
With the alcohol-free beer option, you’ll get 24 different products – all with an ABV of under 0.5%.
The company also encourages users to join its social media community and add posts, photos and videos.
While the price is currently £59.99, the calendars will normally set you back £79.99.
As another bonus, both options include free delivery.
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Non-chocolate advent calendars
Twinings Limited Edition Advent Calendar, £25, Twinings
Relax ahead of the big day with a nice cup of tea, or 24 of them to be more accurate, courtesy of the Twinings Limited Edition Advent Calendar.
If you go for this option, you’ll receive two bags per day, along with “tips on how to get the most out of life”.
Ilchester Cheese Advent Calendar, £9, Morrisons
For cheese fans, there’s 24 delightful cheeses in the Ilchester advent calendar, including cheddars, Red Leicester and a double Gloucester.
It will be available from mid-November from Morrisons and has a two-week shelf life.
Alternative advent calendars
PlayStation Advent Calendar, £12.99, Very.co.uk
Games-themed advent calendars are one of the big trends of 2024.
With this option, “you can jump on a train packed with gifts and dive into the holiday spirit”.
You can play alone or with up to eight friends using one controller, with the goal being to set the highest score on the leaderboard.
Although the calendar is normally £14.99, it is currently on offer for £12.99 at Very.co.uk.
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Elf Letters, £15.95, Elf for Christmas
If you’re willing to spend a little extra, your child can receive 24 numbered letters from the North Pole penned by elf pen pal, Pip McJingles.
Designed to be read in a set order, the letters reveal a glimpse into life at Santa’s workshop.
This is the eighth edition of the hugely popular calendar.
Free-from advent calendars
Free-From Choc Advent Calendar, £3.35, Sainsbury’s
If you have specific dietary requirements, it can be frustrating trying to find an advent calendar that you can enjoy.
As one of the most affordable free-from options, Sainsbury’s calendar offers a rice-based alternative to chocolate, which is gluten and milk-free.
Moo Free Choccy Advent Calendar, £3.25, Tesco
If you’re on a dairy-free diet, you could also consider this affordable option from Tesco, which has a Moo Free Choccy Advent Calendar for £3.25.
Although this calendar is available at other retailers, this was the best deal we could find.
For example, the calendar is on offer for £4.90 from Asda and £5 from Morrisons.
Pet advent calendars
Pets at Home Christmas Dog Advent Calendar, £2.50, Pets at Home
You can even get your pets involved with the Christmas fun, including this advent calendar for dogs.
This product is specifically designed for small dogs, containing 30% less sugar and soya-treats.
Being low in lactose, it has no artificial flavours.
Purrfect Christmas Meaty Cat Treat Advent Calendar, £4, Morrisons
If you’re an animal lover, Morrisons Purrfect Christmas Meaty calendar could appeal.
Some of the main ingredients include sushi bites, cod and chicken.
At £4, it’s a relatively budget-friendly option.
Rosewood Luxury Deli Advent Calendar for Dogs, £4.49, PetPlanet
If you want to treat your pet to a more luxurious calendar, there are plenty of more meaty options including this one from Rosewood.
It includes duck and orange glazed bites, lamb and rosemary strips, and turkey and stuffing-style meatballs.
Although the calendar is normally £6.60, you can bag it for £4.99 at the time of writing.
Luxury advent calendars
Personalised Santa Advent Calendar, £8, Thorntons
If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier and more personal, Thorntons could be the answer.
All calendars include a personalised name hand-iced on a chocolate plaque.
The Velvetiser Drinking Chocolate Advent Calendar, £50, Hotel Chocolat
As one of the more decadent options on our list, Hotel Chocolat’s advent calendar contains 24 days’ worth of drinking chocolate.
Flavours include salted caramel and a limited-edition pecan caramel.
And, if possible, remember to pay on a cashback credit card so you can get a little extra back for your decadence.