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15 Of The Best Alternative Advent Calendars 2018
Because yes, your cat definitely needs an advent calendar
Whilst we love a traditional chocolate advent calendar and can’t get enough of luxe beauty advent calendars, sometimes something a little bit different is in order. So, whether you wish to treat yourself to a splash of Edinburgh gin a day, toast a huge marshmallow or even to give, rather than receive, with a newly launched charity advent calendar, we have the top 15 alternative advent calendars you will wonder how you lived without.
.jpg?quality=50&width=700&ratio=1-1&resizeStyle=aspectfit&format=jpg "Advent Of Change £27.95 via Advent Of Change")
Advent Of Change £27.95 via Advent Of Change
With this one simple purchase, you will be making a donation to 24 different charities, from helping the environment and endangered animals, to offering warmth to a homeless person and changing the lives of children... and each of the 24 windows reveals the registered charity recipient for that day, showing you exactly how you've changed the world for the better.
Edinburgh Gin Advent Calendar £120.00 via John Lewis
For the gin connoisseur in your life, this advent calendar houses 24 mini bottles of gin and fruit gin liqueurs to help make the party season that bit more merry. With notes of juniper, pine, floral, lavender, soft spice and citrus, this calendar is a real indulgence that you will thank yourself for, every single day of December.
Gemstone Geological Advent Calendar £50 via Not On The High Street
Can't get enough of crystals? Fascinated by fossils? Look no further than this unique advent calendar which features 24 internationally-sourced gemstones in numbered packages. Each polished gemstone and fossil is accompanied by an information sheet and comes with a drawstring bag to keep them forever safe and shiny.
Matcha Tea Advent Calendar £65 via Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Introducing the world's first matcha tea advent calendar… this is the most energising, detoxing way to count down to Christmas. Matcha is having a moment right now and for good reason - Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, but it contains even more antioxidants and caffeine. So what better way to re-balance yourself between parties in the festive period? From mint humbug, to mince pie, to ice cream flavoured tea, this calendar contains a whopping 91 servings of the green stuff.
Beard Oil Advent Calendar £29.99 via The Bearded Man Co.
For the more hirsute man in your life… 24 days of mini beard oils. Not only will your man's facial fuzz be transformed into silky smooth strands, he will also smell gorgeous with a different scent per day.
The Big Chilli Advent Calendar £29.95 via Sous Chef
Spice up December with 25 different sachets of dried chilli to add to your festive cooking. From mild to volcanic, every sachet will bring a new experience. In addition to the whole chillis, flakes and powders, you will also receive a booklet of tasting notes and 20 must-try recipes. If you aren't a chilli conissuer already, then you can expect to be an expert by Christmas.
Lily's Kitchen Advent Calendar for Cats and Dogs £10 each via Lily’s Kitchen
Get your pets in the Christmas spirit with a tasty treat per day from this animal-friendly advent calendar. Featuring Tasty Chicken Treats with Shrimp to keep your cat's fur velvety soft and Bedtime Biscuits to soothe your dog on the exciting nights before Christmas – this is a calendar you will both love.
Marshmallow Advent Calendar £15 via The Naked Marshmallow Co.
If you're not a fan of chocolate but still have a sweet tooth, then we have just the calendar for you – behind each door you will find a delicious handmade gourmet marshmallow in six alternating flavours including salted caramel, candy floss and S'mores. We recommend buying the add-on marshmallow toaster, as these sweet treats taste even more divine when melted. This beauty sold out completely last year so get in early!
Botanical Print Advent Calendar £59.95 via Juniqe
This botanical print advent calendar will keep your walls (and you) happy for years to come – for inside each numbered box lies a limited-edition print. From tropical landscapes to graphic illustrations of leaves, there is something to suit every taste. There was a mad scrabble when this landed in the Grazia office.
World Whiskey Advent Calendar £149.95 via Drinks By The Dram
If whiskey is your tipple of choice, then look no further. This is the ultimate gift to yourself. From England to Japan and beyond, this advent calendar offers you the chance to drink your way around the world without leaving your sofa. We can confirm that these award-winning whiskeys are well worth the splurge.
Star Print Jewellery Advent Calendar £38.50 via Johnny Loves Rosie
From cute gold hoops, to tiny charms, to silver ball earrings, this calendar is the stuff of dreams for jewellery obsessives. Who needs chocolate when you can wear a new piece of jewellery every day in December?!
Protein Advent Calendar £39.99 via Boostbox
From bars & cookies to flapjacks & chocolate, who knew protein came in so many different (delicious) forms? The fitness fanatic in your life will love this box of guilt-free delights that will help keep their training on track during the party season.
Stationery Advent Calendar £95 Via Martha Brook
Hello, my name's Anna and I'm a stationery addict. From luxe pens to a brass ruler, to a gold gift wrap pack, this calendar will make your desk a whole new place in 2019. We particularly love the personalisation element –expect some serious desk envy from your colleagues.
Biscuit Advent Box and Calendar £175 (including biscuits) via Biscuiteers
One of the prettiest re-usable advent calendars we have seen. Fill it with Christmas-themed Biscuiteers biscuits (our biscuit of choice) or pop in some trinkets. This calendar will last you a life time. The ultimate in sustainability.
Christmas shopping looming? Check out our ultimate Christmas gift guide for 2018...