Best alternative advent calendars 2023, from mini mince pies to curry blends
Advent calendars of all varieties are flying off the shelves right now in preparation for Christmas. Both beauty advent calendars from Harrods and Elemis have already sold out, Missoma's jewellery editions are waiting on a restock, and Liberty's signature iteration is selling fast.
But you're in luck — because we've hunted down the best alternative advent calendars on offer this year, with a range of picks spanning a whole host of different styles.
That's everything from hot chocolate to candles, and stationary to mince pies. We've even seen an influx in more coffee advent calendars than usual, too.
So, for a glance at this year's best alternative advents, keep reading for a selection of our favourites.
Best alternative advent calendars 2023
Ground Coffee Advent Calendar | £34.95 from Pact Coffee
First up, a calendar bursting with caffeine. A little different from the rest, this pick comes with 25 air-tight sachets of delicious coffee. Each sachet comes with just enough ground coffee to produce a generous single serving, alongside a detailed coffee card detailing everything there is to know about the coffee. Better still, every last bit of this advent calendar is recyclable.
John Lewis Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar | £22.50 from John Lewis
Come Christmas, nothing beats a heaping mug of hot chocolate. And thanks to John Lewis, you can now endeavour to make yourself one every day in December. Filled with a mix of luxury Italian hot chocolate — from white hot choc to caramel and even strawberry — we can't think of a better way to spend the lead up to Christmas.
Yankee Candle Wreath Advent Calendar | £26 from Boots
Whack on your favourite festive film and soak up the scent of that day's chosen tea light candle. Back again this year is Yankee Candle's signature advent calendar filled with eight different scents from Sage & Pine to Pink Cherry Vanilla and Christmas Cookie. There's even a silver-plated glass tea light holder included, too.
Papier Stationary Advent Calendar | £120 from Papier
£120 at Papier £120 at Selfridges
Featuring a variety of notecards, pens, organisation stickers, bookmarks, notebooks, diaries, and other brilliant stationery items, this advent is perfect those who love a to-do list.
Festive Mini Mince Pie Advent Calendar | £39.99
Yes, really — an advent calendar bursting with mini mince pies. Selfridges's signature mince pie advent returns this year, debuting a range of delicious flavours. Expect to lock lips with traditional, citrus, chocolate and almond flavoured mince pies.
Whittard The Tea Advent Calendar | £25 from John Lewis
£25 at John Lewis £25 at Whittard
Filled with only the best and brightest brews, uncover a luxurious selection of 18 different teas in the form of 48 individually wrapped teabags. Expect to taste flavours of Festive Breakfast, Elderflower & Apple, Darjeeling, Mulled Wine and more.
Coffee Capsule Advent Calendar | £24.95 from Not On The High Street
£24.95 at Not On The High Street
This coffee calendar comes with 24 single origin or blended capsules from a range of coffee roasters across the UK (Cornico Coffee Co, FCB Coffee, Hard Lines). A great way of trying a selection of different coffees before diving straight in a purchasing an entire bag.
A Cracking Curry Christmas Advent Calendar | £29.95 from Not On The High Street
£29.95 at Not On The High Street
A unique advent calendar filled with a different spice blend behind each door. Discover a range of curry blends complete with a corresponding recipe.
White Stuff 12pk Assorted Socks Advent Calendar | £39 from Marks & Spencer
Not much of a snacker? This pick from White Stuff comes with 12 pairs of festive socks. Equally as enjoyable as a festive countdown and gift, you could even split each pair up to make 12 different stocking fillers. Work smart, not hard!
Cheese Advent Calendar | £150 from cheesegeek
Cheese at Christmas is a given. It's a must-do. A tradition, even, in lots of families. Which makes this advent calendar truly impressive. Delivered in three separate stages (to ensure the cheese is in tip-top condition) you get to eat your way through a whole host of cheeses, complete with crackers, honey and condiments. Not just that, the calendar is compact enough to fit in your fridge.
Bonne Maman Jam Advent Calendar | £32.99 from Selfridges
Bonne Maman know a thing or two about how to make a good jam. Filled with a selection of delicious jams and spreads, behind each door is a mini glass pot filled with whatever conserve is in the pipeline for that day. That's 24 mini conserves and jams to slather over your freshly toasted slice of bread every morning in the lead up to Christmas. What's not to love?
Grind Coffee Advent Calendar | £23.80 (Was £28) from Grind
Pretty in pink, this advent calendar features 25 doors, each with a compostable coffee pod waiting inside. Expect to find the coffee brand's classic blends, alongside its festive blends for this year.
