Christmas Countdown – 7 Non-Chocolate Advent Calendars

December is rapidly approaching, and if you can’t wait for Christmas Day before treating yourself to gifts, you’re going to need an advent calendar. I remember as a child being happy enough with a simple bit of cardboard and finding a picture behind it, even if it was just a badly-drawn donkey. Then I discovered chocolate. And it’s been chocolate every year since, even though I’m now well into adulthood. As in, I’ve been an adult for almost as long as I was technically a minor. I regret nothing. Not even the 3 fillings. Anyway, here are 7 advent calendars that don’t just rely on the magic of chocolate or tiny works of art:

1 Tea – VADHAM Christmas Tea Advent Calendar (£7.99)

If you’re a tea fan like me, you could experiment in the run-up to Santa’s arrival with this selection of 24 different teas from Indian supplier VADHAM. 

The teas come in four categories – herbal (9 teas included), green (8), chai (4) and black (3) – and feature intriguing choices like “Cookies & Cream”, “Sweet Cinnamon”, “Earl Grey Citrus” and several turmeric teas.

2 Sweets – Swizzels Sweet Factory Advent Calendar (£8)

OK, I said no chocolate, but I didn’t say no sweets.

Let’s face it, most advent calendars are enjoyed by children and if you want to spend a similar amount as you would on the average chocolate calendar, this option from Swizzels might keep your little ones (and their dentists) occupied. 

Not only does it feature favourites like Refreshers, Love Hearts and Fizzers, but it also includes classics Parma Violets and Banana Skids, plus a bag of Drumstick Squashies.

 

3 Cheese – I’m Dreaming of a Cheddar Cheesemas! Advent Calendar (£29.99)

 

If you don’t have a sweet tooth and prefer something savoury, The Chuckling Cheese Company have a solution for you. 

Comprising 12 cheeses, 6 mini jars of chutney, and 6 packs of biscuits (presumably crackers as opposed to custard creams), you might need to clear out some space in your fridge for this advent calendar, as it needs to be stored below 5 degrees Celsius. 

Many of the cheese flavours are suitably festive, with offerings such as Christmas Pudding Cheese, Orange & Whisky Cheddar, Pigs in Blankets Cheese, and Sunday Roast Cheddar.
 

4 Crisps – Pringles 24 Days Advent Calendar (£29.99)

If you’d prefer to have a salty snack each day as Christmas nears, look no further than the best thing to come out of a tube since toothpaste – the Pringle.

Containing 24 servings of 40g tubes, you could possibly stock a flight to the Mediterranean or at least keep a supply for a several trips to the cinema. Alternatively, just scoff them in front of the latest hit series on Netflix (Cowboy Bebop or Tiger King 2) or Disney+ (Hawkeye or Dopesick). 

The calendar contains Pringles in four classic flavours – Original, Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Onion, and – my personal favourite – Texas BBQ Sauce.

5 Personal Care – 24 Days of Discovery Advent Calendar (£20)

For those who enjoy a pampering, or if you just want to stock up on travel-sized toiletries ahead of next year’s holiday abroad (covid permitting), these calendars are ideal. 

There are two options, marketed to women (pictured) and men, both featuring a range of personal care items like shower gels, soaps and deodorants. 

They also include a few curveballs such as socks (men), a hair scrunchie (women) and a multi-charging cable (both). 

Brands include Dove, Vaseline, Radox, Tresemme, Lynx, and Toni & Guy. This product is available as a Black Friday deal on Amazon.   

6 Booze – Baileys 12 Day Christmas Advent Calendar (£17)
 

Fancy a tipple? Alcoholic advent calendars have become increasingly popular over recent years, but many come with hefty price tags.

You can pay anything from around £45 for a beer advent calendar to well over £100 for one featuring 24 whiskeys. 

Assuming you’ve got less cash to splash, Baileys offer a selection comprised of 5cl/50ml bottles, in Original Irish Cream, Salted Caramel, and Espresso Crème flavours. 

The only drawback is that the calendar only contains enough for 12 days, so you could start early or late, only open the calendar on odd or even days, or perhaps buy two calendars?

 
7 Seeds – Gardening Gifts Advent Calendar (£24.99)
 

Anyone fortunate enough to have a garden might enjoy putting it to use with this growing kit for vegetables and herbs from The Little Trees Bees & Seeds Co. 

Unlike the other advent calendars on this list, this one is less about instant gratification and more about patience and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour at a later date. Green-fingered folks can turn their hands to growing carrots, fennel, chard, cabbage, basil, tomatoes and many more. 

Let’s face it, you can’t do much worse than Jeremy Clarkson did in the first series of his farming show. Besides, buying this particular advent calendar should more than make up for all the years you chose chocolate.

 
All information correct at time of publication. Prices quoted are taken from amazon.co.uk on 21/11/2021 and are subject to change. Always check the contents and age restrictions of any product before purchase.