Advent calendars aren’t just for chocolate and booze — or even beauty and perfume. If you’re looking for something different this festive season, we’ve got the brands for you.
There’s a mild dread that comes with sourcing — and finessing — Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest every year.
At L360, we try to simplify the process for you, recommending advent calendars packed with multiple gifts to justify the price tags. And between all the usual chocolate, alcohol, perfume, beauty, makeup and skincare brands, there’s still a whole host of alternative calendars that remain under the radar to most.
So, if you’re after a calendar that’s slightly more outside the box, unusual or perhaps personality-driven, here are our favourite finds, whether for you or for gifting.
Papier 2025 Stationery Advent Calendar
As a team of writers, this one’s straight at the top of L360’s wish list. Coveted for its chic designs and quality, Papier’s first-ever advent calendar features 24 stationery treats.
From lined notebooks and daily planners to thank you cards, sticky tabs and pens, it’s a dream for anyone who gets excited by stationery (who doesn’t?). Plus, you’ll be saving on supplies that’ll last well into the New Year.
Must-Have Ideas Home Solutions Advent calendar
Is a loved one seeking stain remover, cable ties and home improvement tips for Christmas? It might sound mundane, but sometimes, the best presents are the most practical (which is probably why socks are such big Christmas hitters).
This advent calendar brings together 25 of Must-Have Ideas’ top products. And they’re all full-sized, so you’re getting £170 worth of home life hacks for much less.
Pre-order from Must-Have Ideas for £99.99
Happy Socks Advent Calendar Gift Set
Most of us will expect — and look forward to — at least one new pair of new socks at Christmas. But 24? Unheard of.
Made from a soft combed cotton blend with reinforced heels and toes for durability, these festive pairs are designed to feel smooth and last well. Plus, the joy of a new pair for every day in December takes a little stress out of choosing your socks each morning.
Buy from John Lewis for £199.95
Read more: Best luxury beauty advent calendars for 2025
Grind Coffee Pod Advent Calendar
Coffee-lovers are often loyal to their favourite roast or brew method, but true connoisseurs love to experiment.
Coffee brand Grind’s advent calendar has a unique blend to sample for every day in the lead up to Christmas — from its signature House Blend to Extra Dark Blend to House Pumpkin Spice.
Each pod is home-compostable and Nespresso compatible, so you won’t be scrambling for your morning fix.
Seeds Advent Calendar 2025
Perfect for keen gardeners or anyone resolving to pick up a green hobby in the New Year — behind each door of this calendar is a different seedling variety that, if planted in December, will sprout in time for spring.
The kit includes a two-piece green house with 24 growing compartments for germination, two soil tablets and a seed scoop.
Read more: The 13 best fitness and self-care advent calendars of 2025
Yankee Candle 24 days of Fragrance Wreath Advent Calendar
Yankee Candles are a staple of many homes’ hallways and living areas — especially at Christmas, filling the air with scents from cinnamon to cookies.
With the brand’s wreath advent calendar, you’ll get a new scent for every day in the countdown to Christmas — ideal for hosts or anyone who loves seasonal scents.
Buy from Yankee Candle for £28.99
Fujifilm Personalised Photo Chocolate Advent Calendar
Combining two festive favourites — personalised gifts and chocolate — Fujifilm lets you personalise your advent calendar with photos.
Your chosen photos are printed onto cardboard with a matt finish, in portrait or landscape — simply upload photos directly from your mobile phone to make each door a memory.
Read more: The 10 best budget beauty advent calendars for 2025 under £100
Innocent Bones Cross Stitch Advent Calendar 2025
The run up to Christmas feels like the perfect time to get crafty, and this cross-stitch calendar makes it easy.
Sold out three years in a row, it includes three full cross stich kits (exclusive to the calendar), brand-new craft items and everything you need to get started — fabric, hoop, threads, needle and full guides.
Buy from Innocent Bones for £105
Read more: The 10 best fragrance and perfume advent calendars for 2025
Balsam Hill Lit Wooden Christmas Mantel Villages Advent Calendar, £169
A Victorian-inspired miniature village to adorn your mantel, windowsill or tabletop? Count us in.
Crafted from plywood, painted by hand and fitted with LED lights, each one is unique with subtle details that evoke the feeling of a traditional Christmas market.
Built to last, it’s a beautiful investment that doubles as a festive heirloom to be brought out as decorations year after year.
Feature image: Pexels
