10 grown-up advent calendars that are better than chocolate

Counting down.

Everyone loves an advent calendar. A present every day in the lead up to more presents? There is nothing not good about that.

But now, you’re a grown up. Now, you realise that a square of chocolate for breakfast every morning isn’t a very responsible decision. Now, your Mum refuses to hook you up with the sweet stuff. Now, it’s up to you to fork out for the wonderfully packaged yet severely overpriced goods. 

Given the above, it might be time to forego the expensive chocolate calendar for something a little more grown up. We didn’t think it could happen, but some things are actually better than chocolate. 

Here are 10 of the best advent calendars we found, so that you can treat yourself every day like a grown-up. Santa still exists though, right?

1. The Gin Calendar

Because what’s an adult guide without some alcohol. We’ve already covered this gin advent calendar, but it’s so damn cool we’ve got to tell you again.

Available here and here for around $174. 

2. The Diptyque Calendar 

No one does fragrance like Diptyque. And making our Christmas come approximately 25 days early, is the Diptyqye Advent Calendar. Available at Mecca, it features 25 houses filled with mini gifts for the home and body, meaning your December is about to smell ahhhhmazing. There’s even a mini version of a Diptyque Christmas candle in there, because no one can go past a limited edition score. Even the packaging is fancy. We don’t think you’ll want to give this one away.

Available here.

3. The Beard Oil Calendar

Get acquainted with beard oil, ’cos it’s now a thing. The Bearded Man Company is offering a premium advent calendar for your man locks, filled with 24 beard oils blended with grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheatgerm and vitamin E. With scents like ‘Bay Rum’, ‘Black Coffee’, ‘Fresh Cut Grass’ and ‘Rain Forest’, it’s more fancy than the products in your current grooming routine. There are also three new scents exclusive to the calendar, all unnamed. Just like a pick ’n mix, who knows what your beard will smell like? Aside from delicious, obviously.

Available here.

4. The Sock Calendar 

We know, we know. Socks for Christmas, ugh. But trust on this one. Available through Mr Porter, this advent calendar features ~extra fancy~ socks from Welsh knitwear specialist, Corgi. From the December 1 to 23 you can enjoy a cotton-blend pair in festive patterns, with Christmas Eve delivering a luxe cashmere and silk-blend design. It will set you back around $491, so we’re not sure who exactly is buying this one. Probably someone who is having a very, merry Christmas.

Available here.

5. The Charlotte Tilbury Calendar 

When Charlotte Tilbury talks, the world listens. And when she releases an advent calendar, the world buys. For 2016, the British makeup artist is sharing her beauty secrets via her holiday calendar. Unlike the traditional advent calendar, this one celebrates the 12 days of Christmas with 12 travel-size beauty products. The box includes the Magic Cream Moisturiser, Wonderglow Skin Primer and an exclusive Pocket Pout Lipstick in Jessica Red. For a full list of the products included, check out the website. But we like surprises, so we’re keeping our eyes closed. 

Available here.

6. The Babor Ampoules Concentrate Calendar 

The holiday period can get a little stressful with endless shopping lists, fighting for a carpark and bumping elbows with fellow shoppers. To combat the stress, Babor has released an advent calendar of the ideal ingredients to relax your skin. With precious, active ingredients, they’re the liquid form of a nap. This year’s advent calendar also includes the new ‘Active Night Fluid Ampoule’, to make sure the excitement of Christmas Day doesn’t keep you up all night. It will set you back $195. Not bad for perfect holiday skin.

Available here.

7. The Stationery Calendar

Your stationery game is about to increased tenfold. Swedish stationery brand, Kikki.K has released an advent calendar for 2016 filled with 25 adorable erasers. How cute. Each comes in a little box shaped like a house, which is even cuter. You won’t have to worry about making a mistake again. 

Available here.

8. The ASOS Beauty Calendar 

Physically going to the shops during the silly season is a no-go if you want to retain any faith in humanity. One solution is to do your shopping online, with the obvious inclusion of ASOS. To get you started, the retailer has curated the ultimate beauty advent calendar filled with skincare, makeup and hair care. For an easy $95 you’ll score 24 products from brands like Dermalogica, Elemis, Philosophy, Cowshed and Toni&Guy. Not to mention the box is gorg. White marble print always gets a thumbs up. 

Available here.

9. The Beer Calendar 

Men are notoriously hard to buy for, especially when Dad has specifically requested no more socks and stubby holders. However, 24 Australian craft beers with outback themed artwork could work, perhaps. The Crafty Brew Advent Calendar is back in 2016 after a very successful 2015 calendar. This time, the calendar will feature summer ales, as well as picks from HopDog Beerworks and Fixation IPA. It’s delivered in a well-dressed slab and will set you back $119. Not a bad call for Dad this Christmas. 

Available here.

10. The L’Occitane Calendar 

The weather is warming up, which means our skin could use a little extra TLC . So 24 little houses of the bestselling products from L’Occitane sounds pretty good to us. With mini hand creams, shower gels, face creams and cleansing waters included for only $85, we are very happy campers.

Available here.