Unique Advent Calendar Ideas for All Ages

Creative and personalised ideas for counting down to Christmas, from DIY calendars to luxury options

As Christmas approaches, the excitement of the festive season often begins with the cherished tradition of opening a daily window on an Advent calendar.

While traditional chocolate calendars are lovely, there are now so many creative and personalised options that can make counting down to Christmas even more special, no matter your age. 

Here are some unique Advent calendar ideas, from DIY projects to luxury options, that will bring joy and anticipation throughout December.

1. DIY Craft Advent Calendar

If you're feeling crafty, creating a DIY Advent calendar is a rewarding way to make something truly unique. You can use small gift boxes, envelopes, or even paper bags, each filled with little surprises such as sweets, notes, or handmade trinkets. You could also assign a theme to your calendar, like crafting supplies, miniature puzzles, or daily tasks that spread kindness. The best part? You can tailor it to suit the recipient's personality and hobbies, ensuring a personalised experience. The Range, The Works, Rymans, Hobbycraft etc sell fill your own advent calendar boxes/kits so are worth looking out for.

Tip: Include handwritten notes with festive jokes or heartfelt messages to add a personal touch.

2. Luxury Beauty Advent Calendar

For adults who enjoy a bit of pampering, luxury beauty Advent calendars are a fantastic way to indulge in the holiday season. Many well-known beauty brands offer calendars filled with high-end skincare, make-up, and self-care products. These can be a perfect pre-Christmas treat, offering a little moment of self-care each day leading up to Christmas.

Popular choices include calendars from brands like Liberty, Charlotte Tilbury, or Jo Malone, each offering a mix of mini and full-sized products in beautifully designed packaging.

3. Reusable Fabric or Wooden Calendars

For an eco-friendly and sustainable option, consider investing in a reusable fabric or wooden Advent calendar. These usually feature pockets, drawers, or small compartments that can be filled year after year with your chosen treats or surprises. Not only are they kinder to the environment, but they also become a cherished family tradition, with the excitement of deciding what to place inside each compartment every December.

Customise it with small toys, festive-themed stationery, or even experiences like vouchers for a day out or a family movie night.

4. Book Advent Calendar

Perfect for children or book lovers, a book-themed Advent calendar provides a magical daily treat in the form of stories. Wrap 24 books individually and let the recipient unwrap one each day in December. For little ones, you can include festive picture books or short stories, while adults might appreciate themed collections, such as crime thrillers or romantic novellas. This encourages cosy moments of reading during the holiday season and offers a much longer-lasting gift than chocolates.

Pro Tip: Check out local bookshops or charity shops for gently used or discounted books to keep costs down.

5. Alcohol Advent Calendars

For adults, there’s a growing trend for Advent calendars filled with mini bottles of alcohol, whether it’s craft beers, wine, gin, or whisky. These calendars are a sophisticated way to enjoy a festive tipple each day and can introduce you to new brands or flavours. Many independent breweries and distilleries offer their own versions, often including rare or limited-edition drinks.

Fun idea: Share this with friends and family by having a virtual toast each evening with the day's selection.

6. Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar

This idea brings the focus of Christmas back to giving rather than receiving. Each day, the calendar reveals a small act of kindness for the recipient to complete. This could be anything from donating to a food bank, writing a letter to a friend, or simply leaving a kind note for a stranger. It's a thoughtful way to encourage generosity and create meaningful experiences throughout the month of December.

Tip: Design your own calendar with numbered envelopes or cards, each featuring a different kind gesture.

7. Personalised Photo Advent Calendar

A personalised photo Advent calendar is a lovely way to relive happy memories each day. You can create this with an online photo service or print your own photos at home and place them in a DIY calendar. Behind each window could be a photo of a special moment shared with loved ones, or even a nostalgic look back on memories from the year gone by. It's a heartwarming way to celebrate the season while cherishing your favourite memories.

Make it extra special by adding a festive note or short memory to go along with each photo.

8. Toy-Themed Advent Calendars for Kids

Children's Advent calendars have come a long way from simple chocolates! These days, toy brands offer Advent calendars filled with mini figures, building blocks, or even playsets. LEGO, Playmobil, and Funko POP all offer exciting themed calendars that will have kids eagerly looking forward to each day's new addition to their collection. Not only are they fun, but they also provide hours of entertainment during the holidays.

9. Foodie Advent Calendar

If you're shopping for a foodie, a calendar filled with gourmet treats like artisan chocolates, speciality teas, or flavoured oils will be a hit. Some companies even offer cheese or charcuterie calendars for a more savoury countdown! This is a delightful way to indulge in festive flavours each day and discover new gourmet products to enjoy long after Christmas.

For a healthier twist, try creating your own Advent calendar filled with dried fruits, nuts, or homemade granola bars.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're making your own or opting for a luxurious, ready-made version, there's an Advent calendar out there to suit every age and interest. From personal, heartfelt touches to indulgent luxuries, these creative Advent calendar ideas will bring a touch of magic to the festive countdown and make the lead-up to Christmas even more memorable.

Which of these unique Advent calendars would you choose for your countdown this year?