My Alternative Advent Calendar Selection – If you’re looking to swap the usual chocolate countdown for something more creative, thoughtful or downright delicious, this year’s crop of alternative advent calendars offers something for everyone. From revolutionary self-care to indulgent foodie surprises and meaningful keepsakes, here’s my handpicked selection of the best festive treats to unwrap this December.
WUKA – The World’s First Period Advent Calendar
Periods don’t take December off—and thanks to WUKA, the UK’s leading period wear brand, neither does your self-care. Their groundbreaking Period Advent Calendar (£130, worth £180) is the first of its kind, created to break taboos, spark important conversations and support every menstruator through one of the busiest, most over-hyped times of the year.
As WUKA founder Ruby Raut explains:
“The Period Positive Advent Calendar is more than just a box of gifts; it’s an act of radical self-care… Periods deserve to be visible, acknowledged and supported, especially during the festive season.”
Inside, you’ll find 12 high-quality essentials designed for every stage and situation:
- 4 pairs of WUKA Stretch™ Period Underwear
- Stretch™ Seamless Thong (Light Flow)
- Stretch™ Boxer Shorts (Heavy Flow)
- Two Stretch™ Midi Briefs (Heavy & Super Heavy Flow)
- Swim Bikini Bottom
- Swim Cap
- Cycle-Support Gummies
- Two-pocket changing wet bag
- Laundry bag
- Heat patch
Meaningful, practical and empowering — it’s a festive first worth talking about.
CraftyHerd® Cheese Advent Calendar
Next up is a festive feature that really delivers on flavour: the CraftyHerd® Cheese Advent Calendar. This fridge-door-friendly creation is packed with bold, British cheeses and a wicked sense of humour — ideal for food lovers who want a countdown with character.
Handcrafted in Somerset by The Ilchester Cheese Co, the calendar includes 12 adventurous flavours, from spicy and punchy to sweet and savoury. And for Day 25? A surprise festive mini truckle, hidden neatly in the “roof”.
Better yet, the clever slimline design fits perfectly in your fridge door — and after Day 12, it splits in half to save even more precious December fridge space. Coming soon to Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado.
Cartwright & Butler – 12 Days of Christmas Biscuit Selection
Cartwright & Butler’s beautifully presented 12 Days of Christmas Chocolate Biscuit Selection is a luxurious treat for those who like their advent moments slow, savoury and indulgent.
Filled with 12 unique chocolate biscuits, this elegant collection features:
- Cinnamon Biscuit
- Coffee Cream Biscuit dipped in dark chocolate
- Classic milk and dark chocolate-coated favourites
Each one mirrors the charm and whimsy of the classic festive carol, from a partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming. Pure indulgence, packaged with Cartwright & Butler’s signature elegance.
Bettys – Night Before Christmas Gift Bag (£40)
For those cosy in-between moments — Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, or simply curling up on the sofa — Bettys delivers a heart-warming selection of buttery biscuits and chocolate treats crafted with over 100 years of Swiss chocolate expertise.
The gift bag includes:
- Chocolate Shortbread Box
- Yorkshire Shortbread Box
- Milk Chocolate Steam Train
- Luxury Swiss Hot Chocolate
- Milk Chocolate Guinea
Made using Grand Cru Swiss Chocolate and the finest ingredients, this is a nostalgic, comforting treat that embodies festive warmth.
Baylis & Harding – Men’s 24 Days of Luxury Deluxe Advent Calendar
A brilliant option for the well-groomed men in your life, this Baylis & Harding advent calendar delivers 24 vegan-friendly grooming treats in their iconic Black Pepper & Ginseng fragrance.
Inside you’ll find:
- Aftershave balms
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gels
- Face washes
- Hair & body wash
- Lotions
- Bath and muscle soaks
- Soaps
Stylishly packaged with bronze-gold accents and entirely recyclable, it’s ideal for modern men who appreciate practical luxury.
Tali & Loz – Personalised Crystal Advent Calendar
Finally, for something deeply meaningful and beautifully personal, the Tali & Loz Crystal Advent Calendar offers a bespoke journey of energy, mindfulness and intention.
Each calendar is uniquely curated with high-quality crystals in various shapes and colours. At checkout, you can share details such as age, favourite stones, colour preferences or anything the recipient might prefer to avoid — ensuring a completely personalised experience.
Every calendar includes numbered crystals and description cards explaining each stone’s meaning and properties.
What’s Inside?
£45 – Little’s Box (RRP £60+)
18–22 crystals including rough pieces, tumbles and mini shapes.
£75 – Lush Box (RRP £125+)
12–15 varied crystals including towers, spheres, hearts, mushrooms, XXL tumbles, rough stones, chip bottles, tektites and meteorites.
£125 – Lavish Box (RRP £180+)
All the variety of the Lush Box plus rare, higher-quality stones for an unforgettable experience.
A unique and soulful festive gift with real staying power.
A Festive Season Full of Surprises
Whether you’re drawn to empowering self-care, gourmet indulgence, grooming essentials or spiritual treasures, these alternative advent calendars offer a refreshing, thoughtful and joyful way to count down to Christmas.
Poppy Watt