A British woman has confessed to an unusual and expensive Christmas tradition: she spends thousands of pounds each year on high-end designer advent calendars, only to tear them open immediately and regift the contents.
The Advent Calendar Addiction
Flora Ivy, a 35-year-old from the Cotswolds and former Babestation star, told the Daily Mail about her festive obsession. She describes herself as addicted to luxury beauty countdowns, often purchasing several each season. This year alone, she has splashed out a total of £1,573 on seven lavish calendars from prestigious brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Liberty London, and Harrods.
"I snag mine as soon as they're out because they sell fast and look stunning on the shelf," Flora explains. "Then I can't resist. I rip them all open and peek inside in a greedy rush. It's like opening presents without needing permission." For her, the allure is in the experience. The beautifully packaged boxes make her feel "spoiled, like someone wrapped up 25 presents just for me."
Transforming Calendars into Personalised Gifts
Flora's habit has a generous twist. After her early opening spree, she sorts through the full-sized creams, serums, perfumes, and masks. Any duplicates or products she won't use don't go to waste. Instead, they become the foundation for personalised Christmas gift baskets for the women in her family.
"I add chocolates and other little treats, so I don't think anyone really thinks about where the presents come from," she says. Each recipient gets a bespoke box containing a mix of the luxury beauty goodies, a matching perfume, and personal touches like their favourite chocolates or fluffy socks. Flora creates about seven of these gift packs every year, which serve as the main Christmas presents for her loved ones.
"It warms me up seeing them unwrap full-size luxury," she admits. "Those are their big Christmas presents and I put real effort in." Her family reportedly "lose their minds" with delight, rarely questioning the origin of the lavish items.
A Cost-Effective Route to Luxury?
While the initial outlay is significant, Flora defends her spending as a savvy form of shopping. "The calendars aren't cheap, but spreading the cost like that is cheaper than shopping on the high street for full-size perfumes and serums," she argues. She began the tradition four years ago after trying an Espa calendar and becoming hooked on the quality of products inside.
Her collection is sometimes supplemented by gifts from devoted fans, with the most expensive gifted calendar being a £275 Liberty offering worth nearly £1,500. Despite the thousands spent annually, Flora has no plans to stop her "secret Christmas joy."
"I'll keep buying a stack every year—they're too addictive to quit," she declares. "I'm not materialistic or anything, but that little click of a luxury lid? Sublime."
