With the final weekend of November upon us, the clock is ticking for anyone hoping to secure an advent calendar before December begins. Shopping experts have been rigorously testing dozens of options since August, from premium beauty sets to alternative calendars filled with coffee, stationery, and even craft beer.
Why an Advent Calendar Makes the Perfect Treat
Advent calendars offer a wonderful opportunity to sample new brands, replenish favourite products, and enjoy a daily moment of joy throughout the festive countdown. They also serve as excellent gifts for birthdays or as a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation at the year's end.
The Mirror's shopping team has compiled a list of their top picks that are still in stock, but they warn that availability will dwindle rapidly as we approach December 1st.
Our Top Picks for 2025
For the Craft Beer Connoisseur
Chosen by Narin, the Siren Craft Brew Beer Advent Calendar is a dream for fans of independent breweries. Priced at £90, this calendar showcases a diverse range of limited-run IPAs, stouts, lagers, and quirky sours. For the first time, it includes a festive glass and a special treat for Christmas Day. Many of the beers are exclusive to the calendar, making it a truly unique find.
For the Ultimate Pampering Session
Bethan selected Rituals' The Ritual of Advent Classic Wreath Calendar, priced at £103 but with a contents value of £164.50. This beautifully designed wreath doubles as festive decor and contains 24 mini body care, wellness, and home fragrance products. It's an ideal way to explore the brand's luxurious range without the full-sized price tag, though all items are under 100ml.
For the Mid-Range Beauty Explorer
Nisha recommends the Next 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar at £95. Containing products from esteemed brands like Pixi and OPI, its total value exceeds £385. This weighty, luxurious-feeling calendar is perfect for those new to beauty advent calendars, offering a carefully curated mix of skin, body, and hair products.
For the High-Value Beauty Fanatic
Jess highlights the Debenhams Beauty Advent Calendar 2025, now £114 with a code (down from £150). Worth over £700, it features premium brands such as MAC, Estée Lauder, and Lancôme. The drawer-style design houses a mix of skincare and makeup in universal shades, offering tremendous value for beauty enthusiasts.
For the Budget-Conscious Shopper
Also chosen by Jess, the Marks & Spencer The Beauty Advent Calendar 2025 is a standout at just £60 for a £330 value. It includes well-known brands like Benefit and Cowshed. While the design isn't a drawer system, the quality and variety of the products make it an exceptional high-street buy.
For the Homebody Seeking Cosy Vibes
Lauren suggests two non-beauty options. The Yankee Candle Advent Wreath Calendar is a steal at £18 (was £27) from Boots, offering 24 tea lights in festive scents. For those who love stationery, Papier's 24 Days of Desk Delights (£140, worth £200) transforms any workspace with its vintage-inspired autumn palette of notepads, pens, and decorative tapes.
For the Caffeine Addict
Ruth champions the Rise Coffee Advent Calendar for £40. It features 24 days of individually ground coffee from different origins, complete with QR codes to learn the story behind each cup. At roughly £1.66 per day, it's a affordable luxury for coffee lovers.
For the Makeup Devotee
Lucy points to the L'Oreal Paris Beauty Advent Calendar on sale at Amazon. The 24-day version is now £161.48, down from £240. While one reviewer wished for more shade-specific products, another praised its incredible value and sturdy presentation.
Final Call for Festive Countdowns
The message from shopping experts is clear: if you see an advent calendar you like, you need to act fast. These curated selections represent the best of what's still available for 2025, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Whether for yourself or as a gift, securing one now ensures your December is filled with daily anticipation and festive cheer.
