Alternative Advent Calendars – Christmas 2020

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but all thoughts and opinions are my own

For the past 5 or so years, advent calendars have exploded. There’s so much choice now and you don’t have to go with a normal cheap chocolate calendar. For quite a few years I bought myself beauty advent calendars, but it got to the point where I was struggling to use up all of the mini products I’d get in them (and I still am). Plus even though the beauty calendars are great they can be quite pricy.

If you’ve still not got your advent calendar for 2020 then I’m here to bring you a few alternative options.

Alternative foodie advent calendar

I do still think a nice edible advent calendar is a great option, but I wanted to find something other than chocolate. I had no idea the Walkers Shortbread Advent Calendar* (£14.99) existed, but I was so excited to find it. I’m a huge fan of shortbread so this seemed like a great option. And a nice alternative to just chocolate or sweets.

There are four different types of shortbread that you’ll find behind the doors including chocolate chip. The actual design is much like your traditional advent calendar, just a little weightier. And I loved the design on it. This is a great alternative for a nice indulgent foodie calendar without it being too expensive.

Something for the popcorn lovers

Time for another foodie one which is a little different and that’s the Gourmet popcorn advent calendar* (£18). Behind each door in this calendar, there’s a small bag of handmade popcorn in 6 different flavours. The flavours include salted caramel, berry-Licious, butterly nuts, pecan pie, pop n choc and say cheese! So there’s a really good mixture of sweet and savoury options to break up the choices.

Some of the popcorn flavours are award winners at the Great Taste Award so you know they’re going to be good. I love the butterly nuts flavour as the peanut butter and caramel mixed well together. And you can’t beat a bit of cheese popcorn either. All of the popcorn options are gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians.

An alternative advent calendar for sweetie lovers

If chocolate isn’t your thing then don’t worry about it, the Haribo Advent Calendar* (£5) may make a good alternative. Behind each door is a small packet of some of your favourite Haribo sweets. We all know the little bags don’t last very long but it’s a nice little treat each day. And because they’re individually sealed you can open up the calendar door, but you don’t have to eat the contents straight away.

You can grab this calendar from a whole host of stores including Asda, B&M, Morrisons, Iceland and Wilko. This advent calendar is such a great price and cheaper than a lot of the chocolate ones you see in supermarkets.

An alternative calendar for him

If you’re looking for an advent calendar for him that’s a little more special it’s hard to find anything that’s not grooming or alcohol-related. But I’ve found a great option from Draper Tools* (£34.99) which is a tool advent calendar freshly new for 2020. Across the 24 day calendar, you’ll get 49 specially selected tools including a measuring tape, adjustable wrench, pliers etc

Not only is this a fun advent calendar to open as you build up your kit, but it’s practical and something that will be used. For every calendar sold £1 will be donated to the NHS Charities Together so you’re doing good as well as getting a cool calendar.

Other advent calendar options for 2020

• 24 craft ciders from Crafty Nectar
• 24 days of stationary calendar by Martha Brook
• English tea shop calendar from Debenhams
• Nightmare Before Christmas mini calendar from Funko Pop (This is the one I’ve got this year!)
• Treatbox advent calendar from Treatbox UK (I’ve had this one for two years and it’s always been awesome)

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