Start the Christmas countdown with our fun and alternative ideas for advent calendars
Kate Chaundy picks her favourite advent calendars of the festive season…
Advent calendars for kids:
Illustries’ ‘Countdown to Christmas’ advent calendar for children is an engaging activity book designed to keep children amused throughout the month of December, while creating special family memories along the way.
Beautifully designed and stylish to display, it features a daily nativity activity. From making homemade gingerbread men and decorations to Christmas colouring and snowman building (with or without snow!), there’s plenty for craft-loving kids to create. Jolly jokes, a ‘Quizmas’, movie night, carol singing and a treasure hunt will bring festive fun for the whole family to enjoy, while letters to Santa and Christmas wishing pages add to the advent excitement. Price: £14.95
Smiggle have a great offering for kids this year. This exciting calendar includes erasers, keyrings, toys and even a watch. And bonus offer – 25 calendars include a lucky ticket to win a £250 Smiggle shopping spree! Price: £28
Advent calendar for for big kids:
For the non-chocolate fans, try the sleek Lakrids Christmas advent calendar with each window containing a delicious treat from one of the finest liquorice producers in Denmark, the home of liquorice. Flavours include chocolate, mint and blackcurrant. Price: £34.95
Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Advent House – not just a fabulously 
luxurious Christmas gift, but an attractive keepsake decoration for your home. Contains Lily O’ Brien’s best loved recipes including Sticky Toffee, Chocolate Truffle, Le Crunch and Zesty Orange. A gift with the “wow” factor for that someone special. Price: £25
Create Your Own advent calendar:
DIY Advent Calendar from Flying Tiger Copenhagen. A stylish, bright 
calendar that allows you to fill each day with something of your own choice. Price: £3
The National Gallery have a charming traditional nutcracker advent calendar in the shape of a steadfast soldier. Beautifully designed, it features 24 drawers to 
hide a treat, chocolate or message and can be used each year as part of your advent tradition. Price: £22
For the creative types, log on here to see step-by-step instructions on how to create your own stylish keepsake advent calendar!
Follow Kate Chaundy @chaunds
