Whether you’re shopping for friends, family, or yourself, these festive finds are guaranteed to delight.
Advent calendars aren’t just for chocolate anymore.
This year, you can countdown to Christmas with everything from fine wine and shortbread to garden seeds and even dog treats.
Whether you’re treating yourself, a friend, or your furry companion, there’s a quirky calendar for everyone.
And we’ve put some to the test.
First off – the Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar – coming in at £99.99
I absolutely adore the design and presentation – the packaging itself is a festive delight, with elegant detailing that feels like a little gift even before you begin the countdown.
Each door hides a surprise, and I love the small extra touches they pop in that make it feel extra special.
I’ve already sampled a few (though I won’t reveal too much):
The reds are beautifully smooth and warming – perfect for curling up by the fire. They wrap you in that fuzzy, cozy Christmas glow.
The whites run the gamut: some are sharp and crisp, others are fruity, and a few glow with a rounded smoothness. It’s that exciting mix that keeps you guessing behind each door.
And the rosé? A real standout – lush, light, and refreshing. It’s the kind of sip that feels like sunshine in winter.
Next – the She Grows Veg Heirloom Seed Advent Calendar – for £70
I’m completely enchanted by the concept behind the – it feels like the perfect blend of anticipation and growth.
The moment you see the recyclable, compostable packaging, it sets the tone: this is a calendar with intention, beauty, and sustainability at its core.
Inside, you’ll find 25 numbered envelopes, each one compostable and elegantly designed – a little daily surprise you can open without fuss or waste. And the whole set comes tucked into a reusable eco cotton bag, so the packaging itself becomes part of the experience.
I already peeked into a couple of envelopes – and spotted a tomato seed pack and a runner bean variety.
Two of my all-time favourites, so you can imagine my delight. (But I’m holding off on spoiling all 25!)
Thirdly – The Shortbread Advent Calendar by Walkers – coming in at £20.
Now this one isn’t just a box of biscuits – for me, it’s a time machine.
Every time I open a window, I’m transported back to my nan’s kitchen, where the scent of golden shortbread baking was my Christmas soundtrack. That memory anchors this calendar in something deeply familiar and comforting.
Lately I’ve even been baking shortbread myself – and in the chill of winter, there’s nothing better than a crisp, buttery piece paired with a steaming mug of tea or cocoa. This calendar lets you indulge in that same ritual, day by delicious day.
I also adore the darling design of the calendar – festive, whimsical, and utterly charming, it looks as good on the kitchen counter as it tastes.
What I especially adore is how it leans into crowd‑pleasure: the assortment includes all‑butter fingers, salted caramel squares, chocolate chip minis, heart shapes, thistles, and even a star – each one with Walker’s signature melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture.
It’s a celebration of simplicity, comfort, and shared tastes. It’s everyone’s favourite treat – and it feels like a loving nod to tradition, with every window offering a cozy, familiar reward.
Lastly, for our furry friends, we have the Pointer Dog Advent Calendar – at just £6
I’m utterly charmed by it – festive, fun, and made with care.
The 24 compartments hide little carob‑ and cheese‑flavoured bone treats, each one naturally oven‑baked right here in Britain, with no added artificial flavours.
My two pups – a beagle and a bichon – have already tried a couple of the tasters, and let me tell you: they were firmly impressed.
Tail wags, sniffs, and happy crunching ensued. Dogs + advent calendar? Total win.
Next up: Christmas snacks to savour
Starting with Kaltbach Cheese – starting at around £4.75 and can be found in Waitrose as well as specialist cheesemongers.
When it comes to festive indulgence, the Kaltbach cheeses are a real treat.
I love how they strike the perfect balance between creamy & smooth and sharp & mature – ideal for a cosy winter platter.
I’ve been tasting three favourites so far: the silky “Creamy”, the fruity-tangy Le Gruyère AOP, and the nutty, tangy Emmentaler AOP.
The “Creamy” melts effortlessly, offering that smooth richness you want with crackers or rye bread.
Le Gruyère surprises with a bright fruit-tang and refined depth, while Emmentaler brings that classic nuttiness and a more mature bite.
Together, they make for a delicious contrast — perfect for sharing or savouring solo.
Now – the Carluccio’s Panettone al Cioccolato – for £29.95
This luxury panettone is a festive treat I was so excited to try.
It’s made with the same careful, slow-leavened dough as the traditional version, but studded throughout with milk and dark chocolate pieces – and finished with a delicate hazelnut glaze.
When you bite in, there’s no denying its charm.
The chocolate melts into pockets of richness; the crumb is light, and the flavour leans toward that comforting sweet-bread side of Christmas.
But I have to admit: parts of it felt a little dry. Still, it doesn’t detract from what’s there – it’s delicious, indulgent, and a wonderful treat for the holiday season. I’d love to try the lemon version!
Next – Rick Stein Happy Christmas Stocking – for £45
The Stein’s Happy Christmas Stocking is simply lovely —-from the moment it arrives, it has that “gift you want to keep” feel.
The stocking itself features an exclusive festive design by Kate Stein and feels luxe, durable, and decorative enough to hang the whole season.
Inside, it’s a beautifully curated treat mix: a Spanish white wine, green olives with basil & garlic, chipotle chilli mixed nuts, and caramel sea salt chocolate.
Each component combines to create that classic Christmas contrast – salty, nutty, chocolatey, and carried by a smooth wine note.
I adore how the contents feel indulgent yet balanced: the wine adds a mellow, warming backdrop; the nuts bring a smoky spice; the olives a briny, herbal lift; and the chocolate offers that sweet, creamy finish.
It’s the kind of stocking where each bite or sip feels like a little festive discovery.
From funky advent calendars to festive snacks and thoughtful gift bags, there’s no shortage of ways to make the countdown to Christmas extra special this year.
Whether it’s a glass of wine by the fire, a nibble of shortbread, or a treat shared with your four-legged friend, it’s these little moments that make the season shine.
Here’s to a December full of joy, indulgence, and a touch of sparkle.
