Not everyone is a big fan of the classic chocolate advent calendar…

The countdown to Christmas is a tradition eagerly embraced by many – and what better way to mark each day than with a delightful surprise behind every calendar door? But there is an abundance of cosy alternatives waiting to be explored – and especially now, this shortly before Christmas, you’ll find a lot of them already for a reduced price! And as a bonus, you can even open multiple ones on your first day. Win-win. So, what are you waiting for? Here are some of our favourite alternative advent calendar ideas!

A tea advent calendar

For the tea enthusiasts among us (and who are we kidding, we are in the UK after all), a Tea Advent Calendar is a perfect alternative. What better way to start the day than with an aromatic brew? There are different types, too, depending on if you’re a fan of the classic black tea, or would rather have some spiced chai or soothing peppermint; a calendar like this allows you to try a bountiful mix of different Christmas teas. Each cup is a little tranquillity in the midst of the festive hustle. Why not get yourself some cheeky biscuits or homemade shortbread to go with it?

Maybe hot chocolate is more your thing?

Alternatively, if you’d still like your sweet tooth being catered to, why not try out a hot chocolate advent calendar? Same as with the tea, you’ll be getting an abundance of different, incredibly interesting flavours, from classic milk chocolate to indulgent salted caramel and everything in between. If you’re feeling absolutely up for it, go treat yourself to some marshmallows, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate winter treat. It’s a perfect reason to just stop the day and enjoy yourself and the cosiness around you for just a few minutes.

Read more: more Christmas ideas!

Gourmet cheese, anyone?

For those who appreciate the finer things in life and really aren’t just big fans of something sweet, maybe an advent calendar with gourmet cheese in it might be the perfect alternative. With a wonderful selection of artisanal cheese behind each door, perfectly paired with crackers and chutneys, every day is promising to be exciting. So, whether you’re a fan of creamy brie, tangy blue cheese, or sharp cheddar – this calendar might just give you a new favourite dairy treat. Excellent for people who’d just like to try a bit of a variety, too.

Have a look around your favourite platforms!

Artisan platforms like Etsy right now have a bountiful variety of different, handmade advent calendars, for example – ranging from classic chocolate ones (yes, we know, this calendar was for alternatives to them, but we’re still going to mention them!) all the way up to creative and certainly unusual ones. You can find versions with craft beer, for a curated collection of seasonal ales, stouts and lagers. Or even some funky crisp-mas ones with, you guessed it, just a whole lotta crisps.

Coffee, porridge (yes, porridge. We personally had one a couple of years ago and it was an absolute banger) and hot sauces are also in the race. Oh, the options! And that’s of course just the edible ones. Wait until you find the ones that have actual items in them…