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Advent calendars are more than a countdown — they're little daily rituals that turn the run-up to the holidays into a string of tiny surprises. Whether you love chocolate behind little doors, miniature models to assemble, or elegant Scandinavian designs that double as décor, the UK market has options to suit every taste and budget. In this guide I’ll walk you through standout picks from Menkind and Nordic Nest, suggest other UK stores worth checking, and help you choose an advent calendar that will earn a permanent spot in your seasonal traditions.
Remember how a small door opening and a tasty treat could make the whole day brighter? That childhood thrill still works as an adult. Advent calendars transform an entire month into a series of moments — a mini celebration every day. They’re also a clever way to explore new products (think gourmet popcorn or artisan chocolate), build excitement with collectible miniatures, or carve out a daily self-care habit. And with so many designs now reusable and refillable, an advent calendar can be both nostalgic and environmentally thoughtful.
If you’re hunting for variety, three types of UK retailers usually have the strongest selections: specialist novelty shops, boutique design stores, and mainstream department stores. Menkind and Nordic Nest are great examples of the first two. For wider ranges and seasonal exclusives, department stores and supermarkets also stock popular calendars. Each retailer has a different focus: one might specialise in quirky build-it-yourself models, another in minimalist wooden designs, and supermarkets typically deliver great value chocolate options.
Menkind is the go-to for novelty advent calendars that delight collectors and fans of pop culture. If you want a calendar that’s more like a small gift every day — think model cars, fandom-themed miniatures, or edible treats with a twist — Menkind often leads the pack. Their selection includes everything from Red Bull Racing and McLaren model builds to Back to the Future miniatures, and even themed food options like gourmet popcorn or dark chocolate liqueurs. These calendars are perfect when you want the excitement of discovery paired with the tactile fun of a mini project.
Nordic Nest brings that elegant Scandinavian charm to the advent calendar world. If your holiday aesthetic leans toward clean lines, natural materials, and handcrafted feel, their wooden calendars and star-shaped hangings will speak to you. Think of designs that can be unboxed and reused year after year — a little train in pine, an advent star that becomes part of your mantel decor, or curated gift sets in simple, calming palettes. Nordic Nest is ideal for those who prefer an understated, long-lasting piece rather than a single-use novelty.
Department stores in the UK are reliable one-stop shops for advent calendars across a broad price range. John Lewis tends to stock premium beauty and homeware calendars, while Marks & Spencer and Waitrose often lead on luxurious food and chocolate calendars. These retailers frequently offer exclusive collaborations and Christmas ranges that balance value with quality — a good bet if you’re buying multiple calendars for family and friends and want consistency in gifting.
If you’re after tasty value, supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda bring competitive prices on chocolate and gourmet food calendars. For artisan options, independent food retailers and chocolatiers across the UK sell limited-run calendars with locally sourced goods. These choices range from indulgent liqueur chocolates to cheese or tea samplers — a delicious daily surprise for the foodie in your life.
Choosing the right calendar comes down to three questions: who is it for, how long will the joy last, and how much space do you have? Some calendars are designed for a single season thrill, others become decorative keepsakes. Here’s a quick tour of popular types so you know what to look for when browsing Menkind, Nordic Nest, or any major UK retailer.
Classic chocolate advent calendars remain a favourite for good reason: they're simple, affordable, and universally loved. Gourmet variations step things up with artisan truffles, flavoured caramels or even small jars of jam, honey or popcorn kernels. These can be great for hosting a tasting evening or pairing with seasonal drinks. If you prefer savoury surprises, look for calendars that include cheeses, sauces or cured meats — they make the countdown a culinary adventure.
Beauty calendars offer a daily chance to try new soaps, serums, and lotions. Brands often include deluxe samples that feel luxury-sized, turning the advent period into a month-long pamper ritual. Self-care calendars aimed at men and women sometimes include grooming tools and wellness items, making them an excellent gift for someone who appreciates practical indulgence in small doses.
These are the ones that build anticipation like a tiny construction project. From model cars and miniature figures to LEGO-style bricks or themed collectibles, these calendars provide hands-on engagement each day. Menkind’s model advent calendars — think McLaren or Red Bull Racing builds — are perfect when you want a keepsake that’s assembled over 24 days and admired long after December 25th.
Going green? Reusable calendars made from wood, fabric or sturdy cardboard can be refilled year after year, cutting down on waste. Some come as little drawers or pockets where you can tuck tiny gifts and notes; others are designed with neutral aesthetics so they blend with your holiday décor. Nordic Nest’s wooden trains and star advents are great examples of items that transition from a seasonal organiser to a cherished household accent.
Menkind’s selection tends to lean bold: fandom-heavy kits, novelty sweets and build-it-yourself models that surprise every day. Here are a few options that regularly catch attention and make memorable gifts for fans or hobbyists.
If you like movie-night treats, a gourmet popcorn calendar turns each day into a flavour discovery. Expect a range from classic salted butter to caramel and exotic seasonings, perfect for pairing with a film or a cosy evening by the fire. This is a fun alternative to chocolate and appeals to those who love savoury snacks with a creative twist.
For the motorsport fan, this type of calendar is like unwrapping mini engineering lessons. Each day reveals parts or accessories to assemble a model related to the team, pairing collectible joy with a hands-on build. It’s a keeper that celebrates fandom and craftsmanship over the whole advent period.
Combining kawaii characters with beauty treats, character-themed beauty calendars are a hit with younger teens and anyone who enjoys playful packaging. Little cosmetics, bath mists, and balms hidden behind doors make each morning feel like a small, personal present — ideal for gifting or personal treat-yourself moments.
Nostalgia sells, and this kind of franchise calendar does it brilliantly. Each day you might unlock a small replication, accessory or scene piece tied to the movie that can be arranged into a larger display. It’s a brilliant pick for collectors and film buffs who enjoy building a themed miniature universe.
Some calendars turn into toys straight away. A remote-control car calendar gives you parts and accessories that are often usable immediately, so the advent excitement translates into playtime. These are especially good for kids or anyone who loves gadgets and hands-on tech surprises.
Ideal for someone who values daily rituals, a body-care calendar filled with lotions, scrubs and pampering items encourages a month of indulgence. Think of it as a tiny wellness gift every morning — simple, rejuvenating, and practical for winter months when skin needs extra care.
For grown-ups who appreciate boozy treats, calendars that pair chocolate with liqueur flavours are a delightful twist. Each day offers a sealed portion, combining confectionery craftsmanship with adult flavours in a neat, festive format. Great for sharing or treating yourself after a long day.
Another racing-themed build, the McLaren model calendar appeals to motorsport collectors who love detailed assembly. These calendars often result in a display-worthy model by Christmas, making them perfect for the mantelpiece or a desk conversation starter.
Nordic Nest’s advent collection emphasizes craftsmanship and long-term value. Their items often become part of the seasonal décor rather than something that gets recycled after the holidays. Here are a few styles you might find especially appealing.
Nordic brands like Meraki offer curated sets that emphasise gentle tones and natural scents. A “Northern Dawn” themed calendar might include soothing soaps, hand creams and aromatherapy items that transition beautifully into a self-care ritual, all wrapped in subtle, elegant packaging.
This is a wooden train advent with small drawers for each day — think charming, tactile and perfectly Scandi. At roughly 13 inches by 15 inches in size, it’s compact enough for a mantel but substantial enough to feel like a centrepiece. Because it’s made from wood, it doubles as seasonal décor year after year.
A nature-tone calendar around 13 by 15 inches will often feature simple illustrations and a neutral palette, blending seamlessly with modern living rooms. These designs are great if you want a festive look that won’t clash with existing decor or scream "single use."
Large star-shaped advent pieces make a dramatic display and can be hung as an architectural element above a fireplace or in an entryway. At roughly 27 inches, a Vega star from Nordic suppliers is an investment in seasonal atmosphere and doubles as a striking holiday ornament.
A slightly smaller star of about 21 inches gives the same visual impact on a more modest scale — perfect for apartments or cosy cottages. The white finish complements warm lights and wooden accents, creating a serene festive corner.
Smaller curated sets divided into several chapters bring an element of surprise without overwhelming the senses. These four-part packages can be shared among family members or saved for an extended post-Christmas treat, offering flexibility in how you use them.
Choosing the perfect calendar is part personal taste, part logistics. Ask yourself who will open the doors, whether you want a reusable piece, and if the calendar should double as décor. Set a budget, check the size (so it fits your mantel), and look at the contents: do you want daily treats, building parts, or something that nudges you toward relaxation? Also consider whether the aesthetic matches your home — a Scandinavian wooden calendar looks very different from a neon-bright pop-culture box.
Hunting during early November often nets the best selection, while late-season deals pop up in December. Compare prices across specialist stores like Menkind, design boutiques like Nordic Nest, and larger retailers for promos. Signing up for newsletters or following social channels usually reveals flash sales and exclusive bundles. If you plan to buy multiple calendars, look for multi-buy discounts offered by some department stores and supermarkets.
If you love crafting, a DIY advent calendar is a rewarding project: create a fabric pocket chain, paint small boxes, or reuse jars for a sustainable approach. DIY calendars let you control size, theme and contents — perfect if you’re tailoring surprises to a partner, child or friend. Personalised calendars also feel more thoughtful and can become heirlooms that capture family memories year after year.
Advent calendars are small rituals with big emotional payoffs. Whether you choose Menkind’s novelty-packed builds, Nordic Nest’s understated wooden designs, or a supermarket’s gourmet chocolate option, there’s a calendar to make every December morning feel a bit brighter. Think about who it’s for, whether you want reusable design, and if you prefer treats, toys or toiletries — and then enjoy the daily surprise. After all, it’s the little moments that add up to a memorable holiday season.
| Advent Calendars | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| United Oddsocks Advent Calendar For Men | £ 17,50 | |
| Bloomingville Paulownia Advent Calendar Train Multi | £ 25,08 | |
| Deluxe Wednesday Advent Calendar | £ 29,50 | |
| Oyoy Rainbow Christmas Calendar Multi | £ 32,- | |
| Scandi Living Joyful Advent Calendar 75 Cm Beige | £ 32,90 | |
| 24 Days Vw Bulli Surf Advent Calendar | £ 34,50 | |
| Oracle Red Bull Racing 24 Days Model Advent Calendar | £ 39,- | |
| Naruto Shippuden 24 Days Deluxe Advent Calendar | £ 39,- | |
| Mclaren 24 Days Model Advent Calendar | £ 39,50 | |
| Bloomingville Richie Christmas Calender 33x38 Cm Nature | £ 81,- |
