You don’t need an Advent calendar to know that the Christmas season is upon us, but opening a little numbered door to reveal a prize is an idea that everyone – religious or not so much – really seems to want this year. For some reason, advent calendars are HUGE this year and whilst I was at the shops this weekend I spotted more than a few that I wouldn’t mind on my Christmas list.
What’s Advent?
It’sthe four-week period beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle (November 30) through the following three Sundays. Historians estimate that Advent, which derives from the Latin word for coming, has been celebrated since the fourth century. The period originally began as a time for converts to Christianity to prepare for baptism, but is now more commonly associated with the anticipation of the anniversary of Christ’s birth on December 25.
Blah blah blah – history. Tell us about the STUFF!
Stores have seen a tremendous upswing in demand for these little packaged days of joy. Everywhere you look, the displays are epic. And honestly, getting a tiny gift every day whilst counting down to Christmas is a joy I can get behind. Usually the sellers will give a great value, lots of great product for a great price. Here are some of my faves I saw this weekend…
This beautiful collection of mini treasures is the perfect gift for her this Christmas. 24 mini versions of Laura Ashley’s classic bath & beauty luxuries are a special festive treat whether home or away, and the pretty box can be used year after year to store your favourite family surprises.
The countdown to Christmas just got more exciting! This Jack Wills Advent Calendar is packed with mini beauty and body goodies – a perfect treat behind every door
I’m sure you’ve heard of the drama surrounding Zoella (reportedly famous You-Tuber, popular with the 15 and under crowd) and her pricey contribution to the Advent phenomenon. Retailing at £50 and marketed directly at children… it’s caused quite a stir.
The 12 gifts, in order, are:
a bauble
a little packet of “Make a Wish” confetti
a star-shaped cookie cutter
a packet of seven (7) stickers
a make-up bag/pencil case
a “Festive Cookie” candle (130g)
a mini bottle of “Christmas Clementine” room spray
a pen
a fluffy key ring
a second, this time gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter
a mini notepad
a “Cozy Christmas” candle (130g)
A particularly harsh review from Vlogger JaackMaate explains the big issue with this product. He actually smelled the candles and stated “you really can smell the exploitation of young children”. The reason for the majority of the outrage is that Zoella products are mainly marketed towards children, while other comparable advent calendars aren’t. “It’s just plain and simple manipulation of impressionable, young followers to spend a ridiculous amount of money,” says the writer Leanne Woodfull.
But… if you’ve got little ones that LURVE their favorite You-Tuber… it could be just the gift your tweens are looking for.
What is more festive than a daily dose of delicate fizz? This set includes 20cl bottles of white and rosé fizz including Prosecco, cava and champagne, to get you in the mood for the sparkly season. Because if you can’t live like royalty at Christmas, when can you?
Class yourself as a wine connoisseur? Last year, the advent calendar sold-out completely, and this year, things are bigger and better than ever. For example, they’ve even thrown in a luxury bubbly in the form of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Champagne NV.
So whether you’re into pampering or Prosecco, a little bit of self pampering goes a long way. When you’re out shopping for everyone else… pick yourself up a treat or 12 in the form of lovely little surprises leading up to the big day! Have you ever received (or bought yourself) an advent calendar? Did you love it? I’d love to see them and hear what you have to say – let’s talk about it on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram.
