It’s that time of the year again when Advent calendars hit the shelves. Corona or no corona virus, the countdown to Christmas is something nobody can take away from us. And let’s be honest, we can all use something to look forward to at this moment. So what are this year’s top picks to elevate the holiday cheer and top the festive door-opening tradition? Here’s the scoop in random order:
Ladurée
With the current travel ban, a romantic escape to Paris wasn’t in the books this year. Luckily we can bring a taste of the city of lights to our own home with the Laduree advent calendar. The box is beautifully illustrated. The illustration is a Haussmannian building wrapped with a ribbon that opens up to 24 windows filled with candied fruits, chocolates, bonbons, nougats and more to delight the sweet tooth.
https://www.laduree.fr/en – € 40
Kusmi Tea
Indulge in the different tea blends of luxury tea brand Kusmi with this gorgeous peacock blue advent calendar. Opening the windows guarantees instant pleasure as it contains 2 miniature tins, 20 sachets and a teaspoon. It is the perfect way to try out the flavoured organic green, black and herbal teas of this legendary tea house.
https://www.kusmitea.com/int – € 34,90
Angelina Paris
Another top pick from Paris is the advent calendar box by Angelina with illustrations of a winter wonderland in Paris. Famed for its chocolate, pastries, macarons and teas, it promises the best of Paris in a box. Start the festive season in style!
https://www.angelina-paris.fr/en or selected department stores in the US – € 50
Diptyque
Another French brand that couldn’t lack on this list is the advent calendar by Diptyque. This advent calendar is a real splurge, filled with miniature scented candles, sample sized eau de toilettes and bath and body products. What makes this year’s box extra special is the collaboration with the illustrator of the box, who is the permanent designer of the Hermes shawls.
https://www.diptyqueparis.com/ – € 350
Penhaligon’s
Since the Christmas shopping trip to London is also cancelled this year, why not indulge in some quintessential British fragrances? Penhaligon’s advent calendar has a classic British design this year and is full of their signature scents.
https://www.penhaligons.com/ – £ 375
Liberty London
It was Liberty London who started this culture of creating advent calendars with gifts instead of chocolates. Their advent calendar is possibly the most coveted and sought after in the world. As I’m writing this post, it’s already sold out. Nonetheless it had to be in this top picks list. The calendar is filled with the best niche cosmetic brands on the market. A traditional Liberty print adorns the little drawers. Each drawer contains a gift with a note about the product.
https://www.libertylondon.com/ – £ 220
Dior
Dior is already out of stock but will be restocked later this month. Not a surprise when you look at the design and gifts. This exclusive calendar is the ultimate beauty advent calendar with lipsticks and lip gloss, skin care products and fragrances. The box itself is gorgeous and luxurious with gold and white drawings.
https://www.dior.com/ – € 350
Jo Malone
Jo Malone stands for elegance and chic. Their advent calendar is just that. The 25 small drawers open up to cosmetic gifts and scented candles. It’s a great way to try out a bunch of their popular and new products and to collect travel size products for your first trip after lockdown.
https://www.jomalone.eu/ – € 325
Balmain
Balmain is famed for its exclusive hair care products. Their 12 days advent calendar is therefore a wonderful way to elevate your hair care routine. This year’s calendar is super chic in black and gold representing Parisian nights. The miniature Parisian houses are an ode to the Parisian hair couture. Gifts include a hairbrush, styling powder, shampoo and elixir.
https://store.balmainhair.com/ – € 209
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury’s advent calendar is beautifully designed as a jewelry chest which makes it all the more fun to open. You might actually repurpose it as such after the Holidays! Unlike the other calendars it is 12 days of beauty treasures. The drawers aren’t numbered so it takes a bit of restraint. Gifts include an array of make-up and skin care products.
These are my personal top 10 but there’s plenty more out there to pick from like, Net-a-Porter, The White Company, Molton Brown and YSL. Happy countdown to Christmas!