Alternative Advent Calendars for Every Member of the Family

The Christmas countdown…

The Christmas countdown is officially on and we’re enjoying every second of it. Making the most of the lead up to the big day with an advent calendar is a treat we’ll happily indulge in, so it’s only fair we take it up a notch this season. There’s truly a calendar for every interest and every age, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites in anticipation of December 1st. From untraditional twists on the sweet-tooth-satisfiers for the dads to extravagant beauty buys for the mums, and chocolate-less treats for girls and boys, there’s something for every member of the family…

Read more: Holiday Fairs and Christmas Markets in Hong Kong

Looking to truly treat yourself this season? These festive surprises are sure to mark the twenty-four day countdown to Christmas in true style. Wake up excited every day in December with this luscious Jo Malone package. Bold, bright and bursting with festive surprises, simply pop the dreamy doors to find colognes, fragrant candles and more to make your morning. Though the price is on the higher end of the spectrum ($4,000), you can rest assured that you’re getting top quality products that you’ll use all through 2018!

Limited quantity available at Jo Malone Stores and Lane Crawford counters.

Worth over $3000, and priced at $866 (with free delivery in Hong Kong), this enchanting lookfantastic wonderland has caught our eye and kept our attention. Featuring favourites like Elemis, Moroccanoil and Molton Brown, this is a chance to savour all your classic luxuries, and find new and exciting brands. Housed in an elaborately decorated case, the 25 beauty products have been carefully selected, wrapped and boxed, ready to be spritzed and swatched. As a major selling point, the calendar includes 9 full-sized products and 16 deluxe samples, 19 of which are exclusive to lookfantastic. When boxing day arrives, the beautiful case (complete with a mirror!) can be used as a vanity unit to store your beloved beauty essentials.

Available at lookfantastic

This hand treatment calendar contains more than enough to keep your skin pampered through the cold months. Featuring a unique festive collection plus all our tried-and-tested favourites, this intricately designed box holds everything from wintery Red Berry & Fir and Frosted Spicewood, to summery Pear & Pink Magnolia and Pomegranate & Argan Oil. As a bonus, these compact creams also make great stocking stuffers!

Available at Crabtree & Evelyn

This oversized ASOS advent calendar is the ideal pre-Christmas treat for your S.O., containing 24 days of top quality grooming products. From hair gel, to face cream, to lip balm and beard balm, it lets your man try out new products without the fear of commitment. Sold. Plus, as an extra incentive for mamas, the Murdock Beard Moisturiser smells amazing, and the final day gives us an ASOS discount code. It’s the gift that keeps giving!

P.S. In case you’re wondering, there’s also a women’s version available – but it’s selling out quick!

Available at ASOS

We know guilt-free and treats don’t really walk hand-in-hand, but there’s no reason an advent calendar can’t fuel your workout. Healthy diets can stay intact through the holiday season with MyProtein’s health-conscious advent calendar. With a selection of delicious bites designed to keep that all-important training on track, you’ll find a hidden protein bar behind every window. We know it’s far from your traditional treat, but with Oat & Whey, My Bar Zero, and the classic High Protein Bars, gym-goers wont be disappointed. Though the mouthwatering flavours include decadent chocolate Orange and Salted Caramel, everything is packed with nutritional value, so you and your partner can enjoy the build-up to Christmas in the most delicious AND nutritious way.

Available at MyProtein

Read more: Where to Workout in Hong Kong: Exercise Classes Under 1 Hour

This one’s for the whisky drinker in the family – whether that’s you or your husband. Filled with 24 of the most exciting whiskies, Drinks by the Dram’s calendar is a treat for alcohol lovers. From a 50-year-old Scotch to superb Irish and American whiskeys, and expressions from some of the most exciting world whisky distilleries – you won’t be disappointed. Complete with handmade 30ml wax-sealed drams, the lead up to Christmas can be spent exploring everything from superb single grains to rare single malts from across the globe. We’ll cheers to that!

Available at Master of Malt

We know, we know, LEGO is slowly but surely taking over the house. Filled with 24 different buildings, vehicles, seasonal items and characters, this action-packed calendar is sure to offer your kid hours of entertainment. The mini-figures even feature a snowboarder kid and Santa himself. Plus, the kids will love the excitement of opening each door to reveal the surprise for the day!

Available at Amazon – or check out the Star Wars LEGO advent calendar at Toys R Us

Though the Frozen soundtrack is seemingly playing nonstop, it’s no surprise everyone’s favourite snowman reappears once the weather cools. Treat your little one to Disney’s Frozen calendar, stocked full with notebooks, stickers, pens and pencils. The strong princess theme, the cute little colouring books and the (genuinely!) useful gifts, make this a favourite for the royal members of the family.

Available at Fishpond

December is often the busiest time of year, but factoring a proper family project can be a great bonding exercise. If you’re looking to get a little creative, check out this DIY advent calendar. Keep the kiddos occupied during evenings and weekends, and the whole family can contribute to make something you’re proud to hang up on the 1st of December! Don’t worry about having no sewing experience – this is made for beginners, as it uses simple techniques, and the panel comes complete with pockets to cut out, and instructions to keep you on track. Once you’re done, fill it with your favourite sweet treats, and you’ll be set for years to come!

Available at Etsy