Have an amazing Advent… without the chocolate!

With 1^st December around the corner, there is only one thing that we have on our lips: Advent!

We believe that you can never be too old to have an advent calendar, as we all deserve the excitement of opening a little door every day to reveal a little piece of festive fun.

Well this year, you can join in the countdown to Christmas, but without the calorific content.  A whole host of different brands have put their own twist on the most important 24 days of the year, and we have compiled a list of the best ones to buy.

Nail Varnish brand Ciate have made every girl’s dream come true, by creating the Mini Mani Month advent calendar. Sold exclusively at Selfridges, the calendar includes 17 of Ciate’s best-selling colours, four mini caviar blends and three special exclusive glitter shades that aren’t available anywhere else.

Unfortunately, it has sold out both in store and online, but if you’re desperate for your nail fix, there are calendars still selling on eBay.

Liz Earle has turned beauty into a festive treat with an array of mini skincare, bodycare, haircare and fragrances products waiting behind each little cut-out on her take on advent. Priced at £100, you are guaranteed to look radiant on Christmas day, even with all of the pre-festive stress with this calendar! Have a look for yourself here. 

A little out of your price range? Well, YOU have teamed up with Latest in Beauty to give us a little slice of Christmas beauty to enjoy every day. Available to buy for £59.95, the calendar includes products from the likes of Nicky Clarke, Yardley and Benefit. Why not give yourself a reason to get out of bed on a cold winter morning? Buy it online here.

If you are a whisky fan, then Master of Malt has found the answer for you. Behind each of its doors is a 3cl sample of whiskey and includes a five-year-old scotch behind one of the lucky openings. Priced at £149.95, it is perfect to look forward to opening after a hard day’s work. If you prefer a different tipple, they also have a “Ginvent” calendar too! Find them here.

Now, if you want to release your inner geek, then Lego have got exactly what you need. The 2012 City advent calendar comes with a story ensuring that each door opening is a piece to fix the problem that Santa is having with his sleigh. Each day gives a little chunk of Lego joy that ensures that you can save Christmas. Available online or at retailers such as John Lewis, the calendar is priced around £20.

If opening doors isn’t your thing, then we have found the perfect alternative. Lakeland has designed 24 advent candles to burn everyday up to until 25^th December. The tea lights are simply printed with red numbers and are currently on sale for £4.99. A lovely addition to your mantelpiece this Christmas, you can order them to your local store using the Lakeland click & collect service here.

With plenty of choice out there for you, it is possible to celebrate in style in the run up to Christmas. Chocolate or not, advent can be done exactly the way you want.

Kellie Griffiths