From the moment we opened the first door, it was clear this wasn’t just any old advent calendar. With each day, the kids unearthed a new piece of the wizarding world, from iconic Hogsmeade shops to a lineup of beloved characters – and even the first-ever Aberforth Dumbledore minifigure. It’s a bit like a Yule Ball for Harry Potter fans, and our little Muggles were positively agog. Each day, the kids pop open a new door to discover colourful Plus Plus pieces and a set of instructions that’ll spark their imaginations. It’s like watching a festive storybook come to life, one piece at a time. By Christmas Eve, they’ll have crafted an entire Christmas scene, and trust us, the pride in their little faces is just priceless. Get ready to make the countdown to Christmas 2023 a memorable journey with the perfect Advent Calendar that captures the essence of the season and unwraps a little bit of happiness day by day. Let’s dive in and discover the magic together! Ask a six year-old what the best advent calendar is and they’ll tell you it’s the one with the most chocolate. Right? Well, maybe in the 1970s. But in 2023 we have Lego advent calendars, Pokemon advent calendars and calendars filled with every kind of sweet and children’s toy you can think of. How can they possibly choose?

Just when you thought the Christmas countdown couldn’t get any more exciting, we’ve discovered a little gem that’s perfect for the family. Imagine this: each day of December, there’s a special moment where the kids get to unveil a new piece of their very own pinball machine. Yes, you heard that right – a pinball machine inside an advent calendar! Picture this: It’s a chilly December morning, and there’s a sparkle of anticipation in the air as the kids bound down the stairs. That’s the magic of our hands-on Plus Plus Advent Calendar – a little box of daily delight that we’ve absolutely adored testing out in our own home.

With its 24 doors of creamy vegan chocolates, this calendar brought smiles all around, proving that being vegan or having food allergies doesn’t mean missing out on the Christmas chocolate tradition. Every morning, adults can have a little buzz of excitement as they discover the day’s treat – and let’s just say, the kids were equally keen for a taste! If your little ones are anything like our lively panel of mini-testers, the L.O.L. Surprise! Advent Calendar for 2023 will be the stuff of little dreams. This isn’t just an advent calendar; it’s a daily dose of fashionista fun!

Finally, your chance to channel Kath Day-Knight and enjoy your own statue of The Little Baby Cheeses. This is a wondrous 24 day journey into Cheeseland, with tiny cheeses from around the world to fondle and unwrap each day. You can probably eat them too, if that’s what you’re into. But let’s not forget, Advent Calendars are not just the little ones! The 2023 range has brought forth a treasure trove of options that adults can relish too. From gourmet chocolates to artisan teas and even grey cell boosters, there’s an Advent Calendar to cater to every taste and indulge the festive cravings of grown-ups. Sharing the love (and the Fizzers) has brought our families together, sparking conversations about Christmas pasts and present. And for the price? It’s like a daily dose of joy without breaking the bank. What a curious and clever twist on the traditional advent calendar! The Escape Room Advent Calendar has had our panel of puzzle-loving parents scratching their heads and cheering with delight in equal measure. Flaps have never been more festive, and this house has 24 of them. Someone alert Jacinda, we just found the answer to the housing crisis.The Webbox Cat Advent Calendar has been the talk of the office, with our feline friends getting a taste of the festive fun. We’ve watched with delight as our resident cats, from the curious kittens to the wise old whiskers, have had a ball with the yoghurt and catnip treats. Each morning as we’ve opened a new door, it’s been met with an eager audience of paws and purrs. The treats are a hit – some of our kitties have been rolling around in sheer bliss, while others have pounced and devoured them in an instant. Now, don’t let the words ‘build your own’ scare you. We’re not talking about hours of head-scratching here. It’s all cleverly designed with press-out parts – no glue, no mess, just the satisfaction of pieces slotting satisfyingly into place. It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle that comes to life, and by Christmas Eve, you’ve got a fully working game to challenge Aunt Mabel and Uncle Bob. Not all advent calendars have such dramatic cost-to-value ratios, but the basic principle is that you get more than you pay for. Here are the best we’ve found this year, with plenty of time to buy them before December 1. Unless they sell out!

Embrace your true unicorn self this Christmas with this Smiggle calendar stuffed full of nail polishes, hair chalks and lip glosses. It’s probably for kids, but why should those little shits have all the fun? Bath confetti knows no age, bitches. And it wasn’t just the kids; the grown-ups were equally enchanted. There’s something about that melt-in-the-mouth magic that brings out the child in everyone. It’s the kind of indulgence that makes you pause, smile, and remember what the festive season’s all about. Every piece of stationery carries that unmistakable Stranger Things vibe, right down to the quality of the paper goods that impressed even our most discerning young critics. It’s not just pens and pads, though; the keyrings and bracelets have been adding a dash of the Upside Down to everyday life. This calendar wants us to scratch off Christmas baubles to reveal fun and life enriching experiences to do each day until Christmas. It sounds exhausting – someone pass me the box of cheese – but apparently some people enjoy living their lives in this worthy and fulfilling manner. I tip my wedge of Brie to you and bid you good day. Each of the 24 doors has been a daily treat, revealing mini bags of popcorn in eight scrumptious vegan flavours. From the indulgent Vegan Coconut & Cacao to the seasonal Vegan Toffee Apple & Cinnamon, the variety has been impressive, especially considering they’re all vegan!Handmade with a dash of Welsh pride, these chocolates are not just treats; they’re little stories designed with flair, each bite a festive celebration. We’ve felt the warmth of Welsh Christmases past with every piece – “Nadolig Llawen” indeed! This product comes with no description, which means opening this every morning in December will be a surprise for everyone, including the The Office characters themselves. You can get a cool gift for kids, and be the hero of the day. Or, you could get one of the best advent calendars, and they'll get a gift every day for a month. And it's not a moment too soon, because if you ask kids, the wait leading up to December 25 is the longest wait for the whole year. Best teen advent calendar for stationery fanatics: CoralandInk Ultimate 24 days of Stationery Calendar Over the course of 24 days, you’ll open a window and get an individual part to slowly build your very own model sized 911. You can choose from loads of colours, I think the light green looks amazing!