Advent calendars: which one to buy for who
Advent calendars start on 1 December, but the good ones sell out by mid-November. Choose by the person: chocolate for a cheap treat, toys for kids who like to build, beauty for a present in itself, and refillable if you want to get it exactly right.
Quick verdict
- Chocolate if… you want a cheap treat for children or the office. It costs under £1 a day and almost everyone likes it. Pick a brand you enjoy eating, not the prettiest box.
- Toys (LEGO, Playmobil) if… it is for a child aged 5 to 12 who likes building or playing with figures: they make something every day and end up with a full scene to keep playing with.
- Beauty, puzzle or refillable if… it is for an adult. Beauty is a pricey present in itself; puzzles are a daily challenge; and refillable lets you put in exactly what that person likes, year after year.
Types of advent calendar at a glance
| Chocolate | Toys (LEGO, Playmobil) | Beauty | Puzzle or book | Refillable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £3–£20 | £18–£40 | £35–£150 | £8–£18 | £12–£35 plus fillings |
| Per day (24 days) | 13p–85p | 75p–£1.70 | £1.50–£6 | 35p–75p | Whatever you put in |
| Age | All (check allergens) | 5–12 (small parts) | Adults | Teens and adults | All |
| What is left at the end | Nothing | A scene to play with | Mini or full-size products | The book or game | The calendar, for next year |
| Sells out | Rarely | By mid-November | Very early (big brands) | Sometimes | No |
Indicative UK prices as of November 2026.
When to buy
The first door opens on 1 December and the last on 24 December. Chocolate calendars are around until the last minute, but LEGO, Playmobil and big-brand beauty calendars usually sell out in the second half of November or get resold above their price.
For a discount, Black Friday week is a good time; to be sure of getting one, buy before.
For children: chocolate or toys
Chocolate is the tradition and the cheapest, but the day's surprise is over in two minutes. Toy calendars last longer: each door holds a figure or a small build, and by the end of the month it all comes together into a scene they keep playing with over Christmas.
- LEGO: from age 5–6 depending on the theme (Star Wars, City, Harry Potter, Friends). Lots of small pieces.
- Playmobil: from age 4, bigger figures and Christmas or fairy-tale themes.
- Under 3s: avoid calendars with small parts; choose a refillable one with biscuits or stickers.
- Allergies: chocolate calendars contain milk and often traces of nuts. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan versions exist.
For adults: beauty, puzzles, tea or coffee
Beauty calendars are the most expensive, but they usually hold products worth more than their price, many in mini sizes. Check the contents list before buying: if they will only use half, it is no bargain.
Puzzle, riddle and logic calendars have taken off in recent years: one challenge a day, pen and paper, and cheap. There are also tea, coffee, gin, beer, socks and spice calendars: pick one with something the person already enjoys.
Refillable: the safest bet
A wooden or fabric calendar with 24 drawers or pockets costs £12–£35 and lasts for years. You fill it: chocolates they like, small toys, notes with plans ('cinema tonight'), stickers or a jigsaw piece each day.
To keep filling it from becoming a chore, mix it up: some days something bought, other days a note with a plan or a fun task.
What to check before buying
- Who it is for and their age: that decides the type, not the price.
- The contents list (for beauty, toys and food): make sure they will actually use it.
- Allergens and best-before dates on food calendars; keep it away from radiators.
- Box size: some toy and beauty calendars are huge.
- Price per day: divide by 24 and compare with what you would spend on a small treat.
Where to buy
Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you buy, Affinisy may earn a commission at no cost to you. It does not change what we recommend.
LEGO advent calendar 2026
A minifigure or small build every day; several themes (Star Wars, City, Harry Potter, Friends).
Cadbury Dairy Milk advent calendar
The classic British chocolate calendar: cheap, everywhere, and loved by kids.
puzzle advent calendar riddles
One logic challenge a day for teens and adults. A best seller every November.
wooden refillable advent calendar
Fill it with what that person loves and use it for years.
Frequently asked questions
When do you start opening an advent calendar?
On 1 December, opening one door a day until 24 December. Some religious calendars follow the church's Advent, which starts four Sundays before Christmas.
When do advent calendars sell out?
Chocolate ones are around until December, but LEGO, Playmobil and big-brand beauty calendars usually sell out in the second half of November.
What advent calendar should I buy for an adult?
A beauty one if you want a present in itself, a puzzle one for a daily challenge, or tea, coffee, gin or beer depending on what they already enjoy. If in doubt, a refillable one with things you know they like.
What age is the LEGO advent calendar for?
It depends on the theme, usually from age 5 or 6. It has small pieces, so it is not for under-3s.
Are beauty advent calendars worth it?
If they will use most of what is inside, yes: the products are usually worth more than the price. Check the full contents list before buying.