'Tis the season for advent calendar shopping (Can you believe how close Christmas is now?) There are those who march to the beat of a different drummer boy – and that’s where these wild, weird and wonderful alternative advent calendars for 2024 come in.
Sure, the most common Christmas calendars are filled with chocolate, although beauty advent calendars are a trending holiday treat and many festive revellers appreciate the literal holiday spirit that comes with advent calendars filled with gin, whisky or beer.
But guess what? There’s also a novelty advent calendar for every unique personality in 2024: music advent calendars, advent calendars for couples, and even if you’re into a certain unique food or drink – cheese or beer for example – I've tracked down the perfect advent calendar for you.
How I picked the best weird advent calendars for 2024
I've been writing about advent calendar shopping for four Christmases now, and you can probably guess that this is the one I love the most – it's hard not to laugh while discovering some of the weirdest advent calendars out there to put this handy list together.
So the considerations for this advent calendar edit are pretty simple:
- The weirder the better. As much as I love beauty advent calendars (I buy one for myself every year), the ones that really keep my attention are those that are unusual and unexpected. Advent calendars are all about a surprise treat a day, and weird advent calendar gifts range from the hilarious to the bizarre.
- Fun factor: Every advent calendar on this list is guaranteed to get a reaction but there's nothing offensive and all of the picks are designed to be taken in good humour.
- Ratings and reviews: As much as I wish I'd been able to open all of these great advent calendars, I'm also relying on verified shoppers' opinions. I've gone through all of the reviews, and the pros and cons, to determine which you'll love based on my shopping expertise.
- Trusted brands and retailers: I don't want you to be disappointed when you shop for these unusual gifts, so I've only selected advent calendars from names you trust.
- HELLO! readers' favourites: After numerous Christmas seasons studying exactly what our readers actually buy (and love), I've been sure to include past weird advent calendar hits, especially if they've been updated for 2024.
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Shop the best weird advent calendars of 2024
So, are you ready for some off-the-wall Christmas surprises? Keep scrolling for my picks...
1/16
Coppenrath Gramophone Musical Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "For a musical treat over the festive season, this unusual Gramophone Musical Advent Calendar contains 24 mini vinyl records, each with a different Christmas song, and a mini-record player."
2/16
Koka Instant Noodles 12 Days Christmas Countdown
Editor's Note: "Twelve days of noodles? Yes, please! There's nothing like a hot bowl of soup during the winter months, and this instant noodle countdown is bringing all the festive flavours you'll need."
3/16
Brewdog Craft Beer Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "Count down to Christmas with a beer advent calendar! This 24-day treat includes a mix of 'stone cold classics, new brews, collaborations and festive one-offs' plus a glass. The BrewDog calendar usually sells out every year - I recommend you order right away so you don't miss out."
4/16
Newby London - 24 Teas of Christmas Calendar
© Newby LondonEditor’s Note: “If starting every morning in December with a delicious gourmet brew tickles your fancy, then this is the advent calendar for you. You get 24 drawers filled with premium tea bags of Newby’s fine blends. There are British faves like English Breakfast and Earl Grey and more exotic flavours, like Jasmine Blossom and Masala Chai. And the great thing is you get four individually wrapped bags in each drawer, so there’s plenty for sharing and repeat cuppas. The 10th anniversary box, which features a snowy London scene, is also beautiful and can definitely be reused either as a repeat advent calendar or a jewellery box.”
5/16
Happy Socks 24-Pack Advent Calendar Gift Set
Editor's Note: "Keep your feet nice and cosy in the run-up to Christmas with a brand new pair of socks every day! The Happy Socks festive-looking advent calendar is filled with 24 just as festive and colourful cotton socks. As a Happy Socks fan I can tell you its socks are some of the softest around."
6/16
The Bearded Man Co 24 Days of Beard Treats Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "The most iconic man of the festive season rocks a beard – we're looking at you, Santa Claus! – and there's no doubt every guy, even Father Christmas, would appreciate."
7/16
Ilchester Cheese Advent Calendar
© IlchesterEditor's Note: "Say cheese! This foodie-friendly advent calendar features 24 mini cheeses in flavours including Applewood, Ilchester Wensleydale Cheese with Cranberries, and Ilchester Wensleydale Cheese and Gingerbread."
8/16
Haynes Retro Radio Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "Dial up the fun with the Haynes Retro Radio Advent Calendar, which will help you build a working FM radio with throwback vibes. There are 24 parts included in the calendar for you to build the gadget one day at a time, meaning you'll have your radio up and running by Christmas Day."
9/16
Personalised Spotify Christmas advent calendar
Editor's Note: "Nothing sparks Christmas joy more than music – and this advent calendar lines up the perfect festive soundtrack, a selection based on the most popular Christmas songs ever, for the days running up to 25 December. There's an iconic track behind each door – all you have to do is point your smartphone at the calendar to hear an Xmas tune to get you in the holiday mood each day.
P.S. If you're in the US (or worldwide) you can shop a similar digital download version on Etsy for around $6!"
10/16
Woodmansterne Dog Treat Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "Dog lovers rejoice! Your favourite pup can also enjoy a weird but wonderful advent calendar. This dog biscuit calendar includes 24 well-deserved treats for your fur baby.
And dog moms and dads in the US can shop a similar top-rated advent calendar at Chewy."
11/16
Lovehoney Sexual Wellness Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "Want to keep things hot this Christmas? Sexual wellness brand Lovehoney are wishing you a steamy festive season with an advent calendar filled with pleasure toys to choose from. The £99 advent calendar is worth £232 and includes 12 days of pleasure."
12/16
Personalised 'A Date a Day' Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "This unique advent calendar for couples features one date suggestion per day, such as ‘Phones off it’s board game time’ or ‘Dance wherever the music takes you’. Even better, you can personalise it with your names *heart emoji*."
13/16
Shocking Science Tricks Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "For fans of STEM projects and toys, this shocking science tricks advent calendar will keep you more than entertained in the run-up to Christmas."
14/16
Papier 24 Doors of Desk Delights
Editor's Note: "Filed under: unusual but practical. The sophisticated Papier advent calendar is such a treat for stationery lovers (it sold out fast last year!) and the 2024 offering does not disappoint. The limited-edition countdown, worth £200, is a beautiful gift box with 24 individually-wrapped treats, from stylish thank you notes to a photo frame. Gorgeous!"
15/16
Sewing Advent Calendar
Editor's Note: "This original sewing advent calendar, with 24 sewing treats from thread to 'Handmade' labels to fix to your creations, guarantees a crafty Christmas! Plus there's an eco-friendly bonus: the calendar also comes with flower seeds because the packaging, once emptied, can be filled with potting compost to be transformed into a mini flower bed for the spring."
16/16
Seed Advent Calendar for Gardeners
Editor's Note: "If you'd like to start 2025 in a spirit of growth and renewal, a seed advent calendar is for you. There are 24 varieties of wildflowers - sunflowers, daisies, red poppies, marigolds, petunias and more - inside small paper bags. The natural jute string and 24 wooden clothes pins included to display the calendar give it a rustic, artisanal feel."
