Best alternative advent calendars 2026, from books to cocktails

With Christmas only 14 Fridays away, it’s naturally time to start getting into the festive spirit, right? If you want an alternative advent calendar, it may be time to start shopping. The most coveted advents can sell out weeks before December 1, so if you see one you like, don’t dither over it for too long. Up until recent years, the mention of advent calendars brought back the wholesome memories of simple chocolate calendars, with festive images behind each door, all encompassed in a flimsy bit of plastic. But now, you can count down the days with all sorts of presents, from a new coffee pod every morning to a new miniature classic literature book. Advent calendars were once a nice, optional pre-Christmas extra, but as the years roll on and incredible new ideas come to market, we are now spoilt for choice on how to get into the spirit, with something for everyone's taste. To show you what’s out there for Christmas 2026, I’ve found the most whimsical and wonderful advent calendars that promise to make the season shine brighter than ever.Papier 24 Day Advent CalendarPapierA stationery lover's treasure chest. The Papier advent calendar is filled with mini bestsellers and full-size surprises for the festive countdown, including notebooks, themed journals, wax seals and playing cards to name a few. Worth over £280, the stationery is hidden in beautiful drawers that can be kept and reused forever. If the 24-day calendar feels pricey, new to this year, Papier has released a 12-day calendar, priced at £75.Grind Coffee Pod Advent CalendarGrindIf you’re someone who gets excited over the idea of a new coffee every morning in the countdown to Christmas, the Grind advent calendar may be the perfect gift for yourself. You get 25 days of home-compostable, Nespresso® compatible pods. The 17 blends range from their signature House Blend to a Pumpkin Spice Blend and even a limited edition Christmas Blend. It's ideal for someone who is after trying a range of new coffee or wants the perfect introduction to the brand. Don’t use pods? This year Grind has also released two 12-day calendars for the ground and whole bean lovers. John Lewis Cocktail Advent CalendarJohn LewisWhy not get into the Christmas spirit with actual spirits? The John Lewis Cocktail Advent Calendar lets you celebrate December with an expertly mixed drink for each day. The calendar includes cocktails from premium brands like Moth, Pimentae and Edmunds. Astrid & Miyu 24 Day Advent CalendarAstrid & MiyuAfter the perfect curated collection? The Astrid & Miyu 24 Day Advent Calendar is filled with 22 exclusive pieces to stack throughout the festivities. This calendar, worth over £1700, comes in both silver and gold and has an array of signature cosmic touches and sparkling crystal styles for all jewellery lovers out there. Along with a limited edition Tote and luxury suedette jewellery box, a £50 voucher is hiding inside to spend online & in-store.Penguin Twenty-Four Books for Advent: A Book Lover's Countdown to ChristmasPenguinAppropriately named, this advent calendar really is a book lover's dream. Enclosed in the beautifully designed slipcase, you’ll find twenty-four numbered miniature books, all Christmas stories by the likes of Charles Dickens, E Nesbit, Louisa May Alcott and Hans Christian Andersen. Each miniature book even has a gold loop, allowing it to be hung on your tree. This advent calendar has something for every kind of reader.