Don’t want to ruin your child’s (or your) teeth with chocolate? Or simply wishing to come up with something more original? Ramona Depares rounds up some Advent calendars with a twist.

During my childhood, Advent colours were pretty predictable. You got 24 windows, with a piece of chocolate hidden behind each. Standard fare that kept us happy.

Alas, times are not as simple anymore and most kids will turn a jaded eye towards your run-of-the-mill chocolate calendar. Unless it’s a particularly snazzy brand, of course, with chocolates in the shape of their fictional hero.

Or maybe your kids are perfectly fine with good, old-fashioned chocolate, but you yourself are not. After all, dentistry work can be pretty expensive nowadays.

Then, of course, there is the totally different topic of adult Advent calendars. No, I am not talking about that kind of adult – get your mind out of the gutter. I am talking about something a tad more sophisticated, on the lines of beauty products or other luxury treats. Because hey, if the little ones deserve to be pampered, then so do we!

Happily, whether you’re a nine-year-old obsessed with Disney princesses or a 39-year-old in need of fine spirits and pretty jewellery, stores do a pretty original line in Advent calendars and you will find a mind-boggling choice even online. These are some of my favourites.

One thing that hasn’t changed when it comes to kids is their obsession with anything sticky. Stickers for their scrapbook, stickers for their skin, stickers for their bedroom furniture... you name it, they’ll be happy to put a sticker on it. This calendar comes with an advantage: you can personalise it with your child’s favourite cartoon or fictional characters. Whether it’s Hello Kitty or Pokemon that they have a shine for, there’s bound to be a corresponding Advent calendar.One thing that hasn’t changed when it comes to kids is their obsession with anything sticky. Stickers for their scrapbook, stickers for their skin, stickers for their bedroom furniture... you name it, they’ll be happy to put a sticker on it. This calendar comes with an advantage: you can personalise it with your child’s favourite cartoon or fictional characters. Whether it’s Hello Kitty or Pokemon that they have a shine for, there’s bound to be a corresponding Advent calendar.

If you believe in luxurious pre-Christmas treats, get this Liz Earle set for yourself or cajole a loved one to do the honours. Right: Strictly for the adults who need a tot or two to get them through the seasonal stress. If you’re giving it out as a gift, all you need is a wine rack that holds 24 bottles – and 24 (preferably full) wine bottles, of course.If you believe in luxurious pre-Christmas treats, get this Liz Earle set for yourself or cajole a loved one to do the honours. Right: Strictly for the adults who need a tot or two to get them through the seasonal stress. If you’re giving it out as a gift, all you need is a wine rack that holds 24 bottles – and 24 (preferably full) wine bottles, of course.

For the Christmas fashionistas, this calendar will give its lucky recipient the chance to change nail colour every day in the run-up to the big day. The calendar is available from Arnott’s, and comes with 24 mini nail polish bottles.For the Christmas fashionistas, this calendar will give its lucky recipient the chance to change nail colour every day in the run-up to the big day. The calendar is available from Arnott’s, and comes with 24 mini nail polish bottles.

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