Coffee, crochet kits and … mashed potato: the best UK Advent calendars for 2025 – tested

Whether you want boozy treats, foodie indulgence or crafty delights, we opened the doors of 26 Advent calendars to see which are worth the countdown

• The best beauty advent calendars

The countdown to Christmas is approaching rapidly, and that means one thing: Advent calendars. Whether it’s for an excitable four-year-old or a beer-loving adult, there’s an Advent calendar for pretty much everyone.

But how do you know what’s worth splashing out on, and what’s not worth the money? We’ve tested, tasted and played with 26 Advent calendars to rate them for you. Whether it’s whisky or Squishmallows, here are our verdicts.