From Candles to Gin: 9 of the Best Alternative Advent Calendars at B&M

What’s your favourite thing about Christmas? Here at B&M HQ, we’re all about the run up to the big day: drinking gingerbread lattes instead of Christmas shopping; spending every Sunday in December watching festive films; the excitement we feel when we retrieve the box of decorations from the loft.

And let’s not forget the ultimate Christmas countdown…the advent calendar! The act of rewarding ourselves for every day closer to 25^th with a yummy chocolate treat has been a Christmas tradition for decades. But more and more people are giving cocoa the slip this year – after all, you’ll eat enough chocolate for breakfast on the big day!

If you’re calorie counting in the run up to Christmas, or you want your kids to celebrate the holidays without increasing the risk of tooth decay, why not try one of our alternative advent calendars? Read on for the pick of the best at B&M

Scented Candles

For those with a nose for a festive fragrance, there’s a scented advent calendar for you! Air Wick has produced a wreath shaped calendar with Winter Berries and Winter Wonderland scents hiding behind its windows; while there are 4 Airpure designs to pick from, and festive favourites like Apple & Cinnamon and Mulled Wine contained within.

A Festive Tipple

Okay, these ones do contain chocolate, but with a miniature bottle of your favourite spirit to look forward to on Christmas Day we thought you'd need to know about them! There’s something for everyone too, whether you’re tipple is gin, vodka or Bailey's.

Of course it goes without saying that these calendars are not appropriate for children. But our next calendar most certainly is.

Top Toys

Toys aren’t just for Christmas you know. Our Brick by Brick advent calendars contain over 235 pieces, with at least 12 models to be built! Perfect for keeping your little elves busy in the run up to Christmas (their dentist will thank them too!)

Treats Worth Purring About

Not forgetting our furry friends this festive season, you can pick up an advent calendar specially made for your pet! Cats and dogs will love to join in the countdown, with 70g of yummy, healthy treats behind the windows.

Savoury Sins

And for those still looking to treat themselves in the run up to Christmas but lack a sweet tooth, Pringles are here to help. With a combination of Original, Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Vinegar and Texas BBQ flavours, our Pringles 12 Days Advent Calendar features all your favourite flavours.

And if you really can’t do without chocolate this year, we have a great selection of advent calendars for chocaholics in-store. From Cadbury and Maltersers to Reese’s, Hershey’s and even Kellogg’s Cereal Bars and McVitie’s biscuit varieties!

Tell us which advent calendar you’ll be counting down with this Christmas! Share with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.