'Best affordable' advent calendar picked by shoppers - and it's not chocolate

Shoppers looking for a festive treat love luxurious advent calendars, and these customers reckon they've found the best affordable pick

With Christmas just around the corner, lots of people will be looking forward to opening an advent calendar on December 1. Along with traditional picture and chocolate versions, there are lots of beauty, fragrance and food options to choose from. For those still looking for a lovely yet affordable pick, a festive fan has come to the rescue.

Looking for inspiration online, TikTok user @gormo_niamh said: "Ladies, can you recommend me the best affordable but slightly bougie advent calendars to get? I don't want chocolate and I'm not super into makeup so I'm struggling," and viewers shared lots of suggestions.

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Here are the best affordable advent calendars, as recommended by shoppers:

Macmillan 24 Doors of Joy Advent Calendar

Price: £44 (£2 from every calendar goes to Macmillan Cancer Support)

What's inside: 24 beauty treats from brands including No7, Ted Baker, Liz Earle, and Champneys.

Hotel Chocolat The Velvetiser Drinking Chocolate Advent Calendar

Price: £50

What's inside:24 days' worth of drinking chocolate including classic flavours such as Salted Caramel and limited-edition flavour Pecan Cinnamon Danish.

Shoppers say: "Amazing quality, variety of flavours and sooo nicely presented can’t wait to start trying them all," said one. A previous buyer added: "Bit disappointed that there was no gift/surprise on the final window following the build up."

Bird and Blend Tea Co. Tea Advent Calendar

Price: £38

What's inside: Two tea bags per day, 24 hand-blended tea flavours. You can opt for a regular tea advent calendar or a caffeine-free tea advent calendar.

Shoppers say: "Loved it so much! My husband and I have been enjoying exploring a new flavour everyday, and we gifted it to others who loved it just as much. Will be getting it again next year," said one. A previous buyer added: "While I love the idea of having a new tea everyday I just wish there were more christmassy flavours."

The Body Shop Advent of Wonders

Price: £49

What's inside: 24 beauty treats including hand balm, body butter, shower gel and facial mask.

Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

Price: £26

What's inside: 23 mini jars of conserves, such as Purple Fig with Cinnamon Conserve and Apricot with Orange Blossom. Plus mini jars of Hazelnut Chocolate Spread and Chocolate Orange Spread, and two Caramels in Vanilla and Coffee.

Shoppers say: "This will be our fourth year of buying this calendar! Yes, it is a considered price but each little jar offers a good size portion for two people over one breakfast."

Whittard Tea Advent Calendar

Price: £25

What's inside: A daily selection of black teas including Christmas Tea, Earl Grey, Masala Chai and Piccadilly.

Yankee Candle Advent Calendar

Price: £19.50

What's inside: 24 scented tealight candles including Christmas Cookie, Black Cherry, Cinnamon Stick and Bayside Cedar.