Alternative Advent Calendars for Christmas 2018

We’re not sure how it happened, but December is now mere days away. And that means it’s about time you looked at Christmas advent calendars for you and your loved ones. But rather than sticking to boring old chocolate calendars, which are geared up for kids and usually taste of feet, we think it’s much more exciting to mix things up and opt for an alternative advent calendar.

There are tons of great alternative calendars out there, covering booze, your favourite food and even socks — we all love those. So, to save you the hassle of scouring the web, here’s what we think are the best Christmas advent calendars for men for 2018.

HonestBrew Advent Calendar 2018
£69.90

Our personal favourite, the beer advent calendar, has taken off in the UK in the last couple of years, and there’s a whole load of options for 2018. One of our favourites is always the HonestBrew Advent Calendar, which contains 24 beers in 15 different styles from top craft breweries around the UK and beyond. Featuring IPAs, stouts, porters and sours, the 2018 calendar features all new artwork by HATCH — the moniker of London-based artist & illustrator Dave Smith. There’s also an ‘Ultimate’ calendar alternative with rare and sought-after seasonal brews.

Happy Socks Sock Advent Calendar
£149.95

If, like us, Christmas is the only time of year you get new socks, why not make sure your feet are fully covered for 2019? Say hello to the Happy Socks Sock Advent Calendar. Designed exclusively for John Lewis, this advent calendar features one new pair of distinctive Happy Socks every day of Advent. It is only available in one size, but Happy Socks says their creations will fit UK sizes 7.5–12.5 (EU sizes 41–46).

The Bourbon Advent Calendar
£139.95

Another boozy advent option comes from the fine folks at Drinks by the Dram. Made for whiskey lovers around the world, The Bourbon Advent Calendar does exactly what it says on the tin with a different 30ml sample of delicious bourbon whiskey behind each of the calendar’s 24 windows. From boutique producers to world-renowned brands, the calendar has everything from rye-rich whiskeys to award-winning small-batch bourbons and features a design which shows real news articles from the prohibition era.

Ilchester Cheese Advent Calendar 2018
£10

Two years ago, food blogger Annem Hobson’s idea for an advent calendar went viral, and it was picked up by supermarkets ready for 2017. Unsurprisingly, sales went through the roof, so it’s back for 2018. Made by Ilcheseter Cheese Company, the Cheese Advent Calendar features seven different cheeses on rotation this year: Jarlsberg, famous around the world for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste; Applewood, a real English treasure made from West Country cheddar; a classic Mature Cheddar; a smooth and nutty Red Leicester; a festive Wensleydale with cranberries; a Wensleydale with gingerbread; and a Edam. The calendar comes in a unique ‘book style’ packaging design, allowing one half to be torn off after the initial 12 days of Christmas to maximise fridge space. Available from Asda and Sainsbury’s.

Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar
£24.99

Lego and Star Wars. What’s not to like? Each day up to Christmas, you’ll be treated to a Star Wars gift, including figures, vehicles, starships and more. There’s even a foldout play mat so that your little one… OK, you can set up your own epic battles. There are eight mini-figures, a Battle Droid, and an exclusive Christmas-themed mini-figure.

Aldi Wine Advent Calendar 2018
£49.99

Back by popular demand following last year’s rousing success, Aldi has once again gone all out this Christmas with a wine-themed advent calendar. Every day offers a new mini bottle of wine for an evening of indulgence in the lead-up to Christmas. Twenty-four well-known wines from prestigious regions around the world with bottles of red, white, rosé and fizz all featuring. Highlights include the Exquisite Collection Touraine Sauvignon and the award-winning Fleurs de Prairie Côtes de Provence Rosé. It is a limited edition, so make sure you head to Aldi on 4th November when it goes on sale!