The ultimate Advent Calendar guide

A classic in the world of Advent Calendars, Lindt helps you keep the kids happy this Christmas with a choice of two Lindt Teddy calendars crafted for young ones. With bold design and bright colours, they are certainly a festive addition to the home, and come with a choice of chocolates. The larger (211g) option offers 24 days of indulgence across six different chocolates, including mini-teddys, Lindor balls and sparkling milk hearts. The 170g box may be slightly smaller, but it offers nine types of chocolate. I’m already keen to find the ‘Milk Chocolate Napolitans’ to see what that’s all about! But common to both are fun designs, chocolate delights, and some fun festive games on the back. 

Cost: From R249 – R299. Often on special too.

Order online: https://lindtonlineshop.co.za, or find in-store

Why let kids get all the chocolate treats in December? While youngsters fling open the door of their Lindt Teddy calendars, this one swaps cute bears for a sleek box stacked with 24 silky pralines. The Lindt Lindor Advent Calendar is thoroughly grown-up, with six varieties of Lindor praline balls. We know they’re more-ish, but it’s one day at a time, please. No cheating. And keep it away from the children.

Cost: R359. Often on special.

Order online: https://lindtonlineshop.co.za, or find in-store

If the year-end-bonus fairy has been generous to you, or your pockets are particularly deep, Simondium wine estate Babylonstoren has pulled out all the stops when it comes to serious festive indulgence. The Babylonstoren Advent Calendar (R4500) is a weighty keepsake chest inspired by the farm’s Cape Dutch manor, with 25 tiny drawers hiding bath and body treats, alongside pantry goodies, home fragrances, and festive trinkets. All items are sourced directly from the farm and the chest is designed to be refilled year after year. For a reusable, kid-friendly, and slightly more affordable option, the Garden Advent Calendar (R790) is a 100% cotton wall-hanging calendar. It is beautifully illustrated with charming garden scenes and features 25 pockets ready to be filled with small gifts of your choice. 

Cost: R790/R4500

Order online: shop.babylonstoren.com

Get your festive pampering sorted in one gorgeous box. The Body Shop’s Advent line-up offers two options, depending on the depth of your pockets. The Core Advent Calendar is filled with 24 body-loving minis, ranging from shower gels and hand balms to body butters. For maximum spoiling, upgrade to the Ultimate Advent Calendar, a pop-up chest hiding 25 treats, including full-size icons and luxurious skincare heroes. Whichever box you choose, you can expect cruelty-free, feel-good treats and a daily reason to turn your Christmas countdown into a moment of self-care.

Cost: R1800 (Core) to R3300 (Ultimate)

Order online: www.thebodyshop.co.za

If that company name doesn’t make you chuckle, you’re evidently not yet in the festive spirit. But while the kids and adults are taken care of, don’t forget the four-legged family members. Probono offers a ‘Dogvent’ calendar that promises a ‘wagging surprise’ each day. And seeing as dogs can’t read, we’ll just (spoiler alert) come out and tell you: it’s a biscuit; enriched with calcium, vitamins and minerals. Oh boy! Oh boy! Sit!

Cost: R99

Order online: www.absolutepets.com, or find in-store

Beer nerds, charge (or chill) your glasses. Smous has dropped its first-ever Craft Beer Advent Calendar, a limited-run box of pure hoppy-ness. Behind each of the 24 doors, you’ll find a different South African craft beer from small-batch experiments and seasonal specials to award-winners and exclusive collabs you won’t spot on supermarket shelves. It’s a daily December tasting flight that’s made for sunny festive days in the South African summer.

Cost: R849

Order online: www.smous.online

Your dentist will thank you for choosing to ‘play well’ (LEGO comes from the Danish words 'leg godt', by the way) instead of ‘scoffing chocolate’. LEGO’s Advent range turns the Christmas countdown into a daily mini-build session, with 24 surprise models or characters hidden behind each door. Even better, children can select their preferred LEGO universe, with calendars available in City, Friends, Disney Frozen, Harry Potter or Star Wars. Each day, they can unwrap tiny scenes, accessories, and minifigures to expand their sets. This is one Advent treat for children that won’t disappear the second the sugar rush hits. 

Cost: R499-R649

Order online: www.lego.com, or find in-store

Sweet tooth, but not for cocoa? This one’s perfect for you! Leo’s Little Jars Jam Advent Calendar trades chocolate with 24 dinky jars of handmade jam, marmalade and chutney featuring both classic and inventive flavours. Think berries, citrus, stone fruit, and the occasional surprise spread, all small-batch and locally produced. It’s cute, colourful and much more interesting than yet another choccie box. The perfect way to spread the festive cheer!

Cost: R680

Order online: www.leoslittlejars.co.za, or collect in Observatory

Advent with a touch of Provençal charm. The L’Occitane Luxury Advent Calendar 2025 features 24 treasures, from full-size best-sellers to expert and iconic selections. Apart from what's inside, you'll love the calendar itself: made of recyclable and sustainably sourced cardboard it is designed in the shape of a  traditional French style farmhouse.

Cost: R4500

Order online: za.loccitane.com, or find in-store

As if you needed any more excitement in the morning, here comes Nespresso with the Vertuo Advent Calendar to turn December into a daily tasting flight. Expect 24 days opening onto a tiny capsule of caffeinated joy, including a few festive limited editions. There is – so we’re told – a surprise on Christmas Eve too, so don’t be tempted to peek ahead.

Cost: R899

Order online: www.nespresso.com, or find in-store