Advent Calendars for Adults: My Top 10 for 2015...

If there's one advantage to being a "grown-up" at this time of year, it's this - we get way better advent calendars (not that I am, or ever will be, above having my name iced on a little Thorntons number). Get some brownie points in the bank with mum/the other half, or treat yourself to 24 little somethings to steel you through the forthcoming festive frenzy - a flat-backed chocolate snowman might not do it, but a daily tot of whisky (or the promise of a new nail polish when you get home) just might...

For the Beauty Addicts...

L-R: Susanne Kaufmann Beauty Advent Calendar 2015, Cowshed Cheeky Advent Calendar 2015, The Body Shop Beauty Advent Calendar 2015

1. Susanne Kaufmann Beauty Advent Calendar 2015, £99
24 timely treats to stave off the pre-Crimbo crazy, from warming foot cream to anti-ageing tea.

2. Cowshed Cheeky Advent Calendar 2015, £49
A cheeky new Cheeky polish every day - yep, paint each digit a different shade and by Christmas Eve you'll still have spares...

3. The Body Shop Beauty Advent Calendar 2015, £60
Indulge your inner tween and save a massive £33.50.

For the Homebodies...

L-R: Yankee Candle Reindeer Carousel Advent Calendar, Gardener's Seed Advent Calendar

4. Yankee Candle Reindeer Carousel Advent Calendar, £31.99
Conjure up your very own Winter Wonderland with 24 evocatively named and, no doubt, exquisitely scented, tealights and votives... who wouldn't want to take a trip down Candy Cane Lane?

5. Gardener's Seed Advent Calendar, £29.99
Ensure the urban gardener in your life never forgets you by furnishing them with Forget-me-nots... along with Ragged Robins, Bluebells, Oxeye Daisies, Angelica...

For the Drinkers...

L-R: Fortnum & Mason Whisky Advent Calendar, Craft Beer Advent Calendar, Fortnum & Mason Wooden Tea Advent Calendar

6. Fortnum & Mason Whisky Advent Calendar, £160
Whisky connoisseurs can indulge in a new tot of their favourite tipple each and every day in the run-up to Christmas - will it be an old favourite or a rare find..?

Not a whisky fan? Gin freaks can turn December into Ginvent...

7. Craft Beer Advent Calendar, £80
Skip the Christmas crowds down the local and put your feet up with one of 24 crafty craft beers, sourced from breweries as far flung as Japan, and retailing at up to £5 each.

8. Fortnum & Mason Wooden Tea Advent Calendar, £125
Don't fancy a drunken December? Maybe settling back with this selection of rare teas sourced from India and the Far East is more your cup of tea (sorry). An investment, but you'll be able to refill this beautiful keepsake calendar year on year...

For the Foodies (and the Couples)...

L-R: Personalised Fortune Cookie Advent Calendar, Hotel Chocolat Truffles for Two Advent Calendar

9. Personalised Fortune Cookie Advent Calendar, £44.99
You've doubtless had your fill of fortune cookies over the years, but have you had an Apple Pie fortune cookie? Gingerbread? Sicilian Lemon? No..? Then you're probably as intrigued as I am right now... Oh, and you get to write each and every fortune yourself... buy for your other half and amaze them with your prescience (tee hee).

10. Hotel Chocolat Truffles for Two Advent Calendar, £26
Is advent just not advent without chocolate? Then at least make them chocolates to remember - Mulled Wine, Pecan Gingerbread and Cinnamon Praline truffles, anyone? Buy as a gift and the recipient will be honour bound to share them with you - win win.

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