16 Small Business Advent Calendars for 2026

Do you still get excited about counting down to Christmas? The market for advent calendars has exploded in recently years and there are so many alternatives to the traditional card countdowns we remember from childhood or the chocolate ones you can pick up in the supermarket.

I've brought together 16 advent calendars from small and independent businesses that offer something a little different.

Whether you're looking for a treat for yourself, a thoughtful gift for someone else or simply want to create more of an occasion for the countdown to Christmas, there's plenty here to inspire you.

By choosing an advent calendar from an independent business, you're doing more than just buying a collection of gifts. You're supporting someone's creativity, passion and hard work, and helping a small business have a very happy Christmas too.

Grab a cuppa, have a browse and meet the brilliant businesses featured in this year’s advent calendar guide. If you're a product maker or seller come and connect with us in the Giftwrapped by Eve Facebook community.

A little time for you – self-care, creativity and wellbeing

Christmas can be a busy time of year, so why not make a little space for yourself in the countdown? These self-care and wellbeing advent calendars offer a chance to slow down, get creative and enjoy a few moments of calm in December. From relaxing treats and beauty surprises to creative projects that encourage you to switch off, they're a great way to make time for yourself.

Rachel's Three R's 12 Day Advent Calendar

Created by Rachel Slyfield for SEN mums who need who need to take time out but struggle to know how and what to do. This calendar includes products from Temple Spa, Scentsy and Usborne alongside guided meditations to help parents get into a good routine with their self care and feel calmer and more relaxed as we go into the festive season.

£35 including delivery and wrapping Order by 13th November from Rachel's 3 Rs website. Rachel is a member of my Greener Gifting Gang

Winter Cabin from The Teabreak Project

This is a creative advent calendar designed by Jenny Badger from The Teabreak Project focusing on experiences, creativity and things worth keeping, rather than 24 disposable novelty gifts. The central idea is to make December feel a little less frantic with beginner-friendly craft projects, cosy treats, comforting drinks, candlelight and beautiful things to treasure. This is not just about opening a gift each morning - it’s an invitation to slow down, make something with your hands and enjoy a little pocket of winter just for you. The Daily Ritual: £75, plus £5.15 tracked postage The Full Retreat: £145 with free tracked postage Order by 26th November from the Teabreak Project website.

24 Days of Pure Imagination from Tropic Skincare

Treat yourself or someone special to 24 days of beauty surprises with Tropic's luxurious advent calendar. Behind the doors you'll find 28 products spanning skincare, body care, make-up, fragrance and wellbeing, including full-size favourites, miniature treats and some exclusive creations.

Tropic has a strong focus on creating a healthier, greener world. Its products are vegan and cruelty-free, skincare is made using natural or naturally derived ingredients, and packaging is designed to be recyclable, refillable or returnable. The company also supports environmental initiatives and charitable projects as part of its wider purpose.

At £299, the calendar has a combined product value of £668, giving you a saving of £369. That's a fantastic way to discover a wide range of Tropic products while enjoying a little daily self-care in the run-up to Christmas.

Order from Elaine Jones, Independent Tropic Ambassador's website Elaine is a member of my Greener Gifting Gang.

A little magic for the family

Looking for a different way to make the Christmas countdown special for children and the whole family? These family-friendly advent calendars offer something beyond the usual chocolate treats. They're a lovely way to bring a little extra magic to December.

Advent Calendar Book Collection - Mrs B's Book Nook

Make reading part of the Christmas Countdown with Usborne's Advent Calendar Book Collection. With 24 opportunities to discover a new book it is a lovely gift for families that want to start a daily December reading tradition. It's a great way for children to build their very own little library to enjoy long after Christmas is over.

Currently on special offer at £14.99 (RRP £19.99) plus postage £3.50 Order by 26th November from Independent Usborne Organiser, Melanie Buttery mrsbsbooknook.co.uk

Melanie Buttery is a member of my Greener Gifting Gang.

Reusable Advent Calendar – Pop'pins and Needles

Swap disposable advent calendars for something a little more special with this handmade, reusable advent calendar made by Sarah Bell from Pop'pins and Needles. Designed to become part of your family's Christmas traditions year after year, it can be filled with your favourite treats, little surprises or thoughtful gifts.

For an extra-special personal touch, the pockets can even be made using your children's preloved clothing, turning outgrown outfits into a beautiful keepsake filled with memories.

£75 plus postage. To order, contact Sarah at Pop'pins and Needles. Orders close on 15th November, so don't leave it too late!.

Charity Advent Calendar Cards from Lilac Tree Designs

Enjoy a little nostalgia with Lilac Tree Designs’ range of traditional advent calendar cards. These mini versions of the classic Christmas countdown are a lovely way to bring a touch of festive tradition into your home, with little windows to open each day in the run-up to Christmas. They also make a thoughtful alternative to a chocolate advent calendar, while supporting a good cause.

Priced at just £3.75 each, they make a lovely way to share a festive message with friends and family.

To order, contact Clare Wilson at Cards from Clare by 26th November.

Make your home feel festive

There's something special about making your home feel cosy and welcoming in the run-up to Christmas. These candle and home fragrance advent calendars offer a different way to enjoy the countdown, perfect for anyone who loves filling their home with the scents of Christmas.

Miniature Wooden Wick Candle Advent Calendar – The Aromatary

This advent calendar designed by founder of The Aromatary, Juda Jallouli features 24 miniature wooden wick candles, each offering a little moment of indulgence and a beautifully scented home. Perfect for discovering new fragrances, each candle offers around 4-6 hours burn time.

£75 plus postage. Calendars are due to ship week commencing 9th November.

Order from The Aromatary

Advent Candle Gift Box – ChilliWinter

Dave and Kathy at ChilliWinter have created an Advent Candle Gift Box with 25 large luxury tea lights. Each burns for 4-6 hours and has a different seasonal fragrance, giving you the chance to explore a new festive scent every day. Made with natural soy wax and packaged in fully recyclable materials, it's a thoughtful festive treat for candle lovers.

£30

Limited Edition - order by Thursday 26th November from ChilliWinter

Skincare & Home Fragrance 12 Day Advent Box – Green Laurels

For someone who loves a little everyday luxury, this 12-drawer advent calendar from Simon Mitchell at Green Laurels is packed with handmade skincare and home fragrance treats. Discover six scented soy candles with wooden wicks, alongside skincare goodies, hand cream, cuticle oil, car fragrance and natural lip balms. Housed in a rustic wooden box with individual numbered drawers that can be reused year after year.

£140 including postage from Green Laurels.

Scented Tealight Advent Calendar – AA Home and Gifts

This budget-friendly advent calendar contains 24 scented tealights in six seasonal fragrances, including Mandarin & Myrrh, Apple & Cinnamon, Mulled Wine, Gingerbread and Sugar Plum Frosting. Each tealight offers approximately three hours of burn time.

£10 + £3.95 postage Order from Alison at AA Home and Gifts by 24th November.

Alison Millin is an independent VivaMK partner.

Something for the four-legged family members

Our pets are very much part of the family, so why should they miss out on the Christmas countdown? If you're looking for a dog advent calendar or a special festive treat for your four-legged friend, this is one way to include them in the celebrations and make December exciting for every member of the household!

Advent Calendar for Dogs – Embark Pet Services

This festive calendar from Emily Wilkinson at Embark Pet Services features a delicious variety of natural dog treats, including Christmas dinner sausages, pheasant and partridge sausages, turkey and duck coins, beef and venison nibbles, turkey and cranberry treats, and Christmas-themed cookies. The individually numbered treats are wrapped in a Kraft pouches, placed in a Kraft gift box. A lovely way to include your canine companion in the Christmas countdown!

£25 shipping from 20th November with last orders 24th November Order yours from Embark Pet Services

Something stylish and inspiring

From colourful hosiery and retro jewellery charms to accessories, stationery and thoughtful little gifts, the independent businesses in this category have created Christmas countdowns packed with personality.

The BSPx Hosiery Christmas Countdown – By Soni Panda x

Put a stylish twist on the countdown to Christmas with the BSPx Hosiery Christmas Countdown. This unique advent calendar offers a choice of 12 or 24 hosiery surprises, featuring a variety of colours, patterns, finishes and styles. It's a chance to try something different, discover new favourites and add a little individuality to your wardrobe. Sustainability is also an important consideration, with advent calendar packaging sourced from kraft and sustainable suppliers, prioritising recycled materials wherever possible. Selected hosiery styles, including the Lace Me Up collection, also feature recycled yarns.

£199.99-£399.99 For UK, last orders 23rd November 2026, elsewhere 13th November 2026.

Order from Soni Panda x

Retro Y2K 7 Day Advent Calendar – Trend Tonic

Take a trip back to the 2000s Trend Tonic's Retro Y2K Charm Advent Calendar! This fun seven-day countdown designed by Kerry Clayton is packed with nostalgic jewellery and accessories, bringing back memories of butterfly clips, Lip Smackers and colourful charm bracelets.

Available in gold or silver, the jewellery is made using hypoallergenic stainless steel and is waterproof, making it suitable for everyday wear, including for those with sensitive ears.

£65.99 with free delivery. Boxes will ship from 16th November.

Order from Trend Tonic.

Holly Jolly 12-Day Advent Calendar – Random Panda

Make the countdown to Christmas extra special with the Holly Jolly 12-Day Advent Calendar curated by Amanda Alcock at Random Panda. Whether you're treating yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special, this calendar is packed with 12 individually wrapped surprises to bring a little joy to each day.

Inside you'll find a carefully selected mix of accessories, stationery and empowering gifts, with a combined value of over £80. Each surprise is beautifully presented in a reusable tote bag, which makes an extra gift in itself! £58 including postage Order by 16th November from Random Panda.

A little something delicious – foodie treats

Who says advent calendars have to be filled with chocolate?

Marzipan Sweet Filled Advent Calendar – Marzipan Artisan

A lovely alternative to the traditional chocolate advent calendar, featuring 24 handmade marzipan sweets made by Clare Hunt. With vegan-friendly ingredients and a choice of two luxury designs, this is one for anyone who enjoys a little festive indulgence (and is a fan of marzipan!).

£41 including postage: Order from Marzipan Artisan's Etsy Store by 22nd November.

An advent calendar that gives back

This final feature is a little different from the other small business advent calendars in the guide. It's an opportunity to support a worthwhile cause and spread some happiness at Christmas.

Alison Purves' Advent Fundraiser for Refuge

Choose an advent star, tree or heart (numbered 1–24) for a £10 donation to Refuge with each one revealing a Forever Living Aloe Vera product as a thank you gift, from a prize pool of over £300. Every £10 donation will help provide a child with a Christmas present bundle, replacing toys they had to leave behind when fleeing abuse with their mum. Contact Alison Purves, Forever Business Owner to choose your number alison@alisonpurves.com

Do you have a favourite advent calendar, a family tradition you look forward to every year, or something a little different that you do in the run-up to Christmas? Come and tell me in the comments or message me on Instagram.