I am incredibly happy that there are all manner of exotic advent calendars in existence now.

When I was very small, it was a pictures-only situation. This slowly escalated to chocolate (usually cheap), before brands got involved, and then other foodstuffs, beverages, beauty items and so much more.

I must have spent hours scouring the options, and in the end, plumped for a fairly simple option from M&S for me, and a Zotter one for H (both pictured above). It seemed a shame to let all that research go to waste though, so here, for your delectation, are a list of favourites.

https://classicdeli.co.uk/grocery/2638-francois-doucet-advent-calendar-200g.html – I had a version of this last year and it was a fancy treat although a bit too many pralines compared to fruit pate for my preference.

https://www.piccantino.co.uk/zotter-schokoladenmanufaktur/nashis-advent-calendar-vegan – Zotter has such unusual and fascinating flavours of chocolate bar. In addition to the one I got for H, there is a non-alcohol one, and this vegan one.

https://nakedmarshmallow.co.uk/products/gourmet-marshmallow-advent-calendar – Yay! Marshmallows!

https://sowrongitsnom.com/shop/cheese-advent-calendar/ – I’ve had this a couple of times, and would happily have again, not only because I know the lovely inventor Annem.

https://www.bienmanger.com/2F32619_French_Sweet_Delights_Advent_Calendar.html – This is the calendar I would have bought if they shipped to the UK any more 🙁

https://littlemoons.com/ – I don’t think our freezer would have the room for their ice-cream mochi collection but I love that it exists.

https://www.facebook.com/jbtreatcarts/ – A candyfloss advent calendar?!?!

https://www.souschef.co.uk/collections/food-advent-calendars – H had the Lakrids option last year and was a big fan. I’ve been eyeing up the Mazet one this year. If I decide to double up, that’s the option I might go for.