Whoever said that the best things come in small packages must have been talking about Christmas advent calendars. There’s just something special about opening the door to a little gift each day on the run-up to Christmas. As a plus, these little gifts make wonderful (or rather, wanderful) travel-sized presents for your fellow globetrotters. So, read on to find your perfect advent calendar, because there’s something for everyone.
Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar
This Christmas classic is a definite winner with just about every family member. Being bite-sized chocolate pieces, they make for an excellent on-the-go snack — especially for the kids! And any parent knows how important it is to have snacks while travelling. Available for purchase at most grocers and online.
Oh Cha Matcha Chocolate Advent
Gift your loved one an in-flight snack upgrade with this advent box. Tucked behind 24 starry doors, you’ll find a curated selection of dairy-free and sugar-free chocolate gems. Flavours include matcha, genmaicha (green tea mixed with roasted popped brown rice), rose, lavender, and more. Get yours here.
Crunchie Co’s Chocolate Advent Calendar
Delight a friend in Crunchie Co’s artisanal chocolate advent calendar. Not only do they make lovely gifts, but the chocolates come in individually packaged boxes so you can slip a few in your purse for a quick sweet snack. They’re as delectable as they are aesthetically pleasing. DM them on Instagram for yours now!
Whittard’s Coffee, Hot Chocolate & Tea Advent
Imagine being curled up in bed or on the sofa while sipping on a cup of hot chocolate — one of 12 flavours you could choose from for the rest of your stay — all without leaving your hotel room. Whittard offers a generous selection of three different beverage advent calendars: coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Each box contains more than a single sachet making it the perfect advent calendar to share with the family. Get it here (this will be shipped internationally, so order it soon!).
Lego City Advent Calendar
One of the best Christmas traditions has to be gifting toys to little children. The Lego City Advent Calendar contains 24 mini-figures and vehicles and can be displayed as a little Christmas city. But if your kid (or you, really) is not so much into the Lego City series, there are Star Wars, Avengers, and Harry Potter alternatives too! Whichever you choose, they’re a great vacation alternative to big toys that can now be left at home. Purchase it here (international shipping rates will apply).
Diamine Ink-Vent Calendar 2021, Red Edition
Know someone who appreciates good stationery? Diamine’s ink-vent calendar is a brilliant gift for those who enjoy journalling on their travels. It includes 24 bottles of 12ml ink and one full-sized 30ml bottle as a Christmas Day treat! Available here for purchase in Malaysia.
BYOB Hot Sauce Advent Calendar
When it comes to unconventional travel essentials, you can trust your Asian mum (which we’re all slowly turning into) to have just about everything covered. So, why not add a little spice to your Christmas with an advent calendar filled with 25 bottles of hot sauce perfectly sized to fit in your purse. Cue Beyonce’s ‘Formation’ to the bit where she sings, “I got hot sauce in my bag, swag!” Get yours here!
La Mer: The World of La Mer Advent Calendar 2021
This 12-day La Mer Advent is the ultimate spoil for skincare lovers. Containing products such as The Renewal Oil, The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum, The Moisturizing Soft Cream, and The Crème de la Mer all packaged under 30ml, it is a luxurious treat to have in your carry-on on your next flight. Available at all La Mer stores.
Dior Advent Calendar 2021
Designed by artist Alice Shirley, and perhaps one of the more beautiful keepsake boxes is this advent calendar by Dior. A gorgeous mantle piece filled with lavish presents, it holds 24 mini-sized makeup, fragrance, and skincare products. You’ll be pulling out miniature Dior bottles every day, feeling like you’re Santa’s favourite. Available here.
KENS Apothecary Advent Calendar
If you’re buying a “To Me, From Me” present this year, this should be at the top of your list. The KENS Apothecary Advent Calendar carries a high-end selection of beauty and fragrance products from all over the world in 12 elegant blue drawers. It might just be a fresh update to meet your travel self-care needs! Available at all KENS Apothecary outlets or purchase online.
LIBERTY London: The Men’s Advent Calendar 2021
This one is for the men in our lives who are just a little challenging to shop for. You can check his gift off your shopping list by picking up the Liberty London Men’s Advent Calendar containing a charming collection of 25 men’s grooming essentials. The perfect gift for any man who travels often. Buy it online here (international shipping rates and times apply).
The Enchanted Express Advent Calendar By Granos.Co
Fancy an advent calender that takes you on a magical journey all around the world? Granos.Co’s 12-day advent calendar is the perfect gift for anyone with a mind for riddles and a heart for wanderlust. Solve a riddle a day to reveal your ‘country of destination’. Within each door is a surprise gift reminiscent of said country (ranging from mini stroopwafels to rose petal bath bombs with argan oil) . With each box containing a personalised vintage style train ticket and a note to the recipient, it is the dreamiest advent box you’ll ever receive!
So, what are you waiting for? Fill up your carts and start the countdown to Christmas one gift at a time!
