Oh, what fun! It’s that sweet spot of the holiday season – right before you have to start shopping for everyone else, you get a chance to really treat yourself. Yes, I’m talking about Advent Calendars. Finding that perfect gift for everyone on my list (my favourite thing about the season!) is much easier when I’ve warmed up by finding myself the perfect advent calendar. I’m sure you agree. Here are my five picks for the ultimate in pre-holiday treat yourselfing.
LUSH 12 Days of Christmas
Dear Santa – please have this in your big bag for me…and if you could deliver by Dec. 12 I’d really appreciate it! LUSH’s holiday products are some of my favourites of the season each year and this sweet little book is one of the best ways to get your paws on them. Featuring 12 holiday and year-round goodies – erring on the sweet side of holiday – Lush 12 Days of Christmas is chock full of bath bombs, bubble bars, gels and more. It’s sure to keep you relaxed and smelling sweet during this busy season! Pick it up online or in stores for $99.95.
DAVIDSTEA 24 Days of Tea
By the time you see this, it’s already too late to pick up this holiday staple online…but a little birdy may have seen a couple at Bayview Village this weekend. DAVIDSTEA 24 Days of Tea features 24 different teas in beautiful golden tins and is just the thing to display on your counter. The teas are a mix of holiday teas and year-round favourites. Find it in (probably very few) stores for $40.
L’Occitane Advent Calendar
This sweet calendar by L’Occitane combines 17 beauty products and 7 “Provencal treats” to get you ready for the holiday season and prep you for travel with the sweetest selection of minis. Behind each door is a either a beauty surprise – including my favourite almond shower oil, hand creams, soaps, lotions and gels – or some holiday merry-making, like pretty little gift tags and stickers. Pick it up in-store or online for $49.
Benefit Party Poppers
I look forward to Benefit’s holiday offerings each year and this is no exception. A change from their usual 24-day calendars, Benefit Party Poppers sticks to their tried & true beauty minis. As always, there are deluxe samples of some of my favourites like Watt’s Up, Rockateur and BadGal Lash – perfect for a weekend away or just to stash in your desk. And, if you’re not Benefit-obsessed like I am, you’ll probably find some new favourites in the mix! Find it in store & online at Murale for $54.
The Body Shop Advent Calendar
Receiving The Body Shop goodies was always something I looked forward to at Christmastime growing up – there would inevitably be some Satsuma body wash, a selection of body butters and one of those cool towels compressed to look like an animal in my stocking. Now, this Advent Calendar from The Body Shop doesn’t have any Satsuma, but it does have 24 beauty surprises sure to make you smile. It includes everything from soaps & body butters to holiday favourites like frosted cranberry & frosted plum soaps. Get it for $99 in stores.
Which one will you choose? I’ve already picked up the DAVIDSTEA calendar and I know the Lush one is going to happen sooner or later…. let me know in the comments! xo
