So I know we're all still freaking out about how quickly Christmas has come around, but it's time to turn that panic into silly season joy by counting down the days with an advent calendar.
You heard me! An advent calendar. But I'm not talking about those little A4-sized cardboard bois with a shred of chalky chocolate in each window - I'm talking GROWN UP ADVENT CALENDARS filled with COOL SHIT that are AVAILABLE IN NZ.
Why should the kiddos have all the fun? Think bougie scented candles, cocktails, bath bombs and even sex toys - you can either totally spoil yourself or suss someone else's December…or maybe both? Tis the season and all that.
Here are 6 of the best advent calendars for grown-ups that money can buy this year:
Fling Cocktails - Premium NZ Cocktail Advent Calendar ($150)
24 days of Kiwi-made cocktails sounds a bit of alright, doesn't it? At the time of writing, these puppies are almost all sold out, and with good reason! Each day of December you can match the number cocktail with the corresponding kit which contains everything you need to mix up a festive storm.
Some of the delicious-sounding drinks on offer include the White Christmas Coconut Margarita, the Jingle Juice Plum Mojito and the Reindeer Tracks Mocha Martini. All you need is ice and a glass, and you're away laughing like those jokers on that one-horse open sleigh.
Also, how cool is it to support a small, NZ-owned business? This one is great value for money, and for an extra $30 - $40 you can add on a cocktail shaker to complete your Christmas bar set up.
Glasshouse Fragrances - 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar ($279)
The scream I screampt when this gorgeous number showed up on my doorstep… I can't even tell you. What I know for sure is that you'll rack up serious brownie points with whatever lucky loved one gets this sent their way.
It's a festive feast for the senses - stunning to look at, in a tartan and gold foiled box, and each draw is filled with a mini version of Glasshouse's most indulgent products.
Glasshouse is known for iconic scents like A Tahaa Affair, Forever Florence, Sunsets in Capri and Gingerbread House and you'll be treated to all of those and more in the form of candles, shower gels, perfume, hand cream, room spray, lip balm and body lotion. This one has self-care written all over it, so why not treat yourself after a loooong year?
Adult Toy Mega Store - Naughty & Nice Sex Toy Advent Calendar ($300)
If you're keen to spice up your summer, ATMS has got you covered with 24 days, nights or early mornings - we're not judging - of sexy goodness. These guys have been selling their iconic sex toy calendars for the past three years, and they feature serious bang for your buck (pun absolutely intended) whether you're single, coupled up, or just looking to treat a horny pal.
Without giving too much away, you'll get eight high-quality sex toys, six bondage items, six intimate cosmetics and lubes, and four accessories and games. That works out to be about $800 worth of product, but you're only gonna pay about a third of that this time of year.
What's really noteworthy about this calendar is just how luxe and pretty it looks when it arrives - if you're imagining something super raunchy and in-your-face, forget it. With a purple starlight theme, this one is subtle enough you may not even need to hide it from your in-laws (just kidding, you definitely should).
Lathwaites NZ - Wine Advent Calendar ($160)
Wine-lovers rejoice, the advent calendar of your dreams is here. With fun-sized piccolo bottles behind every door of Laithwaites' beautifully decorated calendar, your collection of exclusive wines will be looking glorious for the summer ahead.
This one makes for such a cute bit of Christmas home decor - the teeny doors reveal mini bottles of best-selling Aussie Shiraz, top NZ Sauvignon Blanc and glittering Italian Prosecco, among heaps other medal-winners. Of course, you'll be discovering a new vino every day, but that doesn't mean you should drink one every day - get into the spirit of the season and share with your mates and family.
How good to have these on hand for that unexpected mate who bought you a present when you forgot completely?
Lush - Beauty Advent Calendar ($422)
So this one is on the pricey side - but everyone knows that one person who is a die-hard Lush fan (Lushies, as they're known) and for them, this is the holy grail.
The super limited edition Lush Advent Calendar features 25 bath bombs, bubble bars, shower and body products to make sure you're counting down to Christmas looking and smelling and feeling like a SNACK. The 2022 calendar includes four products that are totally exclusive to this gift set, and two retro products that are making a comeback from Lush Christmas past. Plus, everyone knows you can't go past Lush favourites like the Snow Fairy shower gel.
This calendar is totally vegan and super ethical, with recyclable packaging designed by ARTHOUSE unlimited - a charity that presents the artistic talents of adults living with complex neuro-diverse and physical support needs.
Beer Jerk - The Premium Craft Beer Advent Calendar ($200)
Another small Kiwi business worth knowing about is Beer Jerk, whose craft beer advent calendars have built quite the reputation over the past few years.
They've got not one, but three different advent calendars this year, including a cider one, but their original Premium Craft Beer Advent Calendar is hard to go past. It's packed with rare exclusives, new releases, one-off imports, big cans and interesting styles.
If you really wanna impress the beer connoisseur in your life, you can let them know that many of the beers are unique brews that have been made specifically for the calendar, so you won't find them on the bottle-o shelves.
