Shopping writer Lucy Addicott discovered a dazzling way to count down the festive season
Advent calendars have evolved far beyond the traditional chocolate variety, with shoppers now able to count down to Christmas in numerous inventive ways. They typically represent excellent value for money, with advent calendars generally packed with treats worth considerably more than the calendar itself costs.
As a shopping writer, I have opened several unusual advent calendars over the years, but this season, a Christmas Advent Calendar Mystery Deal at Wowcher captured my attention. The deal gives buyers the opportunity to win one of 50 premium beauty advent calendars valued at up to £285 from brands such as Liberty London, Charlotte Tilbury and Jo Malone, alongside a guaranteed jewellery advent calendar.
While the prospect of securing a high-end advent calendar would justify the £16.99 deal in itself in my opinion, it was the confirmed jewellery advent calendar that particularly interested me. Customers will receive one of six jewellery advent calendars and I got the 24 Days of Sparkle Crystal Advent Calendar, valued at £38.99.
The jewellery advent calendar arrived in a nostalgic-style Santa Claus box, complete with a satin red ribbon, allowing it to be hung up with ease. It appeared fun, colourful and incredibly festive, adding cheer to my home before I had even begun opening the doors.
There are 24 days to discover, with crystal jewellery pieces concealed behind each door. The initial few days presented me with bracelet charms, featuring snowflakes, florals and hearts, alongside a silver bracelet onto which I could begin attaching the charms, reports the Mirror.
Christmas Advent Calendar Mystery Deal
Shoppers are guaranteed a 24 day jewellery advent calendar.
The collection features a blend of silver and rose gold-toned jewellery which, personally, is perfect for mixing and matching. Some shoppers may favour a single metal finish, though there are sufficient pieces to alternate throughout the wearing period.
By the close of the month, buyers will have assembled a complete charm bracelet that adds a welcome hint of glamour to any ensemble. Another way to complete a festive look is by applying some makeup or a spritz of perfume.
To cut costs, the OK! Beauty Advent Calendar is available for pre-order. The advent calendar is £98 with the code ADVENT11 and filled with beauty worth over £605 from Rodial, Bobbi Brown and more.
The standout pieces in the 24 Days of Sparkle Crystal Advent Calendar are undoubtedly the crystal earrings paired with the crystal pendant necklace, which to me, appear far more costly than they actually are. The Wowcher deal is priced at £16.99 and with 24 pieces to collect, each individual item works out at just 70p.
Alongside these pieces, the 24 Days of Sparkle Crystal Advent Calendar also contains three crystal necklaces, three dazzling crystal earrings and two additional bracelets, one of which showcases a striking infinity design. The crystal finishes are pleasingly sparkly without being excessive, meaning the pieces can be worn comfortably from day through to evening.
I was slightly let down to find that two of the earring pairs bore a strong resemblance to one another; however, this may appeal more to shoppers with multiple piercings, allowing them to be worn simultaneously. For those whose interest lies purely in earrings, the Orelia 25 Days of Ear Stacking Advent Calendar is priced at £120, available in either gold or silver, with the earrings carrying a combined value of £244.
In my view, the certainty of receiving a jewellery advent calendar, coupled with the opportunity to win a luxury beauty advent calendar, makes this an offer well worth considering, particularly for those who enjoy an element of surprise. It could also serve as a wonderful early gift for a friend or loved one as a festive countdown treat.
