I’m old enough to remember when Advent Calendars were two small sheets of cardboard stuck together. Every day my brother and I would open a numbered window in the glitter-covered top cardboard to reveal a small picture on the cardboard below – a star, an angel, and, on 24th December, the nativity scene and the promise of Christmas presents just one sleep away.
Now my grandkids enjoy chocolate versions of the stars and angels – a yummy treat each day before going off to school. However Insight Editions have taken advent calendars to a fabulous new level.
Whatever your child’s passion, Insight Editions probably have a themed advent calendar to suit, including Harry Potter and Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Books Are Magic is perfect for junior bookworms and adults haven’t been forgotten either – I was rather drawn to the Gilmore Girls calendar.
Each calendar looks like a beautifully illustrated A3-sized book, but when you open it, instead of pages, you discover 25 different-sized pockets inside, each displaying an attractive themed picture and a number. You know the rules – you open the correctly-numbered pocket each day from 1st December onwards. Some of the prizes are really great. I road-tested Christmas Town, based on The Nightmare Before Christmas, and in the interests of the review I broke all the rules and opened every single pocket at once (which was a lot of fun by the way). I’m now the proud owner of skeleton key rings, pencils, miniature themed cards, coasters, Christmas decorations and more. Some of the gifts were quite substantial, others were smaller, but that all adds to the excitement of the surprise.
At £26.72 from the Insight Editions website, these are very entertaining, and the gifts will last significantly longer than a small chocolate – and won’t damage your waistline either. Check out the large selection of different themes. Available from 3rd September 2024. Great for your kids, your friends (and you – treat yourself).
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://faitobooks.co.uk
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.