Six of the best... advents

7:00am Saturday 29th November 2008

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Six of the best gadgets and gizmos on a theme. This week: Advent calendars.

By Peter Jenkinson

Despite my dislike for kick-starting Christmas celebrations too early - something which stems from those local authorities that stick up the lights just because they have a ladder in the area and a willing B-list celeb on hand to flick the switch - I always have an advent calendar ready and waiting for the first day of December.

As a child, I remember sleepless nights, eagerly anticipating the sugary delight waiting behind the next days' cardboard door. Nothing has changed. Even if you're not a chocoholic, there are plenty of other exciting items lurking behind those numbers!

Fab In Fabric - Christmas Tree - £18 from lauraashley.com If cardboard countdowns aren't your thing, and you're looking for something a little more stylish, then this fabric creation from Laura Ashley should fit the bill.

The dates on this Christmas tree are each represented with a small pouch, just enough space to fill up with something for the kids, big or small!

Animal Magic - Pet Advent Calendars - £3.99 from adventsdirect.co.uk Why should your pets miss out on the action?

There are versions of this calendar available for both canines and cats, with a snack tucked away behind each door.

Don't forget that Fido or Felix will need a helping hand getting at the goodies.

Activity Centre - Children's Advent Calendar - £4.99 from adventsdirect.co.uk A colourful and fun-packed calendar for the younger members of the family. Each day they'll need to match the number on the sticker with that on the image, and by doing so help Santa fill up his toy sack.

Grown-up Goodies - Ultimate Advent Calendar - £15 from hotelchocolat.co.uk It's good to see that there is a real alternative for connoisseurs of chocolate who can't abide those sickly offerings associated with many calendars.

Daily treats of high cocoa content chocolate come in milk, white with cherries or dark with Valencia orange varieties. Stopping yourself getting a day ahead will be tough.

Build Up - LEGO Castle Advent Calendar - £12.99 from shop.lego.com From knights and a jester to a supper table and treasure chest, there's a new item to discover and assemble each day from this specially designed box with a play mat printed on the lid.

A total of 24 castle-themed surprises, including nine mini-figures, make this superb value.

Surprise Surprise - Wooden Advent Calender - £19.99 from tch.net This beautifully designed wooden box is perfect for advent fans of all ages. Hang yours up on the wall and enjoy deciding exactly what to conceal inside each container.