It doesn't matter how old you are, the idea of opening up a tiny cardboard window to find a chocolatey surprise is a nice way to start the day.
If you haven't had time to pick up your advent calendar yet, the supermarket aisles are still packed - and have been for some time now - with chocolate-filled advent calendars featuring the likes of Paddington Bear, Barbie, Peppa Pig and Spider-Man on the front.
One Direction calendars are also a big hit this Christmas , as are ones with characters from the hit Disney film Frozen.
But the traditional advent calendar has come a long way since if first arrived in our family homes without the chocolate inside.
The concept of opening a window each day remains the same, but the hidden treasure behind each one has become more and more extravagant.
Normally costing a couple of quid to buy, some advent calendars now on the market are so luxurious they can cost hundreds of pounds.
We've made a list of some of the most quirky, yet still delicious, advent calendars on the market this Christmas.
1. For the gin lover - Ginvent calendar
The extraordinary advent calendar made especially for gin lovers! Behind each of the 24 windows lies a different 3cl sample of a fantastic gin.
RRP: £114.95 from Gin Foundry
2. For the kids - Carluccio’s advent calendar
Always the sweetest way to count down to Christmas, each colourful window reveals a deliciously quirky chocolate character.
RRP: £11.95 from Carluccio's
3. For the fashionista - Topshop jewellery advent calendar
Each day has a hidden jewellery surprise like stud earrings, fine bracelets and charm necklaces.
RRP: £25 from Topshop
4. For mum - The Body Shop advent calendar
You'll be smelling nice all through December with The Body Shop's advent offering. It's packed with treats like strawberry soap, lip butter and hand cream.
RRP: £50 from The Body Shop
5. For the Lego fan - Lego City advent calendar
Big and little kids will love this calendar which has 24 hidden gifts inside.
RRP: £19.99 from toy shops, John Lewis and Argos
6. For the family 'tea pot' - Christmas tea gift set
25 gorgeous teabags packaged individually in a paper envelope. These are the perfect Christmas tokens for those who love tea
RRP: £19.50 from notonthehighstreet.com
7. For those who like a touch of luxury - gold and silver advent house
Make those frosty December mornings extra special with this advent calendar house. Customise yours by filling each of its 24 drawers with little miniature toys or sweets.
RRP: £75 from notonthehighstreet.com
8. For the charity-minded - Divine chocolate advent calendar
Inside each of the 24 windows is a solid milk chocolate heart behind which the story of the Nativity is told. Divine Chocolate is the only Fairtrade chocolate company that is also co-owned by cocoa farmers.
RRP: £4 available from Tesco, Waitrose, Oxfam and the Divine online shop
