The real Countdown to Christmas - Advent #ChristmasLinkUp

Advent Calendars have really taken off, and gone are the simple lift a flap picture ones of my youth. At the very least you get chocolate and I'll admit I'm eyeing off the gin one for myself, but I just can't quite justify the cost....

As for the kids, my youngest is getting the Smiggle one ($39.95) 

The eldest is getting one of the Body Shop ones - a hefty $100, but the actual presents from Santa will be only 2 concert tickets and she already know what they are, so I figure it's sort of her Santa pressie.

The middle boy is where I am stuck - too old for the Lego and Pokemon calendars of years gone by, I'm thinking I'll just do chocolates and little knick knacks and then every 7 days he gets a book voucher (he likes these Manga books but they're $12 a throw and he reads them in 1 night) so he can select a few titles he wants (and evens out between the spend on the youngest and oldest). If you can think of anything else I could put in, let me know. 

For my friends, as we've already started our 'must catch up before xmas' dinners, I've got a few of the English Tea Shop tea calendars for $17.

For my good friends in need, I've got the L'Occitane advent calendar for $89. It's a lot but the stuff is good quality and a little self care will make all the difference. L'Occitane also has a luxury one, which I'd love - I'm trying to rationalise  it will be perfect for our travels in January, all those travel sized facial moisturisers etc, but somehow I don't see it happening.

Do you go mad for Advent calendars?

Linking with #MummyMondays

An InLinkz Link-up