The best car advent calendars

For fans of Formula One at pretty much all age points, this Red Bull-themed advent calendar by Franzis is a perfect gift for enthusiasts of the sport who don't want a traditional festive treat.

It consists of a model of the 2024 car itself (in bits), a plinth to display it on, and a 52-page information booklet which you simultaneously read each day along with the opening of the different days. The model itself is very nicely detailed and is a quirky alternative to chocolates behind a flap.

While one of the genuine UR-model 911s would be preferable, any car fan would be happy with a brand-new model car this Christmas. This set combines two of our favourite things into one amazing gift idea; model cars and gifts.

The main attraction here is an early 911 from the 60s that you assemble from several different pieces to make a 1:43scale model. The calendar also includes a plastic display plinth that includes a speaker that plays the engine note at the press of a button. The instruction manual is fleshed out with the history and development of the car and is printed in both German and English. Franzis also include some tools for assembling the model as well as some surprises that will be welcomed by any Porsche fan.

If there's one thing that stood out when I was testing Halfords' new advent calendar, it was that each day seemed to overly-exciting. A lot more so than I expected revealing a 7mm socket to be. It's a strange sort of excitement, and one that I felt I shouldn't be feeling. But as far as advent calendars go, I felt more excited each day to complete the tool kit.

It's therefore, met the product criteria with flying colours - and to compliment things further - the tool kit itself is dripping in quality. It may only be a £30 set, but each socket and tool feels durable and ready for long, strenuous tasks. The ratchet could do with feeling slightly better engineered, but for all intents and purposes, this is the most usable Christmas packet gift that I've ever come across.

Oh, and we can't finish without mentioning that two 10mm sockets are included.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Introduced as the softer, less aggressive successor to the timeless SLS, the AMG GT became Merc's fighter to the dominant Porsche 911. Instead of the raging 6.2 litre storm-starter, it instead had a tamer 4.0 litre Biturbo V8.

Nevertheless, it proved to be a successful recipe for Mercedes, and one that's perhaps a little more underappreciated than it should be. You can learn about and build a 1:43-scale AMG GT for yourself complete with the sound module to summon the sound of the engine at the touch of a button. As well as the fun of assembly, the history of the AMG tuning house is included in the pack.

Franzis is a German brand that, as you can imagine, predominently specialises in advent calendars for iconic German cars. This Cadillac Eldorado from 1953 is especially quirky then, and it's a tribute set to Elvis Presley.

It includes a 1:38 scale model of the car alongside a load of extra trivia to tell the story of the Rock icon, the impact, and of the car itself. If you know somebody that likes a bit of Americana, this could be a great advent calendar for them. Although it should be mentioned, the car already comes pre-assembled - it's the bits alongside you're building.

There are days when you'll be opening a cone in this set, but Matchbox's advent calendar is full of charming little surprises over the course of 24 days. There are 10 matchbox vehicles and a range of accessories, featuring anything from a snowmobile to a Porsche Panamera. There is a Mercedes G-Wagon included as well, which makes this a wonderful winter-themed set.

Suitable for ages three years old and over, the box unfolds to reveal a playmat which is great for recreating a drive through a winter wonderland.

Who doesn't like Hot Wheels? No matter your age, you can't help but adore those small 1:64 scale model cars that are packed with charisma and feature some insane designs. Just look at the Twin Mill and Roller Toaster for evidence of this. This advent calendar will bring a smile to any petrolhead, no matter their age.

Surprise, surprise, you get some Hot Wheels models. There are eight models included - all of them are Hot Wheels' own designs. There are also 16 accessories to play with, including a detachable snow plough, reindeer and a sledge to mount your Hot Wheels model too. The front of the advent calendar also folds down to make a small racetrack, perfect for imaginary races in the snow.

It's the most affordable advent calendar here but I don't think anyone would care. Hot Wheels bring so much joy and the set contains so much that it's sure to be a hit for any fan of toy cars.

The Volkswagen Type 2 never received the same amount of love as the iconic Type 1 split screen, but it still captures the hearts of many camping enthusiasts in its own unique way. Revell offers something slightly different in the advent calendar market and will sell you a click-on model kit to build over 24 days.

It's a very nicely detailed set with a number of decals and accessories that add nice touches throughout the van. One look at the interior and engine bay is tempting us ever so much in the run-up to the festive season.

If building a model car isn't for you, then perhaps a neat set of tools might be the answer. Draper is happy to oblige with this rather nice toolset integrated into an advent calendar.

Included in the set is a bottle opener, a magnetic screwdriver with a number of different screw attachments, and a neat set of 5-13mm sockets. It's especially nice that a storage case is included to keep everything organised.