You might be wondering why car advent calendars are on our minds. Every December, at least most of us begin each morning digging our fingernails into an advent calendar. After getting in and ripping away the foil, we find chocolate which we indulge and enjoy the festive-ness of. Not to mention the 24-hour wait until the next day. Mind you, that time can always be used to browse our car gift guide.
But here's the thing. Why eat up all the chocolate and throw away the pack, when you can treat yourself to something a little more up our street? Car advent calendars are a great way to get festive while also indulging in the passion we know and love.
Car-shaped chocolates may exist, but they don't last forever like a physical item. Such as, say, one of the items from our BMW gift guide. Instead, you can gradually build a car or open a series of car-themed calendar doors to reveal charming little gifts. Or maybe even a neat set of tools, if you fancy yourself getting a bit more hands-on.
The best car advent calendars at a glance:
Editor's pick: Franzis Porsche 911 2.7 RS Advent Calendar - Buy from Amazon.
Best for young petrolheads: Disney and Pixar’s Cars Minis Advent Calendar Playset - Buy from Amazon.
Best model kit calendar: Revell VW Type 2 Advent Calendar - Buy from Amazon.
With that in mind, we've drummed up a list of the best car advent calendars we could find. Because let's be honest, if you're stuck for ideas - even after reading our Porsche gift guide - these are great ideas for your loved ones.
The best car advent calendars
Best hot wheels advent calendar
Via Hot WheelsDescription
Who doesn't like Hot Wheels? No matter your age, you can't help but adore those small 1:64 scale
Pros
- Comprehensive little set
- Makes for a nice display
Cons
- A Hot Wheels sled - really?
Editor's pick
Via Franzis.Description
While one of the genuine 1,580 911 2.7 RS' would be preferable, any car fan would be happy with a
Pros
- Ideal for any Porsche fan
- You learn lots of 911 history throughout the build
Cons
- Franzis builds aren't as intuitive as they could be
Best large advent calendar
Via RevellDescription
One of the most charming sets on this list is Revell's answer to the advent calendar game. Over a
Pros
- Detailed and accurate model
- Engaging to build
Cons
- Red is the only colour option
Best advent calendar for supercar fans
Via FranzisDescription
Introduced as the softer, less aggressive successor to the timeless SLS, the AMG GT became Merc's
Pros
- Lovely gift for a Mercedes fan
- A great quality model
Cons
- We would've preferred an AMG GTR
Best hot hatch advent calendar
Via FranzisDescription
The original MK1 VW Golf GTI disrupted the sports car market and ran away with it. Launched in
Pros
- History of the Golf GTI presented
- A great quality model once finished
Cons
- These things always leave you wanting more
Best for young petrolheads
Via DisneyDescription
Cars (not to be confused with CAR), is a genuine masterpiece and is probably responsible for a
Pros
- Great set for younger petrolheads
- Easy to follow for children
Cons
- It's a slight shame little of the characters are included
On sale
Via FranzisDescription
The legendary Citroen 2CV arrived in 1948 and changed the French automotive industry for good. It
Pros
- A wonderful model
- Deep delve into 2CV history
Cons
- We wish an earlier car had been represented
Best Matchbox advent calendar
Via MatchboxDescription
There are days when you'll be opening a cone in this set, but Matchbox's advent calendar is full
Pros
- Nice array of items
- The ability to build a neat little diorama
Cons
- There aren't many actual cars inside
Best model kit calendar
Via RevellDescription
The Volkswagen Type 2 never received the same amount of love as the iconic Type 1 split screen,
Pros
- Very progressive build over 24 days
- Immense detail on the parts
Cons
- Revell doesn't offer much choice in different car models
Best tool set advent calendar
Via Draper ToolsDescription
If building a model car isn't for you, then perhaps a neat set of tools might be the answer.
Pros
- Lovely present for a tools enthusiast
- Comprehensive equipment
Cons
- Normal, individual tool sets are slightly better value
Are car advent calendars the thing my loved one wants?
Thankfully, we at CAR have a bank of gift guides to help you decide which car-related item would suit your loved ones. Our Lamborghini gift guide for example includes everything from posters to model cars and everything in between.
Even something as simple and silly as Car Christmas jumpers might be more than enough to make your recipient smile. The key to someone's heart is to study which area of car culture they like the most and check out the web accordingly.
If your loved one is a rallying enthusiast, then a Subaru Impreza gift might be the answer. Car advent calendars offer something incredibly sweet and different though. Some may be more comprehensive than others in terms of what you get, but the thought is amazing. Building a 911 or a Type 2 Camper is more involving than swallowing a small block of chocolate each December morning. They may cost a little more than a Cadbury's calendar from Tesco, but the rewards are so much more satisfying.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.