A few years ago I started a tradition making a personalised advent calendar of small wrapped gifts for my daughter and my partner. I thought I’d share what sort of gifts I’ve given to my partner (including ideas for future calendars). If you do Christmas stockings, these would also make great stocking fillers.

Here is what last year’s calendar looked like:

For his wardrobe:

1. Socks
2. Fleece / comfy pants to wear around the house
3. A warm hat
4. Gloves  Boxers / briefs
5. A tie or cufflinks
6. Graphic print t-shirt

For his belly:

1. His favourite chocolate
2. A bottle of his favourite wine or a 6 pack of his favourite beer
3. Hot chocolate (I got one with a special mug)
4. Nespresso coffee pods (There are always seasonal special flavours)
5. Snack Mix (for him to take with to the office – check out the awesome options from Karma
6. Portable Aromat (because my Swiss man just loves it!)
7. Biltong / beef Jerky
8. Snack size Pringles
9. Gum (great for in the car)
10. Mini-Bar Size Alcohol
11. Cough drops – Ricola is the Swiss favourite

For travelling:

1. Travel size mouth wash
2. Deodorant
3. Band-Aids (the cartoon ones are cute)
4. Floss
5. Lip balm
6. Hand cream
7. Mini Kleenex packs
8. For pet owners, a mini lint brush roller to keep in the car or bag
9. Travel mug for coffee on the go
10. Air freshener for the car
11. Cell phone chargers (seriously, how do they always disappear?)

For fun:

1. A Christmas Blu-ray movie to watch together
2. 2-player board games
3. Gift cards (e.g. Starbucks or his favourite lunch spot near the office)
4. Magazine subscription
5. A subscription box – Black Box for men is available in Switzerland
6. His favourite old school classic comic
7. Movie tickets
8. Lego (for the kid in all of us)
9. Cell phone case
10. Bottle Opener / corkscrew
11. Flash Drive

For couple time

1. A handwritten love note
2. Love coupons
3. Massage oil
4. Designer or funny condoms
5. Copy erotic stories into a little story book (or write them yourself?)
6. Gift certificates for different positions / places / situations / a hot strip / a quickie…
7. Blindfold, handcuffs etc..
8. Erotic film on DVD
9. G-string / lingerie with a sexy gift certificate

Of course, if you don’t have the time to make your own, there are a number of ready-made Advent Calendars available. Here’s a few that I’ve found:

ASOS Grooming calendar for men: GBP55

For the beer lovers – these beer calendars are available at your local K-Kiosk shops for CHF49.99

Another grooming style calendar – this one is available from Douglas.ch for just CHF 53.90

and most recently on the market, a calendar for the techie boys from Interdiscount – CHF99.90

Do you make or give Advent Calendars for your partner too? What do you put in them?