One of the big trends in recent years is for advent calendars to take centre stage as a festive must-have, since they aren’t just for children but adults too as Red Bull advent calendars prove.
These types of calendars have evolved into a sophisticated gifting trend for adults, with niche and luxury options flooding the market.
Among the most exciting and unconventional offerings are Red Bull advent calendars, which combine the thrill of energy drinks with the joy of festive surprises.
Though we should highlight that not everyone enjoys a caffeine drink – or is able to drink them.
Here, the Christmas.co.uk team explores what Red Bull advent calendars are, the different types available and why they’ve become popular Christmas gifts.
What are Red Bull advent calendars?
Red Bull advent calendars are a modern twist on the traditional advent calendar, designed specifically for fans of the iconic energy drink brand.
Instead of chocolates or small toys, these calendars offer a daily dose of Red Bull in various flavours, packaged in a festive countdown format.
Each of the 24 doors typically reveals a 250ml can of Red Bull, with a mix of classic flavours like the original energy drink, sugar-free options, and limited-edition seasonal or exotic flavours such as apricot-strawberry, watermelon or blueberry.
These calendars are marketed as collector’s items, often featuring sleek, branded packaging that appeals to Red Bull enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies and anyone looking for a unique Christmas gift.
They are particularly popular among adults, especially those who enjoy energy drinks as part of their daily routine, whether for work, sports or gaming.
The calendars are not just about the drinks – they embody the Red Bull brand’s ethos of energy, adventure and excitement, making them a perfect festive treat for those who live life in the fast lane.
What are the different types of Red Bull advent calendars?
Red Bull advent calendars come in a variety of formats, catering to different tastes and interests. Here are the main types you’ll encounter in the UK:
Classic energy drink advent calendars
These are the most common type, featuring 24 cans of Red Bull in a mix of classic and popular flavours. They typically include the original Red Bull Energy Drink, Red Bull Sugarfree and a selection of the brand’s ‘Editions’ range, such as Red Bull Yellow Edition (tropical) or Red Bull Blue Edition (blueberry). These calendars are ideal for Red Bull purists who want a daily energising boost throughout December.
Limited-edition flavour advent calendars
For those who crave variety, limited-edition flavour calendars are a highlight. These include exclusive or seasonal flavours not always available in standard retail packs, such as Red Bull Winter Edition (eg, pomegranate) or other experimental tastes. These calendars are often positioned as collector’s items, appealing to fans who want to try something new each day.
Themed motorsport advent calendars
Red Bull is synonymous with motorsport, particularly Formula 1, through its sponsorship of teams like Oracle Red Bull Racing. Motorsport-themed advent calendars often combine energy drinks with small, branded merchandise, such as keyrings, stickers or miniature model cars. These are perfect for motorsport enthusiasts and make excellent gifts for fans of the Red Bull Racing team.
Lifestyle and merchandise advent calendars
Some Red Bull advent calendars go beyond drinks, incorporating lifestyle products and merchandise. These might include items like Red Bull-branded caps, socks, or even tech accessories alongside a smaller selection of drinks. These calendars are less common but highly sought after by collectors and brand loyalists.
Why give Red Bull advent calendars as Christmas presents?
The rise of Red Bull advent calendars as Christmas gifts in the UK reflects broader trends in festive gifting and consumer behaviour. Here are some key reasons why they’ve become a go-to present:
- Novelty and uniqueness: Traditional advent calendars can feel predictable. Red Bull advent calendars offer a fresh, unconventional alternative, making them a standout gift for those who appreciate something different. Their novelty appeals to gift-givers looking to surprise and delight recipients
- Brand loyalty: Red Bull has a dedicated fan base, from athletes and gamers to students and professionals. For someone who regularly consumes Red Bull, an advent calendar is a thoughtful, tailored gift that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences
- Festive energy boost: December is a busy month, with parties, late-night shopping, and work deadlines. A daily can of Red Bull provides a practical energy boost, making these calendars both a fun and functional gift
- Collectability: Many Red Bull advent calendars are marketed as limited-edition or collector’s items, with exclusive flavours or merchandise. This appeals to collectors and fans who value rarity and exclusivity, making them a gift that feels special and personal
- Adult-oriented gifting: As advent calendars have shifted from being primarily for children to appealing to adults, Red Bull calendars fit perfectly into this trend. They cater to grown-ups who want to enjoy the countdown to Christmas with a more mature, energising twist.
Also, Red Bull’s popularity among teenagers makes it a perfect gift for this age group – it’s a cool and trendy alternative to traditional advent calendars.
And if you’re struggling to find gifts for men, a Red Bull advent calendar offers a practical and enjoyable option.
The history of giving Red Bull advent calendars as Christmas gifts
The tradition of advent calendars dates to the 19th century in Germany, where families would mark the days leading up to Christmas with small candles. The first printed advent calendars appeared in the early 1900s, often featuring religious imagery or small sweets. Over time, the concept evolved, with chocolate advent calendars becoming a staple in the UK by the mid-20th century.
The modern era of advent calendars, however, has seen a diversification in offerings, driven by consumer demand for luxury, niche and personalised gifts.
Red Bull entered this market relatively recently, capitalising on its strong brand identity and global popularity.
The calendars began gaining traction in Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria (where the brand originates), around the mid-2010s. By the late 2010s, they had started to appear in the UK, initially through online retailers and specialist importers, before becoming more widely available.
Red Bull’s entry into the advent calendar market aligns with its broader marketing strategy of positioning itself as a lifestyle brand, not just an energy drink.
The calendars tie into the brand’s association with extreme sports, motorsport and high-energy living, making them a natural fit for the festive gifting season.
Their rise in popularity also mirrors the broader trend of food and drink advent calendars, such as those featuring wine, gin, or craft beer, which have become a staple of Christmas gifting in the UK.
What do people buy?
When it comes to Red Bull advent calendars, UK consumers are drawn to a mix of practicality, variety, and exclusivity. Based on search trends and consumer behaviour, here’s what people are buying:
- Classic flavour packs: The most popular choice remains the classic energy drink advent calendar, offering a mix of familiar flavours. These are often purchased by regular Red Bull drinkers who want a festive twist on their daily energy fix
- Limited-edition flavour collections: Calendars featuring exclusive or seasonal flavours are highly sought after, particularly by younger consumers and collectors. These are often seen as a fun way to explore new tastes, with flavours like Red Bull Winter Edition proving especially popular during the festive period
- Motorsport-themed calendars: With the UK’s strong Formula 1 fan base, motorsport-themed Red Bull advent calendars are a hit, especially among fans of Oracle Red Bull Racing. These are frequently bought as gifts for motorsport enthusiasts, combining drinks with branded merchandise
- Value-for-money options: Price is a key consideration, with many shoppers comparing the cost of a Red Bull advent calendar (typically priced around £70–£80) to the value of buying 24 individual cans. Calendars that offer exclusive flavours or additional merchandise are often perceived as better value.
Which Christmas Red Bull advent calendars will be popular this year?
Looking ahead to Christmas trends and products, Red Bull advent calendars which will prove popular in the UK, include:
- Red Bull winter edition advent calendar: Seasonal flavours are always a highlight, and the Red Bull Winter Edition range is expected to feature prominently this year. Past editions, such as pomegranate, have been well-received, and a calendar showcasing these alongside classic flavours is likely to be a bestseller
- Oracle Red Bull racing advent calendar: With Formula 1’s popularity continuing to soar in the UK, motorsport-themed calendars will remain in high demand. These calendars, featuring exclusive merchandise and a mix of energy drinks, are expected to be particularly popular among fans of the Red Bull Racing team.
- Sustainable packaging options: As sustainability becomes a growing concern for UK consumers, Red Bull may introduce advent calendars with eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable or reusable materials. These would appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers and could set a trend
- Flavour exploration calendars: Calendars that focus on new or experimental flavours, possibly including international editions not widely available in the UK, are likely to attract adventurous consumers. These could include flavours inspired by Red Bull’s global markets, adding an element of discovery to the countdown.
Suppliers of quality or unusual Christmas Red Bull advent calendars
Red Bull advent calendars in the UK are often sold through specialist retailers or online platforms. Below, we’ve categorised suppliers based on the type of calendar they offer, ensuring you can find quality or unusual options this Christmas.
Mainstream retailers
These suppliers offer widely available, classic Red Bull advent calendars, ideal for those seeking convenience and reliability.
- Amazon UK: Amazon is a go-to destination for Red Bull advent calendars, offering a range of options from classic flavour packs to limited-edition collections. Prices typically start at around £70, with delivery options ensuring you can get your calendar in time for December. Look out for customer reviews to ensure quality and authenticity
- Red Bull Shop: The official Red Bull online shop is a reliable source for branded advent calendars, often featuring exclusive designs and merchandise. While primarily based in Europe, they ship to the UK, though delivery charges may apply. This is the best place to find motorsport-themed or lifestyle calendars.
We think it’s also worth checking out the likes of the major supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda, which often stock mainstream Red Bull advent calendars during the Christmas period.
Other High Street retailers too, including Boots and Superdrug, may offer limited edition or promotional calendars.
Specialist gift retailers
These suppliers focus on unique or high-quality advent calendars, perfect for those looking for something a little different.
- Menkind: Known for its range of quirky and adult-oriented gifts, Menkind often stocks Red Bull advent calendars, particularly motorsport-themed options. These are ideal for gifting to motorsport fans or gadget enthusiasts, with prices competitive with mainstream retailers.
- Advent Calendar UK: This specialist site curates a wide range of advent calendars, including food and drink options. They often feature Red Bull calendars with a focus on limited-edition flavours, making them a great choice for collectors or those seeking variety.
International importers
For the most unusual or exclusive Red Bull advent calendars, these suppliers import products from Europe, where the range is often broader.
- Amazon DE: The German Amazon site is a key source for Red Bull advent calendars not available in the UK, such as those with exclusive European flavours. Shipping to the UK is available, though costs can be higher, and delivery times may vary
- eBay UK: eBay is a treasure trove for collectors, with sellers offering rare or imported Red Bull advent calendars. Look for sellers with high ratings to ensure quality, and check shipping details to avoid delays.
Buy Red Bull Advent calendars
Red Bull advent calendars have carved out a unique niche in the UK’s Christmas gifting landscape, offering an energising alternative to traditional festive treats.
Whether you’re drawn to the classic energy drink packs, limited-edition flavour collections, motorsport-themed surprises or lifestyle merchandise, there’s a Red Bull advent calendar to suit every taste and interest.
Their popularity as gifts reflects a blend of novelty, practicality and brand loyalty, making them a perfect choice for energy drink fans, collectors, and anyone seeking a high-octane countdown to Christmas.
