Sock advent calendars

For many people, giving and receiving advent calendars has become a cherished part of the festive countdown and while chocolate advent calendars have long been the go-to, a new contender has stepped into the festive spotlight: sock advent calendars.

These quirky, practical gifts have surged in popularity, blending cosiness with creativity.

But what exactly are they? Why are they becoming a Christmas staple? And which ones should you be eyeing up this year?

Here, the Christmas.co.uk team unravels the world of advent calendars with socks and explores why they’re the perfect present for Brits this Christmas.

What are advent calendars with socks?

Advent calendars with socks are a lovely twist on the traditional advent calendar.

Instead of opening a door to find a chocolate or a trinket, you’re greeted with a pair of socks – or sometimes a single quirky one – each day leading up to Christmas.

Typically housed in a festive box with numbered compartments, these calendars offer 12, 24, or even 25 pairs, depending on the design.

Made from materials like cotton, bamboo or wool, they often feature a mix of everyday wear and playful Christmas-themed patterns, such as snowflakes, reindeer or cheeky Santas.

This trend reflects a shift towards gifts that combine practicality with fun, after all, who doesn’t need a fresh pair of socks?

They’re a sustainable alternative to disposable calendars, offering items you can wear long after the Christmas decorations come down.

Different types of sock advent calendars

Sock advent calendars come in a variety of styles, tailored to different tastes and age groups. Here’s a breakdown of the main types available in the UK:

Men’s sock advent calendars

Designed with gents in mind, these calendars often cater to UK shoe sizes 7-11. They feature a mix of bold patterns, such as Fair Isle knits or subtle festive motifs, and everyday staples in neutral tones. Brands like Sockshop offer bamboo-based options for comfort, while others, such as Sock Geeks, lean into quirky, statement-making designs.

Some even tie in pop culture themes, like the ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe’ 12-day calendar from Numskull – which we think is perfect for nostalgic blokes. The bottom line is that men’s sock advent calendars tend to focus on practicality and comfort, with thicker materials and classic designs.

Festive patterns are often more subdued, featuring traditional Christmas colours and motifs – though we found that these calendars often include a range of work appropriate designs, and novelty fun socks.

We also love the Happy Socks advent offering which delivers quality fun socks in great packaging. They really are eye-catching creations!

Women’s sock advent calendars

Aimed at UK sizes 4-8, women’s versions often embrace a broader colour palette and whimsical designs. Expect fluffy slipper socks, delicate snowflake patterns or playful prints like cats in Santa hats.

Happy Socks, for instance, delivers 24 days of vibrant, gender-neutral pairs that appeal to women who love a splash of personality. United Oddsocks offers a 12-day calendar with mismatched socks – a hit for those who adore individuality.

Luxury options might include cashmere or merino wool socks, offering superior warmth and comfort. Often, these calendars offer a selection of ankle, crew and sometimes knee-high sock options.

Children’s sock advent calendars

For the little ones, these calendars are all about fun and functionality. Sized for smaller feet (typically UK 9-12 for toddlers or 1-6 for older kids), they feature bright, cartoonish designs, such as dinosaurs in Christmas jumpers or elves with jingle bells.

While less common than adult versions, suppliers like Etsy UK sellers craft bespoke options, often handmade, adding a personal touch for kids.

Search trends show parents seeking ‘advent calendar socks kids’ are on the rise, reflecting demand for non-chocolate alternatives. We also found that novelty designs are prevalent, with 3D elements, glitter and embroidered details adding extra fun.

Couples and unisex options

Some calendars cater to pairs or anyone, regardless of gender. Sockshop’s 25-pair couples’ calendar, for example, starts with two pairs on day one, then alternates daily surprises – much like a ‘yours or mine’ game that adds a shared festive twist. Unisex designs from brands like Happy Socks focus on universal appeal with bold, inclusive patterns.

We think it’s also worth noting that novelty sock advent calendars are a popular choice. These calendars embrace the fun and quirky side of Christmas, featuring humorous designs, pop culture references, and unusual patterns.

They’re perfect for those who enjoy a bit of festive silliness and want to add a unique touch to their Christmas countdown and are often themed to TV shows, films or hobbies.

For those wanting luxury sock advent calendars, then these offer high-quality socks made from premium materials such as cashmere, merino wool and organic cotton.

These calendars often feature elegant designs and sophisticated packaging, making them perfect for gifting.

Why do people give sock advent calendars?

The rise of sock advent calendars as Christmas gifts taps into several cultural and practical trends.

First, they’re a thoughtful upgrade from the classic ‘socks as a stocking filler’ gag.

Rather than a last-minute grab, they transform a humble necessity into a month-long experience.

Bamboo versions, like those from Sockshop, appeal to environmentally conscious buyers, as bamboo is sustainable and soft on sensitive skin.

Third, they’re versatile and suitable for all ages and personalities, from the sock-obsessed uncle to the trendy teen.

Finally, they bring daily joy. Opening a new pair each morning builds anticipation, making Christmas feel like a season, not just a day. Who doesn’t love the feel of brand-new socks on their skin?

We also think they offer practicality since socks are a useful and essential item, especially during the cold winter months.

And, unlike chocolate or beauty products, socks can be enjoyed long after Christmas is over.

They are a substantial gift, giving a large amount of presents for the run up to Christmas.

What is the history of giving sock advent calendars?

The advent calendar dates to 19th-century Germany where Protestant families marked the days to Christmas with chalk lines or candles.

By the early 20th century, printed calendars with doors emerged, and chocolate versions took off post-World War II.

But socks? That’s a more recent tale.

Sock advent calendars evolved from the British tradition of gifting socks at Christmas – a nod to the practical presents of yesteryear, when handmade woollens were a winter essential.

The modern twist began in the 2010s, as retailers like Sockshop and Happy Socks spotted a gap for novelty calendars beyond chocolate.

By 2020, the trend had cemented itself in the UK, driven by a desire for sustainable, lasting gifts amid a ‘fast fashion’ backlash.

Small businesses on Etsy joined in, offering handmade sock sets, while big brands scaled up with luxury packaging.

Today, it’s a fusion of nostalgia and innovation – a nod to the socks hung by the fireplace, reimagined for the 21st century.

What do people buy?

When it comes to sock advent calendars, buyers have clear preferences and quality matters.

Searches for ‘bamboo sock advent calendar’ and ‘soft Christmas socks’ suggest comfort is king.

Festive designs dominate, with ‘reindeer socks’ and ‘snowflake socks’ trending annually.

Other festive patterns such as reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees and snowflakes remain popular choices.

Yet, versatility is key too with calendars mixing seasonal and everyday pairs, like Sockshop’s 25-pair sets, appeal to those wanting year-round use.

It’s worth noting too that price points vary.

Budget-friendly options (around £20-£30) like United Oddsocks’ 12-day calendars attract casual buyers, while premium sets (£50-£70) from Sock Geeks or Happy Socks draw gift-givers seeking luxury.

Niche themes, such as Disney, Friends or quirky odd socks, are popular among younger adults.

And handmade or personalised calendars from the likes of Etsy are also growing in popularity.

Which Christmas sock advent calendars will be popular this year?

Predicting the year’s hottest sock advent calendars means looking at current sock trends so here’s what we believe are likely to top the list:

Eco-friendly bamboo calendars: With ‘sustainable Christmas gifts’ searches climbing, Sockshop’s 25-pair bamboo sets (£59.90) will stay strong, offering softness and green credentials. Calendars featuring socks made from recycled or organic materials are gaining traction, reflecting the growing awareness of environmental issues.

Pop culture tie-ins: Numskull’s 12-day He-Man calendar (£29.99) hints at a growing appetite for nostalgia. Expect more 80s/90s themes – think Stranger Things or Harry Potter socks

• Mismatched madness: United Oddsocks’ 12-day sets (£25) will appeal to the quirky crowd, with bold animal prints and festive chaos
• Luxury unisex designs: Happy Socks’ 24-pair calendar (£150) will draw style lovers with its vibrant, high-quality cotton blends. High quality wool blends, that offer comfort, and warmth will also be popular this year
• Kids’ fun picks: Etsy’s handmade options, like dinosaur-themed sock sets (£30-£50), will rise as parents seek sugar-free treats.

We’ve also found that personalised sock advent calendars which allow for personalisation, such as adding initials or names, are expected to be popular.

Also, themed sock advent calendars based on popular films, TV shows, or hobbies are likely to be in high demand.

Top UK suppliers of quality or unusual sock advent calendars

Here’s a curated list of suppliers offering standout sock advent calendars, grouped by category:

• Department stores: Stores like John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer, and Selfridges offer a wide range of sock advent calendars, from novelty designs to luxury options
• Online retailers: Amazon, Etsy and Notonthehighstreet offer a vast selection of sock advent calendars from various brands and independent sellers
• Speciality sock shops: Independent sock shops and online retailers specialising in socks often offer unique and high-quality advent calendars
• Craft and gift shops: Many smaller craft and gift shops will offer handmade or niche advent calendars
• Supermarkets: Supermarkets like Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys offer a range of affordable options.

Why sock advent calendars are here to stay

Advent calendars with socks have woven themselves into the UK’s Christmas fabric, offering a blend of practicality, sustainability and sheer festive joy.

Whether you’re treating a man who loves bold patterns, a woman who adores cosy toes, or a child who’d giggle at a T-Rex in a Santa hat, there’s a calendar to suit.

Their history ties them to timeless traditions, while their modern appeal keeps them fresh.