[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad/prioradrelationship] I always feel a bit guilty for starting the Advent Calendar line up so early but honestly, they (almost all, across all brands) sold out within days of release. Last year, I waited for a more seemly time and too bad, they were all gone. So, the market dictates – I’m not ready, you’re probably not ready but thousands of people are so here we go! I like this advent best of all because in amongst the commercial aspect, The Body Shop always makes sure that others benefit too – this year, it’s The Honeypot Children’s Charity which supports young carers. As a side-note, behind the scenes, TBS have implemented a scheme where they will collect any of our (content creators, journalists) unwanted gifts (because we do get an excessive amount a this time of year) and send them off to Sali and Jo’s charity, Beauty Banks. My stuff tends to go towards local fund raisers or an annual pre-Christmas ‘sale’ for friends and family with the proceeds going in various directions but it’s good to know that there’s another option if needs be.
So, the calendar I have here is the Share Love & Joy – a bountiful and sturdy box with a pop-up scene and 25 gifts (yes, 25!, no slacking off at 24) with a value of £204, costing £140 HERE. They’re limited to one per customer so that tells you all you need to know about availability. There’s everything from Berry Bath Soak to Mango Mist with a side order of lip butters, face masks, cleansers and moisturisers.
It’s the same drawer arrangement as previous years (this is a nightmare to photograph – once you take any of the product in their individual numbered boxes out, it is the devil’s own job to put them back together again!) and it’s big – if you have only a very small space available for it, it might not be the one for you. It’s also very heavy – ordering on line seems essential. This year, there are several advent offerings – Share The Joy (£55 value £77) HERE, Share The Love (£80 value £119) HERE and Share The Love & Joy (£140) and I think maybe one more that’s not loaded up yet on TBS website at the time of writing.
If you remember from last year, each box has a saying or suggestion on it to remind us that it’s a sharing celebration one way or another. Of course, it’s all completely recyclable and sustainable, and can be repurposed (ribbons sprang to mind because I’ve accumulated so many over the years – I just can’t seem to throw them away especially if they’ve got Chanel or Dior on them!). I think I prefer this ‘bigger picture’ approach – Christmas is both happy and sad for a lot of people and seeing that it’s not just all about huge families and joyfulness (my last one was the most stressful of my life one way and another – really, very difficult) but part of a giving period whether to yourself or others in time, thought or practicality is helpful and soothing I think for those for whom the season is tricky.
The full Christmas Gift range launches next week – as a sneak preview, the limited edition seasonal range includes Love & Plums, Kindness & Pears and Joy and Jasmine. I’m so looking forward to seeing (and smelling) these. Non affiliate is HERE.
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