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The Harrods Food Hall advent calendar and its contents on a red background
The pricey advent calendar has caused a stir (Picture: Harrods)

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There’s just something about Christmas that makes us all go a little nutty with our money – we’ll buy just about anything if it’s festive and cute. 

‘Tis the season and all that…

But when it comes to some of the more expensive treats at this time of year, like luxury advent calendars, it seems shoppers might want to think twice before impulse splurging.

This is because a £250 advent calendar from Harrods has been branded ‘a scam’ and ‘not worth it’ by shoppers who aren’t happy with the contents.

The iconic London department store sells several different advent calendars, but it’s specifically the £250 Food Halls one that has got people all worked up over the price.

Warning: There are spoilers for what’s inside the advent calendar ahead, so look away now if you don’t want to know.

The exterior of Harrods department store in London
The advent calendar costs £250 from Harrods department store (Picture: Getty Images)

It all started when TikTok user @gracebooth97 shared a review of the calendar online. In the video, she unboxed each day from number one to 25 and viewers watched as she became progressively more frustrated with each reveal.

Grace has been sharing her thoughts on a number of different advent calendars, saying she’s ‘on the hunt for the most interesting’ food one for Christmas 2025.

She had high hopes for the Food Halls one, which promises a ‘selection of sweet and savoury treats to unveil each day’ alongside some ‘keep-forever Harrods pieces’.

However, instead of an array of unique and quirky things to try, Grace was disappointed to discover the calendar predominantly contained chocolate and tea.

But the item that absolutely did her in was a black notepad and pen, which left her feeling utterly baffled. 

‘You’re having me on, I feel like I’m being pranked,’ she said.

@gracebooth97

Feel like this may be a controversial take lol

♬ original sound – Grackle

Other items inside the calendar included a mug, a teddy bear ornament, hot chocolate, a mini Christmas cake, shortbread biscuits, a mini bottle of champagne, and chocolate covered nuts.

Grace wasn’t upset with everything though, as she did praise the ‘beautiful’ packaging which had impressed her, as well as the ‘cute’ mini cake that she ‘loved’ and the ‘gorgeous’ mug.

However, her overall verdict was that the calendar was just ‘fine’ – not exactly what you want after forking out more than £200.

‘If I’m getting something from the Food Hall, I want variety, not just chocolate,’ she tells viewers. ‘This isn’t a tea and chocolate advent calendar… Give me some mustard, give me something fun, fresh, and different.’

Inside the Food Hall at Harrods
Many expected more variety from a food hall such as the one Harrods has (Picture: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

And others have been quick to brand the advent calendar ‘disappointing’, ‘a scam’ and ‘underwhelming’ on the video app. 

A TikTok user known as @zerro856 asked: ‘Why are there non-food items in the food advent calendar?’

While @maddi_paige_ro said: ‘When are we as a society gonna give up on these advent calendars? I’ve never seen anyone pleased or pleasantly surprised by one. They’re almost always disappointing.’

Similarly, Mallor LaBeau wrote: ‘That advent calendar is so confused.’

And @ickyvicky joked: ‘This has the same energy as the Zoella advent calendar.’

@curiouschronicles thought an advent calendar containing office supplies was an ‘immediate fail’, as @jaclyn_michelle admitted the notepad and pen had ‘enraged’ her.

Comment nowWould you spend £250 on a luxury advent calendar like this one?Comment Now

As for what shoppers would liked to have seen inside the calendar, @lily851171 commented: ‘They should’ve done more savory stuff like a little bottle of fancy olive oil, it could’ve even be tinned sardines with cute and fancy labels??? For sweets they could’ve done some fudges or maybe a jarred honey for teas to change things up! Also I’d love a little branded packable tote bag to carry groceries in, not a flipping pen and a note pad.’

‘Where are the oils? The vinegars?? THE SPICES AND MUSTARDS,’ demanded @emy170925. 

Some thought it should have contained caviar for the price, as well, but generally people were just really entertained by Grace’s review.

‘Most valid crashout over an advent calendar tbh,’ shared @flooshoomoo, while @lmees320 described the unboxing as an ‘emotional rollercoaster’. 

@lanasamui added it was ‘not worth it’ and they wouldn’t be buying one.

Metro has contacted Harrods for comment.

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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Four models wearing a selection of Boux Avenue lingerie on a yellow background.
Your lingerie drawer called – it wants you to grab some new undies in time for party season (Picture: Metro/Boux Avenue)

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If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to upgrade your lingerie drawer, consider this your sign.

Boux Avenue’s most-loved offer is officially back – and yes, it’s set to have your sad, old underwear running for the hills. It is, of course, the Free Knicker offer, and it could save you up to a whopping £18 on every bra you buy.

From now until 15 November, when you buy any eligible Boux Avenue bra, you’ll get the matching knickers completely free.

Whether you prefer a brief or a thong, this unmissable deal makes grabbing some stunning new matching underwear in time for the festive season far more affordable.

Model wearing the Boux Avenue Wren bra with matching knickers
One style we’re totally besotted by is the Wren lace longline bra in Bottle Green, which boasts soft, luxurious lace detailing and sculpting lines (Picture: Boux Avenue)

With so many styles to choose from – including balconette, plunge, padded and unpadded, and even corset designs, there’s never been a better excuse to treat yourself to a luxurious matching set (because honestly, who doesn’t love a little lingerie upgrade?).

All you have to do is add an eligible bra and the matching knickers of your choice to your basket and the saving will appear – it’s really that easy.

One style we’re totally besotted by is the Wren lace longline bra in Bottle Green, which boasts soft, luxurious lace detailing and sculpting lines – a true showstopper for any occasion.

Complete with your choice of thong or brief, this duo will set you back just £45 rather than £61 – a savvy saving if ever we’ve seen one.

Ready to shop the deal? Explore our top picks from eligible bras in the Boux Avenue Free Knicker offer below.

Shop the Boux Avenue offer

Jordyn sheer balconette bra – Black

This gorgeous unpadded Jordyn balconette bra has been made with delicate sheer mesh and beautiful satin and lace detailing, finished with wide frill lace straps.

shop £38

Rosetta embroidered longline bra – Black

Effortlessly sexy, this Rosetta underwired longline bra boasts gorgeous velvet rose embroidery as well as satin slings for support and extra projection. Chic and totally stunning.

shop £45

Sienna embroidered balconette bra – Bronze

Opt for warm brown hues with this Sienna balconette bra, featuring subtle shimmer and bold geometric embroidery for a sexy and elevated look you'll wear again and again.

shop £45

Evelyn sheer embroidered balconette bra – Khaki

Lean into pretty florals with the Evelyn bra. This sweet, unpadded balconette bra features contrasting 3D floral embroidery and inner slings for support and extra projection.

shop £45

Brooke lace plunge bra – Teal

Boasting whisper light lace and an utterly sexy design, the Brooke plunge bra is a must if you're after something a bit different. We love the provocative strapping details that make it truly unique.

shop £38

Dulcee lace plunge bra – Black

Make a statement in this Dulcee plunge bra, boasting a removable high-neck lace feature that's effortlessly sexy. It features delicate floral lace with eyelash edging and padded slings for lift and projection.

shop £38

Wren lace longline bra – Bottle Green

This padded longline bra boasts soft, luxurious lace detailing and sculpting lines, a true show-stopper for any occasion.

shop £45

Ava lace corset – Black

After something elevated? This Ava lace corset is crafted with exquisite floral lace that hugs your body like a second skin, as well as underwired detailing for extra support.

shop £52

Eladie embroidered triangle bralette – Red Mix

This Eladie embroidered triangle bra features sheer cups detailed with 3D embroidery, complemented by a sleek satin underband that offers subtle support and a silky finish.

shop £30

Rylee satin plunge bra – Teal

The Rylee is a satin padded plunge bra designed with delicate soft satin and gorgeous eyelash lace detailing, perfect for everyday wear and special occasions alike.

shop £38

There’s truly never been a better time for an underwear upgrade.

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