The holy month of Ramadan is underway - with Muslims everywhere abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk.
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam, with Ramadan serving as a time for reflection, sacrifice, empathy and self-control. The fast breaks after sunset with an Iftar feast offering a chance to refuel with your household or friends.
Children, the elderly and pregnant or nursing women are exempt from the fast, which this year ends on May 2 with Eid-al-Fitr.
One of the biggest religious events on the Islamic calendar, Eid is a time for festive celebration. A heaving feast is prepared, good wishes exchanged and presents given.
Over the last few years we’ve spotted a new trend emerging, led by Instagram’s OG beauty queen, Huda Kattan. The Dubai-based makeup artist and brains behind her eponymous beauty brands and Wishful skincare has released a limited edition Ramadan advent calendar to countdown to the big day. Filled with beauty bestsellers, each box offers a new product to covet in the days leading up to Eid.
Others have also jumped on the idea; from confections to DIY options, here are the best Ramadan calendars we’ve spotted so far.
Huda Beauty Delights limited-edition Ramadan Calendar gift set
Find a selection of Huda-approved products nestled within this limited edition star-shaped box.
You can expect beauty bestsellers from across the Huda Beauty empire: from Wishful’s Yo Glow Enzyme scrub and Huda Beauty’s Power Bullet Cream Glow lipstick to fragrances from Kayali. Enjoy opening one box every evening after Iftar.
Buy now £109.00, Selfridges
PATCHI Arabesque Ramadan Chocolate Gift Box (970g)
Whether you need a gift to take round to friends and family’s homes to break your fast or you’re just looking for a nice treat the whole family can enjoy after sunset, Patchi’s chocolate gift box is sure to garner the right reaction.
Housed in a celebratory Arabesque-patterned box, you’ll find a mouthwatering selection of Lebanese-made confections waiting inside.
While we acknowledge this isn’t a countdown calendar exactly, there are 36 beautifully wrapped sweets to enjoy - plenty for now and to celebrate Eid when the occasion arrives.
Shop more Patchi Ramadan gifts here.
Buy now £84.95, Harrods
Peacock Supplies Ramadan Wooden Countdown Calendar Mosque
If you like the idea of making your own calendar packed with a selection of treats for a loved one, head to NOTHS, the home of unique, handmade goods.
This wooden calendar draws inspiration from a mosque and is carved with intricate patterns around the 30 drawers plus LED lights to add the awe factor. The keepsake piece, which measures 50x37x7cm is perfect for kids of all ages as well as older recipients who could use a little extra motivation over Ramadan.
Buy now £54.99, NOTHS
Peace & Blessings Lanterns And Stars Ramadan Milk Chocolate Calendar
Small squares of milk chocolate hide behind each window in this Ramadan countdown calendar, offering a sweet end or beginning to your day. The white and gold packaging makes it suitable for all ages and genders.
Buy now £8.00, NOTHS
M&S countdown to Eid calendar
Available in-store only, M&S’s Eid countdown calendar is worth the effort of tracking down. Each beautifully presented box contains 30 hand-decorated date bites in five flavours ( rose and pistachio, brownie and pecan, caramelised wafer and orange blossom, hazelnut and orange and honeycomb) before being smothered in Belgian milk and dark chocolate.
The high street favourite is also offering a host of other morsels including celebration biscuits, baklava, boxes of dates and delicious Halal-friendly grub.
Buy now £15.00, M&S
Rita Farhi Ramadan Advent Calendar
Finish your evening meal on a sweet note thanks to luxury confectioner Farhi, who has dreamed up this pretty box of chocolates in advent form for Ramadan 2021. It’s making a return this year.
Each box holds a foil-wrapped crunchy hazelnut praline to help countdown Ramadan and makes a lovely treat for kids and adults alike.
Buy now £20.00, Farhi
