Ann Summers 12 Nights of Wonder Advent calendar review: exclusive Rose Buddies toy is a highlight

Price on writing: was £150, now £120 (worth £205) | Buy now from Ann Summers

Our verdict

For those of you seeking a luxurious countdown to Christmas, Ann Summers has created something rather special with their 12 Nights of Wonder sex toy Advent calendar. While it may lack the traditional Christmas aesthetic, it more than makes up for it with its sultry, high-end design that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury boutique. 

This sex toy Advent calendars is just as aesthetically pleasing as its 12 Nights of Paradise counterpart, thanks to the pink floral design. And not only does it look good, but the array of toys within will make you feel good, too. 

Related: Best sex toy Advent calendars

Its design is a clever and subtle ode to the included and exclusive Skins Rose Buddies. Designed with self-love in mind, this discreet mini vibrator is designed to mimic the feeling of oral sex and has 10 different settings for you to play with. You’ll also find five other vibrators as well as various accessories, but I’ll avoid spoiling all the surprises for you.

What I can say, though, is that the curation is thoughtful and creates a cohesive collection rather than just a random assortment of products (as I’ve found in other calendars, like SheSpot’s). 

The design of the calendar is rather sultry, but not particularly festive

Currently reduced to £120, down from £150, it sits in the mid-range of sex toy Advent calendars. However, it doesn’t offer the biggest value that I’ve seen this year. For example, Sinful’s costs £99 but is valued at over £300. However, loyal fans of Ann Summers will certainly find this calendar excellent value for money - particularly when you consider the exclusive Rose Buddie and the rechargeable Curved Rabbit (worth £52 alone) inside. I also particularly love the addition of sensory elements - like Ann Summer’s signature scents and the plush eye mask - that definitely help to elevate your experience overall. 

So, whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a partner, this calendar delivers on style and substance for Ann Summers fans. Just don't expect traditional Christmas motifs - this is definitely more boudoir than bauble, and that's exactly what makes it special.

How we tested the Ann Summers 12 Nights calendar

To fast-track this review in time for the festive season, my DH and I opened all boxes at once rather than following the traditional day-by-day advent format. 

Testing took place across a couple of weeks to thoroughly evaluate each product, though admittedly, this did remove some of the surprise element you'd get from a daily countdown.

During testing I:

• Examined build quality and materials of all products

• Tested battery life of both rechargeable and battery-operated toys

• Compared the calendar's contents and value against similar offerings

• Used the fragrances daily to assess lasting power

• Tried various combinations of the toys and accessories together

Ann Summers' 12 Nights of Wonder adult Advent calendar would make a lovely gift

Who is this Ann Summers calendar most suited for?

This calendar particularly shines for those who appreciate a more sophisticated approach to pleasure. 

The inclusion of sensory elements like the signature scents (I personally like the Aphrodisiac scent, DH preferred the Dark Desires one) and the satin eye mask, alongside the varied toy selection (although, they’re most designed for women), makes it perfect for both solo adventurers and couples looking to explore together.

The calendar especially excels for those who:

• Value premium packaging and presentation

• Enjoy mixing sensory play with traditional toys

• Appreciate both quick-start battery toys and premium rechargeables

• Want to explore different types of stimulation

Related: Inside Lovehoney's 24-day sex toy Advent calendar

What's inside the Ann Summers 12 Nights of Wonder calendar?

The star of this calendar is undoubtedly the exclusive Rose Buddies clitoral stimulator in its limited edition colourway. This oral sex simulator has become increasingly popular on social media, and having it in an exclusive finish makes this calendar particularly special.

Everything inside the 2024 edition of Ann Summers' 12 Nights of Wonder calendar

Favourite #1 - Skins Rose Buddies limited edition

My personal favourite inside this calendar! The exclusive Rose Buddies proves itself worthy of the hype. With 10 functions delivering remarkably realistic oral-like sensations, it's a standout inclusion that alone justifies much of the calendar's price tag. The limited edition colourway adds an extra special touch you won't find elsewhere.

Favourite #2 - Ann Summers curved rabbit

This rechargeable rabbit vibrator impresses with its thoughtful design. The flexible shaft actually curves to your body while delivering 10 different functions. When paired with the included water-based lubricant, the vibrations feel notably more intense.

Favourite #3 - Ann Summers perfumes

I’ve been wanting to try a perfume infused with pheromones for a while now. So, I was thrilled to see the inclusion of not one, but two signature Ann Summers scents. 

The inclusion of both Dark Desires and Aphrodisiac purse sprays adds an unexpected but welcome layer to the experience. The Dark Desires fragrance particularly stands out, and was DH’s favourite one out of the two - it's sophisticated enough to use as a regular perfume while adding a rather arousing element to play.

(L to R) Rose Buddies, curved rabbit and the two perfumes included

What makes this calendar different from others?

The Ann Summers calendar distinguishes itself through its cohesive luxury theme. Unlike other calendars that might feel like a random assortment of products (like SheSpot’s), every item here feels purposefully chosen to work together and the design centers around that of the exclusive toy, Skins Rose Buddie.

The inclusion of Ann Summer’s signature scents is also particularly unique, adding a sensory dimension often missing from competitor offerings - something I’ve yet to see in one of 2024’s sex toy Advent calendars so far. 

Related: Inside our top sex toy Advent calendar from Sinful

Final verdict

The Ann Summers 12 Nights of Wonder calendar successfully balances luxury with functionality. While the £130 price point might seem steep, the exclusive Rose Buddies alone makes it worthwhile for many. The thoughtful curation of products, from premium rechargeable toys to sensory accessories, creates a comprehensive package that works equally well for solo play or partner exploration.

The few drawbacks - like non-festive packaging and predominately battery-powered toys - are overshadowed by the overall quality and attention to detail. For anyone looking to invest in a more sophisticated approach to their pleasure this festive season, this calendar offers excellent value and a truly luxurious experience.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to reignite intimacy. From condoms, to lubricants, to sex toys and Advent calendars - she’s on a quest to find the best ones, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, walking the dog, or hiding from her neighbour as she attempts to buy condoms during her weekly “Big Food Shop”.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices correct at time of publication

Read next: our roundup of the best sex toy Advent calendars