I really dislike when expensive advent calendars break up items that are clearly meant to go together into separate days like the cookie cutters and pencils/pencil sharpener. For cheap advent calendars, sure I understand, but for something THIS expensive it seems kind of ridiculous. Just put them together and add another item. Even if the extra item is cheaper it'll still seem like it's more worth the money.
Exactly! I've said the same in the comment I left under this video. The stickers should have been in the same box as the pencils and the sharpener. And indeed, the cookie cutters should have been in the same box as well. And they should have combined both boxes with postcards.
Ikr! I agree!! The cost of the whole advent calendar is definitely less than 30usd given that is produced in China... and they are selling it at 150+usd... What a scam lol
Same. It's the only thing that feels there's some value to it. The rest are just cheap ass thing u can print in china for 10c or less each. But the book is highly detailed, so it requires a bit more parts.
Cherry I do love the fact that almost every Advent calendar you have done you have tried to color coordinate with it. And I love that and I think that's very very cool.
The box was beautiful and some of the days had nice items, but I don't think I would have been happy spending $150 with what the end results were. This is why I love your Advent Calendar videos!
I ended up buying this for my daughter after watching the video. I know a lot of people say it's not worth the money, but to me it is. The actual haul may not be, but having this sitting on our bar for my daughter to come home and pull a new surprise out of the bus for the 24 days leading up to Christmas makes it worth it in entertainment value alone. Life is short, enjoy it while you can!
This box was lovely and did have a lot of nice items, but that price tag is INSANE for this! It needs to be like $100 less for the items included imo. For $150 I would expect a lot more metal items (maybe even jewelry or something of the like) and nothing like pencils or measuring tapes.
I was thinking this too, loved the packaging and the items were mostly good items, they looked like good quality, but oh my goodness not worth that price tag.
100% agree. The packaging and inside set up is absolutely beautiful but only half the items were worth putting in that for THAT price tag. Very unfortunate but not really surprising 😞
@@visceralwhimsy agreed on all fronts -- at this point it shouldn't be all that surprising that the efforts of big companies will not really match the prices they're charging, but alas, I always get my silly little hopes up!
@@aylasaurus 10000% agree. Having officially finished the video I completely wanna reiterate your point of this being overpriced by $100. Cherry's picks are the absolute best of the package and quite adorable. Honestly still wouldn't have spent more than $50usd (unsure of pounds!). Maaaaybe $75 at most for the collectible box to be used as decoration. It's so frustrating how companies just don't do the bare minimum. Like putting all the paper items together in one day. All the stationary together. The baking items together. By golly, with that price I thought they'd include a wand or something! Sorry for such a long reply, between Cherry and Alexandria Ryan unboxing things this season, I always have so many nagging ideas and confusion! ❤
if these advent calendars are going to be £££ they should not include stickers & cookie cutters. don't want to spend my hard earned money on stickers that I probably won't use. 😭
I respect your personal opinion on it, mine is the opposite. I like them. A lot of people would use them. I think it’s hard making these because they have to target so many different audiences… I always go in expecting that some items won’t be my taste.
I actually really liked this advent calendar. Yes, there were 3-4 items that were a bit less than expected. To me licensed merch is always a bit high priced. The packaging, at least for me, made up for the few lower quality items. They went to some lengths to make this be very well designed inside and out. Also, if you look closely, they mapped out where each box goes so you can reuse it. I'm not much of a fan of the new modern (Cursed Child) crest designs. I would have much preferred more traditional design on the coasters and playing cards, but I love the black card color. Overall, I thought it was a bit pricey, but also not surprising as I said before licensed merchandise to me is often overpriced.
It seems to me that they pay more attention on the outside than on the inside. The advent calendar itself was beautifully made, really amazing. But some of the items were pretty cheap. I was a bit disappointed I must say.
Definitely paying for the production of the packaging. Display or re-use is a must to justify that much money! Some of those items were nice, but some definitely need upgrading to also justify the cost. I’m so glad Cherry and others are doing these reactions so we can make decisions about these advent calendars.
I think that when they have a cohesive design and materials, then the Advents are worth it. But when they have a few great items and then a few cheap items, I feel like people get scam, you know. If everything had been metal, even the cookie cutters and sharpener, it would have been awesome
I absolutely loved the packaging of that one but honestly, I'm not that impressed with the contents, especially for the price. I had the same favourites as you (+ the tea towel) but thought the rest was pretty cheap 😅 And I was very disappointed in the socks, which could easily have been one of my faves too (me loving Patronuses and socks ^^) but were just not magical at all to me. I don't know if I'm being weird or too demanding but, even though I think the packaging is important, I'd rather buy an expensive calendar with a simpler packaging but high quality items inside. Also, I would really really love it if they could do an ornament advent calendar someday!
I feel like most of these are really missing the mark on cost vs worth this year. I had high hopes for this one because Insight is great and has some of the most uniquely designed licensed products I've ever seen. But they picked some of the ugliest designs (those horrid house designs) and the majority of the items were really cheap. Their specialty is stationary and journals, so at that price point, I was fully expecting at least one journal, a nice pen or quill, and some high-quality stationary to go along with the rest. Maybe some nice sets of clips or wax seals instead of basic stickers. But instead, they gave you a plastic sharpener with a sticker slapped on and pencils that have the design printed so close to the tip that you'll sharpen off some of the quote within two sharpens. They mentioned measuring robes and gave you a metal measuring tape rather than one that you can wrap around. Three entire boxes were stickers or postcards. I'm so glad I watch your videos and save myself from getting mad after spending $100+ lmao.
With the pencils I think it depends which end you sharpened it from, but to be fair the design isn't going to last long either way. A nice looking, refillable pen would have been better, maybe.
Wood pencils are trash to begin with. Maybe a really nice mechanical pencil you can refill designed to look like something magical would be better. Every time I see a regular old #2 pencil in an advent calendar or god forbid a subscription box it fills me with rage.
@@ANPC-pi9vu The other thing is that Insight makes really beautiful pens on the pricey end and I have no doubt they could have done a cost-effective version that would have been a great item. They also have cool pencil cases and such. Anything like that would have been better. And they do some great organizational clips and things like that that are still on the cheap end but are actually useful and don't scream "50% 0ff dollar store item"" like the sharpener does.
@@xandrak469 They've done themselves a huge disservice, then, because this gave me a terrible first impression of their brand and I am bias against them now. So foolish of them.
True, but unfortunately the scents don't last like they used to in the past. In the past, I've had the smell of lush on me for hours on end, but now I'm lucky to smell of anything lush for an hour or two.
@@nandoginkaku7610 oh that's so sad to hear. I've sadly not had the chance to use a lush bath bomb or bubble bar so that is a bother 😔. I guess everything in the world is just lots of money just for low quality crap 😕
Overall, I completely agree with your evaluation, Cherry; though the quality of the items in this calendar is generally pretty high, the value of the items alone is not enough to justify the steep price tag. However, the beautiful presentation combined with the experience of reading the clues and opening each box definitely add to the value of the calendar. With that being said, I personally would not pay £128 for an advent calendar like this one. 😅 But I loved watching you open it, so thank you for another great video, Cherry! ☺️❤
I agree with others that the tiny book (that was still legible!) was the best item in the calendar. I collect such things and know they are not inexpensive. Having said that, stickers - pencil sharpener etc. don’t belong in a $150 Advent calendar. If you are going to give items like pencils and post cards, they should come as a set (several pencils with a sharpener and eraser for one day, 10 post cards for one day, both cookie cutters and the cookie recipe laminated on a card for one day, etc.). That way you feel you got value for your money and don’t feel bad about getting those items.
Were the boxes really big compared to the items inside or am I imagining that? Feels kinda bad if they are selling you air, the size made me expect much larger items
I prefer this to the Disney Swarvoski one. Can tell by facial expressions that Cherry wasn't impressed with everything, but, for a HP fan such as she is, she will like these more. Advent calendars, these days, if you want decent stuff, aren't cheap. Great video
Honestly, this is actually a really good advent calendar…i love that everything was well made and useful…and since they have licensing seems like you can def collect and sell them as well…i love the metallic finish in most of the items (i love gold too and vintage stuff)…and the coaster wasn’t just one for one box, rather 4 tin coasters…i know its not the usual design but I think because of how unique the artwork style is, it might become more valuable item to keep or sell…but I love the baggage tag because its so well made and easily recognizable…i love the packaging too very thought out…
When you put it that way, it almost makes it seem better. Because several of these items would cost more than five dollars if you bought them on their own. I'm not saying you'd necessarily be happy about it, but some of the officially licensed HP stuff is crazy expensive
I really appreciate that you show a close up on each item, give us an idea of the quality of the item, and also share your honest opinion! I feel like I've seen some others open advent calendars who just show everything in a positive light or ignore negative stuff they notice. It's so helpful to us as your audience to know that we can trust you and to help us decide where to spend our money!
Would definitely get this! A specially since the night bus was introduced in Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban! Th start of the book was set during Christmas soo definitely a great time to have the advent calender!
I find that 90% of the time the Harry Potter advent calendars are just not worth the money. I found only half of the calendar has things I would enjoy…the rest was just junk to me. I am constantly disappointed with official Harry Potter merchandise lately.
This is my absolutely favorite advent calendar for Harry Potter! Love the book mark, the keychain, Faux the Phoenix, the towel, the cookie cutters. And loooove the box!!
Honestly, considering how expensive Harry Potter related items are at Universal, the price is not that bad, even if it included pencils, postcards and cookie cutters. The box alone is very cute, totally something I would put on display somewhere in my house.
Only on day 8 and I am already in love with this. I do agree that I probably wouldn't buy all of those in a shop for that price, but when you look up prices, the value probably is about that amount being they are licensed items. The presentation was very fun and I did love a lot of the items. Thank you for sharing all of your advent calendar unboxings!
Something I wish the makers of the various Harry Potter advent calendars that are available did with them is keeping with items that are found in the wizarding world and not anything that would be considered a muggle item. One example, the deck of playing cards.
The box was better than some of the items included in the calendar. I did like the specific items you chose but the others left me feeling flat. They just weren’t worth it.
Personally I think back to the $35 Harry Potter calendar you had. This costs 4 of those, and I would rather have 4 action figures (If they had one for different characters) then one of this. Or really, I'd rather have the $35 calendar + wine + big food order than this for a good night of fun lol It's just, if I pay over $100 for a calendar, I want no ornament, sticker, postcards... and obvious filler items they had. Like the bookmarks :/
Was just thinking the same! It's a shame that last few years most of these feel like a money grab scam rather than a thank you , advent calendar , to fans that buy their items and giving them a nice gift
@@izabelasiczek3547 This one went so above and beyond with the messages in every box, everything well packaged and wrapped... But then the item is like one of those kids birthday party keepsakes you'd get in a kids treat bag for a few cents. Like a metal ornament... one... what do you even do with that? An Xmas tree looks weird with just one random ball instead of several... Or the postcards should at LEAST like 10 of them be one. It's just a printed postcard, super cheap... 2 of them are used in 2 days!? A metal cheap bookmark??? Yep, totally agree with you.
The Knight Bus and Potions packaging is almost cooler than the items. You could totally have those on shelves. They’re doubly awesome because you can put everything back inside and store it there or store something else in there. For kids, I’d have loved something to play with like that too. All the metal items were very nice; the flying key, chocolate frog, ornaments, and measuring tape. I guessed right and especially like the mini book.
@@ANPC-pi9vu The lock and key from the first day were about it for things I’d like. Many of the items I would be allergic to (severe latex allergy). Of course, I’d probably be unlikely to buy most advent calendars for that very reason, let alone cost.
You could use the luna lovegood pouch for tarot cards or a cell phone too. Or even crystals. Loved the tiny book! how adorable! Purple is your color as well Cherry. Love the frog jumper!
I like the socks because they’re like a classic Christmas sweater design and you know they’re a patronus. If you want something that screams Harry potter they’re not the best but they’re a nice subtle nod to Harry Potter
It started strong but around the halfway mark it started to fall flat. For the price it's a no for me. But I do love the design of the advent box itself
This was beautiful! I think the best one so far. I am still a bit disappointed in the Potions one.... Started my homemmade ones for the kids, but already stolen some ideas I can DIY thank you again, Cherry
And this is why I never actually buy advent calendars and just watch others open them lol. A lot of times they way overcharge for what they deliver so what I've seen.
I appreciate you being genuinely honest with your reviews. I don't think you were overly harsh, and you were complementary of the items you did enjoy. Thank you for the lovely video.
I loved this one! I love that the sections were boxes that are able to be put back easily. The night bus is one of my favorite things in the movies! Not sure I would spend $150 but a lot of cute items!
Postcards (for two days), stickers, a pack of four primarily black pencils, and a pencil sharpener are pretty low on the list of items I would want in an advent calendar. The glasses bag is also maybe less than ideal (as someone who doesn't wear glasses) but I see how it would be useful for a lot of people.
The Knight Bus box was brilliant .Very pretty, detailed and with high hopes for inside gifts. But the inside ideas was terrible for me. Bunch of usefull gifts. I liked the Mattel calendar better, I will buy it and use for Instagram photos during the year so far.
You can turn the World cup postcards into Christmas ornaments with Decoupage and Purple Velvet 💜 Ribbon to outline and hang them. Or Frame Them. You can ALSO make the stickers into Ornaments for the tree!
I do not agree with some of the comments regarding the price because these are definitely collectibles and would probably become more expensive since they have licensing and all are well made…the 150 is expensive if you are going to think of them as usual every day items but as collectibles I think they are worth more…honestly, even more than those luxury brand advent calendars (ehem Chanel)…but honestly, I’ll probably keep them and start my own HP collection lol…
Very impressed by the variety and quality of most of this box. I was skeptical about the cookie cutter but that was a nice one. The pencils look to be much better quality than the pencil and pens from the potion cabinet one but not what I’d want if I spent $150. Definitely disappointed by the plastic pencil sharpener and the measuring tape, the socks could definitely be designed better, and they shouldn’t be putting basic stickers in a box this expensive.
Wow, I really enjoyed this calendar. The only thing I didn't like was the measuring tape. I was completely shocked and delighted by the little book about Hogwarts, it's the smallest art book I've seen. I would really like to have it. Thanks for the video❤
When I started adding up in my head what i might pay for simular items at Hot Topic, definitely worth the price. The Ornaments and box itself i feel make up for it.
I absolutely love the knight bus magnetic packaging! I wouldn't pay $150. But, I'd love it as a gift. 😎 I wasn't aware any of these advent calendars existed. I only knew they stopped making the funko ones. 😞
its a very cute advent calendar, idk if i'd get it, but it'd be a cute gift for a kid. The cards btw as a small nitpick i like that Gryffindor is the hearts, but i'd have like ravenclaw as the spades, slytherin as the clubs and Hufflepuff as the diamonds.
I know a few items that were a little meh but watching this video directly after watching the Swarovski Disney 100 calendar video was such a contrast! I would way rather spend $150 on this than $1300 on that!!!!
I'd almost buy it just for the box, I'm a baker for fun and rub escaped rooms for kids parties so the cookie cutters would make great treats at the party. I do agree with Cherry, priced higher than the value, regardless of how big a Harry Potter fan you might be. I'm always disappointed that anything over $100 includes stickers or postcards. But I love the night bus so much.... It's hard to say no
I would bake in the cost of the knight bus itself as a decent value. I also loved the puzzles and details for each item. To me, in the US, I believe it is worth it.
Liked the box’s presentation and some of the items. But I agree. I wouldn’t pay that much for an advent calendar but that’s me. Some pay more than that, about that much, or less for any kind of advent calendar.
