GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada on Wikimedia
Raise your hand if you remember those Advent calendars from childhood. (Okay, you can actually put them down—we can’t see you.) Little chocolates were one of the best things about the holiday season! We got to count down to the big day, a tiny sweet treat just enough to cushion the blow of our impatience, and it was the only time our parents let us snack every day.
There’s no reason the party has to end now that we’re older. It’s true that everyday Advent calendars won’t cut it, but your favorite brands now release some of the best food-filled boxes to help every kid at heart. We hope you brought your appetite and some spending money ‘cause we’re here to break down the best ones on the market this year!
Compartes Gourmet Chocolate
Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash
Christmas is the season of giving, and what better way to show someone you care than with the ultimate box of gourmet chocolates? Compartes doesn’t joke around when it comes to our favorite treat, and the only thing more beautiful than the chocolate is the box it comes in.
Now, we won’t lie: this one will cost you upwards of $100 before tax, so it’s a little steep. However, you’re scoring some serious cocoa—and each box is filled with limited-edition flavors you won’t find during the year. A few of them are already sold out, too, so not even a hefty price tag can keep people away.
Wondering which flavors caused the hoopla? Oh, not much, just delicacies like toasted pine nut, crème brulee, and hazelnut torte. Lucky recipients of the Nutcracker box can also sink their teeth into orange ricotta cake and black forest gateau. Each box also comes with a legend on the back, and a design on the chocolate itself to reveal what’s in store.
Murray’s Cheese
Officially known as the 12 Days of Murray's Cheese Countdown Calendar, this little number has exactly what you think: cheese and pairings! As if it wasn’t enough to travel across the world’s dairy, Murray’s went out of their way to toss in the perfect partner, ranging from crackers to jams.
If cheese sounds too decadent for an Advent calendar, don’t you worry; the portions are only three to five ounces, and the baby jars of jam are just enough to sneak a taste without adding too many calories to your tracker.
The biggest thing you need to worry about is storage. Unless you plan on eating every piece of cheese at once, this one will need refrigeration. It’s okay, though; it’s a small price to pay for apple butter, goat cheese, and camembert.
Bonne Maman
Speaking of jam, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention an Advent calendar that’s purely preservatives. If marmalades, jellies, and honey are more your speed, look no further than Bonne Maman, a quaint company that first started in the southwest of France.
They’ve known their jams for years, and their recent box put the best of the best in one handy place, allowing you to scoop out over a dozen unique flavors. This isn’t the place for everyday strawberry, either; this calendar offers combinations like caramel with vanilla and blueberry with maple syrup.
We know it sounds a little bougie on the surface, but don’t roll your eyes too quickly. It costs under one hundred dollars and provides the perfect amount for any cracker in your pantry. The flavors also aren’t so wild that you’ll skip one in your countdown. If anything, you’ll scramble to save those tiny jars!
DAVIDsTEA
GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada on Wikimedia
What’s the holidays without a nice mug of tea? This company may have closed some of its locations (including those in the States), but that’s no reason to count them out. You still have tons of options available online, including their annual Advent calendar packed with over a dozen classic flavors.
This one’s perfect for just about any tea-drinker, even if they only dip a toe in the kettle. You have a decent shelf life, which makes it pantry-safe, and with so many flavors in one place, you can dabble in anything from Jasmine Crème Brûlée to Peaches & Cream Oolong. You also have sweeter options like Peanut Butter Cup, Raspberry Mojito, and Blueberry Muffin.
Our favorite thing about this calendar is that you get the beloved Cold 911 remedy. ‘Tis the season after all, and you’re nowhere without a steaming mug of this stuff. They also threw in Mother’s Little Helper, another classic pick for any sniffling noses.
It isn’t easy picking the best Advent calendar—you have chocolate, hot chocolate, chocolate tea, chocolate cookies…well, you get the idea. Though it seems like you’re lost in a land of candy, you now have a solid place to start for anyone on your list (and these options won’t break the bank). Just try not to hoard them for yourself!
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