Advent Calendar lovers will find many fun, unusual and new ways to count down until Christmas.
You can bring one of these to Thanksgiving dinner, from an impulse purchase to a splurge, and you’ll know that the recipient will receive daily treats throughout the month.
SWEETS & TREATS
Maison Du Chocolat offers a Holiday Ornament Advent Calendar that can be hung on the tree. Made in France, this stuffed ornament is filled with mini-bars, chocolate pralines, and other chocolate treats. It is also 100% recyclable and made from cardboard (100%).
Bonne Maman is a French company that has been making jams for fifty years. They have a new Advent calendar. It opens to reveal a beautiful winter scene with 24 mini jars of honey and fruit spreads. The flavors include Plum and Pear with Star Anise and Wild Blueberry with Lemon Balm. Cherry with Hibiscus Flower is also available. ($34.99)
Consider the Star Wars fan in the family? The Williams Sonoma Mandalorian candy Advent Calendar with classic sweets such as chocolate balls or gummy bears ($39.95).
Paris-based Laduree’s Advent Calendar is reminiscent of a lunchbox. Each window is filled with a French candy surprise, such as nougat, chocolates, and jelly fruits. This is the perfect gift for the Francophile and sophisticated sweet lover in your family. ($65)
Sugarfina’s 2021 Calendar is dressed as Santa’s workshop. This is a candy lover’s paradise, featuring matcha bears, peach Bellinis, birthday cake caramels, and Parisian pineapples. ($55)
Sugarfina offers a Hanukkah twist to the concept of calendars that each day opens to a different treat. Every drawer of their 8 Nights Of Delight- Hanukkah Candy Tasting Collection contains a new, kosher-certified candy and a candle. Cold Brew Cordials are available, as well as Champagne Bubbles and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. ($24).
Vinebox created 12 Nights Wine: Women Winemakers Holiday edition Boxes. Two artists were commissioned to design the 2021 boxes. The brand selected European wines made by women and chose two of their European wines. These limited-edition boxes contain four whites, two reds, and six reds. All were handpicked by certified sommeliers. ($129).
The Spirit Company offers a variety of boozy offerings such as the Bourbon and American Whiskey Calendar, the Premium Gin Calendar, and the Japanese Whiskey Calendar. The tastings come in beautiful wax-sealed 30-milliliter (about 1 ounce) bottles. There are many brands to choose from, including small producers and big names. Prices range from $40 to $30.
Flaviar’s Whiskies of the Galaxy Advent Calendar has a dramatic, cool-space theme. There are 24 premium whiskies included in the calendar, including a variety of American single malts, small-batch Bourbon, Rye, and American rye. Plus, there are some great stars from Scotland, Ireland, and Israel. The calendar comes with a tasting glass as well as a booklet that provides information about the whiskies. ($250)
COFFEE AND TEA
The BeanBox Twelve Mornings of Coffee calendar is a great option for coffee lovers. Bean Box has selected 12 holiday blends from top coffee roasters to bring you 12 limited-edition varieties. Prices start at $68.
Williams Sonoma offers 24 Days of Coffee. This collection of fair trade, compostable coffee capsules gives you the opportunity to enjoy a holiday espresso every day. $39.95
Copper Cow’s 12 Days of Pour Over Advent Calendar will allow you to open a new cup of pour-over coffee or creamer each day. The drawers are designed to hold seasonal coffee flavors as well as flavored creamers, including a mocha. The reusable gift box contains a variety of coffee flavors, including Cardamom, Pumpkin Spice, and Salted Caramel. ($69)
Tea Forte launched a limited-edition warming Joy Advent Calendar that includes 24 pyramid tea infusers such as Sweet Orange Spiced Tea, Spiced Ginger Plum, and African Solstice. This is a fun way to introduce new tea blends to the tea-lover in your life. ($59)
PETS
You can give your kittens and puppies their own holiday countdown. There are many options available, including Purina’s 12 and 24 day versions for dogs that offer treats with chew bones and snacks. The Feastivities Advent Calendar is available for cats. It contains 24 tins with different flavors, so that your cat can try each flavor. ($24.99).
Sugarwish allows gift recipients to select up to 12 treats to give their dog. There are also versions for humans. However, the selection of treats here is made for furry friends. ($77)
A LITTLE of EVERYTHING
Last but not least, the huge selection of Advent calendars offered by supermarket chain Aldi deserves a spotlight. The Barissimo Coffee Advent Calendar, Wine Advent Calendar ($59.99), Lego Marvel Avengers Advent Calendar ($39.99), and Warner Brothers Elf Advent Calendar are some of my favorites from this year. ($29.99).
