Countdown to Christmas - Top Food & Drink Advent Calendars
Advent calendars have come a long way since the thin paper variety from childhood. Now they’ve grown to the size of carry-ons, crammed with everything from cheese to booze in neat, organized compartments.
Both an impressive gift for the foodie on your list, or a way to reward yourself during the holiday frenzy, here’s how to get through the next 25 days - one bite and sip at a time.
TEA
The brightly coloured cabinet of 24 Days of Tea (reg $40/sale $28) boasts new and online exclusive loose leaf blends (including cozy Alpine Punch, Gingerbread Blondie, and S’mores Chai) enough for two cups in resealable bags. And those “extra surprises and goodies” included? There’s only one way to find out..
Teapigs understands the holidays are often a mix of stress and renewal. Thus, the Christmas Advent Calendar (reg $49/sale $39) includes ten caffeinated blends and 14 herbal selections to accommodate your varying daily needs (Heading to the mall? Caffeine. Watching a holiday flick? Herbal’s the way to go).
Suitable for vegetarians, it can also be customized for vegans by request (one blend contains real caramel, so they send you a replacement).
CHOCOLATE
The Catvent Calendar ($85) covers your bases whether you’re gifting a feline lover or chocoholic. As stock is quickly running out, you’ll need a good backup plan. Pro tip: Start with their Gingerbread Ninja Cats, and go from there.
It’s no surprise there’s a wait list for this box of ethically sourced Dominican 70% single origin chocolates by Toronto’s own bean to bar makers. Fingers crossed.
Owner/Chef Daniel Stubbe - a sixth generation konditor - uses family recipes passed down for generations to create his signature sweets, crafted using traditional European konditorei flavours and modern chocolate-making techniques.
So his Advent Calendar ($56.50) filled with milk, dark, and white chocolates, bonbons, and flavoured chocolates in festive shapes is unlike anything you’ll find in stores. And he’s even thought to do Advent Calendar Refills ($24).
For further holiday inspiration, be sure to check out his impressive Christmas and Hanukkah creations.
CANDY
Christmas arrives early thanks to this swish box of gummies. ($39). Twenty-four days’ worth (Note to self: Make dental appointment in the new year). Bonus: Plant-based folks aren’t left out of the festivities, thanks to the Vegan 24 Days of Candy Advent Calendar ($39), filled with plant-based goodies including [Spoiler Alert] Sour Wine O’Clocks, Avocado Dreaming, Prosecco Bears, and Magic Dragons, for starters.
CHEESE
Various retailers
If the idea of 24 days of bite-size cheese from the UK awaiting you behind tiny doors elicits squeals of excitement, the “World’s first ever Cheese Advent Calendar” is for you – or the turophile on your list. Dive into eight varieties suitable for vegetarians, including Double Gloucester, Wensleydale with Cranberries, and Red Leicester.
The IIchester Cheese Advent Calendar (prices vary – approx. $29.99-$39.99) is available at Sobeys, Fortinos, Longo’s, Denninger’s, and Pusateri’s stores nationwide, and delivery by Grocery Gateway ($39.99).
DESSERT
From Gold Confetti and Strawberry Shortbread Chocolate Almonds to Prosecco Gummy Bears to Magic Moon Fruit Tea, this hand-crafted Limited Edition Advent Calendar Sweet Box ($75) is sure to garner “oohs” and “ahhs” every day ‘til Christmas. Don’t have time to go and pick it up? Have it delivered for an additional fee.
Psst. They also have one filled with macarons ($75)! Choose from pre-filled boxes or go ahead and pick your own flavours. Special holiday flavours include Mulled Wine, Crème Brûlée, and Candy Cane.
BOOZE
You don’t have to be an aficionado to enjoy That Boutique-Y Gin Company Advent Calendar ($99.95) and That Boutique-Y Whisky Company Whisky Holiday Calendar ($199.95).
In fact, by the time Christmas rolls around, you’re bound to be quite the expert.
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Note: Products, prices and availability subject to change. Prices do not include taxes or other applicable charges.