Now that Halloween is out of the way, it’s time to focus on Sinterklaas and Christmas!
In this blog I will focus on foodie-themed advent calendars. I am working also on a Sinterklaas article, but that needs a bit more time.
A while ago, on my Instagram (@gooische.eats), I posted a poll asking those following me which kind of blog content they’d like to see next. One of the options was foodie advent calendars, which was overwhelmingly voted for.
Disclaimer: the advent calendars listed were either purchased/tried by me or friends/followers. There is no sponsoring, nor anyone paying me for this.
Of course, one of the first advent calendars to spring into mind was Tony’s Chocolonely.
They actually have two options. The first one, EUR13,98, gives you two small chocolate options for twenty-four days: milk chocolate or milk chocolate with caramel and sea salt.
The second option of advent calendar is slightly bigger and offers a range of ten flavours. Therefore, for a slightly higher price at EUR19,59, you get more variety.
The first calendar is small-to-medium in size and can be placed on a table, so it doesn’t occupy much space. The second option is considerably bigger, but can still be placed on a table surface (I recommend in a open book way). Since the chocolates are also mini, they’re great to enjoy with a cup of coffee, or tea. They’re also great to give to others, as they’re packaged.
However, Tony’s Chocolonely isn’t just about delicious chocolate! The Dutch brand is on a mission to end exploitation in the cocoa industry, tackling issues such as child labour, poverty and deforestation. By sourcing traceable cocoa, paying farmers a price designed to enable a living income and building long-term partnerships with cocoa cooperatives, Tony’s aims to make chocolate production fairer for everyone involved.
I also recently purchased this chocolate fondue cup at Action, so this year I’ll be enjoying making chocolate fondues.
Where can you buy? If you buy online, shipping is added (just under 5 euros). Otherwise, you can purchase at their “Super Store” in Amsterdam.
Address: Oudebrugsteeg 15, 1012 JN Amsterdam
Another lovely option for just under EUR20, this advent calender is presented in a cream-coloured, book-style box, and features adorable winter illustrations of woodland animals, festive greenery and Christmas decorations.
There are 24 delicious surprises with nine different flavours including milk chocolate, speculoos, pistachio, and much more. Each chocolate is also individually wrapped and more or less about the same size as Tony’s chocolates.
For those who are socially and environmentally conscious, the chocolates are made with Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa, which promotes more sustainable cocoa farming, better working conditions and improved livelihoods for farmers. It’s a thoughtful extra touch to this festive chocolate calendar.
You can purchase either in a Dille & Kamille shop, or online (plus shipping costs).
Address: Groest 36, 1211 EC Hilversum
For tea lovers, Pickwick’s Tea Topics advent calendar is a lovely way to count down to Christmas. Behind its 24 doors, you’ll discover 48 tea bags, offering two cups of tea each day throughout December.
The calendar comes with a selection of different tea flavours and festive conversation starters. Perfect for sharing a warm cup of tea with someone special or enjoying a little moment of relaxation during the busy Christmas season.
You can also combine this calendar with another one that has a different food item. At EUR13,99 it’s also on the affordable side. I really like the fact that it encourages conversation with an ice-breaker.
For those, like me, who are always looking for ways to learn the language, especially with a native Dutch speaker, it can be a really way to practice and learn.
You can find Pickwick’s Tea Topics at Jumbo, Albert Heijn, Kruidvat and other stores. I’ve definitely spotted it at the AH in Langestraat in Hilversum, best to check at your local supermarket.
Nespresso x Swarovski Advent Calendar
Coffee, with a sparkly touch.
Me and some friends are no strangers to Nespresso advent calendars. Over the years the brand has released some interesting designs, my favourite being the 2024 edition.
This year Nespresso is teaming up with Swarovski, the Austrian brand famous for its crystals. The collection combines the former’s coffee expertise with the latter’s distinctive design aesthetic, bringing a luxurious twist to everyday coffee moments.
Behind the 24 doors, coffee enthusiasts can discover an assortment of capsules, offering the opportunity to enjoy different coffees throughout December. Three seasonal creations will make their debut: hazelnut brownie, blueberry cheesecake, crystal spark espresso.
You can choose between the original Nespresso calendar at EUR54, or the Vertuo version for EUR59.
Kerst Adventskalender – De Rouw
This was recommended to me by more than one friend.
It’s a luxury item with two handmade chocolates behind each of its twenty-four doors. The packaging itself is very cute, a book-style box with a 3-D pop-up featuring Father Christmas and gingerbread houses.
At EUR95 it’s a splurge but considering the craft, and how it’s beautifully presented, I’d say it’s worth it. Curious to know what exactly is in the advent calendar? Apparently the flavours and shapes change each year.
This is an advent calendar that I will be purchasing myself this year, namely because I love chocolate and, secondly, I’ve heard good things about it.
You can purchase online here or visit their store in Vught.
Address: Kloosterstraat 1, 5261CT Vught
A little exception to this list, because I was looking at this with another friend and it looks very interesting.
Basically for each day you discover a new wine, 375ml, from countries such as Italy, Austria, Spain, France, Portugal and Germany. There are 12 whites, nine reds, one rosé and two sparkling wines, so the calendar should keep things interesting even if you usually reach for the same style.
To give a dimension to the calendar experience, there is a QR code you can scan to hear sommelier Branko Mucina, who holds a WSET Level 4 Diploma, explain the wine’s character, origin and producer.
At the moment there is an early bird price of EUR214.95, then rising to EUR239.95.
As far as I can tell, it’s available only online to order at their website.
Still Not Convinced? Make Your Own!
I have a bit of a complicated relationship with advent calendars. In the last few years influencers have been unboxing all kinds of them online, depriving the element of joy and surprise.
Some calendars also repeat the same contents every year, so again you know what you’re getting. And don’t get me started on those who start comparing sizes and prices, etc.
I’ve been tempted to making my own advent calendar, as I’ve seen a few tutorials online. Making it would require time but it’d be better than doomscrolling, right?
Het Gooi has lovely delicatessens and chocolateries. I can easily think of a cheese marmalade from Echte Liefde, chocolates from De Gooise Matras, Choco Laren or Olala Chocolat (their marzipan is also fab); crackers from DIEDS. Why not throw in some borrel nuts from Lecker and maybe a wine from il DiVino. An honorary mention goes to Landwaart Culinair with their kaastengels.