Opening a little door each morning is part of the fun of counting down to Christmas, especially when there’s good chocolate waiting inside. Whether you’re choosing a calendar for yourself or buying one as a gift, the chocolates inside, the size and the price can all make a difference. Here’s what to look for before December rolls around.
What should you look for in a chocolate advent calendar?
Not all chocolate advent calendars are alike, so a few details are worth checking before you settle on one.
Who is the calendar for?
Think about the chocolates they usually prefer. Do they love dark chocolate, or would they rather have milk or white?
For kids, a fun design can add to the excitement. If you’re buying one for the whole family, check how many chocolates are behind each door so no one is left out.
What is behind each door?
Some calendars have one chocolate behind each door, while others have several pieces or a mix of solid and filled chocolates.
If you love hazelnut fillings or prefer plain milk chocolate, check the assortment before buying. Don’t judge how much chocolate you’re getting by the size of the box. Check the net weight instead.
Is the calendar good value per day?
Two calendars can cost about the same but contain very different amounts of chocolate. To compare them, divide the price by the number of chocolates inside. Remember to include shipping costs, and check for any extra duties or fees if you’re ordering from outside Canada.
Which allergens should you check on the label?
Milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts and wheat are among the allergens to look out for in chocolate advent calendars. If you’re buying for someone with a food allergy, read the ingredients and allergen information, even if they’ve had the same calendar before. Recipes can change from year to year.
In Canada, priority allergens must be declared on prepackaged food labels. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has the full list.
A “May contain” warning means there’s a possibility of cross-contact with an allergen during production. Dark chocolate isn’t necessarily milk-free, either.
If the label leaves you with questions, contact the chocolatier before ordering.
Can you refill the box next year?
Some chocolate advent calendars come in reusable boxes, so you can bring them out again the following Christmas. You can also check whether the chocolatier sells refills. And you might find yourself using the same calendar for years, filling it with different chocolates each December.
When should you order a chocolate advent calendar?
If you’re ordering online, give yourself enough time for the calendar to arrive before December 1. Shipping deadlines vary depending on where you live, and popular calendars may sell out before then.
If you’re looking forward to enjoying Canadian chocolate throughout December, explore Purdys’ advent calendar collection. The Vancouver chocolatier has been making chocolates since 1907.
For someone with a visual impairment, Purdys also offers a chocolate advent calendar with Braille numbers on the tabs.
Purdys lists holiday ordering deadlines by region and shipping method, so check the dates for your postal code before buying. You can also visit a Purdys shop to pick one up in person.
One door each December morning
A chocolate advent calendar is a fun tradition, whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone else. Find one filled with chocolates you’ll love, and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.
Frequently asked questions
How should you store the calendar before December?
Keep your chocolate advent calendar somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight, heaters and strong smells. Chocolate can soften in the heat and absorb odours from nearby foods, so a kitchen cupboard away from the stove is usually a good spot. Check the packaging for any specific storage instructions.
How can you stop kids from opening every door at once?
Try opening a door together each morning and keeping the calendar somewhere out of reach. That way, there’s still a surprise waiting the next day.
What should you do if the calendar arrives damaged?
Take a few photos of the damaged calendar and its packaging, then get in touch with the seller. It’s best to do this soon after delivery, since some retailers have a limited window for reporting damage.
You must be logged in to post a comment.