8 Chocolate Advent Calendars That Make a Great Holiday Gift

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.La Maison Du Chocolat/Harry & David/Dandelion ChocolateOf all the chocolate Advent calendars we tested, Dandelion’s was the one that truly blew us away with its craft and beauty. Packaged in a round blue box with gorgeous silver holiday-themed designs are 25 small round containers that double as tree ornaments. I don’t even have a tree to put these on, but I kept a few ornaments anyway just because they’re so beautiful. And what’s inside each box is the best part—the chocolates.Dandelion partnered with 24 chocolatiers from across North America and Japan to create the most beautiful, intricately designed, and—most importantly—delicious chocolate confections. To make the experience even more special, it comes with an illustrated storybook with tales from Nordic mythology and folklore, and you get access to daily videos in which Thomas DuBois, an expert in Nordic astral lore, shares the mythology behind each day’s tale.Shipping: Available for preorder now, ships in November.Another chocolate calendar that combines gorgeous illustrations with scrumptious chocolate truffles is the new Enchanted Castle Advent calendar from Compartés. You may already be familiar with Compartés for its famous chocolate bars, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s chocolate truffles are equally as delicious. With flavors like Buttered Croissant, Pistachio Marzipan, and Lemon Olive Oil Cake, each door holds a wonderfully sweet surprise. I had to stop myself from eating them all at once. And if you’re getting it as a gift for a lucky someone, you can add on gift wrap and a hand-tied ribbon for a few extra dollars.Shipping: Available for preorder now, shipping starts November 2.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWe can’t talk about chocolate Advent calendars without mentioning Godiva. You know her, you love her. This year’s Godiva Advent calendar features a range of chocolate treats from dark chocolate with caramel to milk chocolate with ganache to raspberry-filled white chocolate stars. My mouth is watering just thinking about these chocolates! It’s really the best you’ll get for under $50.Shipping: Available to ship now.Another favorite of the Esquire editors this season is this super cool spinning chocolate calendar from La Maison du Chocolat. Each chocolate hides inside a small box, and each box is arranged around this sculptural piece that blends Parisian art and design. I don’t want to give it all away, but I’ll just say my favorite pieces were the milk chocolate almond-hazelnut praline filled with caramelized sesame and the dark chocolate mini bar with crushed crepe dentelle and passionfruit white chocolate.Shipping: Available for preorder now, ships in November.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowAssociate Commerce Editor Bryn Gelbart has already written a whole love letter to his Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser hot chocolate maker, so when we found out Hotel Chocolat makes a whole Advent calendar filled with hot chocolate mixes, we knew we had to try it out. And in a big shock to absolutely no one, we’re obsessed. We’ve been leaning into the season already with hot cocoa at the office; some of our favorite blends include the Black Forest Gateau, Chili, and the Classic 70% Dark Chocolate.Shipping: Available to ship now.Like Godiva, Lindt is an absolute classic when it comes to chocolate Advent calendars. In fact, Lindt’s Holiday Teddy Bear calendar may be one of the most recognizable chocolate Advent calendars out there—and at just $14, you can get one for everyone in the family. Perfect for the person who appreciates a good ol’ milk chocolate candy.Shipping: Available to ship now.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowFor something a bit more substantial than a cardboard box, check out this wooden Advent calendar from Harry & David. Not only does it have that nostalgic vibe that only a wooden calendar can give, but it also features a scene of characters from the Nutcracker gathered around a Christmas tree—and the coolest part is that it lights up and plays “March of the Toy Soldiers” when you wind it up. Just keep in mind you’ll need two AAA batteries to make that happen. Oh, and it doesn’t just have chocolates; you’ll also find some delicious vanilla shortbread cookies in there.Shipping: Available to ship now.Forgo your morning cup of coffee and start each December day with a piece of caffeinated chocolate from Awake. Once you get a taste of the Plain Milk, Caramel Milk, Peanut Butter Milk, and Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate bites, you’ll want to have these on hand for your next 3 p.m. slump.Shipping: Available to ship now.