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We’ve found proof that counting down the days until Christmas isn’t just for the kids. Advent calendars may typically be associated with a sugary treat for the junior members of your family, but these days there are plenty that boast an adult edge. We’ve gathered our favourite food and wine-focused advent calendars ahead of this silly season, which promise 24 days of gourmet treats, from specialty gins to teas and everything in between.

Here are our favourites.

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For the wine enthusiast

2022 Wine Advent Calendar, $140, The Australian

The ultimate advent calendar for vino fanatics, this festive season option offers a chance to taste 24 different drops procured from around the globe in the 24 days before Christmas. This Wine Advent Calendar from Laithwaites and The Australian serves up a gathering of Aussie whites, Italian Prosecco, and Portuguese reds (with a number of award-winning drinks among them) in sample-sized piccolo bottles.

For the tea lover

T2 Sip The Future Hello Tea Bag Advent Calendar, $45, Myer

Though keeping your countdown to Christmas booze-free has a strong potential with this T2 advent calendar. Picture twenty four days of new teas and tisanes to sip on – a chance to take a deep dive through the favourites and limited-edition flavours of the popular Australian tea company. Each day provides a different tea bag to enjoy, from the lavender and lemon balm coupling of Sleep Tight to the gingerbread-based Christmas Breakfast.

For the chocoholic

Koko Black Advent Calendar, $39.99, Myer

Don’t stray far from the traditional with an advent calendar rich in cocoa-based creations. An elevated take on the countdown choccy treat can be found in this Koko Black calendar from the Melbourne-based chocolatiers. Behind 25 doors awaits a bite-sized handcrafted treat, free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, just 100% sustainably sourced (and 100% delicious) cocoa.

For fans of spicy flavours

Chilli Hot Sauce Advent Calendar, $42.36, Amazon

There’s an advent calendar for every kind of niche, including those among us who have a penchant for fiery flavours. The Chilli Hot Sauce Advent Calendar is a celebration of the humble chilli – picture 12 flavours of chilli sauce to enjoy across the 24 days prior to Christmas. You’ll be taken on a journey of spicy sauces from around the globe, from sriracha, to chipotle, scorpion, scotch bonnet and naga jolokia.

For gin drinkers

Premium Gin – 24 Day Advent Calendar, $217.18, Ebay

Celebrate the silly season and your love for mother’s ruin all at once with a spirit-based advent calendar. Drinks by the Dram has created this gin-based countdown to Christmas which contains a collection of 24 premium miniature gins to toast to the occasion daily. The petite bottles contain sips from major gin brands including Hendrick’s, Edinburgh, Roku, and Sky Wave.

For those who take their whisky seriously

Whisky Collection – 12 Day Advent Calendar, $108, Ebay

Though harder spirits make equally appropriate fodder for advent calendars as this Whisky Collection offering goes to show. The whisky connoisseur in your life (even if that’s yourself) will embrace the opportunity to sip on a tasty new tipple daily – this calendar has 12 wax-sealed drams from whisky brands big and small from around the globe.

For self-care enthusiasts

Pukka Christmas Advent Calendar, $26.95, My Deal

The silly season doesn’t have to be solely overindulgent. Treat yourself to an advent calendar that’s low on the sugar but big on the self-care with Pukka’s Christmas concoction. The Aussie tea brand is synonymous with organic ingredients and eco-friendly products, and it’s Christmas countdown is no different. Think 24 different organic herbal teas (hosted in plastic-free tea bags) to try each day throughout the month of December.

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