Beyond chocolate: 10 original advent calendars made in Catalonia

The Xerigots solidarity Advent calendar, which reaches its sixth edition this year, allows you to count down to Christmas with artisanal cheeses. The proposal brings together 24 portions of 50-60 grams, in a format designed to fit in the fridge, as it must be kept cold. For every calendar sold, the company makes a cheese donation to the families who use the Solidarity Pantry-Food Bank of Vilafranca del Penedès. In addition, the calendars have been assembled by the Mas Albornà Foundation, which works for the social and occupational inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and mental health disorders. This is a limited edition, which is sent to homes on November 26th and 27th, and which can be obtained at the online store of this cheese ripening center in the Penedès.

Honey, nougat, nuts and chocolates can accompany you until December 24th with the Alemany calendar, created by the Poor Clare Sisters of Balaguer with the collaboration of special work centers in the Terres de Lleida. For five generations, the Alemany family has been making artisanal nougat and selecting honey in the town of Os de Balaguer (la Noguera). Their calendar offers small portions to savor and also a final surprise: an artisanal honey and lavender soap.

Food for Joe, the pet food brand for dogs and cats founded in Barcelona in 2021, presents an advent calendar with 24 surprises so that dogs can enjoy a different treat every day. Behind each little door hides a selection of the brand's usual natural meat and fish snacks and other proposals that are not part of the brand's day-to-day, such as pumpkin and turmeric biscuits designed as a Christmas proposal. Some of the products are suitable for small dogs and can fit into certain hypoallergenic diets.

The company Grapat, based in Vilamalla (Alt Empordà), is dedicated to the manufacturing of alternative toys made with natural materials. This year they have presented the fifth edition of their Advent calendar, recommended from 36 months onwards and designed to encourage fine motor skills and symbolic creation. Inside there are more than 200 pieces in a combination of wood, fabrics, threads, wool and other natural materials, accompanied by a booklet with proposals and 24 postcards illustrated by Zuzanna Celej designed to be collected, displayed or shared.

Tastets, a brand created in 2007 with the goal of promoting the Països Catalans associated with quality, artisanal, and exclusive gastronomy, has presented the second edition of its Advent calendar. This December's proposal delves into our popular festive bestiary and features 24 treats, a card game, and an A3 size poster. A calendar that puts you to the test every day with a trivia game with difficulty levels adapted for all ages, so that the whole family can play.

Fustik, a company specialized in the creation of personalized products with a workshop in the Empordà, offers various formats of customizable wooden Advent calendars where you can hide little surprises. These are products designed to be used year after year. In the central area, you can engrave or print the family name, a special phrase, or a Christmas message. On their website, you can check the different models, which include 24 cloth bags (optional) to fill with sweets or messages.

This reusable wooden option proposes 24 small experiences to enjoy as a family during December. From cooking all together to going on an excursion or inventing traditions. The idea is to choose the proposals, roll them up, and place them in the holes of the calendar. It is an initiative by the designer Laura Vilarrasa, and it includes some proposals and blank papers to add more ideas. It can be purchased at Oniricat or at lavidaenunkit.com.

The Estrella Polar imprint has published Waiting for Christmas. Tales, poems and other surprises for Advent, a peculiar Advent calendar in book format recommended for children aged 3 to 5. The writer and winner of the Cervantes Chico award, Mar Benegas, compiles 24 stories, poems and songs for each day of Advent.

The social initiative cooperative Quàlia has presented the seventh edition of its charity calendar, the profits of which are destined for inclusive leisure activities for children with disabilities from different regions of the territory. Inside the little boxes there is a selection of sweets from Lleida companies: chocolates, candies, and 'cubanitos' from El Rosal, which this year replace the traditional 'arrugats'. They can be purchased online, at BonÀrea stores, and at other collaborating businesses in the territory.

The chocolatier Jordi Roca has prepared a sweet journey through a small Christmas village, which hides a surprise with a different flavor in every house. Among the creations in the Rocambolesc calendar are chocolates made with cocoa from different origins, varieties of toffees, candied fruits, gummy candies, and a variety of cookies. A perfect option for those who love sweets.