The 23 Best Cheese Gifts of 2023

When it comes to edible holiday presents, nothing says, “I got you something you’ll actually like,” quite like the gift of cheese. Sure, we have a soft spot for giant tins of caramel-coated popcorn, but cheese reigns supreme in terms of crowd-pleasing luxury. If you’re looking for a wider selection of the best cheese gifts, including essential subscriptions, utensils, and fun accessories, you’ve come to the right place.

We scoured the internet — and asked some of our dearest cheese nerd friends — to find the best cheese gifts. From fancy glass domes and professional-level cheese knives to pretty wood cheese boards for creating the ultimate spread, these presents are sure to please even the most discerning turophile on your gift list. And don’t worry: We’ve also included a few actual kinds of cheese. After all, those crackers won’t top themselves.

Our Top Picks

Composite Agate Cheese Board

Available at Anthropologie

Made from natural stone, this stunning serving platter is a modern and glamorous spin on the classic cheese board. Each board is uniquely crafted with jewel-toned agate, meaning your gift will be one-of-a-kind. The gold-rimmed border makes this an easy choice for holiday entertaining.

Price at time of publish: $78

Murray’s Deluxe Cooler

Available at Murrayscheese

If you’re giving the gift of cheese this holiday, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t spoil before your curd-loving pal opens it (read: probably skip the gift wrap). This roomy cooler by Murray’s, an iconic New York City cheese shop, will keep all your cheeses cool and look good doing it. As a bonus, it’s reusable, so it can be used to tote new cheese purchases home from the shop for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $25

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

Available at Amazon

A fondue pot is decidedly not a kitchen necessity — which is what makes it such a delightful holiday gift. This “just for fun” small appliance by a trusted brand is sure to be a score for the melted cheese lover in your life. It has eight different settings and comes with a set of eight fondue forks. We also appreciate that it is electric-powered, and has a nonstick interior, so cleanup is almost as easy as turning it on.

Price at time of publish: $110

Jasper Hill Cheese Club Membership

Available at Jasperhillfarm

Why stop at one holiday present when you can give the gift of Vermont-made cheese every month of the year? Food & Wine favorite Jasper Hill’s cheese club is a must for your favorite cheese lover on your list. Customize the gift membership with as many months as you want; each delivery includes a variety of Jasper Hill’s offerings, including reserve cheeses, charcuterie and condiments, and expedited shipping. 

Price at time of publish: $110 per month

Glass Cheese Dome and Marble Base

Available at Amazon

There’s setting out a cheese platter, and then there’s this. The marble slab base is ideal for keeping cheeses at their optimal temperature during serving, and the glass dome features a generous handle for easy removal when it’s time to party. It’s small — 7.5 inches in diameter — which makes it a smart choice for gifting. Who has room to store a two-foot marble platter these days, anyway?

Price at time of publish: $50

Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set

Available at Amazon

This is an Amazon super seller, and frankly, it’s gorgeous. The two-tiered board comes with slide-out storage that can hold four cheese knives and utensils, as well as chalk and reusable slate labels. If you’re concerned the 13-inch tray isn’t roomy enough to handle the full capacity of your cheese obsession, don’t worry: There’s a 10-inch round tray included, too. 

Price at time of publish: $56

That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life Book

Available at Amazon

Cheese plate curation as a form of self-care? We think so! This sweet book by Instagram phenom Marissa Mullen teaches you the meditative art (and joy) of creating photo-worthy cheese and charcuterie boards. By the book’s end, you’ll be able to create gorgeous platters, using her “cheese by numbers” technique. Thousands of fans can’t be wrong; this book is a Wall Street Journal bestseller.

Price at time of publish: $28

Zwilling 3-Piece Cheese Knife Set

Available at Zwilling

Zwilling knives are beyond compare for sharp-edge precision, and this three-piece set made specifically for cheese proves why. Each knife is made from a solid piece of stainless steel and is designed to cut a different variety of cheese. One slice and you’ll agree that the perforated knife is a game changer for semi-soft varieties. 

Price at time of publish: $150

The Entertainer Bundle Jam Gift Set

Available at Vsmileypreserves

V Smiley Preserves features some of the most creative flavor pairings we’ve ever seen — like cherry, fennel, and sherry wine jam — and they’re all lightly sweetened with honey for a naturally floral base note. This year, V Smiley is offering a gift bundle just for cheese lovers. For under $35, you’ll get three of their most cheese-friendly preserves, including the aforementioned cherry and fennel; strawberry, Italian plum, and rosewater; and a navel orange and fig marmalade. 

Price at time of publish: $32

Extra Large Cheese and Pizza Knife

Available at Food52

We love a good multitasker, and this handsome knife from the Holland-based brand Boska is no exception. Made with durable steel and European oak, it’s the perfect knife for slicing through big wheels of cheese or cheeses with hard rinds. Thanks to its curved blade and double-handled edges, it also makes a perfect pizza cutter — so you can be sure this gift will get used all year long.

Price at time of publish: $60

Beeswax Roll

Available at Amazon

Bees Wrap is an all-natural food storage solution made from cloth and beeswax. Like plastic, it clings to food, keeping it fresh — but unlike plastic, it’s biodegradable and breathable (that latter quality is a must for keeping cheese fresh). We like this roll because you can cut custom sizes: a perfect solution to that half-finished wedge of Gouda, a small brick of cheddar, and any other cheeses you’re still working your way through. The roll is available in different patterns, so you can choose the perfect print for your eco-friendly, cheese-loving friend. 

Price at time of publish: $25

KitchenAid Box Grater with Storage Container

Available at Amazon

This box grater will make quick work of any block, ball, or wedge of cheese you’ve got. It has all the necessary bells and whistles, like a rubber non-slip bottom, four different grating options, and a sturdy, comfortable handle. This grater also includes a 3-cup container that fits right underneath the base. In other words: Grating that mountain of cheddar just got a lot easier (and cleaner). This multitasker can also be used to grate and slice vegetables.

Price at time of publish: $31

Effie’s Homemade Biscuits Variety Pack

Available at Amazon

Not quite a cookie, almost a cracker, and far too delicious to pass up, these lightly sweetened biscuits are ideal for pairing with cheese. Although Effie’s Homemade brand is best known for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth oat cakes, the pecan and cocoa varieties are just as good — and sturdy enough to stand up to a hearty portion of your finest Gorgonzola.

Price at time of publish: $23

Soft Cheese Cutter

Available at Food52

Never smoosh a ball of fresh mozzarella again. This simple design works hard to cleanly slice through any soft cheese (even that super ripe Camembert) without all the drama. We’ve found it to be surprisingly efficient at semi-hard, crumbly cheeses — looking at you, Roquefort — too. Happily, it’s dishwasher-safe!

Price at time of publish: $50

Sweet Dreams Are Made of Cheese Dish Towel

Available at Amazon

We’ll admit it: We’re as powerless against a good pun as we are a triple cream. This fun cheese-themed dish towel comes in two chic neutral colors — white and dark gray — so you can be sure it will be displayed proudly in your recipient’s kitchen.

Price at time of publish: $15

Harry & David Pear, Nut, and Cheese Gift Basket

Available at Amazon

Harry & David is one of the most trusted names in edible gifting, and while we’d happily receive any of their thoughtfully curated baskets, the Pear, Nut, and Cheese box has our cheese-loving name all over it. It comes with a sharp white cheddar, six perfectly ripe pears, an assortment of mixed nuts, and artisan crackers. Consider this a guaranteed home run — and don’t be surprised if your gift recipient opens it immediately.

Price at time of publish: $77

6-Piece Cheese Knife Set

Available at Amazon

If you’re serious about cheese, one measly little knife simply won’t do. For the entertaining expert, consider this six-piece set. It includes everything you’ll need to serve, spread, and portion any type of cheese you can think of. Particularly nice is its plush velvet box, which practically passes for gift wrapping.

Price at time of publish: $24

Italian Fresh Cheese Making Kit

Available at Food52

$30 is a bargain for homemade Italian cheeses. Whether you’re a burrata, mozzarella, ricotta, or mascarpone fan, all you have to do is follow the instructions (and of course, add milk). The kit contains everything you need to make fresh Italian cheese, including a printed instruction card, and a link to an online tutorial video. Each kit contains enough material to make eight batches of cheese.

Price at time of publish: $30

The New Rules of Cheese Guidebook

Available at Amazon

Written by Anne Saxelby, the late trailblazing cheesemonger known for her inclusive, creative approach to enjoying cheese, this book is full of “no-stupid-questions” wisdom. It contains chapters on how to taste cheese like the professionals, the pros and cons of pasteurization, and a primer on cheesemaking. Add in beautiful illustrations, and this is a coffee table book that will actually get used.

Price at time of publish: $15

French Classic Cheese Collection

Available at Williams-sonama

There’s a whole world of cheese out there, but it’s hard to argue with the French way of making it. This sampler contains three of the country’s most iconic (and influential) cheeses: Camembert, Petite Delice d’Argental, and Brie L’Original Paysan Breton. The mix of textures and flavors is a perfect entry point for an enthusiastic new cheese fan.

Price at time of publish: $50

Viking Acacia and Slate Cheese Board

Available at Surlatable

This handsome board from Viking comes with two cheese knives, three pinch bowls — perfect for jams and preserves — and a striking slate inlay. It stands out from the crowd with the addition of two sturdy handles; an especially helpful feature for taking your masterpiece from the kitchen to the dining room, living room, or even the bedroom.

Price at time of publish: $300

Holiday Cheer Goat Cheese

Available at Blakesvillecreamery

Wisconsin-based cheesemaker Veronica Pedraza is one to watch. After working with some of the biggest names in the cheese business (she’s a Jasper Hill alum), Pedraza opened her creamery on the shores of Lake Michigan. All of Pedraza’s cheeses are made with goat’s milk and walk an artful line between fresh and funky. This year, her seasonal cheese is an orange-zest studded goat cheese wrapped in brandy-soaked Japanese sakura leaves. The miniature 6-ounce wheel is individually wrapped and just the right size for entertaining.

Price at time of publish: $25

Cheese Grotto Piatto

Available at cheesegrotto

This petite container is made by the cheese storage company. The exterior is made with birchwood — you have your choice of bamboo or black resin shelves. A cheese grotto can be used to keep cheese fresh and ready to serve for up to a week on the counter. This small-but-mighty pick is a little luxury that can hold up to one pound of cheese and is roomy enough for three varieties. 

Price at time of publish: $85

Factors to Consider

Taste and Texture

When giving cheese as a gift, it’s important to consider flavors. Some cheeses, like blue varieties or those made with penicillium, are incredibly potent and can be off-putting to cheese newbies (or folks who just don’t like the flavor). There’s also texture to consider. An aged hard cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, is crumbly and toothsome, but a ripe Camembert positively oozes. If you’re not yet aware of your gift recipient’s cheese preferences, either ask them first or go with a hard-to-hate crowd-pleaser — aged cheddar is usually a win.

Versatility

Giving tools and accessories instead of a wedge of cheese? Realistically consider your giftee’s kitchen and storage space. Suppose they have room to spare and truly love cheese, then spring for that XL cheese grotto. But if they’re already struggling to close their utensil drawer, specialty tools may be more of a burden than a welcome gift. If your heart is set on cheesy accessories, skip the one-trick ponies in favor of utensils that can do double duty. An elegant wooden cheese board, for example, can also double as a serving platter. Instead of a collection of hyper-specific cheese knives, choose one well-crafted option.

Shipping

If you’re giving cheese this holiday to someone who lives close by, you’ve probably already figured out a game plan — just don’t forget the insulated cooler. But if you plan on shipping your gift, it’s crucial to consider timing and cost. Many cheese makers and online emporiums have strict “order by” dates for timely holiday delivery. And because online cheese purchases must be sent via expedited shipping, there’s usually a higher cost.

FAQ

What gift goes well with a cheese board?

Well, of course, there’s cheese. But if you’d rather not give a perishable item, consider adding all of the “accouterments” to your cheeseboard — think, everything but the cheese. Fancy crackers, jams and preserves, dried fruit and nuts, and even luxurious olive oils will enhance a cheese board present.

Can you give cheese as a gift?

The answer is yes! You can give cheese as a gift. But unless you’re confident in the recipient’s tastes, it can be a risky move. If you’re nervous about choosing the right cheese, consider a gift card to an online cheesemonger or their local shop. 

What are the different types of cheese knives?

There are more than a handful of unique cheese knives, all made for specific types of cheese. A soft cheese knife contains holes in the blade to minimize sticking — these are great for Brie-style cheeses. A cheese spreader does exactly what it sounds like; it excels with options like fresh goat cheese. Keep the shape of a cheese spreader but add a sharper blade, and you’ve got a blue cheese knife equipped to handle a firm rind. 

Some cheese knives are pronged at the tip; this is ideal for transferring cut or crumbled cheeses onto your plate or a cracker. A chisel cheese knife is wide and flat — it looks like a mini shovel. This type is ideal for cutting into semi-hard, aged cheeses, like Gruyère. A plane knife looks like a slimmer version of the chisel; it differs in its addition of two sharp sides, perfect for slicing away at a firm block. 

For very hard, aged cheeses, you’ll want a Parmesan knife. Its sharp, pointy arrowhead shape is ideal for crumbling pieces that fall off the wedge. A cheddar knife looks like a miniature cleaver and is useful thanks to a sturdy handle for leverage. Finally, there’s a hard cheese knife — these are typically long, large, and made for cutting into big wheels or portioning larger pieces of cheese.

What do you put on a cheese board?

There are no hard-and-fast rules for creating a cheese board. Traditionally, cheese boards are composed of crackers or pieces of baguette — helpful for serving spreadable cheeses. Jams or preserves are sometimes added to cheese boards in small ramekins. Dried fruit, olives, nuts, and even chocolate can appear on cheese boards — these items are all complementary to the flavors of many popular kinds of cheese. Charcuterie (cured meat, like prosciutto or salami) is sometimes included.

What is a lover of cheese called?

A turophile is another name for a cheese lover. Merriam-Webster notes that it means cheese connoisseur, indicating a high level of discernment. Colloquially, we also call these folks “people with good taste.”

Our Expertise

Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. Her first job in the food industry was at a specialty cheese and charcuterie store in Brooklyn, New York.