Christmas Gift Guide for Cheese Lovers

Top 15 Christmas Gifts for Cheese Lovers

With Christmas fast approaching, now is a good time to start thinking of those hard-to-buy-for cheese-loving friends and family in your life.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gifts for the cheese lovers in your life, this Christmas Gift Guide has you covered. There’s a huge selection to choose from, that will suit all budgets. We’ve drawn up a list of our favourites*, available from both online and high street stores, that any cheese aficionado would be over the moon to see in their stocking this year.

From cheese-making kits and deluxe knife sets, to hampers brimming with only the flavoursome of cheeses – there’s something to thrill any cheese fan.

But with so much choice, where do you start?  We recommend delving deep into your recipient’s psyche and to help, we’ve segmented our top 15 list into four types of cheese gift, pertaining to whether your cheese friend is a “Striver”, a “Boarder”, a “Doer” or a “Chugger”.

So read on for our top 15 list of cheese gifts, perfect for whichever type of cheese lover you are buying for.

Christmas Gifts for the Cheese Loving “Strivers”

Strivers are those friends who are always on a quest for self-improvement and new knowledge. This Christmas, gift them something that feeds their curiosity and keeps their brains buzzing. From cheese-making kits to courses that deepen their expertise, these Christmas gifts are perfect for satisfying their love of learning while indulging their passion for cheese.

1. Academy of Cheese Gift Voucher: £149

Surprise your chosen one with an introductory Level One cheese course – the ultimate Christmas gift for anyone passionate about cheese. This self-study course provides a comprehensive overview, covering everything from making to pairing and beyond. It’s an ideal choice for the aspiring cheese shop owner or anyone looking to deepen their cheesy knowledge.

As part of this thoughtful gift, they’ll study 25 iconic cheeses and learn the Academy’s unique Structured Approach to Tasting Cheese. Not only will it enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of cheese, but it will also introduce them to the Academy’s global cheese-loving community – a truly unforgettable festive treat!

2. Cheese Making Kit – £19.99

Help the cheese-loving Striver in your life take their passion to the next level by learning how to make cheese, not just devour it! This beautifully presented Christmas gift kit includes everything they need to craft batch after batch of delicious soft cheese. For those with specific tastes, Mozzarella and Ricotta kits are also available, making it the perfect present to inspire their inner cheesemaker.

3. Wine Course – From £210

Your friend has already mastered cheese courses and even dabbled in cheese-making – so what’s next? How about expanding their expertise with a new skill that complements their love of cheese perfectly? The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is the ideal Christmas gift for diving into the world of wine, giving them knowledge they can use to elevate their cheese pairings and enhance their cheesy adventures.

4. The Cheese Life, by Patrick McGuigan & Mathew Carver: £25

Who wouldn’t want to unwrap a book dedicated to all things cheese? This one is a real treat and makes the perfect Christmas gift for cheese lovers. Written by two renowned cheese experts, it’s packed with beautifully illustrated pages, useful advice, trade tips, and mouth-watering cheese recipes. It’s not just a book – it’s a celebration of cheese, ideal for any coffee table or kitchen inspiration.

Christmas Gift Ideas for The Cheese “Boarders”

The “Boarder” is the ultimate host – always ready to entertain and with Pinterest-worthy ideas for every occasion. Spoil them this Christmas with a thoughtful gift that elevates their soirees to the next level. Whether it’s a stunning cheese board, a decadent fondue set, or artisan cheese pairings, these Christmas gifts are guaranteed to impress and delight their guests.

5. Nkuku Mango Wood Board with Recycled Glass Dome: £85

Perfect for presenting cheese in a stylish way, Nkuku’s glass dome makes an elegant and sustainable Christmas gift for cheese enthusiasts. The dome is crafted from recycled glass, while the plate is made from mango wood sourced from trees no longer bearing fruit. This sustainable approach allows farmers to plant more trees and earn supplementary income, making it a thoughtful and eco-friendly festive choice.

6. Robert Welch Radford Bright 5 Piece Gourmet Cheese Knife Set: £96

Beautifully presented in their own box and handmade in the Cotswolds, this luxury set of hollow-handled cheese knives is the perfect Christmas gift for the consummate connoisseur. Designed to be both practical and timeless, this stunning set adds a touch of elegance to any cheese board, making it a thoughtful and stylish present for any cheese lover.

7. Artesà Fondue Set with Lazy Susan Turntable: £58.70

Your cheese “Boarder” will adore this decadent fondue set – the ultimate Christmas gift for anyone who loves entertaining. As a standout centrepiece at any dinner party, it’s perfect for serving up rich, melted cheese alongside tasty accompaniments. With its rotating lazy susan base, guests can spin and dip to their hearts’ delight, making every gathering unforgettable.

Christmas Gift Ideas for The Cheese Loving “Do-ers”

You know that friend who’s always on the go and impossible to pin down for a catch-up? Our Christmas gift suggestions are perfect for keeping your adventurous, fun-loving cheese enthusiast busy – and who knows, they might even invite you to join in on their cheesy adventure!

8. Cheese Making Course :  £75

This cheese-making course, led by renowned cheesemaker Claire Burt from Burts Cheese, is an unforgettable Christmas gift for any cheese enthusiast. Held on the farm next to their dairy, the workshop offers hands-on experience in crafting fresh soft cheese to take home and enjoy. Participants will also get involved in creating Claire’s best-selling Burts Cheese, making it a fun and educational day out for anyone passionate about cheese.

And if you’re cheese-loving pal can’t make it to Cheshire, the Specialist Cheese Makers Association provide a list of cheesemaking classes around the UK.

9. Online Cheese Tasting:  £45

Book one of Paxton & Whitfield’s live online cheese tasting events, and you’ve got a Christmas gift that will thrill any cheese-loving “do-er.” With two events currently scheduled for January, it’s a great way to kick off the new year with a delicious experience. If you’re unsure about dates or prefer to let them decide, a gift voucher is the perfect option. It allows your recipient to choose a date later in the year, and the voucher covers one household’s participation, complete with a fresh delivery of artisan cheeses and crackers ready for the live tasting. A thoughtful and interactive festive treat!

10. All Aboard The Cheese Barge: £59.50

Forget afternoon tea – why not indulge in Afternoon Cheese instead? This experience makes a unique and memorable Christmas gift for the cheese-loving pair in your life. Treat them to a voucher for six delicious British cheeses, perfectly paired with accompaniments and a carafe of wine. All this takes place in the stylish setting of a converted 96ft double-decker barge, moored on the picturesque Regent’s Canal in Paddington – a truly unforgettable festive treat!

11. Bucket List Cheese Poster £12.99

A challenge any cheese “do-er” will be up for: this scratch-off poster is a fun and interactive Christmas gift idea for cheese lovers. Your friend will enjoy discovering and tasting some of the best cheeses from across the world as they “travel” through the list. The real question is, how long will it take them to scratch off all 100?

Christmas Gifts for Your Cheese Eating “Chuggers”

A “Chugger” is all about indulging in cheese – so why not give them exactly what they crave: fine cheese and gourmet accompaniments. For this, you’ll want to skip the “everyday selection packs” and turn to the experts. Gift a box of fine artisanal cheeses from one of the many revered cheesemongers offering online delivery. Not sure where to start? Check out our Where To Buy guide for a list of recommended mongers and makers.

If this special someone is truly exceptional, consider a cheese subscription – the gift that keeps on giving! Many online cheese companies offer monthly or quarterly options, or you can customise the subscription length. On a personal note, one of the most thoughtful Christmas gifts I ever received was a three-month cheese box subscription to The Fine Cheese Co. It felt like celebrating Christmas Day well into February!

12. The Fine Cheese Co. Gift Subscription: from £36

Every month, the experts at The Fine Cheese Co. hand-select four cheeses (approximately 700g), a pack of crackers, tasting notes for each cheese, and a cheese care guide – making it an ideal Christmas gift for cheese lovers. You can choose to have a subscription box delivered to your cheese-loving friend every 1, 2, or 3 months. Plus, if they’re vegetarian or not a fan of blue or goat’s milk cheeses, you can tailor the selection to their preferences, ensuring the perfect festive surprise.

13. Bottle of Pedro Ximenez: £23.95

Pairing cheese with a bottle of sherry makes for a timeless Christmas gift that any cheese lover will appreciate. A favourite amongst connoisseurs, this sweet Spanish sherry is crafted from intentionally overripe grapes, dried in the sun like raisins, creating a syrupy richness. The saltiness of many cheeses beautifully balances the PX sherry’s sweetness, offering the perfect yin and yang for festive indulgence.

14. Fig & Almond Wedge: £5.99

Beautifully wrapped, the De Juan fig and almond wedge makes an elegant addition to any cheese board and a thoughtful Christmas gift for cheese lovers. This soft yet sliceable paste, made with 100% natural ingredients and subtly spiced, perfectly complements both soft and hard cheeses, adding a touch of sophistication to festive gatherings.

15. Beeswax Wraps: £9.99

For when your friend has finished indulging (though let’s be honest, most chuggers rarely have leftovers!), they’ll need something to wrap up any uneaten cheese. We love the selection from The Range, not just for their bright and cheerful designs but also for their fantastic value. At just £9.99 for a pack of three, this set is the perfect Christmas gift to keep cheeses fresh, sweat-free, and stylishly stored.

Over to you!

Cheese truly is the gift that keeps on giving, and with this guide, finding the perfect Christmas gift for the cheese enthusiast in your life has never been easier. Whether you’re curating a custom cheese board, gifting a subscription for ongoing cheesy delights, or going all out with a unique cheese-related experience, you’re sure to spread joy and create unforgettable memories this festive season.

Share your thoughts

Do you have a unique Christmas gift ideas or a favourite that deserves a spot on our list? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media – we’d love to hear your suggestions and inspire more cheese lovers together!

*The Academy of Cheese is an impartial, not for profit organisation and does not receive commission for any clicked links.