If you didn’t get all of your holiday shopping done on Black Friday for your cheese-obsessed loved ones, read this.
Are you tired of gift guides yet? Don’t be—because this one’s all about the best cheese-adjacent and cheese-themed gifts money can buy. Whether you’re grappling with the friend who fancies themself a home chef or a picky (and judgy) relative, culture has you covered.
Best Overall Gift: A Subscription to culture
I admit I’m biased, but I can’t think of a single person who would be disappointed by a yearlong subscription to a cheese magazine that costs less than a large pizza nowadays. (Saveur agrees.)
Best Gift for Planners: Rifle Paper Co.’s 2025 Cheese Calendar
We all have that one friend who either can’t stop talking about New Year’s resolutions and/or is booked out through December 2025. Give them this calendar so they can block out their vacation dates early and not cancel post-holiday plans at the last second.
Best “This is Just a Little Something” Gift: Glass Ornaments
There seems to be an uber-specific glass ornament for everything today—in the cheese space this ranges from ornaments celebrating addictive snacks to grilled cheeses to hefty wedges to a well-appointed charcuterie board.
Best Gift That’s a Vibe: Silver Spider Print Shop Merch
Just type “cheese” in the search bar on the Silver Spider Print Shop’s site and you’re set. This shop is known for its embroidered beanies and dad hats emblazoned with foods and fonts that embody the ethos of said foods. Examples include a Grilled Cheese hat in a corresponding bright orange, a butter beanie in butter yellow, etc. The shop also offers non-hyperrealistic glass ornaments, if that’s more your thing. (A favorite of mine is the “In Butter We Trust” one.)
Best Cozy Gift: Sweatshirts from the Cheese Shop of Salem
Now your friend can stay warm while broadcasting their cheese obsession on work Zoom calls.
Best Gift for Bookworms: The Cheesemaker’s Daughter by Kristin Vukovic
This novel is for anyone on your list who likes to sink their teeth into a delicious drama. It’s about a Croatian woman in the midst of a marriage that’s dissolving, which causes her to return home and try to save her father’s faltering cheesemaking operation.
One reviewer on Goodreads gave the book five stars, writing, “The story was layered, not unlike the many steps involved in making artisanal cheese, and anyone who has ever felt displaced, whether physically or emotionally would find a connection to this book. The juxtaposition between the past and future, love and hate, forgiveness and betrayal were examined in this story, with delicious cheese and a majestic island supporting the heart and soul of this family saga.”
Best Fashion-Forward Gift: Cheese Lovers Silk Scarf by Bluegreen Accessories
Full disclosure: I own this scarf and it’s just one of those things that makes me feel like a million bucks when I put it on. The scarf has some heft to it, making it ideal for framing as an art piece as well as wearing.
Best Handmade Gift: Swirl Bowl by Anna Loves Pottery
These swirl bowls were made with serving cheese in mind. Their elevated design allows one to create Pinterest-worthy spreads. Pair with a lazy susan and you’ve got yourself a top-tier host gift.
Best Combined Birthday-Holiday Gift: the Cheese Grotto
culture previously covered the Cheese Grotto and its founder, Jessica Sennett, and there’s a reason why: The Cheese Grotto is a unique and stylish product. And when it comes to getting something for Capricorns, this is a great choice—especially since you can choose a model based on a combined holiday and birthday present budget.
Best Gift For a Cheesemonger: Smoking Goose Tote Bag
“Our butcher buttons are bursting with pride that our new tote bag seems to have struck a chord with cheesemongers especially,” says Corrie Cook, Smoking Goose’s narration director. “We love that cheesemongers from Portland to Philly have reached out to us directly about their love for this bag’s message.” Well Corrie, it’s easy to see why. I also like that this tote has a flat bottom, which is perfect when you’re shopping for copious amounts of cheeses and smoked meats to impress the aforementioned picky and/or judgy relative. Use culture-exclusive discount code SmokingGooseCulture for 25 percent off all Smoking Goose apparel—including this tote bag—from now until December 31, 2024.
Best #ShopSmall Option: A Gift Card to Your Local Cheese Shop
There are many brick-and-mortar cheese shops that are small, independent businesses. Show some local love by treating friends or family to a cheesy shopping spree in their community.
Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino's work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Bon Appétit, and The Buffalo News. She's currently serving as culture's social media manager. She loves to write poetry, eat spaghetti carbonara, and kayak. Follow her @APstyle on X. Read more by her here: https://alanapedalino.com/#/.
