The Best Gifts for the Cheese Aficionado
These cheese board gift ideas are for all the cheeseheads out there—most of which were hand-chosen by our very own Stephanie Marchese, Executive Director of Visual Production. Before you dive in, get our best tips for building the perfect cheeseboard.
Acacia Wood Cheese Board
Made of 100% acacia wood with a white-wash finish, this chic board makes it easy (and stylish!) to graze their favorite cheeses, fruit spreads and other snackable treats. Wow them even more by piling this board high with this fruit and cheese board idea.
Why it made our list: This beautiful cheese board is a lazy Susan—making it easy to use for entertaining.
Soft Cheeses
Spreadable, creamy soft cheese is the way to a cheese lover’s heart. Include the classics like Brie, goat cheese and blue cheese.
Why they made our list: These are some of Steph’s favorite soft cheeses.
Also check out these gifts for cheese lovers that are sure to please.
Chalkboard Cheese Markers
Help your cheese-loving friends create their own board by gifting them these chalkboard markers. No one will ever confuse the Jack for the Swiss again. Learn how to make our most impressive holiday cheese board.
Why it made our list: Since these cheese markers feature a chalkboard label, they can easily write (and rewrite) unique labels each time.
Cured Meats
They’ll need some specialty meats to eat with all that cheese! Capocollo, hard salami, soppressata, and Genoa salami make for an unforgettable spread.
Why they made our list: We’re big fans of Boar’s Head’s high-quality products. They’ve won our hearts with their pickles and roasted red pepper hummus, too.
Gourmet Crackers
Take a step back from your go-to cracker. Artisinal crackers need a place on their platter. Steph really likes these shortbread crackers and apricot nut crisps.
Why they made our list: The shortbread crackers are the best all-around cracker and the nut crisps are unique.
Cheese Knives
Every cheese board needs a few serving utensils. And this knife set is as versatile as it is beautiful. Here’s our guide to cheese knives to get a perfect slice.
Why it made our list: This set comes with three differently shaped knives that can be used on all their favorite cheeses.
Chardonnay Mustard
This subtle mustard is the perfect accompaniment to meats and cheeses. It also pops on pretzels, hot dogs and sandwiches.
Why it made our list: Chardonnay mustard pairs well with any grazing table, even seasonal cheese boards.
Berry Basket
Snacking on fresh fruit never looked so cute. These small, handpainted stoneware bowls will make the prettiest addition to any spread.
Why it made our list: This dish doubles as a colander so they can wash and serve without dirtying an extra dish.
Hard Cheeses
They’ll need a couple of hard cheeses for variety, too. Stock them up on some of our favorites: Hooks cheddar, Roth’s Canela and Violife’s vegan parmesan.
Why they made our list: The vegan cheese really does taste like Parmesan, you can’t go wrong with this cheddar and Roth’s Canela is specially rubbed with cinnamon and paprika.
Pinch Bowl
Display and serve olives, cheese dips and snack mixes inside a pinch bowl. Their small size makes it easy to nestle in between meats and cheeses.
Why it made our list: Theses tiny marble pots come in five stunning colors: Light sienna, black, white, green and a mixed gradient.
Appetizer Plates
If they’re planning on hosting many wine and cheese nights or dinner parties, they’ll need a set of appetizer plates fit for party-throwing. This reusable set is dishwasher-safe, too, an essential for easy cleanup.
Why it made our list: Just look at those pretty gold accents!
Psst! Keep these food and wine pairings in mind for your next shindig.
Butter Keeper
Gone are the days of destroying bread with cold butter. With a marble butter keeper, they’ll be able to safely and stylishly keep their butter soft and spreadable. We seriously love our butter crock.
Why it made our list: There’s a pocket to fill water at the base to keep butter flavorful and fresh.
Bread Board
Give a gift that’s both pretty and practical. This circular bread board works as both a cutting surface and a show-stopping centerpiece.
Why it made our list: Made from reclaimed wood from the ’70s and ’80s, ChaseVintage’s bread board will give their spread rustic charm.
Table Olives
Cheese-board aficionados will cheer when opening this tasty present. They can enjoy the table olives as is or stuffed, crushed or spread on top of crostini.
Why it made our list: These Tuscan green olives are the real deal—they’re imported straight from Italy.
Bread Knife
A quality knife is always a good investment—and this beauty is no exception. They’ll be able to cut through breads, pastries and other delicate items with ease. But make sure they know how to store their new knife!
Why it made our list: We use this knife in our Test Kitchen. (It’s also on our list of best gifts for bread bakers!)
Dark Chocolate Caramels
For the sweet tooth. These fancy caramels are the perfect excuse to indulge in chocolate on cheese night. Plus, they partner nicely with other cheese board accompaniments.
Why it made our list: They’re covered in crunchy sea salt!
Honey Dipper
Honey dippers elevate any board and make it simple to drizzle honey onto toast and cheese, like this fig and honey bread. Toss in Stephanie’s favorite honey to complete the gift. (Did you know there are health benefits of honey?)
Why it made our list: Its spiraled ridges ensure a slow and steady stream of honey on each use.
Figs and Black Tea Preserves
They’ll love this spoonable treat. Fruity, sweet spreads are a must for smearing on top of crackers, cheese and cured meats.
Why it made our list: Fruit preserves are super versatile, especially this fig variation, so this gift will go far. They’ll be able to put this jar to good use on many other delicious recipes, like this fig-glazed chicken.
Appetizer Picks
Use these sleek tools to serve cheese, olives and other bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
Why it made our list: This pick set comes with eight tools so they’ll always have enough serving utensils on hand.
Mini Mitten Tongs
Pick up, serve and arrange cheese board contents with a pair of mini tongs. This cutesy utensil makes for a pretty presentation (and gift).
Why it made our list: We love the festive shape and size of these tongs. They’d be the perfect addition to a Christmas board.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
This one is for sweet and salty lovers. The kiss of pecan in these chocolate-covered pretzels makes them gourmet enough for special occasions and holidays.
Why it made our list: The generous white chocolate drizzle takes them over the top!
Paper Napkins
Every craveable cheese board needs a fancy set of napkins. This cocktail napkin set will impress any guest.
Why it made our list: We absolutely love the modern, sophisticated marble design.
Candied Pecans
Throw a stash of pecans into their gift bag. The candied glaze makes them feel upscale. If you’re a from-scratch cook, gift them homemade candied pecans straight from your home kitchen.
Why it made our list: Your purchase supports a small business: The Quince and Apple Company.
Dried Berry Mix
A handful of dried berries always rounds out any appetizer tray nicely. For an extra touch, mix chocolate-covered fruit in, too.
Why it made our list: This gourmet berry mix has something for everyone to enjoy—from dried strawberries to cherries.
Up Next: How to make the best breakfast charcuterie board.