You can know someone well enough to buy them a birthday present and still have no idea what they think of blue cheese. That’s the awkward bit about choosing a food gift. The wedge you’d happily eat your way through might be the one they’d quietly pass to somebody else.
Some cheese hampers lean heavily towards strong or unusual flavours, so the contents deserve a proper look. A straightforward Cheddar alongside a couple of different cheeses offers variety without making every item a gamble. The aim is to give them something lovely to eat, rather than set them a tasting challenge.
There’s plenty of variation within familiar cheese styles. A younger Cheddar can be mellow and supple, while a mature one may be sharper and more crumbly. Read the tasting notes rather than choosing by name alone. Words such as ‘mild’, ‘creamy’ or ‘tangy’ tell you more about what to expect than an attractive label.
Strong flavours deserve a little restraint when you’re choosing for somebody else. Blue cheese, smoke and chilli all have devoted fans, but liking cheese doesn’t mean liking all three. One distinctive addition can make a selection interesting. A whole box built around flavours you haven’t checked is a bolder bet.
You may already have a clue from eating with them. Think about what they usually order or what they’ve served at home, without trying to turn a passing comment into a firm preference. Someone enjoying a mild cheese sandwich doesn’t necessarily tell you how they feel about a very mature farmhouse cheese.
The size of the pieces matters more than the size of the box. Check the total cheese weight and how many people are likely to share it. Several smaller portions let someone try different things without committing to a large piece of a cheese they haven’t tasted before. Check the listed contents as well, because the photograph may include serving boards or other props that aren’t part of the gift.
If you’re buying for a vegetarian, check that the cheeses are suitable. Some are made using animal rennet, so cheese isn’t automatically a vegetarian choice. The accompaniments need checking too. Crackers, chutneys and any added drinks have their own ingredients and allergen information. For someone with a food allergy, ask what they can safely eat rather than deciding for them.
Extras can be pleasant, although you don’t need to add wine just because it looks good beside a cheeseboard. If you don’t know whether the recipient drinks, a cheese selection without alcohol avoids another uncertain choice. Something they can open and enjoy without shopping for half the accompaniments is a thoughtful touch.
Delivery needs a little planning when the gift requires refrigeration. Check how it will be kept cool in transit and arrange for someone to receive it. The recipient should follow the storage instructions and dates on arrival. If they’re about to go away, moving the delivery is kinder than giving them a fridge full of cheese to finish before the holiday.