If you’re looking for a slightly unusual gift for someone this Christmas, have you ever considered a cheese advent calendar? It may sound like a strange option, but this innovative creation has grown in popularity over the last few years. For cheese lovers, it’s not hard to see why.
Cheese advent calendars are exactly what they sound like; 24 or 25 cheese-filled drawers for the countdown to Christmas. But there’s more than just one kind out there. We’ve compiled all the gouda options for the brie-siest ways to give meaningful gifts this year.
Why choose advent calendars?
We’re huge fans of advent calendars, which have come a long way since the days of 24 doors of cheap chocolates. Check out our other guides on stationery advent calendars, jewellery advent calendars, and our top pick of men’s advent calendars.
Not only is there a huge variety in the types you can get, but you’re getting lots of little samples of one product. This is ideal for people who are tricky to buy for and only like one or two things.
You’re also getting great value in your advent calendar – the total value of the items inside is usually a lot more than what you pay. Plus they often include limited editions or seasonal specials.
It’s good to note that cheese advent calendars should be stored in the fridge, so make sure recipients have one big enough to accommodate it.
Cheese selection process
We’ve included a variety of brands and budgets in our roundup, from retailers we know and love (and some you can earn cashback on). The selection is in ascending price order with a price range of £9 to £189.
Even the higher-priced calendars can still be an option if you decide to group gift with others. You’ll also find a good mixture of cheese, whether you want 24 from the same brand or all different types.
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#1 So Wrong It’s Nom & Ilchester Cheese
We had to start with the origin story behind the concept of cheese advent calendars. Blogger Annem Hobson made a DIY version back in 2015 and posted it on her blog So Wrong It’s Nom. You can read the step-by-step process on her original blog post, it’s pretty impressive.
Her idea was so popular, she has since teamed up with Ilchester Cheese and they release a new version every year. It’s sold worldwide and you can get it at Ocado, Morrisons or Amazon within the UK from November 5th 2023.
So Wrong It's Nom & Ilchester Cheese
Price: £9 – £10
Weight per cheese:
15g
What you get:
This year’s calendar has bumped up from nine different types of cheese to 11 this year. Open each of the 24 windows to discover a different treat from brand Ilchester Cheese.
Where to buy: Ocado & Morrisons
#2 The Chuckling Cheese Company
A more recent player to the cheese game, this Lincolnshire-based company has gained in popularity. They’re second on the list with their reasonably-priced 'Merry Cheesemas' 2023 cheese advent calendar.
The Chuckling Cheese Company
Merry Cheesemas
Price: £39.99
Weight per cheese:
40g + 28g per chutney
What you get:
12 mini cheese truckles, 6 mini chutney jars, and 6 mini biscuit packs make up this Merry Cheesemas delight. For a little extra, you can add gift wrap and a personal gift message card.
Where to buy: Chuckling Cheese
#3 George & Joseph
Artisanal cheesemongers George & Joseph are only stocking 30 of their cheese advent calendars this year, so it’s first come first served. The calendar is delivered free in three instalments: November 30th, December 8th, and December 15th.
George & Joseph
SOLD OUT
Price: £109
Weight per cheese: 75g
What you get:
24 hand-picked British artisanal cheeses spread across three boxes (eight cheeses per box). Each box will come with tasting notes per cheese so you can try your hand at cheesemongering.
Where to buy: George & Joseph
#4 The Courtyard Dairy
This award-winning cheesemonger has been featured on the BBC, so they know a thing or two about cheese. Their advent calendar arrives in two sets on November 30th and December 12th and cheeses should be eaten within two weeks of delivery.
The Courtyard Dairy
SOLD OUT
Price: £115
Weight per cheese:
100g
What you get:
24 cheeses, including new releases and award winners. You’ll receive tasting notes, tips, and drink pairings to enhance your cheese experience. With 100g per day, it’s perfect for two people to enjoy.
Where to buy: The Courtyard Dairy
#5 Paxton & Whitfield
For their third year running, Paxton & Whitfield are releasing a cheese advent calendar, but there are just 750 available. Three deliveries of eight hand-cut artisan cheeses which arrive on on November 30th, December 8th, and December 15th. They also focus on sustainability with 100% sheep’s wool packaging and carbon-neutral delivery.
Paxton & Whitfield
Artisan Cheese Advent Calendar 2023
SOLD OUT
Price: £150
Weight per cheese: 75g
What you get:
New and exclusive cheeses as well as classic picks that make up 24 hand-picked, hand-cut, and hand-wrapped European and British cheeses. Each pack comes with tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
Where to buy: Paxton & Whitfield
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#6 The Cheese Geek
The Cheese Geek has only been around since 2017, but they have an impressive array of products, including their cheese advent calendar. Each of the three batches is delivered free to mainland UK on December 1st, 8th, and 15th.
The Cheese Geek
Price: £150
Weight per cheese:
75g
What you get:
A pack of Peter’s Yard crackers, a pot of honey, and a condiment along with your Christmas cheese gifts. Information cards with tasting notes and pairing suggestions are included.
Where to buy: The Cheese Geek
#7 The Welsh Cheese Company
Go big or go home, as they say. We’ve listed this cheesemonger last to feature their Giant Welsh Cheese Advent Calendar, but if you want smaller and cheaper, they offer a six-window version for just £49.
The Welsh Cheese Company
GIANT Welsh Cheese Advent Calendar
Price: £189
Weight per cheese: 120g–200g
What you get:
4.2kg worth of cheesy goodness from seven different Welsh cheesemakers. The gigantic calendar splits up into three triangles so you can fit it in your fridge more easily.
Where to buy: The Welsh Cheese Company
A feta gift than most
Switch from sweet to savoury with these amazing choices for alternative advent calendars for Christmas. Not only do you get to try all sorts of new flavours, but many of them you can share between two people.
If it’s a hit, it could become a regular gift your loved one looks forward to each year. That means you take the stress out of gift-giving and you can sample one from every company. You can even split the cost between two or three people for the more extravagant options.
We think cheese advent calendars are great gifts for something a bit different, great value, and a fun countdown to Christmas.
Do you have a favourite cheese advent calendar you’ve bought or received recently? Let us know in the comments what you loved about them and if you’d buy again.