6 Days of Gifts: The Villains’ Holiday Guide, Cheese

It’s the holiday season and that means one thing: We’re this close to extinguishing the dumpster fire that is 2020!

For the rest of this week, we’ll be sharing items that we think would make great presents for team members, top performers, loyal guests (in-person, delivery or takeout), charity raffles, family, friends…everyone, really. We’ll also highlight a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for those who prefer that form of giving or the numbers and/or websites for resources that support those who are struggling.

There are people all over the country that probably don’t feel like they have much to celebrate and aren’t in the holiday mood. If one has the means, donating to a local charity, sponsoring a family, or providing for struggling employees would be an incredible gesture this year. Just checking in on team members, family, friends, and neighbors with genuine interest—safely, of course—so they know someone cares can go a long way.

Today, we’re featuring cheese and related items that will make great gifts or raffle prizes this year. For the most part, these items retail for $50 or less.

Happy holidays, cheers, and the Villains hope everyone has a safe and healthy December!

Formaticum Cheese Storage Bags, $14

Cheese lovers know that once they’ve made their selections from the cheesemonger, brought them home and unwrapped them, they’re on the clock. These storage bags can add weeks to the life of cheeses. They’re reusable—best if you use the same bags for the same or similar cheeses—and have space on the front to write down identifying information. The Villains are fans—we bought a pack a couple of weeks ago and they’re working as advertised! Grab a pack on Amazon here.

This Cheese is Nuts!, $25

The vegans, vegetarians, lactose-intolerant, dairy-free, health-conscious and curios in your orbit will appreciate this instructional book written by Julie Piatt. It’s loaded with recipes and tips for making nut-based cheeses at home, and if the reviews are to be believed, it’s not difficult or overly time-consuming to do so. Pick up a copy here on Amazon.

Cured & Whey Pretzel Board, $50

This one is for our Vegas locals because we believe in supporting and shopping local small businesses. Cured & Whey starts with “MASSIVE Bavarian pretzels,” then stuffs the voids with unique cheeses and charcuterie, just cheeses, or just meats. These pretzel boards are sure to be a hit with any cheese lovers or foodie influencers in your life.

Murray’s Cheese Digital Gift Card, $50-500

Everyone loves a gift card. No awkward eye contact if a gift doesn’t go over well, no trips to the store or post office to return anything. And when it comes to raffles or internal team prizes, gift cards are a huge hit. Anyone who receives one of a Murray’s Cheese gift card this holiday season will get exactly what they want.

Juvale 6-piece Slate Cheese Board Set, $17.99

Sure, there are bigger slate or wood cheese and charcuterie boards out there. Most of them cost more than $20. For under twenty bucks you can gift someone six smaller boards—or get them for your bar or restaurant. The reviews are great, including one from a buyer who found they work very well in a reptile enclosure that’s home to a leopard gecko. Alrighty, then. Get this set from Amazon here.

Heifer International

This charity’s mission is to eradicate hunger and poverty. Heifer International seeks to accomplish their mission by helping local farmers—hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, in large part due to the overwhelming challenges facing restaurants—through investments in agriculture and livestock, mentorship, training, and providing access to markets and supply chains. Donate here.

Hospitality Villains is a member of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon offers affiliates a small commission on sales made through affiliate links. The links above are affiliate links that will help support Hospitality Villains at no additional cost to you.

Image: Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash