Engraved chopping board

About this idea

A good wooden board gets used every day, which is exactly why a name on it works so well. Most are laser-engraved oak, walnut, acacia or bamboo; some have a juice groove or a handle for hanging.

Popular wording: the family surname with “Est.” and the year, a couple’s first names with their wedding date, or a grandparent’s “kitchen” sign. Some sellers can engrave a handwritten recipe or a child’s drawing from a photo.

Who it suits

Keen cooks, couples setting up home, newly-weds and anyone who hosts.

Ordering in time

Boards are usually engraved to order, and solid hardwood ones are sometimes made to order too. Check the dispatch time on the listing — and allow longer before Christmas.

Before you order

• Decide whether it’s for chopping or for display: engraving on the cutting side will wear, so many people engrave the back or a corner.
• Check the care notes — most wooden boards should be hand-washed and oiled, not put in the dishwasher.
• Ask which side and where the engraving goes, and what size the text will be.