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The Spruce Eats / Sabrina Jiang
Cutting boards are essential kitchen items, and a personalized cutting board makes a thoughtful and enduring gift for anyone who loves to cook. Not only are they necessary for chopping, slicing, and dicing, but they can also serve as cheese and charcuterie boards for entertaining. A personalized cutting board is ideal for a housewarming or wedding present or to celebrate a special occasion. Options for customizing a cutting board range from simple monograms to handwritten recipes, and they’re available in many different materials and sizes.
We consulted with Alison Cayne, founder of Haven’s Kitchen and author of “The Haven's Kitchen Cooking School," to get an expert's take on what to look for and how to care for your cutting board. “Like most things, the longevity of your personalized cutting board is directly related to how you keep and care for it," she says. "Wood cutting boards hate water, so it's best to protect them from moisture. Dry food before you cut on them, and don't let them sit on a counter that tends to get wet. You also don't want to cut meat on a wood cutting board, especially raw chicken.”
The best personalized cutting boards are practical, attractive, and made of high-quality materials. Of course, the specific design and distinct features will have a lot to do with the cutting board's recipient—whether you're treating yourself or choosing one as a gift. We did the research to help you navigate the styles, brands, and characteristics.
Best Overall
John Boos End-Grain Rectangular Chopping Block
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Williams Sonoma
Manufacturer of indisputable quality
Will last a lifetime of slicing and chopping
Reversible
Heavy to handle
Three letters maximum
This style of cutting board is exceptionally solid and sturdy, crafted from end-grain maple with the option of adding a monogram or name engraving up to three letters maximum. It's reversible, too, so either the engraved surface or the flat backside (with no engraving) can be used as the cutting surface.
At 21 pounds in weight and 20 inches across, this board requires a good amount of space to use and store, though Cayne agrees that the convenience of a large surface area makes up for the investment. “I’m a fan of larger cutting boards," she says. "There’s nothing more annoying than not having enough room to cut on the board. Mini boards are nice for serving but not practical for actual food prep.”
Another thing to note with John Boos boards is that they do require some care and maintenance, such as oiling the board before first use and routinely thereafter when cleaning, particularly if you plan to put it into heavy service. This board is hand-wash only.
Price at time of publish: $240
Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 3 inches | Material: Maple | Weight: 21 pounds
“A great cutting board can last for decades if you treat it right. To clean, use a damp cloth. Every now and then, wipe it down with some olive oil or protective wax.”
Best for Barbecue
Bisonwoodworks Competition BBQ Cutting Board
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Bisonwoodworks
Large enough for almost any chopping task
Available in different woods
Made in Kansas
Big and heavy, but no helpful handles
Size makes hand-washing a challenge
This is one serious reversible cutting board. Designed to handle large cuts of meat, it's also nice for slicing up juicy fruits and veggies. The substantial and elegant cutting board is available in three different kinds of wood, which you can also get without engravings, if you wish. It has a deep well around the entire edge to catch juices and bits (excluding the 16 x 12-inch version), making this board ideal for carving grilled meats or slicing watermelon at a backyard barbecue. It even has finger slots for easy lifting when it comes to transporting from grill to table.
Available in five different sizes, this is easily large enough to handle a rib roast or whole bird and stay put under its own weight—plus, it’s gorgeous. This board arrives with the first treatment of food-grade mineral oil but will need to be kept well-oiled with use.
Price at time of publish: $90 for 12 x 16 Maple
Dimensions: 12 x 16; 16 x 20; 18 x 24; or 20 x 30 inches | Material: Maple, mahogany, or walnut | Weight: Varies by size selection
Best Plastic
Blackbird Design Monogrammed Commercial Plastic Cutting Board
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Courtesy of Etsy
Commercial grade
Edge groove catches juices
Multiple colors for different cutting tasks
Engraving may collect food bits
All plastic degrades over time
Trying to decide between a wood or plastic cutting board? Unlike boards made from wood and bamboo, plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe, making them easier to clean and sanitize. They're also easier to store as they tend to be thinner and lightweight. These NSF-certified, commercial-grade plastic boards feature a juice groove around the edge, are available in six different colors, and can be personalized with the word, name, number, or monogrammed initials of your choice.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 0.5 inches | Material: Commercial plastic | Color Options: Blue, red, brown, white, yellow, green
Best With Recipe
Uncommon Goods Personalized Family Recipe Board
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Courtesy of Uncommon Goods
Follow recipe right from the board
Natural hardwood, cherry, or maple
Made in Vermont
Preserving engraving requires routine use on backside
On the small side
This personalized cutting board offers a special way to preserve and share a cherished family recipe. You just need to send a scan of any handwritten recipe and it will be laser-etched onto a sturdy and attractive cherrywood board. Alternatively, the recipe to be etched can be typed in a handwriting-style font. The result is both a sentimental keepsake and a practical way to conserve an heirloom recipe, keeping it handy for regular use while the original can be safely stored away, protected from stains and spills.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.75 inches | Material: Cherry or maple | Weight: 1.75 pounds
Best for Cheese
Williams Sonoma Olivewood Round Cheese Boards
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Williams Sonoma
Minimalist design
Made from sustainably sourced hardwood
Can be hung for decor or easy reach
Personalization is limited to two characters
Cutting boards for regular use tend to be rectangular in shape, but round cutting boards have a special charm. What they lack in practicality they make up for in presentation, making them a solid choice for hosting.
“This is a lovely board for serving, charcuterie, or cheese or crudité platters,” says Cayne. “It may not be ideal for routine cutting as the round surface offers less working space than a rectangular one, but it would look nice on your counter or hung on a wall.”
Coming in three sizes, each of these round cutting boards is 0.5 inches thick. The olive wood material is sustainably sourced in Italy. Those looking to personalize their board should note that customization is limited to two characters per board, so it’s best for a monogram or your initials.
Price at time of publish: $100 for 12 x 16
Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches, 15 x 19 inches, 18 x 22 inches | Material: Olive wood
Best Butcher Block
Home Wet Bar Custom Butcher Block
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Amazon
1.5-inch thick
Custom engraving
Well to collect liquids
Heavy
This personalized cutting board is best suited for the maximalists out there. It’s thick, large, and has customization on one side that can’t be missed. The customizations aren’t endless, but you can choose a first or last name and one initial.
“A thick board like this creates a sturdy surface,” Cayne says. “This one is a good option for carving turkey and roasts since it has a well around the edges to catch the juices.”
The dimensions are large, and it’s 1.5 inches thick. It’s sizable, making it a sturdy and long-lasting choice. Made from acacia wood, it’s more durable than other materials used to make cutting boards. If the heavy weight and large size aren’t major cons, this is a solid (literally) choice for any kitchen.
Price at time of publish: $70
Dimensions: 17 x 13 inches | Material: Acacia | Weight: 7.15 pounds
Best Wedding Gift
Dragon Forged Studios Custom Olive Wood Cheese Board
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Courtesy of Etsy
Rustic design
Made from trees that no longer produce fruit
Juice grooves can be added
Lowercase letters only
Some have bark edge, others don't
Widths vary due to natural edge
This rustic-chic board, handmade from a solid piece of olive wood that retains its natural edge, is available in many different sizes and with or without a handle or juice groove. Olive wood has a prominent and lovely grain, is durable and long-lasting, and is a bit more stain-resistant than softer woods.
This board from Dragon Forged Studios can be engraved with the first names of a couple in an elegant, handwriting-style font, making it a charming and heartwarming present for newlyweds. It could be used as a serving board, cheese and charcuterie board, or cutting board, though you shouldn't cut into anything on the engraved side. It can even be displayed as decoration in a new home. This board is hand-wash only and must be wiped down with cutting board oil or mineral oil every one to three months.
Price at time of publish: $69 for 15 x 8-9 inches
Dimensions: 15 x 8-9, 17 x 9, or 19 x 9-10 inches | Material: Olive wood
Runner-Up, Best Wedding Gift
Uncommon Goods Personalized Cutting Board
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Uncommon Goods
Board works for chopping or elegant serving
Handcrafted in in Maryland
Round serving style also available
Tops out at 12 characters
Nooks and crannies around letters present cleaning challenge
The design of this 100 percent hardwood maple board is both hip and retro with a bit of ’70s flare. Up to 12 characters and an optional heart run along the edge of this handcrafted board, making it perfect for newlyweds or family names. It’s endlessly useful and even makes cheerful wall art. To clean, hand wash with mild soap and water, dry, and preserve with food-safe mineral oil, which can be added onto your purchase.
Price at time of publish: $169
Dimensions: 16 x 12.5 x 1.125 inches | Material: Maple
Best for Bakers
28Collective Personalized Pastry Board
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28Collective
Made in the USA
Large surface
Laser engraved measurements and personalization
Pricey
Hand wash only
Handmade in the USA, this solid maple cutting board can handle tough jobs. It doubles as a butcher block and pastry board. Two side rulers run along the edges, which come in handy for cutting lattice strips. The center features four circles with 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch diameters—common pie measurements.
“Maple cutting boards hold up well and have a nice color,” says Cayne. “This one is thick, so it won’t slide around. Plus, the measurement engravings are super helpful for bakers and novices alike.”
The bottom right-hand corner can be personalized with your name or that of a gift recipient above the word “bakery.” Though it’s pricey, reviewers describe it as “well made” and “extremely sturdy.”
Price at time of publish: $105
Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 1.5 inches | Material: North American maple
Best With Feet
Ikonic Personalized End-Grain Maple Butcher Block
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Courtesy of Etsy
End-grain cutting surface is easier on knives
Edge groove to catch juices
Wooden feet deter movement on countertop
Only one side of board is useful
This hefty, 2-inch-thick butcher block is made from end-grain chunks of maple wood. End-grain boards (where the ends of the board are pieced together) can be more expensive than other wood boards because cut marks are not as visible as on other wood boards. The board is also much easier on your knife blade because it’s hitting the vertical wood fibers.
This board features a deep juice-catching groove around the edge and wooden feet to prevent it from sliding around on a work surface. Its price includes a custom engraving on its surface, which could be a monogram, name, or any text message. You can optionally add a personalized message engraved on the back of the board, as well, and choose to add a bottle of food-grade mineral oil to keep the board in top condition.
Price at time of publish: $160
Dimensions: 18 x 16 x 2 inches | Material: Maple
If you want to personalize a cutting board that will be both practical and stylish in the kitchen and will last for years to come, the John Boos End-Grain Rectangular Chopping Block is our top choice. Looking for a wedding gift? We like the Dragon Forged Studios Custom Olive Wood Cheese Board, which can be engraved with the couple's names and makes a beautiful addition to any new home.
What to Look for in a Personalized Cutting Board
Practicality
Although its appeal may be its beauty, a cutting board is one of the most used tools in the kitchen. So when shopping for a personalized cutting board, it's important that it be sturdy and useful. The size should be practical, in both function and storage—a large cutting board that can fit a heartfelt message is a nice gift, but not if there's nowhere to put it in a small city apartment.
Sustainability
Many of us are thinking about the environment before we purchase goods, so it's smart to keep sustainability in mind when buying a gift for someone. Look for a cutting board that is eco-friendly and made with things such as recycled materials, bamboo, and salvaged wood.
Safety
Keeping your cutting board stable while it's on the counter can help protect your hands. "A pro tip I learned while running a cooking school is to place a damp paper towel under your cutting board to prevent it from slipping," Cayne tells us. "This makes the whole experience safer. Just be sure to remove the damp paper towel after and flip the board so it dries—remember that wood and water don’t mix.”
Bear in mind that some products may be for display only, so be sure to read the product description carefully to ensure the cutting board can be used with food before clicking "buy now."
FAQs
Which is better: wood or plastic?
When it comes to appearance, wood wins top billing, but plastic is best when talking food safety. The crevices in wood can harbor bacteria, and since wood is porous, it can cross-contaminate if raw meat is cut on it before vegetables, for example. Therefore, it is best to use separate types of cutting boards to prep raw meats, and then save the wood boards for fruits, vegetables, and bread.
What is the best way to clean an engraved cutting board?
You should read the care instructions before purchasing or cleaning a personalized cutting board as each product will have its own set of cleaning guidelines. Most wooden boards should be washed by hand with warm, soapy water and towel dried, while plastic is often dishwasher safe.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best personalized cutting boards on the market, evaluating their key features—such as design, material, and value—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We took care to consider all the most important factors that go into purchasing a personalized cutting board, including price, durability, care, and appearance. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
This article was written by Danette St. Onge, formerly the Italian Food Expert for The Spruce Eats and a features editor at Cook’s Illustrated magazine. An avid fan of kitchen appliances and utensils, she spends hours combing the Internet, comparing options, reading reviews, and testing to find the best tool for every job.
Lacey Muinos, who updated this piece, has been with Dotdash since 2019. She started writing for Verywell Fit and has since written for Simply Recipes and The Spruce Eats. Her role involves conducting interviews with experts like dermatologists and dietitians, scouring scientific journals for relevant studies, and fact-checking all information in her writing.
We consulted Alison Cayne, founder of Haven’s Kitchen and author of “The Haven's Kitchen Cooking School,” as a source for this article.
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