Tre Product are a Polish design studio who make things of practical, simplistic beauty, and this beech wood chopping board is no exception. Most wooden chopping boards today are made from a composite of pieces, partly for the resultant checkerboard aesthetic but also because the smaller offcuts required are cheaper. The problem is that this makes them more susceptible to breakage, caused by the daily stress of wetting and drying along their joints. A single piece of solid beech like this negates that problem, providing one strong, durable platform devoid of joints, cracks and glue.

In addition, this board from Tre is thermally treated, a three-stage process that steams the wood in the absence of oxygen to make it significantly stronger, more stable, less prone to warping and more biologically resistant to microorganisms and insects. This is all done without chemicals, so it's not only environmentally safe, but food safe for subsequent use in the kitchen. The treatment also makes the wood somewhat darker and lends a lovely caramel smell, for anyone inclined to smell their chopping boards.

A notable spill groove will trap liquids that escape anything you're preparing or serving on it. Small silicon feet have been added, which keep it slightly elevated above wet worktops and stop it from sliding around when in use. It's also worth noting that wooden chopping boards are still the best for use in the kitchen. Tightly packed wood fibres don't dull knives and prevent scoring, as with plastic, something which can leave deep grooves for germs to gather in.

This is quite simply a fantastic piece of kit from a world-renowned design house. It looks fantastic, works great and will last decades. What else could you want from a gift.