The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find So Good I Wish I Had Bought More

When I was given my set of professional knives around 20 years ago, I had been complaining to my mom, a former restaurant owner, that I’d finally had it with whatever massacre situation I was projecting onto my perfectly ripe summer tomatoes. I had been cooking more seriously at home for a while, and, as a member of the “gift-giving is my love language club”, she was happy to buy them for me. 

The guy at the store talked us through all the specs and care instructions, but one of the things that stuck with me most wasn’t about the knives themselves. It was a warning not to use them on plastic cutting boards. “You’ll ruin these,” he said matter-of-factly. 

That advice stuck, and from then on, I only used wood, pressed paper, and occasionally bamboo, treating my cutting boards like an extension of my knives. I shelled out $40-plus every time one wore out or cracked, assuming that quality came with a hefty price tag. 

So when I spotted bamboo cutting boards at Dollar Tree for just $1.25, I was skeptical—it felt too good to be true. In hindsight, I should’ve grabbed three.

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Bamboo Cutting Board

I love its compact size. At 6.5 by 10 inches, it’s big enough for daily tasks like slicing strawberries, chopping herbs, or cutting up cheese for lunch boxes, but small enough to tuck away in a cabinet. As a bonus, the material’s natural grain and color variations make it aesthetically pleasing enough to keep out on the counter. It’s also lightweight, so I can easily transport it to picnics or our annual cottage rental.  

The bamboo material is also a huge selling point. It’s the fastest-growing plant on Earth, making it a rapidly renewable resource and a sustainable purchasing choice. It’s durable but not super hard, so it doesn’t dull my blades the way plastic (or glass—yikes) can. 

It’s also comparatively more resistant to deep grooves, which means there are fewer nooks for bacteria to hide. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial, easy to clean, and requires minimal upkeep. I just have to wash it with warm, soapy water, dry it well, and occasionally rub in a little food-safe mineral oil when it starts to look thirsty.

Having more than one cutting board is also a good practice, and the $1.25 price tag makes it a great option. For food safety and flavor transfer issues, I use different boards for items like meat, alliums (such as onions and garlic), fruit, and fresh berries.

Even though it’s technically a cutting board, it can also make a charming little serving board for snacks, such as charcuterie, cheese, fruit, and crackers. It also works beautifully as a casual base for small desserts. It’s decidedly quite versatile. 

It’s easy to use, easy to love, and easy on my wallet. If I’m being honest, there are plenty of kitchen items I regret buying, but Dollar Tree’s bamboo cutting board isn’t one of them. 

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}