There is a particular kind of gift that gets opened, praised warmly, and then never seen again. Usually it is something decorative bought by someone who was not sure what else to get.
The way to avoid it is to buy something she would use anyway, and then make it hers. That is really all personalisation is for.
Things she will use this week
Mugs
An obvious choice, which is exactly why it works - a personalised mug becomes the one she picks out of the cupboard every morning. Ours are 11oz, which is a proper size rather than the small ones that need refilling twice. Worth checking the care details on the specific design, as some finishes are hand wash only.
Glassware
A personalised wine glass with her name engraved on it is the single most reliable gift in this guide. Gin glasses and champagne flutes do the same job for different drinks, and a pair of flutes with two names works well for a couple.
Water bottles and travel cups
Less romantic, more used. Our insulated bottles and travel cups are the practical end of the range, and engraving solves the problem of identical bottles at the gym.
Things that hold something else
- Jewellery and trinket boxes - particularly good if you are also giving jewellery, as the box becomes part of the presentation.
- Photo frames - the reliable emotional choice. A frame engraved with a date and a photo already in it is a far better gift than an empty frame.
- Glass vases - one engraved vase and a bunch of flowers is a complete gift on its own.
Buying for a mum or grandmother
This is where engraved messages earn their place. Something specific to your family - a nickname, a date, the name the grandchildren use - will outperform anything generic. Frames and mugs are the two categories where this lands hardest.
Buying when you do not know her well
Office Secret Santa, a partner's family, a new friend. Stay away from anything that implies you know her taste in decor, and stay in the safe zone: a glass, a mug, or something from the under £10 range with a first name on it rather than a message.
Getting the personalisation right
- Spelling. Engraving is permanent. Read the name back once before you pay.
- Character limits. Most items cap names at around 15 characters and messages at around 20 per line.
- Length of message. Short beats clever. A name and a date almost always looks better than a full sentence squeezed onto a curved surface.
Ordering in time
Everything is made to order once your details arrive, so late October to the end of November is the calm window. Browse the full personalised Christmas collection to start.