The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
Christmas 2014: 10 best personalised gifts
Make Christmas extra-special with a bespoke offering. From chocs to chopping boards, here are a list of goodies to put a personalised stamp on
Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts
Sign up for our free IndyBest email
Receiving a well thought out present is always nice, but getting something made specially for you is even better.
If you don’t have the guts/ability to go get the sewing machine out or start making chutney, make someone’s day with a personalised present from the high street instead.
1. Personalised Hairbrush, £24, gltc.co.uk
The soft bristles and small-hand size of this brush make it an ideal gift for children; choose between the owl and fairy designs and add their name or nickname (up to 9 characters).
2. Harry Rocks Initial Disc Necklace, £60, harryrocks.com
Harry Rocks’ engraved necklaces are a simple but stylish choice for personalised jewellery. Choose the length and metal of your chain, disc size and finish and colour of engraving for full customisation. Add a date on the back or extra more discs for a few extra bucks.
3. Oakdene Designs Personalised Metal Street Sign, £17.50, notonthehighstreet.com
Put your own stamp on your walls with a bespoke aluminium street sign, whether it’s with a family name, Abbey Road for a music buff or Albert Square for an EastEnders fan. Screw to the wall or hang with nails or string from the small holes in the corner.
4. Emma Bridgewater Personalised Blue Wallpaper Mug, From £20, emmabridgewater.co.uk
Pick up a mug from the popular homeware designer and have any name or phrase hand-painted on it for an extra £1 a letter. We like this one in Blue Wallpaper, but there are seven patterns to choose from. You can also get them in pints for the serious tea drinker or in for miniature for a babyccino.
5. Green & Blacks Personalised Chocolate Bars, £5, greenandblacksdirect.com
Finally, chocolate that literally has your name on it. Choose from a range of bars, from the classic 70 per cent dark to sea salt, customise the title and flavour description and add your message on the back.
More for her: 14 best jewellery and watches
23 best perfumes
10 best beauty gifts
17 best womenswear gifts
6. Anna Walker Black Leather Shopper, £160, annawalkerlondon.com
London-based designer Anna Walker knows personalisation doesn’t need to be in-your-face. This minimalist, raw-edged tote in Italian leather is elevated from cool handbag to meaningful pressie by its super-subtle gold monogramming. Order by 14 Dec.
7. Lost My Name Book, £18.99, lostmy.name
This customisable story book is a gift any child will treasure into adulthood. Enter your little one’s name and gender and receive a beautifully-illustrated book that tells the tale of a child who has lost their name and goes on an adventure to find the letters.
8. The Rustic Dish Personalised Wooden Chopping Board, £25, notonthehighstreet.com
A great gift for the cook in the family, order this rustic-style olive tree and get your message engraved in two lines, top and bottom. Suggestions for chopping board banter: “you’re a cut above the rest”, “the big cheese”, “I’m so glad I me(a)t you”. Sorry.
9. Johnstons of Elgin Monogrammed Scarf, From £25, in Selfridges store only
Pick up a little bit of luxury with a lambswool, merino or cashmere scarf from the Scottish yarn specialists and get it monogrammed while you wait for £5 a letter. If you don’t fancy a scarf, there are also beanies, ponchos and gloves on offer.
10. A5 Recycled Leather 2015 Diary, £35, undercoveruk.com
Get 2015 off to a bright start with a colourful bespoke diary. Choose from 33 shades and add your own text and designs. The A5 size is small enough to fit in your handbag, while the week-to-view layout gives you plenty of room to record the details of your social life.
Verdict:
If it’s value for money and something a little quirky you’re looking for, the personalised street sign from Not on the High Street is a great choice, or, for something more luxe for someone really special, opt for an engraved necklace from Harry Rocks.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.