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14 best personalised gifts for kids

Complete their Christmas stocking with one of these unique presents

Wednesday 09 December 2015 18:52 GMT

If you’ve got a child to buy for this Christmas and want to show you’ve put thought and effort into making their gift unique to them, then look no further than our suggestions for the best personalised gifts for kids.

Whether it’s something for their very first Christmas or for a teenager who seems impossible to buy for – and everything in between – we’ve got it sussed. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the last Christmas order dates though, as most of these presents take longer to arrive than standard gifts.

Rock and Ruddle Personalised Hairbrush: From £25, Not On The High Street

Rock & Ruddle, which now sells hairbrushes worldwide, was created by two women who developed their love of haircare when working at beauty giant L’Oréal together. Kids love them, not only because of the funky designs and the option to have their name printed across them, but because they detangle unruly hair without pulling it. Pick from baby bristles that are suitable from birth or natural bristles for toddlers and older children. The bristles also release natural serum from the scalp, which helps keep hair healthy and glossy. Last order date for Christmas is 19 December. Available in sizes small and large.

The Oak & Rope Company Personalised Swing: From £95, John Lewis

If you know of any family with a low-ish hanging tree in their garden and a love of hand-crafted items, then this charming wooden swing made from solid oak and manila rope will be just up their street. Built at a traditional workshop in Kent, there’s a small monkey-style one available with the words “Up and Away” hand-engraved on one side, leaving the other for wording of your choice, or three bigger versions with even more room for personalisation. Last order date for Christmas is 5 December.

Mitre Personalised Football: £29.99, Getting Personal

Personalised presents are often made as keepsakes to sit on a shelf, whereas this one has been made to be properly used and played with. Young football fans will love seeing their name, team name or shirt number on the ball, which they can then enjoy kicking around the garden or park time and time again. Available in sizes three, four or five and in blue, red or green. Last order date for Christmas is 15 December.

Getting Personal Haribo Personalised Sweet Jar: £9.99, Getting Personal

Rare is the child who doesn’t like sweets, making this personalised jar of classic Haribos a sure way to give them a smile on Christmas morning. The round plastic jar has a festive label, complete with snowflakes and, of course, their name, and they can fill it up again once they’ve eaten them. A particularly good stocking filler, although they don’t fill the sweets quite up to the top. Last order date for Christmas is 21 December.

JoJo Mamam Bbe Rag Doll: £16, JoJo Mamam Bebe

This company, which specialises in high-end baby gear, has recently started offering a personalisation service on some of its products, including bibs, dressing gowns, comforters and – our favourite – ragdolls, where your chosen name is embroidered onto the skirt. There are two to pick from (dark haired and blonde), both of which are delightfully traditional, well-made and soft. Last order date for Christmas is 16 December.

Simply Colors Personalised Dinosaur T-Shirt: £18, Not On The High Street

By turning a child’s name into a dinosaur name, this company has nailed it when it comes to ensuring kids think its new t-shirt is the best thing ever. You can even add their year of birth for a thoughtful extra touch. From Matthewsaurus to Poppy-Rex, the name and dinosaur combinations are infinite, and there are oodles of colours and sizes to pick from too, while the cotton is lovely and soft. It also comes in a gift-worthy box. Last order date for Christmas is 20 December.

Gift Republic Name A Star Gift Box: £20, John Lewis

If you want something personalised that doesn’t just involve attaching a child’s name or photo to something, this is a lovely alternative. Enabling them to name a star, each registration appears in the official Gift Republic Register, which will honour your star name for eternity. The set has a registration form, certificate, plenty of information about stars and their history, plus a constellations poster. Last order date for Christmas is 23 December.

Mothercare My First Christmas Fleece Blanket: £13, Mothercare

A child’s first Christmas is usually rather more exciting for the parents, but it’s still an event that is nice to mark with a keepsake of some sort. With this one, it’s practical too, with babies sure to love the softness of the fleece blanket, which you can embroider with a name of up to 12 characters. Mothercare told IndyBest this product's last order date for Christmas will be announced after Black Friday (24 November).

My First Years Star Print Storage Bag: £40, John Lewis

Another one for tiny tots, this beautifully made storage bag can be used for anything from nappies to toys. The contrasting design of stars and stripes will suit most bedroom styles and it won’t cost you any extra to have their name embroidered on the front. With a width of 60cm and depth of 17cm, it’s a decent size that will fit a bundle of baby blankets or a handful of toys, and you can also include a personalised card. Last order date for Christmas is 18 December.

Ravensburger Personalised Jigsaw: From £15, Photobox

Most kids love a jigsaw, particularly on days when it’s too cold or wet to go outside, and what better picture to work with than one of your own family or pet? There are several sizes to choose from, starting with 49 pieces, going right up to 500, making this a gift suitable for all ages. And the manufacturer is Europe’s best-known jigsaw specialist, so you know it will last well too. Last order date for Christmas is 17 December.

My First Years Blue Ride-on Car: £120, My First Years

This is one of many gorgeous, retro-themed, ride-on vehicles from My First Years – a brand selling classy baby gifts. Built to last, using durable metals and plastics, this vehicle also boasts delightful tones that will please adults and kids alike. You can personalise it with a name of up to nine characters, which will be printed in bold on the side. It’s suitable for children aged one and over, but be warned you’ll have to assemble it yourself. Last order date for Christmas is 18 December.

Getting Personal Personalised Charcoal Canvas Holdall: £24.99, Getting Personal

Our top pick for teenagers, this sturdy bag with detachable shoulder strap, padded base and internal pocket is ideal for use as a sports bag or for school trips – and with initials appearing on the side, it’s practically impossible for them to lose it. With a 45-litre capacity, it’s got plenty of room for all the essentials, and more. Last order date for Christmas is 21 December.

Hurley Burley Sterling Silver Ball Slider Bracelet: £37, Not On The High Street

Teenage girls can be impossible to buy for, but this sterling silver bracelet with silver heart or disc charm makes for a memorable present that is bound to win her over. You can personalise the heart or disc with up to 25 characters spread over three lines, whether that’s with a name, date or symbols. And there’s plenty more products to personalise by this brand, which was set up nine years ago and specialises in personalised jewellery and leather accessories. Last order date for Christmas is 22 December.

Argos Light Up Message Board: £14.99, Argos

Unlike all the other gifts in this round-up, this isn’t something you have to get specifically personalised, yet it can be (in cinema-hoarding style) using the letter tiles provided. A great gift for younger or older kids, they can display it in their room, changing the wording whenever they want. Last order date for Christmas is 24th December.

The Verdict: Personalised gifts for kids

We are yet to meet a youngster who doesn’t love the Rock and Ruddle Personalised Hairbrush. For boys and girls alike, they transform hair brushing into a quick affair that doesn’t hurt, even when you have to get knots out. There’s plenty of designs to pick from, plus you can get their name put on it. The Oak & Rope Company Personalised Swing is one to seriously consider too, making a gorgeous addition to any garden. After something that is personalised in some other way than printing their name on it? The Name A Star Gift Box is a winner for all ages – and parents will love the concept too.