A personalised present says you thought about one particular person. It is also the kind of gift big retailers find hardest to do well, which is why so many people look to small businesses for it. Engraving, hand lettering, embroidery and hand painting are all things independent makers do every day, one order at a time.
This guide covers the best personalised gifts from UK makers, and how to order them so they arrive right and on time.
Engraved and hand-burnt wood
Chopping boards, keyrings, signs and spoons with a name, a date or a message. Wood takes engraving beautifully and lasts for years, which makes it a favourite for weddings, anniversaries and new homes.
Jewellery and keepsakes
Bracelets with coordinates or initials, birth prints and frames. Small enough to post easily, and the kind of thing that gets kept.
Cards and Christmas
A personalised card or bauble is a lovely way to add a name without spending much.
How to order a personalised gift
Personalisation is made after you order, by the same person who will pack it. A few habits make sure it comes out right:
- Type names and dates exactly as you want them, and check the spelling twice. Capital letters and spaces count.
- Read the maker’s instructions on the listing. Some limit the number of characters or ask for the details in a particular box.
- Ask for a proof if you are unsure about layout or font. Many makers will send a photo or a mock-up first.
- Check the dispatch time. Personalised pieces take longer than ready-made ones, often a week or more.
- Message the maker if you need a different colour, wording or deadline. It is their shop, and most are happy to help.
Returns and personalised items
Personalised and made-to-order items are usually excluded from the 14-day right to cancel an online order, because they cannot be resold. That is why it pays to check the details before you order. If the item arrives faulty, or not as you asked, you are still entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. On Crafter’s Market, our Buyer Protection also refunds you in full if an order does not arrive.
Why buy personalised from an independent maker?
Large gift sites often send personalised orders to a production partner. When you order from an independent maker, the person who reads your order is the person who makes it. You can ask questions, request changes and be sure it was made with care. Every maker on Crafter’s Market is based in the UK, and our guide to where to buy handmade gifts online compares the main sites if you want to look around.
Ideas by occasion
- Weddings and anniversaries: an engraved board or sign with the couple’s names and date.
- New baby: a birth print with the date, weight and time, or a name garland for the nursery.
- New home: a door sign or a chopping board with the new address.
- Birthdays: a personalised card and a small keepsake with their initial.
- Christmas: a bauble with their name, or a first Christmas decoration for a new baby or a couple.
- Pets: a bauble or keyring with their pet’s name, which makes owners very happy.
How long do personalised gifts take?
It depends on the maker and the piece. Check the dispatch time on the listing, which includes making time. A week or more is common, longer in December, so order early.
Can I return a personalised gift?
Not usually for a change of mind, because personalised items are normally excluded from the 14-day cancellation right. If it is faulty or not what you asked for, you are entitled to a remedy.
Can I see what it will look like before it is made?
Many makers will send a proof or a mock-up if you ask. Message them from the listing before you order.
Where can I buy personalised handmade gifts in the UK?
From independent makers on handmade marketplaces such as Crafter’s Market UK, where every maker is UK-based and you can message them before you buy.