Engraved Gifts
10 Things to Consider When Buying Engraved Gifts
1. Get the engraving right
This is the most important thing to remember when buying an engraved gift! Triple check what you put for the engraving to make sure it is right.
You do not want to spot a typo, or realize you put down the wrong date when you get the item back.
Engraved gifts typically cannot be returned, so you do not want to be stuck with a gift that you can’t give to someone!
2. Check how long your message can be
Before you start planning the perfect message, make sure it will fit! Depending on the item you are engraving, there is likely some limit to how many characters you can fit.
Have that number in mind before you start planning so you don’t end up disappointed when the message you select won’t fit.
3. Budget enough time
The engraving process has sped up a lot over the years, but it still takes time! Make sure you don’t order a gift too close to someone’s bday or special event.
Waiting too long may mean you don’t get the present in time, or that you will have to pay a lot more to submit your gift as a rush order. Plan ahead so you don’t have to stress later!
4. Consider engraving an item they already have
While this won’t work for any item, it can work for some! Did you previously give your spouse a gift that they love? Why not make it even more special by having it engraved!
We don’t recommend doing this with family heirlooms, but it is great for a more recent purchase that you want to turn into something more special!
5. Use your handwriting
Typically when you get something engraved you get to pick the font you want - but in some cases you can actually write the message out in your handwriting and have that engraved instead!
This takes the gift to a totally new level and is a wonderful idea and something that they will really treasure forever. This is also a great way to get your kids involved if you are shopping for a gift say for Mother’s Day.
Why not have your child write out their name and have that engraved for mom? She will love having the gift be so unique, and she’ll have the memory of her child at that age specifically!
They grow up so fast, but this is a great way to remember them in the moment as a child.
6. Think outside the norm
Most people think to either get a name, initials, or date engraved. There is nothing wrong with that, but consider doing something different!
For example, why not look up the coordinates of the exact location (or at least the coordinates of the city) where you first met, or where you got married?
This makes for a really unique engraving opportunity, and comes with a really cool story as well!
7. Go for the ‘his and hers’ theme
A great engraved gift idea is to get a set of something for a special couple! This makes for a great wedding or anniversary gift.
Why not get a nice wine glass set and have their names or anniversary engraved on it? Or go for the standard ‘his and hers.’
Either way, this will be a really special gift that the happy couple will enjoy for years to come.
8. Incorporate humor
You don’t have to be too serious when it comes to engraving a gift, especially if you’re getting it for someone with a great sense of humor!
If possible, consider getting an item that can be engraved on two sides. One side can have something more traditional like a name or date, but save the other side for something more fun!
Do you have an inside joke with the person? Why not get that engraved? This makes for a truly special item that will always remind them of you and put a smile on their face - and what could be better than that?
9. Don’t count men out
There are a lot of options for men too! Cufflinks are a great item to consider getting engraved, or consider engraving a set of tools, his work bench, or a beer mug, just to name a few ideas!
Even just putting his initials will make a big difference without being too ‘over the top.’
10. Turn a practical gift into something special
Finally, if you are shopping for say a graduation gift and want to get the recent graduate something practical, consider having it engraved to make it more special!
A nice pen set is a really great, and having it engraved turns it into something really unique and will be something the graduate will use forever!
