The message is often what people remember. It also has to fit on the item — and it will be there for good.
Keep it short
Engraved and embroidered items have limited space, and long text is set smaller. As a rule of thumb, a name plus a short line reads better than a paragraph. Many sellers state a character limit — check it before you write.
Be specific
“Love you” is lovely; “To the best walking partner — Love, Ellie” is personal. Ideas that work well:
- A nickname or family saying
- A date in a simple format (12.06.2021 or 12 June 2021 — pick one style and stick to it)
- A place: “Where it all began — Whitby”
- A short line from both of you: “From Sam & the boys”
Think about who will see it
A desk sign or a doormat is on show to visitors; a message inside a watch box or on the back of a frame is private.
Avoid copyrighted text
Song lyrics and poems are usually protected by copyright, and some sellers won’t print them. Your own words are safer — and more personal.
Write it out before you order
- Type the exact wording, including capitals, punctuation and line breaks.
- Read it aloud, then read it backwards word by word to spot typos.
- Ask someone else to check names and dates.
- Paste it into the seller’s personalisation box rather than retyping it.
Try your wording on our illustrations — every idea page has a “Try a name” preview — then check the seller’s own proof. Our guide to checking spellings and proofs has a full checklist.
To / From
On tags and cards, “To” and “From” lines are a lovely place for nicknames. On the gift itself, think about whether the recipient will want your name on it in ten years’ time.
Last updated 4 October 2026. General guidance only — each seller’s own instructions and terms come first.