3 Gifts You Can Customize with Engraving
- Arielle Frank
- Nov 25
- 5 min read
Why Personalized Engraved Gifts Make the Holidays More Meaningful
Getting a gift doesn't have to be stressful! As I see it, there are two main categories of presents: something the person uses often and is functional, or something they would never buy for themselves, but you know they would admire and appreciate.
The thing I love about engraving? It can transform something practical into something personal, making it a gift to be treasured, not forgotten.
I see this trend of personalizing everyday items and making experiential gifts growing along with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence. In a world where we need to pause and ask ourselves "is that real?" after watching a video or "was that made by a human?" when seeing a piece of art online, the real flex moving forward will be sourcing humans to create artwork with meaning.
If you just began learning how to engrave, these projects can inspire you to create new pieces perfect for holiday practice. On the other hand, if you came here for gift ideas to get for another, I offer in-studio engraving and can make any of your custom gift ideas come to life.
Gift Idea #1: Custom Engraved Fragrance Bottle - From Everyday Item to Treasured Keepsake
Why fragrance bottles make beautiful engraved gifts
I often work events where I am customizing fragrance bottles on-site for different retailers. There is often the question of what to purchase for someone if they do not know their go-to fragrance or preferred scents.
So, before you go out of your way to purchase an elegant, luxurious fragrance for your person I'll tell you this: do your research. Peak in their cabinets and see which fragrances are low. Pay attention to the aromas that tend to cling to your partner. Is it sweet or smoky? Clean and crisp or rich and woodsy? If you are having trouble describing the scent, head to your local Nordstrom or Dillard's and ask the sales associates to brief you on the various categories so you can start to name what you smell. This way, even if you cannot get their exact fragrance, you can introduce them to something they will want to wear!
Putting in the effort of discovering their favorites and preferences is already a thoughtful gift.... so imagine how they will feel when they unpack this new scent AND reveal that their name, nickname, or a special message is hand-engraved on it! BOOM - you just became the best gift giver ever. You're welcome ;)
What to engrave
Here's a list of ideas for what you can have customized on the fragrance bottle:
Happy Holidays 2025
the recipient's name
the nickname you call your person
a meaningful date (anniversary, or the day of the holiday)
For Past Students: tips on engraving a fragrance bottle
Try starting with a bottle that has a flat surface
If you need to engrave on a rounded surface, design and draft first!
Remember that matted surfaces cannot have Rub N Buff on them - they will not wipe away
Start with a 2mm burr to create clean lines; don't worry about adding thickness on the downstroke. First, focus on your shapes and lines
Choose a short phrase to start. Practice it and draft it before you begin engraving.
Looking to order a special gift? I offer custom fragrance engraving in my Atlanta studio.
Gift Idea #2: Whiskey or Wine Bottle & Custom Engraved Glass - A Coordinated Gift Set
Why this is the perfect gift set
No more excuses, saying you don't know what a proper gift for him is!
This gift is perfect for partners, dads, hosts, collectors, and holiday party gifting. Another example of getting something that you know they will actively use (or drink) and transforming it into something that will become a staple on their shelf. Take it to the next level by combining this etched whiskey bottle with a glass with their initials on it. Which takes me to the next section...
What to engrave
On the bottle:
A short holiday message
Their favorite quote or passage
"Cheers to 2025"
a milestone celebration with the date
On the glass:
their initials
a monogram
a small symbol (stars, hearts, a cross, etc)
For Past Students: an intermediate challenge
The real trick with engraving on bottles is figuring out the spacing of your message. I personally love working with Distillery of Modern Art, engraving their bottles, which have a large rectangular space on the back of the bottle, perfect for customizations.
More often, you will be faced with a bottle where you need to be intentional about working around the labels and stickers.
To stabilize the bottle, use a small pillow.
Plan the layout first. I like using InkMeThis washi tape for longer passages. You can write the phrase flat on the table and then transfer it to the bottle to be engraved.
Keep your pressure consistent.
Lastly DO NOT ENGRAVE PRESSURIZED BOTTLES.
No champagne, sparkling wine, or sparkling cider.
The vibrations from the engraving machine can cause the bottle to burst!!!
BE SAFE! If you want to customize a champagne bottle use a paint marker or glass paint.
If you love the idea of a gift set but don’t want to DIY, I can engrave both the bottle and the glass in-studio.
Gift Idea #3: Engraved Candle or Diffuser - The Perfect Housewarming or Host Gift
Why engraved candles are trending
Whereas fragrances are a personal scent that you may not know, candles aren't so diffuculy to choose from! They are aesthetic, functional, and universally loved.
Candles - especially very nice ones from brands like Jo Malone or Byredo - are an excellet gift that can be purchased last minute, but also come across as sentimental.
These work wonderfully as a holiday gift for hosts, neighbors, new homeowners, or even coworkers.
What to engrave
Warm Wishes
Happy Holidays 2025
A family name for a housewarming gift "The Smiths"
A short affirmation, "home sweet home"
For Past Students: flat, smooth surface = great for practice!
Candles are an excellent surface to practice your new engraving skills.
The tips here are similar to engraving on a fragrance:
focus on creating beautiful lettering with a monoline before trying to add weight on the downstroke
avoid frosted surfaces as they will not fill with rub n buff - and are a harder surface to create smooth line work
use a piece of washi tape for your baseline to create straight writing
If you're thinking about gifting a custom engraved candle for the holidays, make sure you send your request in to make your appointment.
How to Book an In-Studio Engraving Session
Head to this page on my website to get started.
You will need to include:
your contact information
the item to be engraved and how many
what you'd like the message to read
the deadline you need the engraving completed by
Once I receive the item to be engraved, I can turnaround your request within 7 days based on availbilty and the quantity of the engravings.
All pricing information can be found on the Studio Engraving page linked here.
Whether You DIY or Place an Order, Engraving Makes Your Gift Unforgettable
No matter which gift idea you choose, adding engraving is that special touch that is sure to elevate your gift and make it memorable. A message, a date, or even a tiny illustration... that is what will make your loved one hold onto this gift long after the holiday season passes.
To my past students, I hope these ideas get your mind running with ideas of what you can engrave on next! Don't forget to send me photos of what you're working on so I can cheer you on :)
And if you're reading this and want to order a custom gift for your loved one, simply fill out the form linked through the button below to get started!
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