When it comes to children’s gifts, we’ve received our fair share of great gifts, and our fair share of what I’m going to call, “not-so-helpful” gifts. Everyone’s intentions are good, of course, but over the last six years, I’ve learned what makes a great kids gift, and what makes a gift really good.
The secret? Personalization.
Anyone can gift your child a new cooking set or lunchbox, but taking it up a notch by adding their name or initials is so thoughtful, and honestly, so helpful to parents. For parents with multiple kids, having certain items personalized can keep everything separated. And if you’re sending items to school or daycare, they are bound to get lost (in fact, my own daughter came home without her lunchbox and water bottle yesterday and she is six!), so having their name on each item is essential.
Whether you’re looking to give a friend or family member something for a registry or newborn, or birthday through the toddler years, here are seven items worth investing in, and getting them personalized can make all the difference.
Cooking essentials gifts for kids
We’ve had an apron and chef’s hat set for three years now and it’s still one of the most loved items my daughter goes back to again and again. Lalo’s Little Chef Set can be personalized with a name or phrase, either printed or embroidered, so your sous chef feels special… and very official.
Lunchboxes for kids
Like I mentioned above, my daughter is six now and still occasionally forgets her lunchbox at school. Having it customized with her name on it gives me peace of mind that it will eventually make its way back home (or at least that’s what I’m telling myself). The labels always peel off and the Sharpie doesn’t last long, so personalizing was the best method for us. Same goes if you’re gifting a lunchbox to a friend’s little one. A parent will thank you if the personalization is already done for them.
Caddies and bins for toddlers
With little ones, there’s never enough storage or organizing bins. Many parents register for caddies to keep everything from their diaper-changing essentials to bath time organized. Take it up a notch by having the little one’s name engraved on the caddy, too. I love Lalo’s The Caddy, because it can serve as bathtime storage, a diaper station, art caddy or toy bin organizer, and it can be personalized. This can be especially helpful if you or a friend are expecting multiples. Everything can stay separated and organized.
A personalized hook-on high chair
Our hook-on high chair wins the award for being one of the most-used products we own. We took ours everywhere! Putting a name on it is a game changer. Lalo’s Hook-On Highchair can be personalized, either printed or embroidered. That way, yours will stand out in a crowded restaurant or hotel. And if you have more than one kid using it, you know whose is whose. Absolutely genius.
Backpacks for kids
Like lunchboxes, backpacks are bound to get lost every now and then. Not to mention, it’s likely multiple kids in a daycare or school will have the same backpack. Personalize a backpack you're gifting to a friend’s child (a great gift for a soon-to-be pre-Ker or kindergartener), or add your child’s name to their current backpack. That way, there’s no question which belongs to each kid.
Labeled Bento boxes
We send bento boxes to school every day around here, and my guess is that other children in my daughter’s school have the same ones as we do. If you’re gifting to a friend or restocking for your own child, choose a colorful bento box that you can personalize. Lalo’s Bento Box can be engraved, which is a great option so there’s no second step of buying a label (or writing on it in permanent marker).
Onesies or blankets
There is honestly nothing cuter than a little one in a monogrammed blanket or onesie. Am I right? Especially if you know the baby’s name, it can be super thoughtful to embroider their initials or name on a piece of clothing. If your friend’s registry includes clothing, stock up, and then take it to your local shop for monogramming. Bonus points if the thread color matches their nursery colors!
Not only is personalization practical for just about all kids’ items, it looks adorable, too. If you’re unsure of what to gift your own child or a friend, these ideas can be a great place to start.
FAQS:
1. What are the best personalized baby gifts for new parents?
The best personalized baby gifts are both meaningful and practical. Items like engraved bento boxes, monogrammed onesies, personalized lunchboxes, and custom storage caddies help parents stay organized while adding a thoughtful touch that makes the gift feel unique. Lalo has niced options for personalized gifts.
2. Why are personalized gifts a good idea for babies and young kids?
Personalized gifts for babies and kids are not only special but incredibly useful. Adding a child’s name or initials helps prevent lost items at daycare, school, or while traveling, making them a favorite among parents who value both function and sentiment.
3. When should I give personalized gifts?
Personalized gifts are perfect for nearly any occasion, including baby showers, first birthdays, holidays, and back-to-school milestones. They’re especially meaningful during moments of transition—like starting daycare or kindergarten—when labeled items can make a big difference.
4. How do you personalize kids’ gifts for birthdays or holidays?
You can personalize kids’ gifts by adding their name, initials, or even a short phrase through embroidery, engraving, or custom labels. Companies like Lalo even have the option to personalize items when you order directly from them, so it’s a one stop gift shop.
5. Will personalizing my child’s items help me stay organized?
Yes! Adding a name or initials to everyday essentials like lunchboxes, backpacks, water bottles, and clothing helps prevent mix-ups at school or daycare and makes it easier to keep track of belongings. If you have multiple kids (or twins or triplets), personalized items can also help keep everything clearly separated, saving time and your sanity.
