How to Find the Right Words for Engraving

If you have ever decided to order a personalized engraved gift for someone then you know how hard it can be to find just the right words you are looking for.  An engraved gift immortalizes the thought or name on a special item to be cherished by the recipient for years to come. 

When determining what to get engraved it is important to get your message across, but it is equally important to think of the recipient and the message they would like.  You also want to consider where and how the gift will be used.  Consider the following scenario:

Lighters are frequently used in public.  This means a lot of people will see the engraving.  If you give a Zippo® to your significant other, say a boyfriend, and you write a touching message consider that he may feel a bit uncomfortable pulling it out in front of his guy friends.  He may appreciate the sentiment but may not get the use out of the item that you intended.

You know your recipient’s personality best so the engraving should be something meaningful to them.  Think about their hobbies or interests and use these as your basis for inspiration. Many people want an engraved gift to represent something important to them. For example, engraving the Ace of Spades on a playing card box for a poker player or a song lyric for a music lover.  Make your engraving special to the recipient and, if you feel the need, have something romantic or clever (something distinctly your style) engraved on the reverse as a reminder of the gift giver.

If you are looking for something more traditional to engrave here are the most common inscriptions:

• Date
• Name
• Phrase or Quote
• Poem
• Song Lyrics
• Monogram

Sometimes you just can’t get your message across in words.  Adding an image is a great way to personalize a gift and, as the say, a picture says a thousand words.  There are millions of clipart images available that cover just about any occasion and in conjunction with a few words can make for a very special gift.  If your item has the space, having a photograph engraved will make the gift all the more personal. 

Whatever you decide to engrave just remember to take your time and put some thought into it—it’s permanent.  Think about what would make the recipient the happiest and make them think of you every time the see it.  And, if you are still not sure what to get engraved don’t worry—M&G LaserWorks offers free design assistance.