Think about the gifts you've held onto the longest. They probably weren't the most expensive or the ones in the biggest box. They're the ones you'd grab first if the house was on fire.
Chances are, at least one of them was a personalised gift, with a name, a date or a set of initials only you and one other person understand.
There's a reason for that. Personalised gifts can only belong to one person, and whoever opens one knows it. Before it's even on, it tells them I thought about you, specifically. A gift card can't do that, and a candle definitely can't.
The good news is that you don't need a big budget or weeks of planning to get it right. You just need to know what to put on it and who it's for, and that's what this guide is here to help with.
Why Personalised Jewellery Makes the Best Gift
Most gifts get used up, worn out or forgotten. Personalised jewellery goes the other way, because it gets more meaningful the longer it's worn. A name necklace bought for a 21st is still around at 40, and an engraved locket gets handed down.
It's also one of the easiest ways to make a gift feel thoughtful without overthinking it. The piece does the sentimental heavy lifting for you, and all you have to do is choose the words.
Types of Personalised Jewellery
Personalised jewellery comes in more forms than most people realise. Here's a quick rundown before we get into who should get what.
Name Necklaces
A personalised name necklace spells out a name in the font of your choice. Flowing script feels soft and romantic, while block lettering is more modern and clean. Either way, it's a "wear every day, never take off" kind of piece.
Personalised 9ct Yellow Gold Name Pendant with Birthstone on 40cm Chain
$599.00
Crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold, this personalised name necklace features a flowing cursive script design, making it a meaningful and stylish piece for everyday wear. Customise your necklace with a birthstone of your choice, allowing you to connect your birth… read more
Birthstone Jewellery
Every month has its own gemstone, so birthstone jewellery is a quieter, more personal way of saying "this is about you". Some pieces combine both, like a name pendant finished with a birthstone.
9ct White Gold 0.25ct Natural White Opal and Diamond Stud Earrings
$699.00
$1,499.00
Flaunt your ethereal beauty in these sumptuous Opal and Diamond Stud Earrings. Crafted from luxurious 9ct white gold and featuring radiant opals bordered by breathtaking diamonds, these earrings are sure to make you feel like the regal queen you are!… read more
Engravable Jewellery
Engravable Jewellery is the blank canvas option. Hearts, discs, bars and tags give you space for a name, a date, a short message or a set of coordinates, so you can make it as sentimental (or as inside-joke) as you like.
Engravable Heart Pendant on 48cm Belcher Chain in Gold Plated Sterling Silver
$1,299.00
Crafted in Gold Plated Sterling Silver, this engravable heart pendant features a smooth, polished surface designed for personalisation. Suspended from a 48cm belcher chain, the classic heart shape offers the perfect canvas for a meaningful name, date or message. A… read more
Initial Jewellery
If you'd like something more subtle, initial jewellery keeps it personal without spelling everything out. It's great for layering, and a nice option for anyone who prefers a more understated style.
9ct Yellow Gold Initial A Zirconia Pendant
$149.00
$399.00
This 9ct Yellow Gold Initial A Zirconia Pendant is a must-have in your collection if your name starts with A. Wear this pendant with a gold chain and let everyone know your name’s initial. Simply choose a chain from the… read more
Lockets
Lockets give you two ways to personalise, with an engraving on the outside and a tiny photo inside. They're also having a moment, as more people lean into sentimental, vintage-inspired pieces.
9ct Yellow Gold 'Love You Always' Heart Locket
$399.50
$799.00
This 'Love you always' heart locket is the perfect sentimental gift. Crafted in 9ct two toned. Flower design on the front and 'Love You Always' on back.… read more
What to Engrave on a Necklace or Bracelet
Choosing the words is where most people get stuck. Here are a few ideas that always work:
- A date that matters: when you met, your wedding day, the day a little one arrived
- Coordinates of a meaningful place, like your first home or where you got engaged
- A nickname nobody else is allowed to use
- A short phrase you always say to each other
- Initials, for something subtle
- A child's or grandchild's name, for the person who loves them most
A good rule of thumb: if it makes you smile when you write it down, it'll make them smile when they read it. Shorter engravings also tend to look cleaner, especially on smaller pendants.
Personalised Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List
Personalised Gifts for Mum and Nan
A family birthstone necklace is one of the most meaningful personalised gifts for mum or a grandmother. Each heart or stone stands for one of her people, so she gets to carry the whole family with her every day. And if the family grows? That's a pretty good excuse for another gift later.
Personalised Engravable Heart with Birthstones Necklace on 454cm Chain in Sterling Silver
$149.00
A heartfelt piece, this sterling silver heart necklace is set with birthstones and sits on a 45cm chain. Engrave the Personalised Heart Necklace with a name or date to celebrate someone you love. The bright birthstone colour makes it easy… read more
Personalised Gifts for New Parents
The first few months with a new baby are a blur, so they're worth marking with something lasting. A girl or boy charm necklace engraved with the baby's name or birth date will be around a lot longer than another muslin wrap (sorry, muslin wraps).
Engravable Baby Bangle in Sterling Silver
$399.00
Crafted in Sterling Silver, this delicate baby bangle features a smooth surface designed for engraving. Its classic and gentle design makes it a meaningful keepsake, perfect for celebrating births, christenings or special milestones. A timeless piece to treasure forever. Highlights•… read more
Personalised Gifts for Her
Skip the generic and go for something only the two of you understand. That could be an engraved heart with your anniversary date, a disc with the coordinates of your first date spot, or a name necklace in a font that feels like her. It'll look like you planned it for months, even if you didn't.
Engravable Dotted Edge Tag Pendant in 9ct Yellow Gold
$399.00
Crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold, this pendant features a distinctive tag design framed by a delicate dotted edge, creating a refined look with added character. The polished centre is ideal for personalisation, offering space for initials, a meaningful date, or… read more
Personalised Gifts for Your Best Friend
Some friendships deserve more than a birthday text. An engraved heart necklace with their initial, the year you met or a phrase only the two of you get is a sweet reminder that someone's always in their corner. It's a little bit sentimental, and that's exactly the point.
Engravable Heart Pendant in Gold Plated Sterling Silver
$149.00
Crafted in Gold Plated Sterling Silver, this classic heart pendant features a smooth, high-polish finish ideal for engraving. Simple and timeless, it’s perfect for personalising with initials, a date or a short message. A meaningful everyday piece. Highlights• Engravable heart… read more
Personalised Gifts for Him
Personalised jewellery isn't just for her. A dog tag pendant or flat curb ID bracelet engraved with initials, a date or a short message is a gift guys actually wear. It's personal without being fussy, which for most blokes is the sweet spot.
Engravable Single Dog Tag Pendant in 9ct Yellow Gold
$599.00
Crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold, this pendant features a classic dog tag design with a smooth polished finish, perfect for personalising with a meaningful engraving. The clean rectangular silhouette offers a modern and timeless look, while the polished surface provides… read more
Engravable ID Oxidised Curb 21cm Bracelet in Sterling Silver
$599.00
Crafted in Sterling Silver, this bracelet features an oxidised curb chain for a darker, more textured finish. The ID bar provides a smooth contrast, ideal for engraving and adding a personal touch to the bold design. A strong, masculine style… read more
Personalised Gifts for Yourself
Who says you need an occasion? A name necklace in your favourite font, or one set with your own birthstone, is the kind of self-gift that feels like yours every time you wear it. They look great layered with your everyday chains, too.
9ct Yellow Gold Pendant Initial A set with diamond
$199.00
$499.00
This initial 'A' pendant brings your personal style to life in 9ct yellow gold, with a sparkling diamond that adds a touch of shine. Perfect for making a statement or celebrating your own identity, it's a neat piece that works… read more
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Initial "J" Pendant
$79.99
Wear your personality on a chain with this initial 'J' pendant. Crafted in sterling silver and cubic zirconias.… read more
Planning Personalised Christmas Gifts? Start Early
Personalised Christmas gifts are made just for the person receiving them, so it's worth sorting them a bit earlier than your usual gift run. Check the delivery details on each product page. If you're not sure what to engrave or which piece to choose, our team in store is always happy to help you work it out.
The Gift That Lasts
Trends come and go. A necklace with a child's name on it, a locket with a photo inside, or a bracelet engraved with the date everything changed gets worn for years and then handed down to someone else who loves it.
And the best part? You don't need to be a jewellery expert to give personalised gifts that mean something. You just need to know the person, and you already do.
Ready to make it personal? Browse our full range of personalised gifts online, or pop into your nearest Shiels and we'll help you find the perfect piece.
FAQs
What are the best personalised gifts?
That depends on who you're buying for. Name necklaces and engraved pendants are popular all-rounders, family birthstone necklaces are a favourite for mums and grandmothers, and engraved ID bracelets and dog tags make great personalised gifts for him.
What should I engrave on a necklace?
Popular options include names, initials, meaningful dates, coordinates, nicknames or a short phrase you share. Shorter engravings usually look cleaner, especially on smaller pendants.
What is a family birthstone necklace?
A family birthstone necklace has a gemstone for the birth month of each family member, often one stone for each child or grandchild. It's one of the most popular personalised gifts for mum and nan.
What's the difference between a name necklace and an engraved necklace?
A name necklace spells out the name itself as the pendant, usually in a choice of fonts. An engraved necklace has a pendant, like a heart, disc or bar, with a name, date or message engraved on its surface.
Are personalised gifts good for men?
Absolutely. Engraved dog tag pendants and ID bracelets are classic, wearable choices that feel personal without being over the top.
Can I buy personalised gifts on a budget?
Yes. Shiels has personalised jewellery under $100, including sterling silver and gold-plated pieces, plus 9ct gold options for bigger milestones.
How long do personalised gifts take to arrive?
Each piece is made or engraved just for you, so timeframes can vary. Check the delivery details on the product page, and allow extra time before key dates like Christmas, birthdays and Mother's Day.
