A Personal Touch

A Personal Touch: Simple Handwritten Ideas for Meaningful Gifts

There’s something deeply satisfying about taking the time to make a gift personal -  not just choosing something thoughtfully, but adding your own touch to it. A handwritten word, a note in your own script, or a piece that feels unmistakably made by you.

I’ve always loved finding clever ideas for homemade gifts - often inspired by something spotted in a shop or a late-night Pinterest scroll - and over the years I’ve experimented with plenty of them. But one approach I keep coming back to, especially as Christmas edges closer, is using hand-lettering or calligraphy to add that unmistakable, personal element to gifts.

Below are a few favourite ways to bring handwriting into your gifting this year - small, simple touches that make a big difference.

1. A Piece of Calligraphy Art

 

This one can be as simple or elaborate as you like. A beautifully written phrase or name makes a unique and heartfelt gift - whether it’s a family surname for a new home, a favourite saying, or a baby’s name and birth date.

You can create your own design and pop it into a frame (just make sure it’s glass, not plastic - trust me, it makes all the difference). If you’re new to calligraphy, sketch it out lightly in pencil first, then trace over when you’re happy with the layout. A few guidelines and a ruler go a long way.

Tip: Give yourself time - even handwriting improves with a little patience and a cup of tea.

2. Lettered Clothing 

It’s everywhere now - words on T-shirts, jumpers, even tote bags - so why not create your own? A nickname, a favourite word, a phrase that makes someone smile. Use fabric paint or pens (anything else will wash out), and play with placement: across the chest, along one sleeve, or small and discreet near the hem.

Tip: Draw your layout first with tailor’s chalk or a washable pen so you don’t go off-centre halfway through.

3. Calligraphed Homewares

 

Think beyond paper - your handwriting can live on all sorts of surfaces. Glasses, mugs, plant pots, or even coasters. Just make sure your pens or paints are suitable for the material, and always test on a spare piece first.

Tip: Don’t rush into your final piece until you’ve practiced on something similar - it saves a lot of frustration (and washing-up liquid).

4. Handwritten Wrapping Paper

 

This is one of my favourites, and it’s become a bit of a Christmas ritual. A roll of brown paper, a black pen, and a few stamps are all you need. You can write the recipient’s name in large letters across the top, add a repeating greeting, or scatter a few festive words throughout.

For something more polished, try white or textured paper with gold or silver lettering. It looks beautiful under the tree and feels genuinely personal.

Tip: Always let the ink dry before wrapping - learned that one the hard way.

5. Calligraphed Greetings Card

 

When you’ve forgotten to buy a card (which happens to me more than I care to admit), this idea saves the day. A simple word or phrase in your neatest handwriting can look surprisingly elegant - or you can fill the whole front with repeating text, highlighting one line in a different colour.

It works beautifully for thank-you cards, birthdays, or just-because notes.

Tip: Use a good-quality card and check your pen doesn’t bleed through. Lines help keep things neat - unless, of course, you prefer a bit of character.

A Final Word

The joy of handwriting is that it doesn’t need to be perfect. The little quirks are what make it yours. And if your calligraphy goes completely awry, there’s always the option of supporting one of the wonderful artists and makers who specialise in this kind of work - craft markets and small online shops are full of them.

However you choose to do it, adding a personal touch to your gifts - especially at Christmas - says far more than any shop-bought tag ever could.