Gift engraving carries sentimental value for whoever you’re getting the gift for. Learn more about it and surprise the recipient with something beautiful.

Engraved gifts are becoming more widely available nowadays. As a result, many people use this service to come up with unique and beautiful gifts. 

However, there are still some people who may not know all that much about engraving. They just pay for the service without any expectations, and simply hope for the best.

In reality, there’s a lot to learn about gift engraving. And if you are planning to have this done in the future, you need to understand how engraving applies to a particular gift.

First, you need to know that there are several types of gift engraving that you should keep in mind. Each one uses a different technique to deliver different results. Next, there’s the question of why you’d want to get an engraved gift in the first place. Finally, you need to know that not every occasion and gift calls for an engraving.

Learn more about all of this and gift engraving in general in this article.

What are the Types of Engraving?

Engraving has been around for a long time. And discovering how it started would take us tens of thousands of years back in human history.

The idea of personalizing objects remains roughly the same. As you can imagine, it’s the techniques and approaches that have changed tremendously. 

There are three types of engraving in common use today:

Hand Engraving

This is the oldest engraving technique, yet it is still widely used even today. There’s really something special about handmade items. A pure art form, hand-engraved items are distinctly different from items engraved using a more modern technique.

First and foremost, the mass printout of identical items is impossible to achieve with this fine skill. Each engraved item is going to be different from the previous. Hand engraving won’t make an object look perfect, but herein lies the charm and value. 

No machine can emulate the aesthetics of a hand-engraved piece.

But then again, hand engraving does require time and money.

Rotary Engraving

This is one of the most common modern engraving methods. It’s precise, it’s quick, and it isn’t too expensive. 

Rotary engraving employs a computer-controlled spinning cutter. It works with sterling silver, gold, copper, and steel, among other materials.

However, the primary downside to rotary engraving is that it doesn’t work with metals that are sensitive to heat. The engraving process causes friction, which generates heat and may damage fragile gemstones, glass, and plastic.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is the most modern method of engraving. 

An extremely precise and focused laser beam generates heat and vaporizes the engraving surface upon contact. Pretty simple, right?

The beauty of this technique is that it works for a wide variety of materials and is incredibly precise and completely frictionless. This means you can engrave on stone, metal, leather, wood, and other materials without worrying that you may damage the item.

Keep in mind, though, that if you engrave on a softer surface, the engraving can come off if you’re not careful when using the item. With harder materials, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Why Should You Get a Gift Engraved?

It’s a given that engraving allows you to personalize or customize gifts. 

Each time the recipient looks at the engraving, it will not only remind them of you or your company, but it’s also going to remind them about how much your company means to them.

This makes engraved gifts more memorable.

Personalize Anything

You can get pretty much anything engraved on a surface. While we are used to engraving messages, it doesn’t stop there. You can also get your family crest, initials, or a custom image engraved on your chosen material too.

There aren’t too many limits to engraving, except for the space that you can work with. What you can get engraved on a luxury wine box may often not be applicable for the back of a wristwatch, for example. 

But it doesn’t make sense if you get an unusable gift engraved. Pick out an item that’s relevant to the gift recipient before you begin working on the engraving idea. 

Cost-Effective

If you’re a keen online shopper on the major sites, you may already know that custom engraving doesn’t cost a lot these days… except, maybe for hand engraving. For the appeal of a more personal touch, it might require a higher turnaround and cost.

On the other hand, rotary and laser engraving are very cost-effective. This is because there isn’t all that much to it – so long as the vendor has the tools. Some offer gift personalization at little to no extra charge.

Higher Sentimental Value

If you receive, for instance, a multi-tool from someone, you’ll probably forget whom you got it from. Even if you do remember, there isn’t much attachment to it. But if you receive an engraved multi-tool with a personal message, the sentimental value goes up instantly.

That’s why many choose to personalize a gift for the recipient. Even something as simple as the recipient’s initials or a date can create the desired sentimental value. 

Engraving is ideal for adding value to a gift. And for some, that may be just what they have in mind when they’re sending gifts to others.

What Gifts Should You Have Engraved?

With laser engraving, you don’t have to worry about the material, as long as it’s solid.

But before pushing with the idea, keep in mind that not everything is meaningful to the recipient. You still need to think about the gift that the recipient wants or will find useful before you worry about what to get engraved.

And although the sky's the limit, here are some gift engraving ideas to get you going:

If the recipient is a cigar enthusiast, you can order for them a personalized humidor. This is a required accessory for keeping cigars fresh. And getting a message engraved to it adds a personal touch.

If you’re looking for a present for a hunter, you can get a multi-use tac force knife with their name or nickname engraved.

For a wine enthusiast, a bamboo wine tool set would be a brilliant gift idea. Personalize it and you wouldn’t have to worry if they already own a similar tool set. 

Maybe you have an old-fashioned client whose home you’ve been to and you know they appreciate a great wooden wall clock. Gifting the client with a great-looking and personalized wall clock could go a long way.

Personalize Your Next Gift

As you can see, it can be a great idea to have your gifts engraved. Pick a gift and keep an eye on the engraving option. 

The personal touch will definitely add value to whatever gift you chose.