A sibling is the one person you can give a personalised gift with a joke on it and know exactly how it will be received. The gift still has to be useful, or it becomes ammunition. This list is sorted by the kind of sister or brother, with wording that survives being seen by your parents.
The one who has just moved out
A personalised mouse pad for the first flat's desk, with the childhood photo of the two of you and their name in the corner. Or a photo mug with "Property of the family kitchen" on the back. The first thing they own with their own name on it in their own place.
The one who borrows everything
A personalised makeup bag with "Not yours" or their name in large letters, which is a joke and also a solution. Works for the brother as a cable pouch with "Return to Sam".
The one who just passed their test
A car coaster for the first car: name, or "Passed, third time", or "L plates, finally off". Under a tenner and used every day. More in gifts for a new driver.
The one who is always away
The Live Love Explore tee for the sister on a gap year, or a 20oz tumbler with their name for the brother who commutes. Not a joke; a thing that goes with them.
The one who is now a parent
A set of three photo magnets of the new baby with "Auntie's favourite" or "Uncle Sam's fan club". Delivered to their fridge, it is the gift for them and for you.
Wording that survives your parents
- Big sister
- Little brother, still
- Not yours
- Return to Sam
- The favourite (contested)
- Since 1998
- Mum's actual favourite
- Passed, third time
- Auntie's favourite
- Same parents, different rules
Rude is fine; specific is better. Nothing about weight, exes or the thing they are sensitive about; the joke is on the object for years. Mono for a dry line, Script for a name. The font guide shows the six.
Ordering
Everything is printed to order in Cheshire, usually dispatched within one to three working days, with free UK delivery. Because each piece carries the name you type, it cannot be returned for a spelling change; use the name they go by, not the one on their birth certificate, unless that is the joke. More in birthday gifts and personalised birthday gifts, person by person.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good personalised gift for a sister?
A makeup bag with 'Not yours' or her name, a mouse pad with a childhood photo for her first flat, or a set of photo magnets if she has just had a baby.
What is a good personalised gift for a brother?
A car coaster for the first car, a 20oz tumbler with his name for the commute, or a cable pouch with 'Return to Sam' on it.
Can a sibling gift be rude?
Ruder than any other, as long as it is useful and specific. Avoid weight, exes and genuine sore points; the joke stays on the object for years.
