Down through the ages, whenever gifts were given, everyone strived to have their gift stand out amongst all the others. This could be done by buying and giving something completely extravagant, but not many people could do this, or by making it just a bit different from anything that has been seen before. When engraving came into fashion, and no one knows quite when that was, it gave the perfect opportunity to put something on the gift to make it unique. A personal message, a secret message that only the giver and receiver would understand, or a date or emblem that was important in that person's life was a perfect way to finish off the gift. Many items, like wedding rings, are perfect for the date of the wedding and initials of the couple, but some go further and send a message to the betrothed person. Although this engraving is mostly done on the inside of the ring, some couples have taken to putting the message on the outside to show the world that they are meant to be together. Gold or silver identity bracelets, necklaces or any other piece of jewelry in gold or silver make fine canvasses for this artistic addition. Many identification necklaces can have the name of the lady or man actually written in gold lettering. This is normally reserved for ladies names but men can wear just an initial without too many problems. For the more sentimental style gift, a locket with a secret message on the inside of the cover makes a stylish and discreet gift for a lady. This was much favored in the Victorian era when secret love affairs were the order of the day but is still acceptable up to modern times. But jewelry is not the only thing that can be engraved. Depending on the purpose of the gift, practically anything made out of metal or glass can be engraved. Corporate gifts are a great favorite for embellishing with initials or logos and are usually well received. For the company executive, a superb set of glasses, either whisky tumblers or fine wine glasses, look great with initials engraved tastefully onto the sides. These can be the recipient's initials, the logo of his company, or indeed just about anything else that is required. However, if this is a gift from another company, it may be best to steer clear of the giver's company initials or logo. This would rather cheapen the gift and take away from its beauty and intention. Desk or wall clocks are also an ideal way to get the message across with some engraving. These can be corporate gifts or personal and, depending on which it is, a great message can be added. For those who are retiring, the ubiquitous watch or clock seems to be the usual gift. It is worrying to think that someone who is retiring is given a clock to watch when he doesn't need to follow the clock again! Of course, sending engraved goods as a marketing campaign is a great way to get the name of the company out there. Even cookie baskets can have the company logo 'engraved' on the cookies with icing and are a good way to say thank you to entire offices. Many offices look forward to these edible goodies and it is a great marketing tool to keep the name of the company on their lips so to speak. Nothing is better than to receive a gift with a name on it. Even baby goods from near members of the family, or from well wishers, look great with the new baby's name engraved on it. Beautiful, silver christening cups not only serve the purpose that they were made for, but also become a treasured item for the family and will certainly become an heirloom in time. Simple lines and beautifully crafted writing styles seem to be the most valued since anything too ornate will certainly be out of fashion in years to come. Mirrors and glassware also make lovely gifts and, if the correct engraving style is used, will look wonderfully elegant in anyone's home. Sets of glasses and tumblers are a superb gift to give a newly married, or just about to be married, couple. Try asking what styles they like or what they already have so no duplication is done. Even vases come complete with engraving and these are wonderful for the reception tables and can be given out as gifts after the meal. One unique idea is to have well wishes and short messages engraved on the vases by all the important people in the wedding party. Even photo frames come in a kit where stencils can be used to put signatures and messages on the picture surround for the bride and groom to keep forever. Of course, this isn't only just for weddings. Christenings, birthdays and other special occasions lend themselves to this beautifully different gift. Glass, metal and wood are certainly not the only surfaces that lend themselves to engraving. Travel bags and briefcases of all descriptions can have a metal tag attached to engrave the initials of the owner on. These make particularly good gifts for salesmen or marketers and they can carry the company logo wherever they go. This, apart from free advertising, is a way to show the employee that he is a valued member of staff. The more luxurious the material, the more valued the member of staff will feel. Fine leather is a good choice for this kind of gift, and if appropriate, the recipient's initials can be stamped on in gold leaf or other medium. One very important fact to remember is that once an engraving is done, very little can be done to change it. Make sure, above all else, that the name, date or personal message, is written down correctly before ordering since these styles of gifts cannot be returned once they are delivered. This could prove to be a very expensive mistake for that one simple error.
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