Monogramming is a popular way to personalize gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. The extra thought and effort can turn a small gift--a picture frame, for example--into a lifelong keepsake. Christmas monogramming ideas are not limited to photo frames and jewelry. If you can cross-stitch or embroider, monogram a fabric item yourself with kits from a craft store. Take leather or metal gifts to a leather goods or jewelry store for embossing or engraving.
Clothes
Just about any item of clothing can be monogrammed, from sweaters and scarves to hats and socks. Don't skimp on quality--you want the item to last. An inexpensive acrylic sweater will pill during the first season of wear, while a cashmere or cashmere-wool blend can last for years if properly cared for. For an adult, consider monogramming a classic cable-knit sweater, Oxford shirt or cashmere scarf. If you're shopping for a child, monogram his initials or first name on a cap or sweatshirt.
Leather
Leather briefcases, laptop cases, sunglass cases and wallets are excellent Christmas gifts that mean so much more when they are monogrammed with the recipient's initials. Leather can be professionally laser-engraved or embossed, lending a polished and personal touch that's perfect for your boss, employee, co-worker or a recent graduate. Use your recipient's initials instead of her first name; she might not want her first name visible if she takes her monogrammed briefcase on a business trip, for example.
Housewares
From fine china to crystal collectibles, many housewares can be monogrammed with personalized inscriptions or the recipient's name. Popular crystal gifts include champagne flutes, vases, clocks and candlesticks; these items can be engraved or sandblasted with everything from initials to a short message. Fine china can be painted with a monogram, although this often renders the china for display only. If you give someone an item that needs special care or cleaning--such as hand-painted porcelain that must be hand-washed--always include a note card that passes on this important information.
Linens
Monogrammed linens are a luxurious and deceptively simple gift idea. Give embroidered sheets with a high thread count or plush towels with a monogram. You don't have to shop from a pricey catalog, either. Buy sheets or towels and take them to an embroidery shop to have the recipient's monogram added. Peggy Post tells GoodHousekeeping.com that although linens traditionally bore only a wife's initials, it's now common to monogram sheets or towels with a three-letter monogram representing both husband and wife--with the wife's first initial, last name initial and husband's first initial.
Jewelry
Monogrammed jewelry makes a fantastic Christmas present for the truly special people in your life. Although engraved rings have a romantic significance, there are plenty of options that have no romantic overtones. Don't forget--men wear watches, too, and most metal watch cases have room for engraved initials on the back. An engraved watch makes a great gift for your father, father-in-law or grandfather. For women, consider having her initials and the year monogrammed onto a heart-shaped locket or bracelet.
Tags: first name, first initial, have romantic, monogrammed with, recipient initials
