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What is a Monogram?
Personalization for Your Pottery Barn Products
What is a monogram? A monogram is a design involving two or more letters that make up someone’s initials. Monogramming through embroidery or engraving is a great way to personalize an item. It also makes each item unique and memorable.
History of the Monogram
Monograms date back to 350 B.C., when Greek cities issued coins with the first two letters of the city’s name carved on them. In the Middle Ages, members of royalty and the military used monograms to showcase their power.
The monogram became a symbol of style, personalization and ownership in the Victorian era. Although monogram styles and arrangements have evolved, the monogram’s purpose has remained the same for the past century.
Our Monogram Process
Our monogram process at Pottery Barn Kids is unique because we keep all orders in-house. In the video below, you'll meet the team behind Pottery Barn Kids' exclusive personalization process. From engraved silver to embroidered textiles, we handle each item with precision and care.
With our personalization team in Tennessee, you’ll feel comforted knowing you get a personalized approach for every monogrammed product you order. You can customize your experience by choosing the monogram arrangement, font and thread color for your item.
Monogram Styles and Arrangements
Monograms can have many styles and arrangements. The classic Victorian arrangement includes a large letter in the middle that represents the last name, a smaller letter to the left representing the first name and a smaller letter to the right representing the middle name.
Other arrangements include one letter for just the first or last name, two letters if your child doesn’t have a middle name or a monogram displaying your child’s full name. You can also arrange a three-letter monogram with the initials in order from left to right.
Things to Monogram
At Pottery Barn Kids, we offer monogramming, engraving and embroidery for many of our items. Here are some ideas for things to monogram.
1. Anywhere Chair®
The Anywhere Chair® is a great item to monogram. You can give your child their first sense of ownership by embroidering their name on the back.
2. Blanket
Many children keep their baby blankets well into adulthood. With a monogram, your little one will always remember the thought and care put into their gift.
3.Backpack
Monogrammed backpacks are always in style, and adding your child’s name to their bag can ensure they bring home their school supplies.
4. Rocker
Adding a monogram to your child’s first rocker can turn this classic toy into a treasured keepsake. You can also use your family name for the monogram and pass this item down through generations.
5. Luggage
When your child goes on weekend trips, having their name embroidered on their luggage can keep them from losing their belongings. A monogram also makes this an exciting item to gift a child.
6.Sleeping Bag
Sleepovers can be the highlight of a child's life and you can make those memories special by adding a monogram to their sleeping bag. Your child can show off their personalized item to friends and snuggle up with it at night.
7. Water Bottle
Water bottles are an easy item for children to lose track of. When you add their name, it becomes easier to find and a cool item for them to show their friends.
8. Jewelry Box
An engraved jewelry box can bring your child joy for decades. This item will be a special gift for a young child, but it can also be useful for holding jewelry well into adulthood.
9. Baby Cup
The tradition of giving silver when a baby is born dates back to the 18th century. An engraved baby cup is a keepsake item that your child can cherish for life.
10. Toy Chest
Monogramming a toy chest for your child is a great way to decorate their room while also providing storage. When your child grows up, they can use their toy chest as a memory box to hold pictures and keepsakes.
While a monogram is a sequence of initials, it means much more than that. When you add a monogram to an item for your child, they’ll feel pride knowing that it’s theirs. They can keep the item forever and look back on the fond memories associated with it.
If you or a friend are expecting a baby and you need gift ideas for things to monogram, check out our best baby shower gift ideas for 2021 and other personalized gift options.