Thanks to Burberry and Louis Vuitton, monogramming and personalised gifts have never been so in demand…

Monogramming and making gifts extra special is now serous business.

Just like Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, we can now all have our own initials embroidered, etched, silk-screened or printed on just about anything from jewellery and vanity cases to cape and handbags. In fact, what used to be thought of as elitist is now very much in demand. 

The early beginnings of the trend can be traced back to Christmas last year when Kim Kardashian stepped out carrying a hand-painted Hermes Birkin bag. Kanye’s one-of-a-kind gift painted by the artist George Condo may seem a little OTT but it definitely got everyone talking – and admittedly made our mainstream pressies seem a little bland in comparison. 

Extravagant? Certainly. But in no way completely crazy. In fact, by February, Kim’s personal gift seemed very in-vogue. 

When Burberry showed a selection of monogrammed capes on its AW14 catwalk, personalisation took on a whole new meaning. Christopher Bailey, the fashion powerhouse’s Chief Creative Officer gifted each of the shows models with their very own cape complete with their individual initials embroidered. What ensued was a street-style photographers dream as the likes of Suki Waterhouse, Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn pranced around the venue post-show.

The trend spread like wild fire, with every stylish celeb from Alexa Chung to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley donning their own monogrammed capes everywhere from London to LA. And so the personalised gift trend as born.

The designer love-in with monogramming didn’t stop at Burberry. Earlier this year Louis Vuitton – the brand famed for its monogram logos and prints – held a star-studded bash in New York to celebrate the art of monogramming which was attended by the likes of Ashley Olsen, Miranda Kerr and Karl Lagerfeld. High prise indeed and confirmation, were it were needed that this is THE trend of the year. 

But while we may not all ave Kimye-style budgets, or wallets that can stretch as far as Chanel or Louis Vuitton, it doesn’t actually matter. A wave of high street stores have quickly adopted the trend and fulfilling demand by now offering bespoke gift services, and in turn ensuring that gift-giving can be made extra-special, no matter what the budget. 

So without further ado, here’s a giuide to the best personalisation services in-stores and online: 

Nutella at Selfridges – Selfridge’s rather genius in-store personalisation service has to be the best on off this season. Getting a loved ones name printed on a jar of Nutella is so simple, so cheap (a mere 33.99) and so genius. We love.  

Anya Hidmarch: Everything from stationary and coin purses to jewellery boxes and luggage can be decorated with absolutely any personal message or initials. Put simply, they’re the stuff of dreams…

French Sole: Top of our wish list are French Sole’s bespoke slippers. Available in black, navy, or red velvet with matching regal gold embroidery, they come in at a Christmas-appropriate £225.

Burberry: The cape that started it all is still available in-store and on-line. The highly versatile and timeless quality makes the £895 price tag plus £200 for monogramming seem worth it, right?  

AKALIS  – Next on our wish list is the pretty selection of bracelets and necklaces by AKALIS which can be adorned for just £15 on top of the very reasonable £55-149 price tags.

La Portegna – The luxe Spanish accessories brand have just introduced an in-house monogramming service to it’s classic slippers, bags, and small leather accessories. Fail-safe presents just got better. 

Yolke silk pyjamas, £245 – What could be more luxurious than a pair of personalised pyjamas?

Mulberry at Harrods – The eternally desirable Mini Lily bag now comes with a monogrammed padlock when purchased in Harrods. Make sure to tell Santa asap…