Giving, whether it's from the heart or a sense of obligation, is always a challenge. Even the most casual of shoppers wants a gift to be appreciated, but when the recipient is someone who holds a particular place in the heart, even humbugs want to make a mark.
We all have our little vanities and receiving a gift bearing a name or monogram strokes the ego. It also reassures us that the gift was not a last-minute pop but something that took extra time and road work. It's a gift that belongs to no one else, not to be exchanged, and implies the giver wants to be remembered longer than it takes to toss the wrapping.
A personalized present -- whether it's a monogrammed nightie, an engraved pen, or a gold-stamped address book -- implies quality. No one would, after all, go to the trouble to customize something shabby, unless of course it's his old moth-eaten varsity sweater that has been dusted off, cleaned, darned and embroidered with a sentimental message or significant date.
Monogramming was once the indulgence of the very rich, who marked their bed linens, trousseaus and silver with hand-worked initials or family crests.
In the days of old, monogramming was traditionally done by idle aristocratic ladies or sent out to cloistered nuns who did the work for their humble supper. Now techology has made personalizing more affordable and accessible in almost any mall. There are virtually no limits to the variety of designs and messages that can be embroidered on fabric -- from a name to a line from a song or poem.
Prices for embroidery vary depending on letter size, but at most shops a three-letter design rarely exceeds $10. At Fancy Stitches in Columbia, larger lettering on towels runs $8; on shirts that take smaller letters, the price is $5. But owner Mike Reinhard says that is only the beginning. In addition to caps, totes and towels, he can also do classy horse blankets for a favorite thoroughbred. A personalized doggie coat for a pet lover on the gift list could be fun for both parties.
"Computerized embroidery technology is an emerging business," says Mr. Reinhard, "and it allows for complex designs which are more cost-effective." You can spend $8 for initials or pay $80 to create a customized drawing or logo. That service is usually sought out by businesses, but the idea could be applied to designing a family logo that could be utilized by many generations -- on junior's shirts, mother's linens or granddad's camera tote.
Anything that can be sewn, with the exception of fragile silks and heavy canvas, can be monogrammed, says Wayne Welch, manager of Monograms Plus in Owings Mills Mall. The shop stocks gift items but works on your purchases. Script can be fancy or tailored and the basic charge is $6 to cover a six-letter name; 50 cents extra for each additional letter.
At Penny Green Ltd. in Pikesville, where costs can go "sky's the limit" for complicated rococo custom designs in many colors, the price for a large three-letter monogram is $10.
At Royal Embroidery on Charles Street, embroiderers work free-hand, which has a more cursive look and a name up to 10 letters can be embroidered for $5. Beyond that, the cost is $1 for each additional letter.
Purists argue that a monogram is a personal indulgence that shouldn't be seen by anyone but the wearer, but so many old rules have gone by the wayside, who's to argue?
At the haber--eries, sales people very tactfully avoid making any pronouncements about the proper placement or color of shirt monograms. "It is strictly up to a gentleman's personal preference," says Lisa Williams, manager at the Custom Shirt Shop, "but we do suggest subtle colors such as silver gray or white on white and small lettering." The European placement, low on the chest between pocket and placket, is gaining in favor, she says. A monogrammed shirttail, however, does sound more spoiled and luxurious than a marked cuff.
Brooks Brothers at The Gallery also offers monogramming services -- machine stiching costs $10, hand work costs $18.
The classic shirt or robe with monogram is a traditional gift for theimportant men in one's life, but there are many more ways to write a message. Nordstrom at Towson Town Center offers the service in the men's furnishings department, but the store will also handle items purchased in other departments.
Folks who are more concerned with zip and a smile than tradition can let imagination fly on T-shirts and sweats that can take monogramming, heat stamping, air-brushing or photo-transfer images. At The Big T in Golden Ring Mall, kiddie togs can be made up in bright block letters for children who are just getting familiar with their ABCs, but there are many ways to go. Manager Debbie Wratched says women who can't afford the real thing have had a husband's dream car printed on a T. Any printed image or photo can be reproduced and enlarged on a T -- photos of the kids, a pet picture. She has had requests for a blow-up of a new business card to mark someone's big promotion. Cost for a customized printed adult T-shirt is $19. You bring the ideas.
On the pricier range, leather, in fashion and accessories, can be gold-stamped for a touch of luxury and identification. The Coach store offers a three-letter monogram for $7.50. That's a nice touch, too, on other bags, jackets or small keepers. Again, discreet placement -- the facing of a jacket, under a flap of a bag -- is often so much nicer than a dead-center stamp. Howard Luggage in the Pikesville Shopping Center will stamp its own pieces for free; it's $8 for outside merchandise. Anything flat can usually be marked, but stamping is not recommended for very soft suedes or kid.
Fine jewelry is a whole other realm. The price itself is an indication of serious intentions and affection. A custom design, however, puts jewelry into the keepsake category. The sky is really the limit here and while few folks have an intimate relationship with Harry Winston or Cartier designers, a trusted local jewelry store can make precious much out of a personal idea. A gold bangle is more than a bauble if it is hand engraved with a meaningful phrase and memorable date. Even a ring can can carry a message.
"The average women's ring size is a 6, and allows a maximum of 36 characters and spaces," says Chris Coleman of Nelson Coleman & Sons jewelry store on Charles Street. That would encourage anyone to say it short and sweet and use some creativity. He cites one customer who ordered "Purr, Purr" and a date engraved in a ring. Sounds nice.
Jewelry stores also carry a large stock of pieces designed to be personalized. Signet rings, circle pins, monogram brooches and cufflinks in gold or silver have lasting design value and tend to be worn more often than glittery pieces.
Christmas shopping time is getting short, so it's wise to call ahead to find out if a project is possible.
Check your list, and remember to check the spelling. It wouldn't do to get the letters reversed.
YOU NAME IT ...
Some ideas to build on:
* For favorite little nieces, T-shirts and sweaters are always nice, but why not personalize a pocket, ribbon or bodice on a velvet party dresses? Yes, they'll be outgrown in months, but they should be spoiled when they're at their dearest.
* Boys may cringe at monogrammed clothes, but a nylon or lightweight canvas backpack might impress them.
* One could really get personal with intimate wear. Initials are nice, but how about a pet name that only two can share? There is a responsibility attached, so make sure he doesn't wear his "Snookums" shorts to the gym.
* Remember not to get too serious about this. A sweatshirt for grandma painted by her little darlings will be cherished, spills and all.
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