Call me conceited, but I love having my name on things. From pajama sets to tote bags to jewelry, if I can monogram it, I want it. Perhaps this stems from having an older sister who claimed anything unlabeled, or maybe even because I could never find my name on those silly key chains and magnets at gift shops during school trips. Regardless, my closet and home have become proudly riddled with my name and initials, and I’ve begun to force my ways on friends and family members, too, giving them their very own monogrammed items.
So for those if you who would like to overtly say “This is mine” with all the items in your apartment — or who would like a tasteful, very personalized gift — I’ve rounded up a plethora of items you can monogram for yourself or a friend. Most pieces are items we’ve written about before, while others are just from brands we swear by, so no matter what type of item you’re looking for (whether slippers, aprons, or leather bags) or whom you’re shopping for, we’ve got you covered.
Just two notes: Each item on this list becomes final sale once you customize it, so think twice before you buy. And because custom monograms tend to take a few weeks, if you’re purchasing a gift, make sure you order it as soon as possible to guarantee it arrives in time.
While initially thought of as something suburban mothers would carry to their children’s prep-school field-hockey games, writer Sadie Stein told us, “When monochromatic, the boat tote is suddenly elevated, going from Greenwich Academy lacrosse practice to Sunday afternoon at Dover Street Market.” And on top of customizing the colors, you can add a monogram to it, too. But regardless of the style you’re going for, former Strategist writer Hilary Reid says the bags are just plain practical, making it a great everyday staple for schlepping stuff around.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $8.]
Cuyana’s pebbled-leather totes have made appearances all over our archives. Former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson likes that the material “doesn’t show scratches or wear as easily, and it holds everything you’d need for a workday.” The brand recently released a line of “easy totes,” which are its lightest bags yet. The double handle also makes for effortless hand or shoulder carrying.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $15.]
Yes, another tote, but this Apolis tote is vastly different from the last one. This Strategist-approved, expert-recommended tote is designed to be filled up with lots of heavy produce bought during farmers’-market trips, so the tight weave won’t rip regardless of how heavy the fruits, vegetables, and bread are, and you can add more than just a simple monogram to the outside. You can fill up to three lines with text, so on top of your name, you can add a favorite saying or the name of your beloved vacation spot. And if you need any more convincing, pop duo Aly and AJ Michalka say it’s one of their favorite things.
[Editor’s note: Customization is included in the cost of the bag.]
For a duffel that stands up to time, writer Molly Young recommends this canvas-and-leather bag from Orvis, whose impressive-looking brass plaque can be engraved. This is an updated version of the carryall Young owns, which she says is still in good shape after “a decade of careless handling.”
[Editor’s note: Engraving costs an additional $8.]
We talk about Yeti a lot. Not only do we think the brand’s coolers and freezers are some of the best out there, but Yeti also makes one of our favorite dog beds. We’ve mentioned its water bottles and tumblers a few times before, too (lots of celebrities say they can’t live without them, from Michelle Zauner to Tom Colicchio to JaQuel Knight), because they’re functional as well as indestructible — they’re insulated and dishwasher safe. And as it turns out, you can even customize them. Not all colors can be customized, so if you had your heart set on navy or black, you’re unfortunately out of luck. But there are still tons of options, including light pink, taupe, and olive, so you’re sure to find something you like.
[Editor’s note: Customization begins at $6.]
Whether you just purchased a new coffee table or harbor a long-standing grudge against water rings, these leather coasters from Celina Mancurti will protect surfaces from even the sweatiest beverages. The leather will patina over time and give this set of four a distinguished look.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $17.]
Nicky Hilton, who says she loves anything “custom, personalized, or monogrammed,” owns multiple monogrammed bags from Stoney Clover Lane because of how fun and personal they are. She even gifted a duffel to Paris. “Anything custom makes such a great gift, and you can leave the cosmetic pouch out on the counter,” she adds.
[Editor’s note: There is a $15 customization fee with additional cost per letter.]
A phone case is a nice way to integrate monograms into your daily life. We’ve written about Casetify numerous times before because its cases are attractive yet actually functional. And as a monogram obsessive, I own four monogrammed Casetify cases.
[Editor’s note: Customization is included in the price of the case.]
Eberjey’s pajamas have earned the honor of being a Strategist favorite. Named our best pajama set for women, the Gisele has the distinction of being one of the only monogrammable pajama sets our experts recommend. Content creator Yuneida Gutierrez says they’re “insanely soft” with a cheeky cut that feels as if there’s hardly anything between you and your sheets.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $15.]
“When I wear them, I feel like I can conquer the world,” says Patsy, one of the cool teens we spoke to in this story, of these J.Crew jeans. You can place the monogram (available in two styles) on the back right pocket or the front left hip.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $10.]
Another relatively expected option is monogrammed towels. Not only would this make a particularly nice housewarming, wedding, or anniversary present, but it will add a classy, personal touch to any bathroom. These Weezie towels came recommended to us by interior designers not only for their personalization option but because of how high quality they are. “They are really soft and have a classic look to them that ties the bathroom together really nicely,” one told us.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $15.]
In case they already own monogrammed towels, take their bath routine a step further with this expert-recommended bathrobe from Matouk. Yes, it is expensive, but interior designers, hotel insiders, and style experts alike swear by the brand for the supersoft fabric it has been making for over a century. To top it off, you can choose from 16 monogram styles in dozens of thread colors.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $21.]
As seen in our roundup of the very best men’s Dopp kits, this Leatherology bag looks a lot like a Tom Ford toiletry bag, which was recommended to us by the Points Guy, but it comes at a fraction of the cost. It’s perfect for overpackers because its structural design opens extra wide for easy access, and the main compartment has two mesh wall pockets for separating your morning and evening products. Before you select your personalization, you can choose between signature and premium leather.
[Editor’s note: Customization begins at $10.]
Any cooking fanatic out there needs a good apron. We’ve written about this Hedley & Bennett apron numerous times before because it’s a favorite among chefs and works as an excellent gift for any foodie. You can add up to ten characters and choose the location of the message (either on the chest or the strap). We like this versatile navy color, but there are many more patterns and colors to choose from.
[Editor’s note: Customization begins at $20.]
If you already own an apron, a chef jacket will surely upgrade your cooking experience. We heard from “Camilla,” a world-renowned chef’s assistant whose boss wears a Bragard jacket every day, always with white embroidery on white cloth. Camilla says her boss has 18 identical coats, some at his various businesses and others for travel or events.
[Editor’s note: Customization begins at $8.]
A teddy bear wearing loafers and a navy-blue blazer will sit across from your monogram on the cuff of this merino-wool beanie from Ralph Lauren. If the Gentleman Bear is too formal for your tastes, you can sub in the more casually dressed Sweater or Basketball Bears. No matter which teddy you choose, this hat is sure to inspire smiles when you wear it.
[Editor’s note: Classic monograms (pictured) are included in the price of the hat, while large monograms cost an additional $15.]
We’ve written about a lot of candles here before, but one of the more statusy candles out there comes from Le Labo, and we’ve already named it one of the best housewarming gifts you can find. (Apparently, Kylie Jenner buys this candle because it smells like “holidays.”) You can personalize the label and the box upon purchase, making it an extra-thoughtful gift for any candle lover.
[Editor’s note: Personalization is included in the price of the candle.]
You won’t be able to go back to Chapstick after you upgrade to this luxurious personalized lip balm from Officine Universelle Buly. Made with sesame oil, plum oil, and shea butter, the formula is as enticing as the many colors and finishes you can choose from for the case.
[Editor’s note: Monograms are included in the price of the balm.]
Strategist contributor Molly Young has a thing for personalized gifts, and one of her go-to products is this surprisingly stylish turtleneck from Lands’ End, which offers embroidered monograms up to three letters. Because we’re not quite at turtleneck weather yet, Lands’ End’s white button-down received rave reviews from stylish women before, and you can even find it in men’s and kids’ sizes if you’d like to outfit the whole family.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $8.]
Give the gift of warm feet, too, with Lands’ End monogrammed slippers. They’re made from soft suede with a faux-fur lining and come in seven colors. With options for men, women, and kids, these slippers can easily be a treat for the whole family (especially those members who may be particularly challenging to shop for).
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $8.]
For those interested in something a tad more elevated, we couldn’t recommend Madewell’s Transport Tote — which offers a monogram feature, much like its jean jackets, up to three letters — enough. We’ve ranked the tote (in various sizes that can also be monogrammed) as one of the best work bags for women due to its spacious size and good looks.
[Editor’s note: Monograms are included in the price of the tote.]
If you’d like to get in on the checkerboard trend while staying true to your love of monograms, Clare V. offers both with this cross-body bag and hand-painted lettering. This isn’t the exact bag we wrote about, but it’s just as nice.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $50.]
Another easy item to personalize: jewelry. While somewhat expected, a nameplate necklace from one of our editor-tested fine-jewelry brands will be a nice touch to any outfit.
[Editor’s note: Price increases with letter count.]
Or perhaps you’d prefer something a touch more subtle, like this monogrammed necklace from another editor-tested brand, Mejuri.
[Editor’s note: Monograms are included in the price of the necklace.]
While just an initial, rather than a full monogram, any Y2K obsessive will appreciate this nostalgic ring from Bonbonwhims, one of our favorite AAPI-owned brands.
In our search for the best jewelry organizer, we were pointed to this Mark & Graham catchall by jewelry designer Jean Prounis of Prounis Jewelry. You can monogram the center of the tray in a sophisticated gold. It’s the perfect item for tossing your earrings in before going to sleep, says Prounis. If you’d prefer something more portable, though, this travel case from the brand also came up and has a few more monogram options than the catchall.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $12.50.]
Fashion stylist and designer Lori Goldstein knows that brilliant ideas often strike unexpectedly and recommends this Smythson notebook that is “perfect for a nightstand, where it is poised to take in late-night thoughts.” Its compact size (three by four inches) makes it ideal for travel, and the cross-grain leather is both beautiful and durable. In addition to a monogram, you can add a motif from a wide selection that includes a ladybug, a martini glass, and a unicorn.
[Editor’s note: Customization starts at $13.50 for one letter.]
We have a full round of monogrammable stationery for you here, but this set from Rifle Paper Co. adds a particularly fun twist on personalized stationery by including a portrait of you. It takes the monogram bit to a whole new level.
[Editor’s note: Customization is included in the cost of stationery.]
We’ve already discussed the L.L.Bean tote, but how about a cozy throw? We know it’s summer now, but in case the AC gets a little strong, a nice throw will come in handy.
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $8.]
In our roundup of the best housewarming gifts, interior designer Delia Kenza notes that Williams Sonoma’s cashmere throws are “perfect no matter the season.”
[Editor’s note: Monograms cost an additional $15.]
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
