Take it from someone with a child – the most adorable personalised baby gift I received when my daughter was born was a cute cardigan with her name embroidered on. Whenever she wore it, people would stop and ask me where it was from (I have a very talented sister who embroidered it herself).
And I’m not alone; royal Princess Eugenie shared the sweetest snap of her son August wearing a monogrammed sweater from Etsy shop Uncool Wool and earlier this year, Stacey Dooley made hearts melt with this adorable video of boyfriend Kevin Clifton cradling their daughter in a cream cardigan, with her name Minnie embroidered in pink. Watch the cute moment below.
And personalised baby cardigans are all over Instagram too, with parents announcing their newborns with a chunky cardi emblazoned with their little one’s name, or posting pics of the newly expanded family with matching knits for older siblings.
One of the originals, The Little Worn Store, is so in demand that shoppers have to wait for the cardigans to be restocked every few weeks by keeping an eye on its Instagram page, and a quick Etsy search for 'personalised baby cardigans' throws up over 3,800 results.
They feel a little bit extra, but if there’s ever a time to go OTT it’s to tell the world about your newly born baby. And once your baby has outgrown the knit, follow some savvy parents’ lead and use it as nursery décor. Hang it up in your kids’ room or even frame it to display on their wall.
You’ll find plenty of independent boutiques offering personalised custom baby cardigans, with many giving you not only the choice of which colour thread and cardigan to embroider, but other personalised aspects from the type of buttons to whether the cardi is hand or machine-knitted.
Due to the personalised nature of these knits, the lead time can be anything from a week to a month plus so bear that in mind if you’re looking to purchase one as a gift.
How I chose the best personalised baby cardigans
- Style: Every cardigan and knit featured can be personalised in some way. Some offer the service of a whole name, some an initial or some a special symbol.
- Brands: As well as high street names and well-known brands, I've included independent sellers and shops on retailers like Etsy, eBay and Amazon.
- Price: Because an embroidered cardigan can be pricey due to the personalisation, I've included as many affordable options as possible.
With custom baby gifts the most thoughtful of presents for new parents, we’ve rounded up the personalised baby cardigans we love – some even come in matching adult sizing, too!
Best personalised baby cardigans
Personalised Hand Knitted Children's Cardigan
Editor's note: "I love the range of personalisation on this hand knitted cardigan. There's over 10 yarn colours to choose from, and you can choose the colour of the embroidery too. There's also an option to add an initial on the front, so this one can be made truly personal in every sense."
- Handmade in acrylic or cotton
- Colour of cardigan and embroidery can be chosen
- Available in sizes 0-3 months up to 5-6 years
Uncool Wool Embroidered Baby Cardigan
Editor's note: "If you love a granny-style knit cardigan, this Etsy seller sources them for you and can be bought with embroidery on. It also offers a send-in service if you have one of your own you'd like embroidered."
- Cardigans sourced by seller
- Send-in service available
- Name or word can be embroidered on back
LittleNameKnits Embroidered Baby Cardigan
Editor's note: "Neutrals and pastel shades feature heavily in this Etsy seller's shop. You can choose the colour of the cardigan and embroidery, too."
- Available in sizes newborn to 2-3 years
- Fast-track service available
- Can have an extra word or name added, for an additional cost
My 1st Years Embroidered Cardigan and Leggings Set
Editor's note: "An adorable newborn gift, this cardigan comes with matching leggings for the cutest little outfit."
- Choose font style and colour
- Sizes 0-3 or 3-6 months
- Hooded cardigan comes with matching knitted leggings
August and Co Treasures Personalised Baby Cardigan
Editor's note: "I love the choice of cardigans to be personalised from this Etsy seller - there's strawberry knits, rainbows, teddy bears, and more!"
- Plain and patterned cardigans available
- Personalised with name on back
- Rush delivery order available at an extra £5
Tuesday Childs Kids Send In Personalised Baby Cardigan
Editor's note: "This is an entirely send-in service, and a great one if you've already got a little knit you want personalised."
- Send-in service
- Choice of font and embroidery colour available
