Your baby’s name makes for charming personalized decor you’ll never get sick of — and it grows with your child. Here are 11 ways to visually incorporate that all-important name into your baby’s first room. There’s something for everyone, from Ava to Zachary.
Powerful Pennants
A custom name pennant ($50 and up) from Etsy shop Hoping Machine NY has a simple yet powerful effect in any baby boy or girl’s room, and can work with both modern and vintage decor. The pennants are handmade with premium felt in the Hudson Valley and hang from a wooden dowel with three-ply jute twine. Visit the Etsy shop for other styles and sayings.
A Lofty Letter
Give your baby’s nursery a cool, industrial vibe with these hollowed-out letters made of iron. The Magnificent Metal Letter ($6.97) is a Land of Nod exclusive that can sit on a shelf or be hung on the wall. Spell out your child’s full name, their initials, or just the first letter of their name for impact. Then, get creative and fill each letter with toys, heirlooms or twinkle lights.
Pretty Plaques
On the other side of the world, Etsy shop Little Birdy Finds in Melbourne, Australia, is designing and cutting name plaques ($18.11 and up) using sustainable materials. Each plaque has its own special look thanks to variations in the bamboo and will dress up your child's door or wall. These made-to-order pieces are laser-cut and come with a neutral-colored waxed-cotton hanging cord for easy decorating.
Wood Blocks for the Wonder Years
A set of alphabet blocks ($2.85 per block) spelling out your child’s name gives any baby nursery a personal and timeless touch. These hardwood building blocks from Bannor Toys are made with walnut, maple and cherry woods that are sanded satin-smooth with rounded edges and a beeswax and flaxseed oil finish. And for added interest, each block has sides containing a capital letter and the corresponding lowercase letter, as well as hearts, stars or numbers from 0 to 9, as specified.
Precious Pillows
There’s something undeniably sweet about the notebook paper-inspired natural linen pillows ($38) made by Etsy shop Natures Needle. The machine-and-hand embroidered bolster comes with a soft pillow insert and has an envelope closure on the back so the case can be gently washed. Personalize yours with your child’s first name (and middle name too for an even more one-of-a-kind effect) and pick from pastel rainbow, classic rainbow, or black lettering.
A Versatile Tile
Precious but not overtly juvenile, the personalized name tile in Ceramic ($36) from Paloma’s Nest Can be used throughout your home in countless creative ways. Mount it on your baby’s bedroom door, place it on a bookshelf with other favorite objects, nail it to the foot of your child’s bed, use it to designate a dedicated coat hook, or sew it on to a holiday stocking. The tile is handcrafted using fine white clay and pairs nicely with small brass nails or heavy-weight nylon thread.
The Cutest Cap
An adorable hat is a staple in any newborn’s wardrobe, and the tiny topper becomes adorable decor after your child outgrows it. These hand-embroidered caps ($19.95 and up) from Etsy shop Bisou Et Calin are made from high-quality cotton knit fabrics and come in seemingly endless color and pattern options. The felt patch for the name comes in black, grey, navy blue or brown, and in print or cursive lettering. Frame the cap or place it decoratively on a shelf after your little one has outgrown it.
A Personalized Puzzle
A toy that sends proceeds to educational and environmental initiatives can be your baby’s first lesson in giving back. It’s what the family at Smiling Tree is all about. Their Spell Well Name Puzzle ($25 and up) is made with light-colored maple letters and a darker walnut base for high contrast. Everything is handcrafted in Minnesota and finished with a homegrown blend of organic oil and beeswax. A portion of proceeds from every item sold is donated to the Peace Corps' youth development programs.
A Charming Hoop
A custom handmade hoop ($42) with your little one’s name is a classic decoration for your child's room. If you're not up for crafting your own, the Etsy shop The Cotton Thread makes them as simple or ornate and floral as you like. Choose your color preferences and you can even remove the outer hoop if you like.
Baby's First Blanket
Add a little sparkle with the Metallic Star & Name Stroller Blanket ($69) from the Stationery Studio. Keep it in the nursery for playtime on chilly days or bring it during outings to keep your wee one warm in the car seat or stroller. There are more than 25 blanket colors to choose from, and you can select silver or gold metallic yarn.
Art That's Out of This World
The “You Are Here” Children’s Custom Art ($42 and up) from Minted will teach your little one something about outer space while giving them an idea of where we are in the solar system. You specify the print size, background color, and frame color.
What’s your favorite way to personalize a baby’s room? Let us know below!
— Whitney C. Harris
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