Things Remembered is a gift retailer that specializes in personalized and engraved items
Things Remembered is a chain of physical stores and an online shop that sells gifts you can customize — mostly through engraving, embossing, or monogramming. They carry items like picture frames, jewelry boxes, desk accessories, barware, and home décor. The store's main draw is that you can have names, dates, initials, or short messages added to these items before you buy them, which makes them suitable for weddings, births, anniversaries, graduations, and corporate gifts.
The company operates both in shopping malls and online at thingsremembered.com. You can walk into a physical location, choose an item, decide what text or design you want added, and often leave with it the same day or within a few days. If you order online, you select the item, upload or type your personalization, and the store ships it to you or to a recipient.
Key Takeaways
- Things Remembered sells everyday items like frames and boxes that you can personalize with names, dates, or messages through engraving or monogramming.
- You can shop in physical stores located in many malls or order online at thingsremembered.com and have items personalized before delivery.
- Turnaround time for personalized items varies depending on the item and method — in-store orders may be ready in days, while online orders typically ship within one to two weeks.
- The store offers gift wrapping and can ship directly to a recipient, which is useful if you are sending a gift from a distance.
How personalization works at Things Remembered
When you choose an item, you decide what personalization you want. The most common option is engraving, which uses a laser or mechanical tool to etch text or a design into metal, wood, glass, or leather. Monogramming adds initials in a specific style, often on fabric items like towels or leather goods. Embossing raises a design or text on a surface without cutting into it, common on leather items.
In a physical store, you work with a staff member who shows you font choices, placement options, and can preview how your personalization will look. Online, you upload your text or image, choose fonts and positioning from a menu, and see a digital preview before you confirm the order. Some items have limits on how many characters you can add or where the personalization can go, so the preview helps you catch problems before you pay.
The cost of personalization is usually included in the item's price, though some complex custom designs or rush orders may add a fee. You pay for the item itself plus any shipping or gift wrapping you choose.
Turnaround time and shipping options
If you order in a physical store, many items are personalized on-site or sent to a local workshop. Turnaround is typically three to seven business days, though some simpler items may be ready in one or two days. The store can tell you the exact timeline when you place the order.
Online orders are personalized at a fulfillment center and then shipped to you. Standard shipping usually takes seven to ten business days after personalization is complete. Things Remembered offers expedited shipping options if you need the item sooner, though this costs more. You can also choose to have the item shipped directly to a recipient with a gift message included, which is useful if you are sending a gift to someone who lives far away.
If you need an item by a specific date — for a wedding or event — check the turnaround time before you order. Ordering too close to your important date can result in the item arriving late, even with expedited shipping.
Types of items available for personalization
Things Remembered carries a wide range of categories. Home décor includes picture frames, wall plaques, decorative boxes, and throw pillows. Barware covers wine glasses, beer mugs, decanters, and cocktail accessories. Jewelry and accessories include cufflinks, bracelets, keychains, and money clips. Desk and office items feature pen sets, desk organizers, and nameplates.
They also stock baby and children's gifts like birth announcements, growth charts, and baby blankets; wedding and anniversary gifts such as toasting flutes and guest books; and corporate gifts for employee recognition or client appreciation. Prices vary widely depending on the item and material — a straightforward engraved keychain might cost $15 to $25, while a personalized leather portfolio could run $60 to $150 or more.
The selection changes seasonally, and online inventory is typically larger than what any single store location carries. If you do not see what you want in a store, staff can often order it for you.
Gift wrapping and presentation options
Things Remembered offers gift wrapping for most items, usually for a small additional fee. You can choose from several wrapping styles and colors, and the store will include a gift tag with a message if you provide one. This is especially useful if you are buying a gift for someone else and want it ready to give without extra work on your end.
If you are shipping the gift directly to a recipient, you can include a printed gift message or card. Some items come in branded gift boxes, which adds to the presentation without requiring additional wrapping. For corporate gifts ordered in bulk, Things Remembered can coordinate wrapping and messaging across multiple items.
Pricing and payment methods
Prices at Things Remembered are set per item and typically include the cost of basic personalization. You pay more for the item itself if it is made of higher-quality materials — a sterling silver frame costs more than a metal one, for example. Expedited shipping, rush personalization, complex custom designs, and gift wrapping all add to the total cost.
The store accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods both in-store and online. If you are ordering online, you can save your payment and shipping information for faster checkout on future orders. Some locations may offer financing options for larger purchases, though this varies by store.
Things Remembered occasionally runs sales and promotions, especially around holidays and major gift-giving occasions. Signing up for their email list or checking their website can alert you to discounts before you order.
What to know before you order
Before you place an order, confirm the spelling of names and dates — engraved items cannot be easily corrected once the personalization is complete. Check the character limit for the item you want; some pieces have space for only a few words or initials. If you are ordering online, review the preview carefully and make sure the font, size, and placement look right to you.
If you are ordering for a specific event, order well in advance. Even with expedited options, personalization takes time, and shipping delays can happen. For weddings or other time-sensitive gifts, ordering at least two to three weeks ahead is safer than waiting until the last week.
If an item arrives damaged or the personalization has an error, contact the store or customer service right away. Things Remembered typically replaces items with defects or incorrect personalization, though the process may take additional time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a personalized item?
Personalized items are usually final sale because they are custom-made for you. If the item arrives damaged or the personalization is incorrect due to a store error, the store will replace it. If you straightforward change your mind, return policies vary by location and purchase method, so check the receipt or contact customer service for your specific situation.
What if I make a spelling mistake in my order?
If you catch the error before the item is personalized, contact the store or customer service when ready and they may be able to correct it. Once engraving or embossing is complete, correction is not possible. This is why reviewing the preview carefully before you confirm is important.
Do I have to pick up in-store orders, or can they be shipped?
In-store orders can usually be picked up at the location where you placed them, but you can also request shipping to your home or to a recipient. Shipping costs extra and takes longer than in-store pickup, but it is an option if you prefer not to return to the store.
Can Things Remembered personalize items I bring in myself?
Most Things Remembered locations personalize only items they sell. If you bring in an outside item, they typically cannot engrave or monogram it. Ask at your local store, as policies may vary slightly by location.
How far in advance should I order for a wedding gift?
Order at least two to three weeks before the wedding to allow time for personalization and shipping. If you are ordering close to the wedding date, choose expedited shipping and confirm the delivery date with the store before you pay. Arriving late is worse than not arriving at all, so build in a buffer.