What Things Remembered Does
Things Remembered is a retail chain that specializes in personalized gifts — items engraved, monogrammed, or customized with names, dates, initials, or messages. You pick a product (a frame, pen, ornament, jewelry box, or hundreds of other items), choose your customization, and the store handles the engraving or personalization in-house or sends it to their workshop. The finished item arrives ready to give.
The store operates both physical locations and an online shop. If you go in person, you can see products, discuss customization options with staff, and sometimes pick up orders the same day or within a few days. If you order online, you upload artwork or text, review a proof, and the item ships to you or directly to a recipient.
Things Remembered is not a made-to-order craft service — they work from a catalog of existing products that they then personalize. That means your choices are limited to what they stock, but the turnaround is faster and the price is more predictable than commissioning something custom from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- Things Remembered sells pre-made products that they personalize with engraving, monogramming, or printing — you choose the item and the customization text or design.
- You can shop in a physical store, where staff can show you samples and discuss options, or order online and upload your customization details.
- Turnaround time varies by product and customization method; in-store orders may be ready in days, while online orders typically ship within one to two weeks.
- Prices range widely depending on the base product — a personalized pen costs far less than a personalized piece of jewelry or a large photo frame.
- The store offers a return window, but personalized items cannot usually be returned or exchanged once customization is complete.
How to Order in a Physical Store
Walk into a Things Remembered location and browse the product categories — frames, ornaments, desk accessories, jewelry, barware, home décor, and more. Pick up items you like and ask a staff member about customization options. Not every product can be engraved or monogrammed; the staff will tell you what's possible for each piece.
Once you've chosen a product and decided on your customization (text, initials, a date, or a design), the staff member will write down your request and show you a sample of the font or engraving style if available. You'll pay at that point. Depending on the item and the complexity of the customization, you may pick it up the same day, in a few days, or they may ship it to you if the work is done off-site.
Ask about turnaround time before you pay — if you need the gift by a specific date, confirm the store can meet that important date. Some items are engraved in-store; others go to a workshop and take longer.
How to Order Online
Go to the Things Remembered website, search or browse by product category, and click on an item. The product page will show whether it can be personalized and what customization options are available — text engraving, monogramming, photo printing, or a combination.
Add the item to your cart and proceed to checkout. You'll enter your customization details (names, dates, initials, or upload a photo or artwork file). Review the preview or proof that the site generates — this shows you exactly how your customization will look on the finished product. If you're satisfied, confirm and pay. If you want changes, you can usually edit before you submit.
The order then goes to the workshop. Typical shipping takes one to two weeks from the time you place the order, though some items may be faster or slower. You'll receive a tracking number via email once the item ships.
Customization Options and Limitations
Things Remembered offers several types of personalization. Engraving uses a laser or mechanical tool to cut text or a design into metal, wood, glass, or leather. Monogramming typically means embroidering initials onto fabric items like towels or robes, or engraving initials onto metal or leather goods. Photo printing lets you add a photograph to a frame, mug, or other item. Some products allow custom artwork — you upload a logo, design, or image and it's printed or engraved onto the product.
Not all products support all methods. A wooden box can be engraved but not photo-printed. A ceramic mug can be printed with a photo but may not accept engraving. The product page or store staff will tell you what's available for each item.
Font choices are usually limited to a set of styles the store offers — you don't pick any font you want. Text length matters too; very long names or messages may not fit or may require a smaller font size. Ask about these constraints before you finalize your order.
Pricing and What Affects the Cost
Things Remembered prices vary widely by product. A personalized pen might cost $15 to $30. A personalized photo frame could range from $25 to $100 or more depending on size and material. A personalized piece of jewelry might be $50 to $200 or higher. The base product price is the biggest factor, followed by the type and complexity of customization.
Engraving a straightforward name or initials usually costs less than photo printing or a complex multi-line design. Rush orders — if you need the item faster than standard turnaround — may carry an additional fee. Shipping costs depend on the item's size and weight and your delivery address.
Things Remembered frequently runs sales and promotions, especially around holidays. Sign up for their email list or check their website for current discounts if you're flexible on timing.
Returns and What Happens If Something Goes Wrong
Things Remembered allows returns within a set window (typically 30 to 60 days, depending on whether you ordered in-store or online). However, personalized items cannot be returned or exchanged once the customization is complete. If you ordered a monogrammed towel with the wrong initials, you cannot send it back for a refund or exchange.
This is why reviewing the proof or preview before you confirm is critical. If you spot an error in the proof, tell the store or contact customer service when ready — they can usually correct it before the item is engraved or printed. Once the work is done, it's final.
If the store makes an error (wrong text, misspelled name, damaged product), contact them right away with photos. They may remake the item or offer a refund, but this is at their discretion and depends on the nature of the mistake. Keep your receipt and any email confirmations.
Shipping and Delivery Options
Online orders ship via standard carrier (USPS, UPS, or FedEx depending on the item and destination). Standard shipping typically takes one to two weeks from the time your order is placed and customization is complete. Expedited or overnight shipping is usually available for an additional cost.
You can have the item shipped to yourself or directly to a recipient as a gift. If shipping to a recipient, you may be able to include a gift message or have the package wrapped, though these options vary and may incur extra fees.
Track your shipment using the tracking number sent to your email. If an item arrives damaged, photograph it and contact Things Remembered customer service with the photos and your order number — they will work with you on a replacement or refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a personalized item if I change my mind?
No. Once a product is engraved, monogrammed, or customized with a photo or design, it cannot be returned or exchanged. This is why reviewing the proof before you confirm your order is so important. If you spot an error in the proof, contact the store when ready — they can usually fix it before the work is done.
How long does it take to get a personalized item?
In-store orders may be ready the same day or within a few days, depending on the customization method and how busy the store is. Online orders typically take one to two weeks from the time you place the order until it ships. Ask about turnaround time before you order if you have a important date.
What if I upload a photo and it doesn't look good on the preview?
You can edit or replace the photo before you submit your order. If you've already submitted and the preview doesn't look right, contact customer service as soon as possible — they may be able to cancel the order or make changes before the item is printed. Once printing is complete, changes are not possible.
Do I have to pick a font, or can I choose any font I want?
Things Remembered offers a set of pre-designed fonts and engraving styles. You choose from their options, not from any font you want. The product page or store staff will show you what fonts are available for each item.
Can I send a personalized gift directly to someone else?
Yes. When you order online, you can enter a recipient's address instead of your own, and the item will ship directly to them. You may also be able to include a gift message. In-store, ask the staff whether they can ship to a recipient or if you need to pick up and deliver it yourself.