What Can We Engrave?

The Ultimate Custom Engraving Guide.

When it comes to creating a memorable gift or marking something as uniquely yours, few things are more powerful than custom engraving. At That Personal Touch, we help turn everyday objects into lasting keepsakes.

But the most common question we hear is:
“What can you actually engrave?”

Here’s your ultimate guide - based on materials, gift ideas, and real-world examples - to everything that can (and should) be engraved.

Wood Engraving: Warm, Rustic, and Timeless

Wood is one of the most popular engraving materials because it brings out character with every burn.

Great for:

Cutting boards
Coasters and trays
Memory boxes
Signage and wall décor

Popular gift ideas:

A handwritten recipe from grandma engraved on a cutting board - a functional heirloom.

Metal Engraving: Clean, Durable, and Sleek

Laser engraving on metal gives a sharp, modern look that lasts forever.

Materials we engrave:

Stainless steel
Anodized aluminum
Titanium
Brass

Best for:

Wallet cards with personal messages
Dog tags (military or pet)
Custom knives or multitools
Tumblers and water bottles
Industrial tags or business branding

Example: A stainless-steel card engraved with your wedding vows - it fits in a wallet and lasts a lifetime.

Glass & Crystal Engraving: Elegant and Eye-Catching

Laser engraving on glass creates a frosted, high-end effect - perfect for keepsakes or formal gifts.

Ideal for:

Wine and whiskey glasses
Decanters
Wedding toasting flutes
Awards and plaques
Memorial candles

Tip: Glassware sets make incredible gifts for weddings, anniversaries, or retirement celebrations.

Acrylic Engraving: Modern and Versatile

Acrylic offers the look of glass with more durability. It’s clean, customizable, and great for signage or display.

Common uses:

Custom signs
Table numbers or name tags
Awards
Business signage
Memorial plaques

Pro tip: Acrylic is perfect for backlit or edge-lit signs, making it popular for man caves, weddings, and branding displays.

Leather & Faux Leather Engraving: Rugged Meets Classy

Laser engraving on leather leaves a burn mark that’s rich in tone and texture. It gives a rustic yet premium feel.

Perfect for:

Wallets and passport holders
Keychains
Journal covers
Bracelets
Bag tags and luggage

Business use: A branded leather notebook makes an impressive client or employee gift.

What Can’t Be Engraved?

We like to say: “If it doesn’t melt, crack, or catch fire - we can probably engrave it.”
But here are a few exceptions:

Certain plastics that release toxic fumes
Coated materials that don’t allow clean burns
Items with curved or uneven surfaces (depending on size)
High-gloss painted finishes (risk of chipping)

Not sure if your item is engravable? Contact us — we’ll let you know.

How to Choose What to Engrave

Here’s a quick checklist to help:

Is it meaningful? Names, dates, coordinates, quotes, or inside jokes work well.
Is it durable? Pick materials that will last.
Is it the right size/surface? Smooth, flat surfaces usually engrave best.
Is it a gift? Think about how it will be used - daily or for display?

Why That Personal Touch?

40+ years of engraving experience
Fast turnaround (Same day service available)
Custom designs and mockups available

We don’t just engrave - we help bring your idea to life.

Ready to Create Something Personal?

Whether it’s a gift, a brand promotion, or a tribute, we’ll help you choose the right material and engraving style to make it unforgettable.

Start your custom engraving or contact us for a quick consult.