Why a personalised Christmas book works
Toys come and go by January, but a story with a child’s own name in it tends to come back out every December. Read on Christmas Eve, it becomes a small family tradition, and the dedication records who it came from and which Christmas it was.
Our three Christmas stories, compared
The Snowman Christmas Story follows Pip the snowman and a Christmas letter through a snowy village. It is our longest Christmas book, with 32 interior pages, and suits shared reading at around three to six. Four cover designs are available.
The Christmas Star is a gentle woodland story about a paper star, a gust of wind and friends who help to mend it. It has 24 interior pages; the illustrated front cover stays the same and you choose a Cranberry, Fir Green, Winter Blue or Warm Cream back cover.
The Little Bell of Kindness is about sharing and small kindnesses. It is the one to choose if picking the illustrated child matters to you: there are 12 characters and five cover designs, and it suits ages around two to five.
For a toddler’s first or second Christmas
For under-threes, choose a shorter, calmer story and read it together. The Little Bell of Kindness works well for the youngest listeners. For a baby’s very first Christmas, a keepsake hardcover with a dedication from the family is a lovely way to mark the year.
For a Christmas Eve box
Keep the box simple: pyjamas, a hot chocolate, a small treat and the book. The story is the part you will actually share that evening. A5 softcover is the most affordable choice for a box; the 21 cm hardcover is the keepsake option. Read our Christmas Eve box guide for more ideas.
Something different: a photo storybook
If you want the child to be the hero, Their Photo, Their Adventure creates an illustrated character inspired by one photo, in a choice of five adventures. It is ordered through Etsy and needs proof approval, so allow extra time before Christmas.
When to order for Christmas
Every book is printed to order in the UK. We prepare your personalised file within 2–3 working days, then UK delivery usually takes 3–5 working days. For Christmas delivery, we recommend ordering by 14 December; earlier is better, as December post is busy. Delivery dates are estimates, not guarantees.
Dedication ideas for Christmas
“For [Name], your first Christmas — may every one be as magical. Love, Mummy and Daddy.” “Merry Christmas, little star. This story is yours to read every Christmas Eve. Love, Grandma and Grandad.” See more dedication ideas.