Personalised 1st birthday book: 8 reasons parents love it
A personalised story book makes a strong first birthday gift because it survives the age it was bought for. Letterfest's Personalised First Birthday Story Book is a 24-page, hand-illustrated keepsake in which the birthday child is the main character. More than 16,000 have been sold, and buyers rate it 4.86 out of 5. Most first birthday presents are outgrown within months. A book with the child's name and face in it gets kept.
What is the Personalised First Birthday Story Book?
It is a bedtime story written for a child turning one, printed to order with that child written into it. Their name appears throughout the text, and a hand-drawn character is built to look like them, so the book reads as though it was always theirs. The story runs to 24 pages with original illustrations on every spread and a gentle rhythm designed for very young listeners.
8 reasons parents choose this book
1. It is a keepsake, not a first birthday toy
Most of what a one-year-old is given at their first birthday is played with for a season and then passed on. A book with their name printed through it goes on the shelf instead, and buyers regularly tell us it went straight into the memory box alongside the cards.
2. The child is genuinely in the story
This is not a name dropped into a template. You choose skin tone, hair colour, hair style and outfit, right down to the colour of the romper, so the character on the page resembles the child holding the book.
3. Every illustration is drawn by hand
The artwork is created by Letterfest's own illustration team rather than assembled from stock. The colours are bright and the tone is warm and a little bit funny, which is what makes it re-readable for the adult doing the reading as well as the child.
4. More than 16,000 sold, rated 4.86 out of 5
The book has sold over 16,000 copies and holds an average of 4.86 out of 5 from 44 verified reviews, with 95% of reviewers giving it five stars. Across the whole Letterfest range, customers have left more than 15,600 reviews.
5. You can add a message that stays in the book
A dedication page carries your own message, so the gift is signed permanently rather than in a card that gets recycled in January. This is the part grandparents tend to appreciate most.
6. Hardcover or softcover, in three cover colours
Choose softcover for a lighter copy or hardcover if it is meant to last through years of bedtimes and small hands. Three cover colours are available, and gift wrap can be added at checkout.
7. Printed and bound in Britain
Every book is made in the UK by Letterfest's own team rather than sent out to a third-party printer, which is how the artwork and colour stay consistent from one copy to the next.
8. It is made to order but arrives quickly
Books take two working days to print, and delivery takes a further one to two days. Made to order does not mean a long wait, so a first birthday that has crept up on you is still comfortably reachable.
What parents say about it
Lovely book, something to also go in his memory box. As the first one got delivered elsewhere you very quickly sent a replacement. Wonderful customer service.
Great concept, very easy to do. The whole process was very simple, would definitely recommend.
Brilliant book, well put together. They were delighted with it.
Excellent from start to finish.
The book at a glance
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Occasion | First birthdays |
| Length | 24 pages, illustrated throughout |
| Formats | Softcover or hardcover, three cover colours |
| Personalisation | Child's name throughout, custom character, dedication message |
| Copies sold | More than 16,000 |
| Customer rating | 4.86 out of 5 from 44 reviews |
| Printing time | 2 working days |
| Delivery | 1 to 2 days after printing |
| Made in | Printed and bound in Britain |
| Extras | Gift wrap available at checkout |
How to make one
- Enter the child's name and choose their character's skin tone, hair and outfit.
- Pick softcover or hardcover and a cover colour, then write your dedication message.
- Check the full preview of your book, order, and it is printed in two working days and delivered in one to two more.
Other personalised books for children
If the birthday is not a first, or you are buying for an older sibling at the same time, these are the closest alternatives.
- Personalised Birthday Story Book — the same idea, written for any birthday.
- Personalised Dinosaur Book — a dinosaur adventure starring your child.
- Personalised There You Are Book — a search-and-find book for slightly older readers.
Browse the full range of personalised books for children.
Frequently asked questions
Is a personalised book a good first birthday present?
Yes, particularly if you want the gift to last. A one-year-old will not read it themselves, but it becomes a shared bedtime routine straight away and stays on the shelf long after the toys have moved on. It also solves the common first birthday problem of buying something the parents already own.
How long does the book take to arrive?
Two working days to print, then one to two days for delivery.
Can it be sent straight to the birthday child?
Yes. Enter a different delivery address at checkout and no prices are included in the parcel.
Can I see the book before I buy it?
Yes. A full preview of your personalised book is available before you order, so you can read the story and check every detail you have entered.
What if I make a mistake in the personalisation?
Text cannot be changed once payment is taken and spelling is printed exactly as entered, so it is worth checking carefully. If something does go wrong, email support@letterfest.com and a reprint can be arranged at a reduced price.
Is the book suitable for more than one child?
Yes, the book can be personalised for more than one child.
Is it available in other languages?
Books are currently printed in English only.
Personalised 1st birthday book: 8 reasons parents love it
A hand-illustrated 24-page keepsake starring the birthday child, with more than 16,000 sold and rated 4.86 out of 5 by buyers. Here is what is inside, what parents say about it, and how to make one in a few minutes.
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