Personalised Christmas Baubles: Name, Pet or Photo?
The short answer
Choose a name bauble for family sets and first Christmases, a pet bauble for the dog or cat, and a photo lithophane bauble when you want a picture that glows on the tree. Ours are 3D printed in Colchester from £10, with a name and year in the colours you pick. For Christmas post, order and pay by Tuesday 15 December.
In this guide
A personalised bauble is one of those small presents that comes back every year. It goes in the box in January and comes out again each December, and the tree slowly fills up with names, pets and faces.
We make three kinds: name, pet and photo. Here's how to choose between them.
Which personalised bauble should I choose?
Pick by who it's for: a name bauble for people, a pet bauble for the dog or cat, and a photo bauble when a picture says more than a name.
| Bauble | Shapes and size | Personalise with | Price | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name bauble | Round 80 mm, snowflake 90 mm, star 85 mm | A name up to 10 letters, optional year, two colours | £10, 4 for £32 | Family sets, first Christmases, stocking fillers |
| Pet bauble | Round or star, 80 mm | Pet's name up to 10 letters, optional year, a paw, bone or fish | £10 | Dog and cat owners |
| Photo bauble | 80 mm disc, 3 mm thick | One photo, optional words on the rim | £15 | Grandparents, memories, a new baby |
Every bauble comes with a ribbon to hang it.
What goes on a name bauble?
A name bauble carries one name, up to 10 letters, and the year if you want it. You choose the shape (round, snowflake or star), the bauble colour and the name colour.
The finishes are where it gets festive. Matte is the plain option; silk, glitter, iridescent and tricolour all catch the tree lights and cost a little more (from £1 extra).
A few ideas that work well:
- A family set. One bauble each, same shape and colours, different names. The 4 for £32 offer applies across different names and colours in your basket.
- A first Christmas. A new baby's name and the year, in a soft colour.
- A bauble every year. Same shape, a new year each time, so the collection grows.
What about a bauble for the dog or cat?
A pet bauble has the pet's name, up to 10 letters, the year if you like, and a paw, bone or fish. It comes in round or star shapes, 80 mm across, in the colours you pick.
It's a decoration, not a toy, so hang it high enough that a curious dog or cat can't chew it.
How does a photo bauble work?
A photo bauble is a lithophane: your photo printed in white plastic, thin where the picture is light and thick where it's dark. On its own it looks like a plain white disc with a faint texture. When the tree lights shine through it, the photo appears.
When you upload a photo, you'll see a lit-up preview before you buy. You can add up to 16 characters on the rim, such as "Nan & Grandad", and pick the rim colour in matte, silk or glitter.
Tips for a good result:
- Use a clear photo at least 800 pixels across.
- Choose a picture with clear faces and not too much going on in the background.
- Check the preview to see how it looks lit up.
- Hang it in front of LED lights only. Don't hang it directly against hot bulbs.
When should I order for Christmas?
Order and pay by Tuesday 15 December for Christmas post. After that you can still order, but it may arrive after Christmas.
We start every order within 24 hours of purchase and post it as soon as it's finished. UK delivery is from £2.99, free when you spend £25 or more. You can also collect free from our Colchester office by arrangement, which is handy for late orders. Our delivery page has the full details.
How do I look after a printed bauble?
Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and store it somewhere cool. Our baubles are printed in PLA, which softens above 50°C, so keep them out of hot lofts in summer and away from hot bulbs.
FAQ
Can I mix names and shapes in a 4 for £32 set?
Yes. The offer applies to any four name baubles in your basket, whatever the names, shapes and colours.
Are baubles suitable for children?
They're decorations, not toys, and have a small hanging ribbon. Keep them out of reach of young children.
What if I spell a name wrong?
We print exactly what you type, so check carefully before ordering. If you spot a mistake, message the team as soon as you can.
Can I return a personalised bauble?
Personalised items are made just for you, so they can't be returned if you change your mind. If anything arrives faulty or wrong, we'll remake it or refund you. See our returns page.
Shop this guide
Sources
- Hatch3D product details, price list and delivery settings, October 2026
