A personalized piece is made for one person, so it cannot be swapped for another size or name later. Two minutes of checking before you order saves a lot of disappointment. This guide walks through the decisions in the order you will make them.
1. Choose the scene for the person, not the occasion
The best keepsakes show something the person loves — reading, gardening, a pet, a cabin by the lake — rather than a generic “happy birthday” design. The occasion is covered by the date or message you add. Browse by interest:
- Book lovers · Garden & flower lovers · Pet lovers · Coffee & tea lovers
- Makers & artists · Cooks, musicians & more · Cabins & the outdoors
- Couples & weddings · Family keepsakes · Memorial · Seasonal & holiday
2. Choose the size
The size listed is the outer width of the finished piece. Measure the spot where it will stand first.
- 4–6 inch — shelf, desk, windowsill, bedside table. Easy to post and to give in person.
- 8–10 inch — mantel, dresser, side table. The text is noticeably larger.
- 12 inch and up — a statement piece for a hallway, living room or reading room.
Sizes may vary by about 0.2 inch (5 mm).
3. Write the text
- We print exactly what you type — spelling, capital letters, spaces and punctuation. Read it back once.
- Aim for 12–15 characters per line. Longer text is set smaller so it still fits.
- Dates: write them the way you want them shown. 06.14.2026 is month-first (US); 14.06.2026 is day-first.
- Characters: letters with common accents (é, ñ, ü), numbers and simple punctuation work. Emoji do not.
- Names in our product photos are examples and are replaced with yours.
More examples are in our personalization guide.
4. Check timing
Production takes 3–5 business days. Delivery then takes 7–15 business days to the United States and 10–25 business days to most other countries. For a fixed date — a wedding, birthday or holiday — order three to four weeks ahead. Full details are on our shipping page.
5. Save on more than one
Ordering for several people — grandparents, bridesmaids, teachers? Buy 2 pieces and save 10%, or 3 or more and save 15%, applied automatically in the cart. Shipping is $5.99 per order and free on orders of $69 or more.
6. Look after it
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth or brush.
- No water, sprays or polish on the printed surface.
- Keep it indoors, away from heaters, bathrooms and strong all-day sun.
- It is decorative — small layers are not a toy.
More on our wood care page.
7. If something is wrong
If a piece arrives damaged, or the text is not what you typed, email a photo and your order number within 30 days of delivery. We will remake it or refund you in full, and you do not need to send it back. Personalized pieces cannot be returned for a change of mind — which is why steps 2 and 3 matter. See report a problem.
How each piece is made
Every Oakmira keepsake starts as flat wood board. It is laser-cut into three shaped layers, the artwork and your text are UV-printed onto the surface, and the layers are glued together into a stepped piece about 15 mm (just over half an inch) thick. Designs that look carved or painted are printed to look that way. Each piece is made to order in 3–5 business days, then shipped with tracking: 7–15 business days to the United States and 10–25 business days to most other countries.