If you've ever handed someone a gift and watched them read their own name on it - you'll know there's something different about that moment. It lands differently. It means more. That's exactly the feeling we've built A Personal Touch around.
We're Emma and Derek, an Auckland-based duo who between us have spent years in paramedicine and the Royal Marines. Emma brings a calm, detail-focused and solutions-driven approach to every order. She leads the creative and client-facing side of the business, working closely with customers to turn ideas into meaningful, beautifully finished personalised gifts. Derek is well known for precision, structure, and high standards. He oversees production, quality control, and logistics, ensuring every piece meets the level of quality we expect before it leaves our studio.
We're not your typical gift business owners - but then again, A Personal Touch isn't your typical gift business.
What we do
We create personalised gifts and branded products that are genuinely made for the person receiving them - not plucked off a shelf and stuck in a bag. Using laser engraving and UV printing technology, we produce a wide range of custom-made pieces including:
- Personalised gifts - engraved glassware, engraved hipflasks, LED night lights, UV-printed acrylic panels, cheeseboards, serving boards, and drinkware
- Wedding gifts and anniversary gifts - pieces that mark the moments that matter
- Occasion gifts - birthdays, graduations, retirements, new arrivals, and everything in between
- Bridesmaid and groomsman proposal gifts - because asking your people to be part of your big day deserves something special
- Personalised notebooks, photo bookmarks, photo ornaments, and more
- Branded merchandise and promotional products for small businesses and corporates
- Business signage - desktop, countertop, and small display signage
Everything we make is produced right here in Auckland, New Zealand. No overseas drop-shipping, no mystery turnaround times. When you order from us, you're ordering from us.
Why personalised gifts hit differently
There's a reason engraved gifts and personalised products have stood the test of time. A name, a date, a message - something that says "I chose this specifically for you" - transforms an object into a keepsake. Whether it's an engraved hipflask for a groomsman who's been by someone's side for twenty years, a pair of engraved wine glasses for a couple celebrating an anniversary, or a UV-printed acrylic panel for a new home - these aren't things people throw away.
We take that seriously. Every order gets our full attention, whether it's a single personalised gift or a run of branded merchandise for a corporate client.
For businesses and corporates
A Personal Touch isn't just for gift buyers. We also work with small businesses and corporates across New Zealand who need branded promotional products, custom merchandise, or professional signage.
Branded products are one of the most effective - and underused - ways to build recognition and leave a lasting impression. Whether you need branded merch for a trade show, engraved glassware for corporate gifting, or countertop signage for your shopfront, we can help you show up with intention.
We understand that businesses need reliability. Turnaround is typically 24–72 hours production time, with shipping usually arriving within a few days after dispatch - so you're not left chasing your own deadline.
A bit about us
Emma runs A Personal Touch alongside her work as a registered paramedic. Derek - a former Royal Marine - brings a precision and attention to detail that, frankly, you want in someone making things for you. Together, we handle every part of the business: design, production, packaging, customer service, and everything in between.
We started this business because we believe the best gifts are the ones that feel intentional. The ones that show someone you thought about them - not just about getting something off a to-do list. We've put a lot of work into building a range that covers real occasions, real milestones, and real people.
What to expect on this blog
This blog is where we'll share new products and collections, gift ideas for upcoming occasions, tips for personalising your order, and a behind-the-scenes look at what we're making. If you're looking for inspiration - whether you're shopping for a wedding gift, an anniversary gift, a birthday, or branded products for your business - you'll find it here. We love custom requests so if you're after something you don't see on our website, please reach out!
We're glad you found us. Take a look around the store, and if you have a question or a custom request, don't hesitate to get in touch.
- Emma & Derek, A Personal Touch