A personalised book puts the recipient at the centre of the story. Not a character inspired by them — literally them, by name, in a narrative crafted around who they are.
It's the kind of gift that stops people in their tracks.
A personalised book is a published or printed book in which the recipient's name (and sometimes their characteristics or life details) appears as the main character.
For children, these have existed for years — you fill in the child's name and they're the hero of the adventure.
For adults, the category is newer and more interesting. Nom Books creates illustrated adult novels that weave a person's name into funny, affectionate stories across different themes — from the perpetual dieter to the dedicated brunch-goer to the passionate amateur cook.
The result is a book that feels both universal (anyone who loves brunch will recognise themselves) and specific (it's written for you).
The best gifts fill a blind spot. Nobody browses for books about themselves — so a personalised book is always unexpected. The recipient had no idea this specific thing existed for them.
A personalised gift says: I thought about you as a person, not as "someone who needs a gift." Even when the personalisation is as simple as a name, it communicates intentionality.
A book starring your name is something you show people. You read it at Christmas and share the funniest lines. You put it on your bookshelf where visitors notice it. The gift keeps generating moments long after the day itself.
Unlike a cookbook (only for people who cook), a perfume (intensely personal taste), or a gadget (might already have it), a personalised book by name requires knowing almost nothing about the recipient except their name.
Nom Books has illustrated adult novels for 1,600+ names. Find theirs and read the preview.
Find Their Book →A personalised book about her obsession with brunch, her struggles with fitness, or her eternal DIY projects is funnier the better you know her. But even for someone you know less well, the name-personalisation carries the gift.
A story featuring her name, about the things she loves (gardening, cooking, her grandchildren) is deeply sentimental and unlike anything she'll have received before.
There's a natural playfulness between sisters that personalised books amplify — especially when the theme matches something she'd affectionately mock herself for.
For work gift exchanges, Secret Santa, or farewell gifts, a personalised book is warm and funny without being too personal. It's the ideal middle ground.
The entire point of personalisation is that it sidesteps the "but what do they actually want?" problem. Everyone wants something made specifically for them.
Quality of illustrations — cheap clip-art illustration undermines the gift. Look for consistent, charming artwork.
Relevance of the theme — match the book theme to their personality. A book about gym obsession is funny for a dedicated gym-goer; for someone who hates exercise, pick a different theme.
The writing — this matters more than it might seem. Clever, warm, funny writing makes the book worth reading twice. Flat writing makes it a novelty that's skimmed once.
Range of names available — Nom Books covers over 1,600 names across multiple themes. If you have an unusual name or a friend with one, check the available names first.
A personalised book is already a complete gift — it doesn't need extras. But if you want to elevate it:
What's the difference between a personalised book and a customised book? A personalised book typically uses the recipient's name as a fixed element woven into the text. A customised book allows you to change multiple elements — name, personality traits, location. Nom Books uses name personalisation, which creates books that feel genuinely tailored without requiring you to fill out a lengthy form.
Are personalised books suitable for all ages? Nom Books creates books for adults. For children, there's a separate market of personalised children's books (various publishers).
How long does delivery take? Physical books typically take 3-5 working days in the UK. Check the specific delivery timeline when ordering.
Can I order a personalised book at the last minute? Many personalised books are available as digital downloads for instant gifting — you can print the PDF yourself or send it digitally. Check if a digital option is available if you need it quickly.
Is a personalised book a good Secret Santa gift? Yes — it's unusual, appropriate for almost anyone, and sits comfortably in the £20-£30 range that Secret Santa typically requires. The name personalisation means it can't be re-gifted, which makes it genuinely personal.