Remember how exciting it was to get a souvenir or gift with your name on it when you were younger? In part, the allure came from the fact that the object was undeniably yourswhether it was a novelty license plate, a lunch box, or something more special. For many, the pleasure of a monogram has not dissipated over the decades, and there is no reason not to carry that into the workplace.
Beyond traditional items like stationery or an agenda, there are a variety of unique ways to make a space your own. Companies like Pottery Barn have embraced customization and offer items such as acrylic desk accessories that can be monogrammed.
And if you're the creative type, there are loads of ways to customize your desk yourselfconsider rubber stamping your initials on manila folders, using an embosser on correspondence, creating your own return address labels, or making a blotter.
Open Sesame
An engraved letter opener is a stylish upgrade from the run-of-the-mill office supply store option. This particular opener can be customized with a name or one-, two-, or three- letter monogram on the base, in block or script lettering. It's bound to make even junk mail seem more important. $19.95; www.personalizationmall.com
Pour Moi?
Iomoi offers domed and oval paperweights in colors and patterns that range from vintage-looking island floral chino to the cheeky little devil to a perfectly preppie lime floral with pink trim; personalized in a choice of fonts. Oval paperweights are 3.75 inches by 2.5 inches, and domed paperweights are 3.5 inches in diameter. $42 (oval) or $68 (domed); www.iomoi.com
Noteworthy
When you're in the mood to splurge a little, consider the "Notes" book from Smythson of Bond Street, which has been in the luxury papergoods business since 1887. The 5.5-by-3.5-inch book has lightweight paper to keep the volume slim, and the lambskin cover comes in five colors; the cover can be silver-stamped with up to 15 letters. $75; www.smythson.com
Originally published Aug. 1, 2008
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