The Mematime Blog

Wishes and messages, gift ideas and personalised book inspiration for the people you love.

Latest articles

A one year old surrounded by birthday gifts

Gifts for 1 Year Olds: 20+ Ideas They Will Love

20+ gift ideas for a 1 year old, from first birthday keepsakes to toys that actually last, sorted by what helps them play, learn and grow.

A wrapped personalised gift with a child's name tag

Personalised Gifts for Kids: 20+ Ideas They Will Treasure

20+ personalised gift ideas for kids, from books and keepsakes to everyday items with their name, picked for gifts they will actually treasure.

An illustrated personalised book open on a desk

How Our Personalised Books Are Made

A look behind the scenes at how we turn a few photos into a personalised book where your child is the illustrated hero of their own story.

A cozy desk with a notebook and a cup of coffee

Welcome to the Mematime Blog

Welcome to the Mematime blog. Here is what we are setting out to do: help you find the right words and the right keepsakes for the people you love.

An anniversary card next to two glasses of wine

Anniversary Messages: 45+ Things to Write

45+ anniversary messages for your partner, parents, friends and the happy couple, from romantic and heartfelt to funny and short.

A christening card with a white candle and flowers

Christening and Baptism Wishes: 40+ Messages

40+ christening and baptism wishes for a baby, godchild or family, from religious and heartfelt to short and simple.

A child handing dad a Father's Day card

Father's Day Messages: 40+ Things to Write for Dad

40+ Father's Day messages and quotes for dad, grandad and new dads, from heartfelt to funny, plus what little kids can write.

A first birthday cake with a single candle

First Birthday Wishes: 40+ Messages for a 1st Birthday

40+ first birthday wishes for a baby boy or girl, from parents, grandparents and friends, from sweet and heartfelt to funny.

A graduation cap and rolled diploma

Graduation Wishes: 40+ Messages for a Graduate

40+ graduation wishes and messages for your child, a friend or a student, from proud and heartfelt to funny and short.

A retirement card on a desk with a coffee

Retirement Wishes: 40+ Messages to Write

40+ retirement wishes for a colleague, boss, friend or family member, from heartfelt and funny to short and professional.

A Valentine's card with hearts

Valentine's Day Messages: 35+ Things to Write

35+ Valentine's Day messages for your partner, crush, friends and kids, from romantic and heartfelt to funny, cute and short.

A wedding card resting on a gift table

What to Write in a Wedding Card: 40+ Messages and Wishes

40+ wedding card messages and wishes, from heartfelt to funny, for the couple, a daughter or son, close friends and people you barely know.

An engagement card with a ring box

What to Write in an Engagement Card: 40+ Messages

40+ engagement card messages and wishes, from heartfelt to funny, for a couple, your child, a friend or your future in-law.

A parent reading a picture book with a young child

The Benefits of Reading to Your Child: Why It Matters

Reading to your child builds language, focus and a closeness that lasts. Here is what the research says and how to make reading together stick.

A toddler being read to at bedtime

Toddler Bedtime Routine: How to Build a Calm One

A calm, predictable bedtime routine helps toddlers settle and sleep. Here is a simple routine that works, plus how to handle the wobbly nights.

Grandparents reading a personalised book with grandchildren

Personalised Book for Grandparents: A Gift They Will Treasure

A personalised book for grandparents stars the grandchildren in a story. Here is why it makes a gift for grandma or grandpa they will keep forever.

A personalised Christmas book under the tree

Personalised Christmas Book: A Keepsake Kids Will Love

A personalised Christmas book turns your child into the hero of a festive story. Here is why it makes a keepsake gift they will read every December.

A selection of personalised children's books on a shelf

Wonderbly Alternatives: Personalised Books Compared

Looking for a Wonderbly alternative? Here is an honest look at the kinds of personalised book makers out there and how to choose the right one.

A stack of handwritten Christmas cards

Christmas Card Messages: 45+ Things to Write This Year

45+ Christmas card messages for family, friends, colleagues and kids, from warm and traditional to funny, short and religious.

A congratulations card with confetti

Congratulations Messages: 45+ Ways to Say Well Done

45+ congratulations messages for a new job, achievement, baby, engagement or milestone, from heartfelt and professional to funny and short.

A get well soon card beside a vase of flowers

Get Well Soon Messages: 45+ Things to Write

45+ get well soon messages for a friend, family member, colleague or child, from heartfelt and encouraging to funny and short.

A good luck card with a four leaf clover

Good Luck Messages: 45+ Things to Write

45+ good luck messages for an exam, new job, interview or big day, from encouraging and heartfelt to funny and short.

A handwritten love note with a heart

Love Quotes: 50+ Romantic Quotes to Share

50+ love quotes for him, her, cards and captions, from romantic and famous to short, cute and funny lines about love.

A framed family photo on a shelf

Quotes About Family: 50+ Heartfelt Lines to Share

50+ quotes about family, from short and famous to funny and heartfelt, perfect for cards, captions, frames and keepsakes.

A handwritten sympathy card with white flowers

What to Write in a Sympathy Card: 45+ Comforting Messages

Finding the right words is hard. Here are 45+ sympathy card messages, from short and simple to heartfelt, for the loss of a loved one.

A handwritten thank you card and pen

What to Write in a Thank You Card: 35+ Messages

35+ thank you card messages for gifts, hospitality, support and teachers, from short and simple to heartfelt, with quick writing tips.

A child celebrating a birthday with a personalised storybook

Happy Birthday Wishes: 150+ Heartfelt Messages for Every Age

Stuck on what to write? Here are 150+ happy birthday wishes and messages for kids, family and friends, plus a way to make the words last.

A handwritten birthday card next to a personalised children's book

What to Write in a Birthday Card: 120+ Ideas for Anyone

Blank card, blank mind? Here are 120+ things to write in a birthday card for kids, partners, parents and friends, from funny to heartfelt.

A family celebrating Christmas with a personalised storybook

Merry Christmas Wishes: 100+ Messages for Family and Friends

100+ merry Christmas wishes and messages for family, friends and kids, from warm and traditional to short, funny and heartfelt.

A newborn baby with a personalised keepsake book

New Baby Wishes: 90+ Congratulations Messages for New Parents

90+ new baby wishes and congratulations messages for a card or gift, from sweet and simple to funny and heartfelt, for boys, girls and twins.

A one year old with their personalised first birthday book

The Personalised 1st Birthday Book: A Gift They Keep Forever

A first birthday goes by in a blur. A personalised 1st birthday book turns that milestone into a keepsake your child will treasure for years.

A dad reading a personalised book with his children

Personalised Daddy Book: A Gift From the Kids He Will Love

A personalised daddy book stars dad and his kids in their own story. Here is why it makes a Father's Day or birthday gift he will actually keep.

A child giving mum a handmade Mother's Day card and book

Mother's Day Messages From Kids: 80+ Quotes and Wishes

80+ Mother's Day messages and quotes from kids, from sweet and simple notes a child can copy to heartfelt lines from a grown-up child.

A child's photo being turned into a storybook illustration

Make Your Own Story Book With Photos: A Simple Guide

Want to make your own story book with photos of your child? Here is how photo personalisation works, what makes a good photo, and how to start.

A selection of personalised children's books

Best Personalised Books for Kids in 2026: How to Choose

Not all personalised books are equal. Here is how the main types compare in 2026, what to look for, and how to pick the right one for your child.

A baby shower card and a personalised keepsake book on a table

What to Write in a Baby Shower Card: 100+ Messages

100+ things to write in a baby shower card, from sweet and heartfelt to funny, plus what to say for a boy, a girl, twins or a second baby.