First birthday gift
A personalized first birthday gift: a book about the birthday child
A one-year-old will not read it yet, and that is fine. At one, a book is something you hold together, a voice and a lap and a picture to point at. This one has the birthday child in every picture.
An example scene, in the Wax crayon style
A book that grows with the birthday child
A first birthday gift is for the parents as much as for the child. The toys wear out and the clothes are outgrown, while a story with the child's name on the cover is still on the shelf at four, when they ask for it every night.
The birthday child is the hero, and the family can come along: parents, grandparents, a big brother or sister, the dog, up to 5 characters in all. You describe each of them in a few words, so no photo is needed. The pictures show a baby or toddler with the hair, the smile and the favorite blanket you describe.
Reading to a child this young is mostly about the voice and the routine. Our guide on reading aloud to children covers how to start.
You read the whole story for free before you decide, in one of 21 illustration styles. The eBook is ready about half an hour after you buy. The hardcover is printed in the US and arrives in up to 13 business days after you approve the finished book, so for the party, order a few weeks ahead.
Three story ideas
- The story of the birthday child's first year, told as a walk through the seasons, from the first snow to the cake with one candle.
- A birthday party where the animals arrive one by one, and each brings the child a present that makes a sound.
- The birthday child and the family dog discover everything in the house that can be knocked over.
More for families in the US: Personalized Christmas book, Letter from Santa, Book from grandparents, or the overview for the USA.
Three steps to your book
No risk: you read the whole story before you pay anything.
- 1
Describe
30 seconds
Tell us about the main character in a few words: name, looks, what they love. No photo needed.
- 2
Read for free
6 to 8 minutes
We prepare the story, the hero and the cover, and you read everything for free before you decide.
- 3
Give
eBook $5.90
Love the story? After you buy, you confirm your characters, then we paint every page in about half an hour. You can order the hardcover at the same time or later, and the eBook price is fully credited.
Simple and clear
Prices in US dollars. No subscription, no hidden costs, and the preview is always free.
eBook · on screen and as a PDF
$5.90
14 illustrated double pages, ready about half an hour after you buy.
Hardcover · printed in the US
$37.90+ $6.90 delivery
8.5 × 11 in, up to 13 business days after you approve the finished book. If you already bought the eBook, its price is fully credited.
You read the whole story for free first, and only pay if you love it.
Other countries and the full delivery details are on our prices and delivery page.
Good to know
Is a personalized book right for a one-year-old?
At one, the book is mostly read aloud and pointed at, and it will stay useful for years. The pictures carry the story, and the child's own name on the cover is something you will both enjoy.
Can I give the book at the party?
The hardcover takes up to 13 business days from the day you approve the finished book, so order a few weeks ahead. The eBook is ready about half an hour after you buy, and you can print or show it on a screen if the date comes closer than planned.
Do I need a photo of my baby?
No. A description is enough: hair, eyes, a favorite blanket. You can add a photo if you like.
What does it cost?
The hardcover is $37.90 plus $6.90 delivery to the US, $44.80 in total. The eBook is $5.90, credited in full if you order the hardcover.
A first birthday story, read for free first
Preview in 6 to 8 minutes. Free. Photo optional.
Create a first birthday book