Ordering a custom gift in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE is an exciting process, but it requires a different approach than a quick trip to the mall. Because a personalised keepsake is designed to last a lifetime, the stakes are a bit higher.
At Who’s M, we’ve seen it all—from
"last-minute panics" to "design overload." To ensure your
gift is as premium as the person receiving it, here are the most common
pitfalls to avoid.
1. The "Last-Minute" Trap
The Mistake:
Treating a bespoke laser-engraved gift like a next-day Amazon delivery.
How
to Avoid it: Quality takes time. Between 3D design approvals, precision
engraving, and hand-finishing, your gift needs a few days to breathe.
- Pro Tip: For major UAE occasions
like National Day, Eid, or Christmas, try to place your order at
least 7–10 days in advance to ensure every detail is perfect.
2. Over-Designing (The "Wall of Text" Effect)
The Mistake:
Trying to fit a poem, three dates, a logo, and a set of coordinates onto a
small personalised keychain or a chef's knife handle.
How to
Avoid it: Edit ruthlessly. White space is your friend, it makes the
engraving look elegant and expensive.
- The Golden Rule: One strong focal
point (like a family name or a significant date) has more impact than five
small ones.
3. Forgetting the "Why" (Style Over Meaning)
The Mistake:
Choosing a font or material just because it looks trendy, without considering
the recipient.
How to Avoid it: Match the medium to the person.
- Does your friend love the outdoors? A custom-engraved pocket knife or rugged wooden board fits their lifestyle better than a delicate acrylic award.
- Think about where the gift will live. Will it be on a desk in
the DIFC or in a family kitchen in Jumeirah?
4. Ignoring Practicality and Function
The Mistake:
Gifting something that looks beautiful but serves no purpose.
How to Avoid
it: At Who’s M, we love "functional art." A gift that gets
used daily, like a personalised charcuterie board or a custom salad
set, carries more emotional weight than something that sits in a drawer. If
they use it, they’ll remember you every day.
5. The "Typo" Disaster
The Mistake:
Rushing the approval process and missing a spelling error in a name or date.
How
to Avoid it: When we send you a design proof, read it out loud.
Check the spelling of names letter-by-letter.
- Note: We take great care, but the
final "OK" from you is what triggers the laser! Double-check
those coordinates and dates.
6. Ignoring Cultural Context
The Mistake:
Ordering a gift without considering the cultural or social environment of the
UAE.
How to Avoid it: If you are unsure about language or symbols, keep
it neutral and classic. Using Arabic calligraphy for a name is a
beautiful way to show respect in the Middle East. If gifting for a business
milestone, ensure the branding is subtle and professional.
7. Treating It Like a Transaction, Not a Collaboration
The Mistake:
Providing vague instructions like "make it look nice."
How to
Avoid it: Talk to us! Tell us the story. If we know the board is for a 50th
wedding anniversary for a couple who met in "Wherever", we can suggest design
elements (like a subtle Protea flower) that you might not have thought of.
Ready to Create Something Flawless?
Avoiding these mistakes is easy when you have a partner like Who’s M. We are here to guide you through font selection, material choices, and layout design to ensure your "crazy concept" becomes a stunning reality.