Review: personalised Christmas stories for children – make your little one the star

Why personalised Christmas stories for children make the perfect gift

There’s something undeniably special about seeing your child’s eyes widen as they unwrap a present and discover themselves right there on the pages. Personalised Christmas stories are a gift that can be treasured all year round, but somehow, on Christmas morning, the excitement is on a whole different level.

Storytelling has always been a big part of my life. I love supporting new authors, especially those creating picture books for children. As someone in the throes of writing my own first children’s book, I’ve felt the struggle of keeping little ones entertained without them disappearing down the iPad rabbit hole. And yet, when you place a child at the centre of a story, making them the hero of their own adventure, they’ll happily turn pages for hours.

Little tester approved

We recently tried out a few books from Wonderbly, and I can confirm: fully “little tester approved.” These aren’t just books with a name slapped on the cover; they’re adventures where children truly lead the story. Families can design their character, choosing hair colour, skin tone, and even gender. You can also add a personalised message inside the book. Naturally, we went for a sweet “maman va baba” touch for our little Persian hero.

I love that Wonderbly doesn’t just tick a box with personalisation. It’s thoughtful and layered. Our little bookworm immediately identified with the character, and the joy on his face as he saw his own features mirrored in the illustrations was worth every penny. It reminded me how simple gestures, like seeing yourself reflected in a story can make a child feel seen, proud, and excited about reading.

Choose your protagonist

What I adore about the Wonderbly range is how it reimagines traditional fairy tales. Take Jack & The Beanstalk, for example. In this version, Jack, aka little C, doesn’t just vanquish the giant. Instead, he shows empathy and problem-solving. And the cow’s name? Belvedere Benson. Genius. Every time I read it, little C giggles like he’s in on the joke.

Stories like this are subtle lessons in kindness and creativity. They demonstrate that courage isn’t always about fighting, but sometimes about understanding. And the added humour, like the cow’s name, keeps children and adults engaged. It’s storytelling that respects both the child’s intelligence and their sense of fun.

Book quality and value

Books are available in hardback and softback. Our softback copy feels surprisingly sturdy and stylish, perfect for small hands. At £21.99, it isn’t the cheapest, but compared to other personalised books, it’s excellent value and, frankly, priceless in terms of the joy it brings. I read ours four times the day it arrived. The attention to detail is what makes Wonderbly stand out. From the typography to the illustrations, everything feels intentional and high-quality.

Looking for something extra special this Christmas?

Christmas is my favourite time to buy children’s books. We’ve adored classics like Shhh Santa by Julie Sykes and Tim Warnes, and Little Reindeer’s Christmas Wish by Alexandra Robinson. But a new favourite has arrived: Cyrus, The Elf Who Saved Christmas by David Cadji-Newby, illustrated by Josh Cleland.

In this story, elves are really children, and Cyrus immediately felt part of the tale. It’s empowering, teaching kids to recognise their own strengths and believe in themselves. It’s also delightfully interactive, because the protagonist, your child, makes choices that influence the story. I can see us reading this one for many festive seasons to come. Wonderbly offers over 30 titles, so there’s truly something for every little adventurer. And yes, they ship worldwide, which is perfect for friends and family afar.

What exactly is a personalised Christmas book for babies and toddlers?

In short, it’s a bespoke story that makes your child the star. These books include:

• Custom characters that look like your child
• Personalised messages on the opening pages
• Premium quality printing in hardback or softback
• Engaging storylines that capture young imaginations
• Quick dispatch, usually within 4–5 working days

Recommended for ages 0–4, these books are designed to delight the youngest readers while fostering a love of stories and reading. The beauty of these books is how they grow with your child. Even toddlers notice their name or likeness, while slightly older children can engage with the story on a deeper level, following plot twists, noticing humour, and discussing decisions the character makes. It’s a gift that evolves and remains relevant far beyond the first Christmas.

Perfect Christmas Eve adventure

These personalised tales create lasting memories, spark imagination, and foster both empathy and critical thinking. For me, seeing little C’s excitement as he points to the illustrations and exclaims, “That’s me!” is priceless. It’s a reminder that storytelling is about connection, between child and character, parent and child, and family and tradition. Each personalised Christmas book is more than a story; it’s a keepsake. Something you can bring out year after year, the pages becoming slightly worn, the spine softened, but the memories inside remaining as fresh as the first time.

Why these books are worth every penny

At £21.99, Wonderbly books aren’t cheap, but they are an investment in joy, literacy, and confidence. The high-quality printing and attention to detail ensure that these books withstand repeated readings, sticky fingers, and enthusiastic bedtime sessions. The personalisation makes each book feel truly unique. And in a world of screen distractions, giving your child a story where they are the hero is a rare and priceless gift.

So, if you’re searching for a Christmas gift that will make your little one feel seen, important, and excited about reading, a personalised book is the answer. Whether it’s helping Santa, going on adventures, or simply seeing themselves reflected in a beautifully illustrated story, these books capture the imagination and create cherished memories. Order one today and watch their eyes light up as they step into their very own Christmas story.