Perfect Nursery Ideas & Thoughtful Gifts for Godchildren, Nieces and Nephews

Why personalised furniture and keepsakes are the gifts they’ll treasure for years 

As an expert in all things children's furniture, we know how simple items can make a world of difference. Designing a nursery or choosing a gift for a special child—a godchild, niece, nephew, or close family friend—can feel like a big responsibility. You want it to be meaningful, unique, and built to last. A gift that stands out not just on the day it’s given, but for years to come. 

That’s where personalised, hand-painted items come into their own. 

At Little Brushes, we create bespoke wooden chairs, nursery bins, and bookends, each one lovingly painted by hand in our UK studio. With your chosen name, design, and theme, these pieces turn from simple furniture into lifelong keepsakes. They make perfect gifts for special occasions and help turn any nursery into a magical, thoughtful space. 

Let’s explore some timeless nursery ideas and why personalised furniture is one of the best gifts you can give. 

Why Personalised Gifts Mean More 

There’s something deeply special about receiving a gift with your name on it. It shows thought, care, and intention. For young children, these gifts can also help form early connections with their space and belongings. Unlike generic toys or mass-produced decor, a personalised item has emotional value that only increases over time. 

A child who grows up sitting in their named chair or putting toys into their own illustrated bin forms a kind of ownership and familiarity with those items. This, according to experts, can help develop emotional confidence and independence. The Good Play Guide found that familiar, personalised items in a child’s environment promote comfort, routine, and security—all of which are important to emotional development in early childhood.

While that might not be your first thought when picking out a gift, it reinforces why something personal often becomes so cherished, not just by the child but also by the parents. 

Nursery Ideas That Combine Style, Purpose, and Personal Touch 

A nursery should be more than just a beautifully decorated room—it should also be calming, functional, and full of thoughtful details that grow with the child. At Little Brushes, we’ve seen how a few core pieces of hand-painted furniture can transform a space.

Here are a few ways to create a nursery with charm, longevity, and a touch of magic:

1. Create a Reading Nook with a Personalised Chair 

Children love to feel grown-up, and having their own chair is a simple way to nurture that independence. Our hand-painted wooden chairs can be customised with their name and favourite theme—whether that’s dinosaurs, woodland animals, or a soft pastel floral motif. Placed in a reading corner or next to a toy shelf, it quickly becomes their favourite spot. 

2. Make Tidying Up Part of the Fun 

Toy storage doesn’t have to be boring. Our personalised nursery bins are durable and beautifully hand-finished. With illustrations tailored to your preferences, these pieces add charm to the room while also encouraging tidying habits from an early age. Many customers tell us their children begin putting things away sooner simply because “it’s their little bin.” 

3. Choose Timeless Designs Over Trends 

Nursery trends come and go, but neutral tones, hand-painted artwork, and classic wooden furniture never go out of style. Consider creating a space that gently evolves as the child grows, using adaptable furniture and a soft, cohesive palette. 

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Godchildren, Nieces and Nephews 

The best gifts for young children are the ones that grow with them. A personalised nursery bin might begin its life filled with cotton wool and nappies, then transition to puzzles and crafts as they get older. 

Here are some of our most popular gift ideas for milestone moments: 

Personalised Nursery Bins 

These are perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or new baby gifts. The bins are large enough to hold a growing collection of toys but subtle and stylish enough to suit any home. Plus, each one is designed to your specifications—name, design, and theme. They also make touching gifts from godparents or family friends who want to give something meaningful without taking up too much space in the home.

Hand-Painted Children’s Chairs 

Nursery chairs are ideal for a Christmas present, a Christening, or a first birthday. They’re sturdy, safe, and wholly unique. Some customers even use them as a “photo prop” for milestone pictures over the years. 

Bookends

Compact and decorative, our hand-painted bookends are the perfect addition to a nursery shelf or dresser. More than just functional, they add a playful yet personal touch to any room. Whether holding bedtime stories or simply adding charm to a bookshelf, they make thoughtful gifts from godparents, aunts, uncles or close family friends—something meaningful that fits beautifully into any space.

Why Little Brushes? 

There are plenty of gift shops out there, but Little Brushes is different. We don’t use vinyl stickers or mass-production processes. Every item is hand-painted and made to order using high-quality, child-safe materials. 

We believe that gifts for children should be as unique as they are—and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver. 

Here’s what sets us apart: 

● Every item is painted by hand in our UK studio 

● No two pieces are the same 

● Designs are tailored to your preferences 

● Our products are built to last and cherish memories

More Than a Gift—It’s a Memory 

Whether you’re decorating a nursery or choosing a special gift for a godchild, niece, or nephew, your aim is the same: to give something meaningful. With a personalised piece from Little Brushes, you’re not just gifting furniture—you’re giving a moment, and something that will be loved for years. 

Shop Now to explore our full collection of hand-painted chairs, toy boxes, keepsake bins, and more. Because the best gifts are the ones they’ll never outgrow.