One of our favourite family birthday traditions is giving the girls a book instead of a card. Each year we pick a favourite or special read that the girls will keep and maybe even read to their own kids one day. We make sure to include a personal message as well as the date. It’s been incredible seeing the girl’s collection (and love for books) grow. This year, just before Ava’s 4th birthday our girls got a very special surprise delivery… 2 sets of the best personalised kids books made in South Africa!

It’s about more than simply adding a name… Customise your book by choosing facial features, race, hairstyles and skin tone. Create a special story the kids can love now, but also treasure forever.

OUr best personalised kids books made in South Africa:

3 Special reads by Beautiful Stories…

This special idea started when lifelong friends and mamas, Bernadete and Sandra decided to start a business together. Inspired by the idea of momtrepreneurs, they wanted to create something that they would be proud to present to their own children as a precious memory of their childhoods. And, that’s how Beautiful Stories came to be.

These stories make your child the hero in every adventure! With 3 different options, each written and illustrated for a specific age group. The stories are fun, imaginative and motivating. The font used also makes reading easy for Eliana and Lia and I love that I was able to add a personalised message in each girl’s book.

The books are written by Maria Crossling, illustrated by Llayla Clark and designed by Dave Talbot. And are even manufactured locally too.

Our titles included: (Only available in English)

Where do you go Ava?

Suitable for kids ages 0 – 3years.

Do you often look at your little one and wonder where their fabulous imagination comes from? How do they come up with all those fantastic ideas? In this story, they get to pretend at being many different exciting things, like an artist, a mountain climber, and a unicorn rider or race car driver. This beautifully illustrated personalised book places them at the center and celebrates that wonderful imagination.

Lia, I wonder who you are going to be today?

Suitable for kids ages 3 – 6years.

Is your child blessed with a wonderfully creative mind? As they grow, so do their imaginations. This story lets them fantasise about being a cloud skimming giant, a shop owner or an adventurer, as well as other fun things. This beautifully illustrated personalised book makes them the hero, and gives their budding personalities a boost.

Eliana’s amazing adventures

Suitable for kids ages 6 – 10years.

Imagination is a wonderful thing, and your child has masses of it. You love the unique way that they look at the world, and you want to celebrate that. In this story, they become some fun things, like a game ranger, a fashion designer or a space commander. This beautifully illustrated personalised book puts them right at its center, making them the hero of the story.

Add a hessian book sleeve to keep your book safe. It also makes for great, functional wrapping paper…

Where to buy:

• Create you own “Beautiful Story” for your little one online via www.beautifulstories.co.za

My Stories spoiled ALL OF US!

My Stories surprised our entire family with a beautiful story each. Even “Mr Perfect” and I got our own stories too! I love these so much! These books stole our hearts with their incredible illustrations and valuable life lessons. It is also amazing to see our country’s wildlife celebrated in the 2 stories available; “Where is Hadedas laugh?” and “Our Safari Story”.

Extra touches like the eco-friendly packaging that even includes an activity for the kids…

And the space left on page 1 for a special note or photo…

(I want the girls to remember what they looked like when we ordered these.)

All these things come together and truly make “My Stories” books, something else!

Our titles included: (Available in English & Afrikaans.)

Waar is Hadeda se Lag? | Where is Hadedas Laugh?

A story set on a beautiful farm. Hadeda lost his laugh. How sad… Help Hadeda, along with a few fellow friendly characters as they all try their best to make Hadeda laugh. Will Hadeda ever find his laugh again? And who will give him the giggles?

An exciting story, with wonderful illustrations and a fun layout. The font does however prove a little tricky to read for 1st readers.

Safari Adventure | Wildtuin Avontuur

A story about helping others, and the beauty that lies in doing so… Early in the morning, as the first birds chirped high up in the trees, our main character’s quest to see a bushbaby, starts. This leads to a wonderful adventure in the wild filled with FAR MORE animals than just the bushbaby…

Stunning illustrations and a lively layout make this an exciting read, sure to become a family favourite.

Where to buy:

• Customise and order your own “My Stories” story book for your little one online at www.mystories.co.za

Another brand worth a mention…

Characterful! We couldn’t find a perfect match for all our girls but LOVE the fact that they offer books in English, Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa. Currently, they have 3 stories available to choose from and even a fun personalised activity book. Check them out HERE for more.

Now, remember to bookmark this post, PIN it to your Pinterest board or send it to a friend. It’s bound to come in handy next time you’re in need of a special gift idea… Who wouldn’t appreciate one of these?

For more kid’s book club recommendations, CLICK HERE.

PHOTO CREDIT |  Celeste Van der Berg from Celeste van der Berg Photography