The best words to engrave for dad are short and specific: the kids' names, the day he became a dad, or a phrase the family always says. On a dog tag or keyring you have room for a name and a line. On cufflinks, think initials and a date.

Dads rarely ask for anything. So the words are the gift. Here are ideas by piece, ready to copy or make your own.

What should I engrave on a dog tag for dad?

A dog tag has a front and usually a back, so use both. Put the main thing on the front and the quiet thing on the back.

• Front: "Dad" with the kids' names underneath
• Front: "Our Hero" and the year he became a dad
• Back: "Love you to the moon and back"
• Back: a child's handwritten "Love you Daddy"
• Back: the coordinates of the family home

The Personalised Dog Tag can hold text, handwriting or a photo, so a scribbled note from a little one works beautifully.

What do you write on a keyring for dad?

A keyring is read every day, so keep it warm and simple. These read well on a Personalised Tag Keyring:

• "Drive safe, we need you here" with the family's names
• "Come home to us, Dad"
• "Best Dad, est. 2019"
• "You're my favourite person to annoy" (for the dad with a sense of humour)

On a Kids Love Tag Keyring, each child gets their own charm with their name, and the tag carries the message. It grows as the family does.

What do you engrave on cufflinks?

Cufflinks are small, so less is more. Pair them: one side for him, one side for the moment.

• His initials on one, your initials on the other
• His initials on one, a wedding date on the other
• "Dad" on one, the year on the other
• Two children's initials, one on each

The Boy and Girl styles of our Personalised Cufflinks are a sweet way to show a son and a daughter, one on each wrist.

What should a daughter or son write for dad?

Words from his children hit hardest. A few to start from:

• From a daughter: "First my dad, forever my friend"
• From a son: "Like father, like son"
• From a little one: "My dad, my hero"
• From grown kids: "Thank you for everything, Dad"

For a dad and daughter set, the Stolen Heart Dog Tag gives you two pieces to engrave: try "You stole my heart" on his tag and her name on the heart.

What do you engrave for a grandad?

Grandads love seeing every name. Try "Grandad's Crew" with each grandchild listed, or "Pop, est." with the year the first grandchild arrived. Add new names as the family grows.

What should you avoid when choosing words?

Long sentences that need squeezing, phrases he wouldn't say himself, and inside jokes that might confuse him in a year. Read it out loud. If it sounds like your family, it's right. You'll find more pieces to engrave in Personalised Gifts for Fathers.

How many words fit on a dog tag?

A dog tag suits a few short lines, such as a name and a short message on the front and another line on the back. Short, meaningful words read best.

Can I engrave my child's handwriting for dad?

Yes. The Personalised Dog Tag can be engraved with handwriting, so a child's own note or drawing can be kept on it.

Should I engrave his name or the kids' names?

Most families choose the kids' names, because that's who he's proud of. His own name or initials suit cufflinks better.

Will the words stay clear over time?

Our Monel Silver and Moneil Gold pieces are non-tarnishing and waterproof, so the engraving stays clear through everyday wear.

What's a short, meaningful engraving for dad?

'Dad' with the kids' names, 'Our Hero' with a year, or 'Love you Daddy' in a child's handwriting are all short and loved.