CrossTimber is a company that offers Name Meaning Gifts, or gifts that answer "Do You Know What Your Name Means?" Products include name plaques, bookmarks, coffee mugs, name cards, Scripture plaques, keepsake boxes, and custom awards, with inspirational Scripture and the meaning of the name represented on the items. The items are completely customizable, with selected Scripture by request and 200+ designs to choose from. With a dozen years of experience designing personalized gifts, the owners research names and provide meanings according to the various origins, whether Greek, Latin, etc. Contact is fairly immediate when you use the chat box on the website and is almost as fast when emailing the staff. We received the 5 x 7-inch Name Plaque and bookmark for this review; the plaque was framed and personalized with our choices.

CrossTimber is definitely a company of choices. First, you decide whether you want to use the first name only or the first and middle. Then you decide on a background design; the 400+ options are broken into categories to aid in your decision process. You can also choose your frame style or leave it to the opinion of the CrossTimber staff. Our frame included an attached flip-out stand as well as triangular mounting hardware, allowing for both display options. The name plaque is printed in full color, edge to edge, and is centered beautifully. The plaque included the name, the origin ("From: Greek and Latin"), the definition, and the Scripture verse in smaller print just beneath, complete with reference. The matching bookmark included edge-to-edge color in a matte finish, and the backside has "Nehemiah 9:5-10 LjV" and CrossTimber's Name Meaning Gifts and website information listed. The bookmark was not laminated. Its slim cardstock design allows ease of use in both paperback and hardcover books, but it won't hold up to coffee spills or rough handling. Both pieces are equally beautiful and provide a visible reminder of name heritage.

You might be thinking that anyone can print off a page with a name definition with today's computer technology and some colored ink, but we found CrossTimber to be more than just a personalized printing service. The combination of outstanding service, Scripture inclusion, customization options, and Godly reverence really sets this company apart. Design options include Oceans, Sports, Sunsets, Lighthouses, Characters, Scenery, and more. The website ordering process is very easy to navigate. We would also like to note that the minimal price increase from the plaque print alone to the print with frame makes the framed version a better choice. Frame options include wooden, antique styled, black/dark, colorful and fun, and "surprise me" (which means the owner's wife will choose a frame best suited for the design and color theme).

Great gifts are becoming harder and harder to find these days, as people seem to have so much already. Name Meaning Gifts from CrossTimber will fill the need for a truly loved and memorable gift that will last for years! The quality and price are right, the personalization is excellent, and the inclusion of Scripture is much appreciated. We used our name plaque as a gift for our graduating daughter, a beautiful and personal way to mark the event. I noted several new sections on the website, indicating the company's expansion into the fields of fundraising and family cookbooks! I encourage you to consider the many options CrossTimber provides for your gift giving needs. Our family is thrilled, and I believe yours will be too!

Product review by Donna Campos, Senior Product Reviewer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, February 2010