Christmas shopping seems to start earlier every year, and while it can be tempting to head straight to the big retailers, this year I wanted to put together a slightly different Christmas gift guide – one celebrating some of the wonderful small UK businesses creating beautiful things for children. As the person behind Personalised by Sophie, I […]
Author Archives: Sophie Botsford
When I first designed my personalised placemats, I wanted them to be more than just something lovely to put on the table. I wanted them to become part of family life – used every day, growing with children and making everyday moments just that little bit easier. Over the years, that’s exactly what so many […]
In a world where screens seem to be everywhere, mealtimes offer a wonderful opportunity to slow down and spend quality time together as a family. It doesn’t have to mean long conversations or perfectly behaved children either – sometimes it’s the little games and moments of laughter that create the best memories. My personalised placemats […]
We all know how quickly children grow. One minute you’re introducing those first spoonfuls of purée, and before you know it they’re proudly helping to set the table for family dinner. Finding products that evolve alongside your child is always a bonus, and that’s exactly what a personalised placemat can do. At Personalised by Sophie, […]
As parents, you’re always looking for simple ways to support your children’s learning at home. One of the earliest and most important literacy skills young children develop is recognising their own name. The good news? Supporting name recognition doesn’t require complicated activities or expensive resources. In fact, something as simple as sitting down at the table […]
Giving little ones their own personalised placemat can reduce mealtime anxiety by creating a low-pressure, interactive environment that encourages children to explore food through sight, smell, and touch. They promote independence, establish routines, and provide sensory engagement. It is important to avoid pressure during mealtimes, especially when you are trying to introduce new foods. The goal […]
A placemat can transform mealtimes from a mundane activity into a daily ritual by acting as a consistent cue that tells children it is time to transition from the chaos of the day to a focused, calm, and shared family experience. Why not make mealtimes a little ritual everyone looks forward to, by spreading out […]







