Is it really Christmas until someone's wearing a festive jumper? For lots of families, the Christmas jumper is a proper tradition. It comes out for Christmas Jumper Day at school, the visit to see Father Christmas, the big family photo, and, if you're lucky, a magical trip to Lapland.
At Cotton and Twigg, we print personalised Christmas sweatshirts and T-shirts for babies and children in our studio in the Essex countryside. Every one carries your child's name in the design. Here's how to choose the right one, how to coordinate siblings without everyone looking identical, and what to pack for a Lapland adventure.
Why choose a personalised Christmas jumper?
High-street Christmas jumpers can be lovely, but there's something special about a top with your child's own name in the design. It makes Christmas photos instantly recognisable (no more "which one is that?" when you look back in ten years). It helps at busy events, nursery parties and school discos. And it's the kind of thing grandparents adore.
Our designs are direct-to-garment printed rather than made with vinyl or stickers, so they won't peel or crack and can be washed and worn all season. For best results, wash inside out at 30°C and iron on the reverse. Our personalised sweatshirts are £14.99.
Our favourite personalised Christmas jumpers for kids
For Lapland lovers: the Lapland Christmas sweatshirt
The Lapland Christmas sweatshirt is made for festive adventures. It has the child's name printed into the artwork and comes in sizes from 6–12 months right up to 9–10 years. That's brilliant if you've got a baby, a toddler and a big kid all going on the same trip.
For train fans: the North Pole Train sweatshirt
Our North Pole Train Christmas sweatshirt comes with a blue or pink design, and there's a T-shirt option too. There's also a Pink North Pole Train sweatshirt for little ones who love all things pink.
For bakers and dreamers: Gingerbread House
The Gingerbread House Christmas sweatshirt and T-shirt and the Pink Gingerbread House Christmas sweatshirt are sweet, cosy and perfect for a December baking afternoon.
For true believers: Elf Believes
The Elf Believes Christmas sweatshirt features an elf on a stack of presents above your child's name and the word "BELIEVES". Sweatshirts run from 6–12 months to 5–6 years.
For little dancers: Ballerina Bunny
Our Ballerina Bunny Christmas sweatshirt shows a bunny in a tutu beside a Christmas tree and presents, with the child's name underneath.
You can see the full range in our children's sweatshirts collection.
How to coordinate matching sibling Christmas jumpers
Matching outfits make for gorgeous photos, but you don't have to dress everyone identically. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Same design, different names. Order the Lapland or North Pole Train sweatshirt in each child's size and name. It's simple, classic and very photogenic.
- Same colour, different designs. Let each child choose their favourite (perhaps Elf Believes for one and Ballerina Bunny for another) and keep the look tied together with colour.
- Include the baby. Babies too small for a sweatshirt can still join in. The Ballerina Mice First Christmas sleepsuit, vest and bib comes in sizes from newborn, and the Father Christmas Party vest and T-shirt runs from baby vests (0–3 months) all the way up to 11–12 years.
What about the grown-ups? Our Christmas range is designed and sized for babies and children. For a full matching family look, many parents pair the kids' personalised tops with plain jumpers in a coordinating colour, so the little ones (and their names) are the stars of the photo.
For more ideas on celebrating together, read our guide to personalised gifts for families with young children.
What to wear for a Lapland trip with kids
Whether you're flying out to Finnish Lapland or heading to a Lapland-themed festive day out closer to home, a personalised sweatshirt is a lovely thing to pack:
- Travel day: a comfy sweatshirt with their name on is perfect for the journey and great for those "we're off to see Santa!" photos at the airport or in the car.
- Meeting Father Christmas: a name on their top can make the moment feel even more magical.
- Indoors and evenings: a sweatshirt is ideal for cosy cabins, restaurants and hotel lounges.
- Outdoors in the snow: for real Arctic conditions, follow your tour operator's advice on thermals and snowsuits, and save the sweatshirt for the warm bits in between!
Tip: order early so you have the tops in plenty of time before you travel. Every order is made and dispatched within 1–3 working days. If you're travelling on a set date, please get in touch before you order.
Choosing the right size
If you're between sizes, we'd usually suggest going up one. That way there's room for a layer underneath, and the jumper may well last until next Christmas too. Do double-check the spelling of each name at checkout, because we print exactly what you type. Our personalisation guide has more tips.
A Christmas jumper also makes a great milestone keepsake. Look back at the sizes and you'll see how much they've grown. Our guide to celebrating your child's first five years has more milestone ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How much are your personalised Christmas sweatshirts? Our personalised sweatshirts are £14.99.
What sizes does the Lapland Christmas sweatshirt come in? It's available in 6–12 months, 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, 4–5, 5–6, 7–8 and 9–10 years.
Do you make adult Christmas jumpers? Our Christmas range is designed for babies and children. For a family look, pair the kids' personalised tops with plain grown-up jumpers in a matching colour.
Will the print crack in the wash? Our designs are direct-to-garment printed, not vinyl, so they're made to last. Wash inside out at 30°C and iron on the reverse.
How quickly will my order be dispatched? Every item is made to order and dispatched within 1–3 working days.