A gift with a story behind it. A custom family crest takes the old language of heraldry (shields, colors, lions, mottoes) and uses it to tell one family's story: where they came from, what they've built, and what they stand for. It's traditional in style and personal in meaning, and nobody else will unwrap the same one.
One honest note before you shop. There's no single "official" crest for a surname. Historically, coats of arms were granted to individuals, not to everyone who shares a last name. So we don't sell a stock "Smith crest." We design an original crest for your family, from scratch, and explain what every symbol means.
Start your crest → | See all design packages
Why a family crest makes a great gift
- Christmas: a gift for the parent or grandparent who "doesn't need anything." It's about the family, not more stuff, and it shows you thought about where they came from.
- Anniversary: two families, one new crest. Combine heritage colors, hometowns, faith, and a shared motto into a design that marks the marriage.
- New home: a framed crest over the mantel or by the front door makes a house feel like the family's own.
- Retirement: honor a career in symbols: a trade, a profession, years of service, a ship, a badge, a classroom. It tells the story of a working life.
- Military service: branch, unit, and service history can all have a place on the shield (see Honor a Veteran below).
Choose your package
Every package is an original design made for one family. The crests pictured on our site are examples of our work, and yours is designed from scratch.
Crest + Meaning – Digital Edition: $99
Best for: last-minute shoppers, a first crest, and gifts you'll print yourself or give as a digital reveal.
- 1 original custom crest design and 2 rounds of revisions
- High-resolution PNG, print-ready PDF, and transparent-background PNG
- A one-page "Meaning of Your Crest" PDF explaining every color and symbol, which is lovely to print and tuck in a card
- Digital only, so there's nothing to ship
Essential Package: $149
Best for: a clean, classic shield with the family name, ready for a frame, a mug, or a blanket.
- An original shield design with your name and optional motto
- 1 design concept and 2 revision rounds
- Final PNG, JPG, and PDF files
- Listed turnaround: 5–7 business days
Signature Package: $249
Best for: Dad, Grandpa, the family historian, or anyone who wants the full traditional look.
- A full achievement: shield, helm, mantling, crest, and motto scroll
- 2 design concepts and 3 revision rounds
- First concepts in 7–10 business days
- Vector SVG, AI, and EPS files plus PNG and PDF, and a written blazon (the formal heraldic description of your arms)
Heirloom Package: $399
Best for: milestone gifts like a big anniversary, retirement, a veteran's service, or a new family home. It's made to be handed down.
- Everything in Signature, plus supporters and a compartment
- 2 initial concepts and unlimited revisions until you love it
- First concepts in 10–14 business days
- Full file set (SVG, AI, EPS, PNG, PDF) and a written blazon
- One included 18 × 24 inch framed print
Once your crest is finished, you can also put it on canvas, flags, blankets, and more in our Custom Crests shop. Orders over $75 ship free within the US.
Start your crest → It takes about 5 minutes to tell us about the family.
Honor a Veteran
Know a veteran whose service deserves a place in the family story? Through November 8, you can nominate them for one of three free digital crests we're designing this Veterans Day. Service members, veterans, and military families also get 15% off design packages with code SERVICE15 through December 31. Nominate a veteran →
Holiday gift guide FAQ
When do I need to order for Christmas?
For a custom crest design delivered by Christmas, order by November 22 (or November 25 with Express). If you already have a crest and just want it on a product, upload it by December 9 (December 14 with Express). Send your design brief on the Start Your Crest page right after checkout. The sooner we have it, the sooner we start.
What's the safest choice if I'm short on time?
Go digital. The Crest + Meaning – Digital Edition and the design files in every package arrive by email, so there's no shipping to wait on. Print the Meaning page and put it in a card, or plan a "crest reveal" on Christmas morning.
How long does each package take?
Essential: listed turnaround 5–7 business days. Signature: first concepts in 7–10 business days. Heirloom: first concepts in 10–14 business days. Revisions add time, so it helps to send all your changes together in one message per round. Physical items, including the Heirloom framed print and any canvas, flag, or blanket, are produced and shipped after you approve your final design, so they take longer than digital files. If you have a hard date, contact us before ordering.
Is this my family's "official" coat of arms?
No, and we'll always be upfront about that. Arms were historically granted to individuals, not surnames, so there's no single crest for everyone named Miller or O'Brien. What you get is an original design for your family, built from your name, heritage, values, and story, with an explanation of what each element means.
Can I give it as a surprise?
Yes. Fill in the brief yourself with what you know about the family: surname, heritage, hometown, career, service, faith, favorite colors. If you're unsure about something, tell us what matters most and we'll design around it.
Can I combine discount codes?
Discount codes don't stack. One code per order, so use whichever saves you the most. Free US shipping on orders over $75 can still apply alongside a discount.