Short answer: Custom logo gifts use six main branding techniques — laser engraving, UV printing, screen printing, foil stamping, debossing and embroidery — each suited to different materials. Meru Gifting matches the technique to your product and sends a free mock-up before any bulk order of 50+ pieces.
Updated September 2026.
What is laser engraving and when should I use it?
Laser engraving burns a permanent mark into metal, wood or anodised aluminium, giving a single-colour, textured logo that never fades or peels. Use it for steel bottles, mugs, pens and wooden items meant for daily, long-term use. It costs slightly more than printing but is the most durable option for custom logo gifts.
What is UV printing and when should I use it?
UV printing cures full-colour ink directly onto a surface under UV light, working on plastic, glass, ceramic and curved surfaces alike. Use it when your logo has multiple colours or gradients, such as a photo-quality design on a ceramic mug or a glass bottle. It's less scratch-resistant than engraving but far more colour-accurate.
What is screen printing and when should I use it?
Screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh stencil, one colour layer at a time, and is the most budget-friendly option for flat, one- or two-colour logos on bags, diaries and bottles. It doesn't handle fine gradients or photo-quality artwork as well as UV printing, but it's fast and cheap at MOQ 50.
| Technique | Best surfaces | Colours | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser engraving | Steel, wood, anodised metal | Single colour (etched) | Highest — permanent |
| UV printing | Plastic, glass, ceramic, curved | Full colour | Good, can scratch over years |
| Screen printing | Flat fabric, paper, bottles | 1–2 flat colours | Good, budget option |
| Foil stamping | Leather, card, diaries | Metallic (gold/silver) | Good, premium look |
| Debossing | Leather, thick card | None (no ink) | High, subtle |
| Embroidery | Bags, caps, fabric | Thread colours | Highest on fabric |
PU Diary, Foil-Stamped Trim₹450 · MOQ 50 branded
Sling Bag, Embroidered Logo₹750 · MOQ 50 branded
Steel Bottle, Laser-Engraved₹350 · MOQ 50 branded
Digital Clock, UV-Printed₹575 · MOQ 50 branded
What are foil stamping, debossing and embroidery best used for?
Foil stamping presses metallic foil onto leather or card for a shiny, premium finish — common on leather diaries and gift boxes. Debossing presses the logo into the material without ink, for a subtle, tactile mark that suits minimalist branding. Embroidery stitches the logo into fabric, the standard choice for bags, pouches and caps because it survives repeated washing.
Engraving or UV printing — which should you pick?
Laser engraving
- Permanent, won't fade or peel
- Single colour only
- Best on steel, wood, anodised metal
UV printing
- Full colour, photo-quality logos possible
- Works on plastic, glass, ceramic, curved surfaces
- Slightly less scratch-resistant over years
See the full breakdown in laser engraving vs UV printing vs screen printing.
How much does branding add to the cost of a custom logo gift?
Branding is usually quoted into the unit price rather than added as a separate line, so the price you see already includes a single-colour logo at MOQ 50. Multi-colour UV printing or embroidery with more than one thread colour can add a modest per-unit cost — ask for this upfront when you request your mock-up.
How long does branding take and what's the MOQ?
Branding adds no separate time beyond the standard 7–15 working-day production window, since printing happens during manufacturing, not after. The MOQ for branded custom logo gifts is 50 pieces at Meru Gifting; smaller unbranded or artisanal quantities are available on request.
Not sure which technique suits your gift?
Send your product idea and logo — we'll recommend the branding method and send a mock-up.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between laser engraving and UV printing?
Engraving is a permanent, single-colour etch into the material; UV printing is full-colour ink cured onto the surface.
Which branding method is most durable?
Laser engraving on metal and embroidery on fabric are the most durable, since neither uses ink that can wear off.
Is screen printing cheaper than UV printing?
Yes, screen printing is generally the most budget-friendly option for one or two flat logo colours.
Does branding change the delivery timeline?
No, branding is done during production, within the standard 7–15 working-day window.
