Giving the Gift of Encouragement with CrossTimber Name Meaning Gifts {A TOS Review}

Thanks to the Homeschool Review Crew, I was recently introduced to this awesome Christian company named CrossTimber. This family-run business is owned by homeschool dad, John Dehnart. What began as CrossTimber - Printing in 1994 has expanded into CrossTimber - Name Meaning Gifts. They carry NamePlaques, NameCards, Name-Meaning Bookmarks, NameMugs, and Name-Meaning Music Boxes. We were given the opportunity to receive a Personalized Framed Plaque with Name Meaning and Bible Verse.

Though at first I wasn't sure who I would give such a gift to, I suddenly realized my mom would be the perfect recipient. She has done so much for me and I know I don't always show my appreciation as I should. I also knew a gift like this would mean the world to her. She is very big on giving and receiving gifts that have meaning behind them. And these products from CrossTimber are definitely full of meaning.

These plaques contain the person's name, the origin of the name, the name's meaning, and a Bible verse befitting the name. This is all printed on the purchaser's choice of background. And, oh my goodness, there are so many to choose from.

This is what the NamePlaques order selection screen looks like:

There are four main theme categories, under which there are several specific designs. All of these can be found by clicking in the light blue menu bar. The theme categories will drop down, and then you can click on the one that you would like to browse.

The categories are as follows:

Faith & Inspiration:

• Faith & Encouragement
• Meaningful Pictures
• Castles & Lighthouses
• Parchment & Simple
• Fantastical, Creative

Animals & Creatures:

• Lions, Tigers, Rams
• Doves, Eagles, Birds
• Horses & Cowboys
• Lambs & Sheep
• Butterflies
• Kittens, Elk & More!

People & Relationships:

• Babies & Baby Names
• Relationships, Occupations
• Couples & Sweethearts
• Celtic, Irish & Gaelic
• Musical Instruments
• Boy Scouts & Stamps

The Great Outdoors:

• Scenic Landscapes
• Leaves & Trees
• Sunsets & Sunrises
• Ocean, Water & Sunlight
• Lighthouses & Castles
• Flowers

Once you decide which category to click on, the screen will change to reflect your current theme choice. 

On the left of the screen you will find all the designs. The middle selection is where you can see what your finished NamePlaque will look like, along with the frame choices and extras. On the right of the screen you will find the description of the design. 

As you click on different designs, the middle picture will change to reflect the new design. Here is a very small sample of some of their designs.

After you choose your design, you can then pick out a frame.  Each of the designs shown in the above collage are all in the Ornate Frame (Frame #1). If you would like to see what the plaque will look like with a different frame, you just use the frame selection buttons beneath the picture. It looks like this:

When you click on the frame type, the picture in the middle of the screen will again change to reflect your choice. In the following collage, all of the pictures have the same design; however, the frame is different.

We had the option of getting Frame #4, which is the $23 frame shown all the way to the right in the collage, or the Frame Artist's Choice for our review. If we wanted a different frame, we were responsible to pay the difference. We could have also chosen to receive the print by mail, or the Printable by email option, to use with our own frame,

I originally chose frame #1, the Ornate Frame with the Garden Bridge design. I can see why this frame is their most popular one. Unfortunately, a mistake was made and we were sent the wrong frame. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. Far from it! I am just stating what happened. When we received the plaque in the mail, I opened it up and was thrilled with how it looked. Not only did we receive the 5 x 7 print in a 7 x 9 frame, we received a 2 x 3 glossy card to go with it.

I didn't sit there and compare it with the picture on the website, so I didn't realize it was incorrect until I was getting ready to go to my mom's to give it to her. I had gotten on their website as I was going to start my review, because once I gave my mom the plaque, it was going to be 2 hours away. It was then that I noticed the mistake.

Oops, no intricate scrollwork on the edges like the Ornate Frame is supposed to have. How did I not realize this when I first received it? I really don't know. I had forgotten what it was supposed to look like, and I was happy with the way it looked. However, we did pay extra to receive the Ornate Frame.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do. The trip down to visit my mom was mainly to give her the plaque, though we loved the chance to go visit her, as it had been a while since she was feeling well enough to have the young children at her house. I contacted John from CrossTimber, and I received a reply within a half an hour (and this was on a Saturday). He had confirmed that I was sent the wrong frame, and was going to allow me to give my mother the plaque with the current frame and then he would send her the correct frame! Later, when I asked what I should do with the other frame, he offered to send a new Name Meaning Design to put in the frame, to use as an encouragement for another person anonymously. I was flabbergasted!

Needless to say, we are very happy with our experience with CrossTimber. They were willing to go above and beyond to make things right. However, my mom is so happy with the frame she was given, that I told John that we did not need the extra frame and print. Honestly, I didn't feel right doing that, sort of felt like I would be taking advantage of them. So, we received a refund for the extra we had paid for the Ornate Frame. and my mom kept the framed plaque that she fell in love with.

She was quite moved by the gift. In her words, it is "lovely." The plaque is prominently displayed on the buffet in her dining room

I am extremely satisfied with my experience with CrossTimber, and I look forward to ordering more Name Meaning Gifts in the future. As a matter of fact, there is a grandbaby due to be born early next year...

I highly recommend CrossTimber and their Name Meaning Gifts, especially if you are looking for a unique gift this Christmas season. 

Don't miss these special offers:

Here is some awesome news for you. Through December 4th, CrossTimber is sponsoring a Name Gift Giveaway. You can enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free Name Gift of a $10 Gift Certificate!

Grand Prize: The winner may choose between a: Personalized Mug OR Name Plaque OR 8x10 Plaque. Plus there are 9 more prizes: $10 Gift Certificates.

Just click on the image to enter the giveaway!

Don't forget to check out the reviews of my fellow Crew Mates. Just click on the banner below.