A few years ago, the personalized boat and tote train took a hard left turn with @ironicboatandtotes. Emblazoned with clever, unexpected sayings, they’re so fun, but I never got into it, and I stuck to my trusty monograms. I’m decidedly not a collector of most clothing items — I’m not the type that’s like, “If I like one, I should get more!” I’m more of the, “If I like one, I have one” camp. That meant my set of regatta blue totes and my beat-up tote from college were more than enough.
But, this past Christmas, when my dad got me for Secret Santa and asked what I wanted (a good move — I’m not one for surprises), I had an idea. I didn’t want to go ironic, but what if I did push my normal monogram personalization a bit outside its limits?
What I Put On My Personalized Boat and Tote
I’d made “Rosehill” totes a while back. Just plain canvas totes I hung by the front door at the cottage. The idea was that guests could use them while they were staying but, if they happened to take one, it was just a marketing cost. So when I thought about what to put on my personalized boat and tote, it was a no-brainer. A simple “Rosehill” would do the trick. No need to get clever, fancy, or ironic. Just something that illustrates where I use it, which to me, feels like the most polished way to personalize something.
I went with the large size of the boat and tote — perfect for a quick two night getaway if I pack well (which I don’t always). It’s also the ideal size for toting around supplies for a picnic or anywhere where the medium size is going to start to feel tight.
Now do I need to make these for multiple uses, always adorned with a one word description of wear I use them? Maybe. And maybe that one item per item rule is going to go out the window fast.
