Laser engravers are powerful tools that open up endless possibilities for creative and practical applications. Whether you’re a hobbyist, small business owner, or craft enthusiast, a laser engraver can help you personalize, customize, and transform a wide variety of materials. From intricate designs on wood and metal to customized gifts and home decor, the versatility of a laser engraver is unmatched.
Traditionally, laser engravers went for thousands of dollars but it is now possible to get affordable laser engravers for as little as $300. Check our buying guide for the best laser engravers under $500 here.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things you can do with a laser engraver, showcasing its potential for both personal projects and professional use.
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What can you do with a laser engraver?
You can engrave a wide range of products including spice glass jars, wooden key holders, plant labels, wooden rolling pins, coasters, woodcut puzzles, wine corks, beer caps, phone cases, logos, necktie holders, wall art, light shades, picture frames, raster photos into a cardboard, signs, baby décor, and more.
A quick overview of laser engraving
Simply put, laser engraving is the art of creating custom designs, text, or logos on a product using a laser machine. Compared to the traditional forms of engraving such as mechanical engraving and carving, laser engraving is fast, precise, and effective.
The laser beam emitted by the machine focuses on a tiny area on your object referred to as the focal point. Eventually, the light energy will physically remove material from the targeted area thereby uncovering a cavity that showcases an image seen by the eye.
It is a quick process that delivers breathtaking results. Laser engraving compares with laser marking and etching but it differs in the fact that it guarantees deeper cuts and that it is primarily used for customization and personalization.
To laser engrave an object, you’ll begin by feeding the design, photo, text, numbers, logo, etc. on a design software (such as Photoshop, CorelDraw, InkScape, Illustrator, and Autocad). Next, feed the graphic to the laser machine via the printer driver.
Finally, check to ensure you have placed your laser engraving material in position and push the start button on your laser machine to engrave your preferred material. Ideally, the laser is set according to a number of factors such as the material used and the desired depth of the engravings. The more you experiment with your laser, the better you will hone your skills.
Top 10 Things You Can Do With a Laser Engraver
You can create a wide variety of customized products both for individual and commercial use. Here is a list of the top 10 things you can do with your laser engraver.
1. Personalized Gifts
From engraved photo frames and cutting boards to custom keychains and leather wallets, laser engraving makes it easy to personalize gifts with names, dates, or designs. These one-of-a-kind items are perfect for weddings, birthdays, and holidays.
Top-Selling Personalized Laser Cut & Engraved Gifts
Product | Material | Customization | Popular For |
|---|---|---|---|
Engraved Cutting Boards | Wood (Bamboo, Maple, Walnut) | Names, dates, recipes, family crests | Weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings |
Custom Name Signs | Wood, Acrylic | First names, family names, monograms | Nurseries, weddings, home décor |
Personalized Keychains | Acrylic, Leather, Wood | Names, initials, coordinates, short quotes | Party favors, stocking stuffers, promos |
Custom Jewelry (Name Necklaces) | Stainless Steel, Acrylic | Names, initials, dates | Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day |
Handwriting Engraved Gifts | Wood, Metal | Actual handwritten notes or signatures | Memorial gifts, keepsakes |
Photo Engraved Frames | Wood, Slate, Acrylic | Names + photo engraving | Memorials, weddings, parent gifts |
Custom Ornaments | Wood, Acrylic | Family name, pet name, year, photo cutouts | Christmas, holiday keepsakes |
Laser Engraved Wallet Cards | Metal (Aluminum, Stainless) | Messages, coordinates, quotes | Anniversaries, Father’s Day, keepsakes |
Pet Tags or Memorials | Wood, Acrylic, Metal | Pet name, dates, paw prints | Pet lovers, memorials |
Personalized Tumblers & Mugs | Stainless Steel, Glass | Names, logos, messages | Bridal parties, birthdays, business promos |
Monogrammed Coasters | Wood, Slate, Cork | Initials, names, logos | Housewarmings, corporate gifts |
Customized Bookmarks | Wood, Acrylic, Leather | Names, quotes, initials | Teachers, students, readers |
3D Layered Art (Names/Dates) | Wood, MDF, Acrylic | Names, layered artwork, important dates | Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays |
2. Home Decor Projects
Use your laser to create beautiful home decor like wall art, welcome signs, coasters, or LED acrylic night lights. You can engrave wood, acrylic, and even glass to match any aesthetic, from rustic farmhouse to sleek modern.
Here is a table featuring the top-selling laser cut and engraved home décor items, including materials, common customization options, and their popular uses. These products are perfect for crafters, Etsy sellers, or anyone starting a laser engraving business.
Top-Selling Laser Cut & Engraved Home Décor
Product | Material | Customization Options | Popular Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Family Name Signs | Wood, Acrylic | Last name, established date, monogram | Entryways, living rooms, wedding gifts |
Wall Monograms | Wood, MDF | Single letters, script fonts, floral designs | Bedroom or hallway décor |
Inspirational Quote Signs | Wood, Acrylic | Quotes, fonts, engraved or 3D lettering | Office, kitchen, gallery walls |
Personalized House Numbers | Acrylic, Metal | Address numbers, street names | Outdoor signage, home exteriors |
Layered Mandala Wall Art | Wood, MDF | Colors, patterns, sizes | Boho and modern interior styles |
Custom LED Night Lights | Acrylic (with base) | Names, animals, shapes, characters | Kids’ rooms, gifts, nurseries |
Engraved Shelf Sitters | Wood | Seasonal sayings, family names | Mantels, shelves, tiered trays |
Laser Cut Clocks | Wood, Acrylic | Shapes, numbers, names | Kitchen, office, modern home styles |
Customized Coat Racks | Wood, Metal | Names, family tags, hooks with labels | Entryways, mudrooms |
Laser Engraved Picture Frames | Wood, Slate | Names, dates, quotes | Weddings, graduations, memorials |
Seasonal Signs & Décor | Wood, Acrylic, MDF | “Welcome,” holiday messages, interchangeable icons | Front doors, holiday displays |
Tabletop Name Blocks | Wood | Baby names, initials | Nursery, bookshelves, photo props |
3D Layered Shadow Boxes | Wood, Acrylic | Names, dates, silhouette layers | Wedding gifts, family keepsakes |
3. Custom Jewelry
Create delicate and detailed jewelry from wood, acrylic, leather, or metal. Laser engraving lets you design earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and charms with names, symbols, or patterns for unique and wearable art.
Top-Selling Laser-Engraved Custom Jewelry
Product | Material | Customization Options | Popular Occasions/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Name Necklaces | Stainless Steel, Gold, Silver | Names, initials, cursive fonts | Birthdays, daily wear, personalized gifts |
Coordinate Necklaces | Stainless Steel, Rose Gold | Latitude/Longitude, map location, small icons | Anniversary, travel memory keepsakes |
Bar Bracelets | Stainless Steel, Leather | Names, messages, dates, Roman numerals | Couples’ gifts, Mother’s Day, memorials |
Medical ID Bracelets | Stainless Steel, Silicone | Medical conditions, emergency contacts | Everyday wear for health-conscious users |
Fingerprint Necklaces | Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver | Engraved fingerprints, initials, short messages | Memorials, loved one keepsakes |
Pet Memorial Pendants | Stainless Steel, Aluminum | Pet names, paw prints, dates | Pet remembrance gifts |
Custom Charm Bangles | Stainless Steel | Initials, birthstones, symbols | Friendship gifts, family bracelets |
Couples’ Puzzle Piece Necklaces | Stainless Steel, Acrylic | Names, messages on interlocking pieces | Valentine’s Day, anniversaries |
Soundwave Engraved Jewelry | Stainless Steel, Gold | Engraved voice messages or music waveforms | Unique gifts for partners or parents |
Baby Feet Pendant Necklaces | Sterling Silver | Baby name, birth date, birth weight | Newborn gifts, Mother’s Day |
Handwriting Engraved Jewelry | Stainless Steel, Silver | Actual handwritten notes engraved | Sentimental memorials, personal messages |
Custom Dog Tag Necklaces | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Quotes, dates, military ID-style personalization | Military families, remembrance gifts |
4. Business Branding
Laser engravers are a powerful tool for small businesses. Add logos to packaging, create engraved business cards, or customize promotional products like pens, coasters, and nameplates. You can even engrave your brand onto leather patches for hats or bags.
Top-Selling Laser Cut & Engraved Business Branding Products
Product | Material | Branding Options | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Custom Logo Signage | Wood, Acrylic, Metal | Company logo, name, tagline | Storefronts, office walls, trade shows |
Engraved Business Cards | Stainless Steel, Anodized Aluminum | Logos, contact info, QR codes | Networking events, premium client gifts |
Branded Desk Name Plates | Acrylic, Wood, Metal | Name, title, company logo | Office desks, client-facing workspaces |
Logo Keychains | Wood, Acrylic, Leather | Laser cut logo shapes or engraved names | Event giveaways, promotional handouts |
Engraved Pens | Metal, Bamboo, Wood | Company name, contact info, slogans | Corporate gifts, trade show swag |
Branded Coasters | Slate, Wood, Cork | Engraved logos or full designs | Employee gifts, client gifts, office décor |
Custom Badges & Name Tags | Acrylic, Metal, Wood | Names, positions, business logos | Retail, hospitality, conferences |
Laser Cut Presentation Boxes | Wood, Cardboard, Acrylic | Custom cut and engraved for packaging | Luxury branding, product launches |
Logo Drinkware | Stainless Steel, Glass, Wood | Logos, names, branding phrases | Branded tumblers, mugs, water bottles |
Custom QR Code Signs | Acrylic, Wood, Metal | Scannable QR codes linking to websites/socials | Countertops, events, menus |
5. Tumbler and Glass Etching
Using a rotary attachment, you can engrave cylindrical objects like tumblers, mugs, or wine glasses. These are popular for corporate gifts, weddings, and small business products.
Top-Selling Tumbler & Glass Etching Products
Product | Material | Popular Personalization Options | Target Audience / Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
Stainless Steel Tumblers | Powder-coated steel | Names, monograms, quotes, logos | Personalized gifts, corporate branding |
Wine Glasses | Glass | Names, wedding dates, phrases | Weddings, anniversaries, home bars |
Beer Mugs | Glass or stainless | Sports logos, names, funny sayings | Groomsmen gifts, breweries, home use |
Mason Jars with Handles | Glass | Rustic names, farmhouse-style labels | Rustic weddings, farmhouse decor |
Whiskey Glasses | Glass | Initials, coordinates, custom messages | Father’s Day, retirements, holiday gifts |
Shot Glasses | Glass | Event names, initials, bar logos | Party favors, bars, promotional events |
Water Bottles | Stainless steel, glass | Motivational quotes, company logos | Fitness branding, giveaways |
Coffee Mugs (Double Wall) | Stainless steel, ceramic | Names, professions, teacher gifts | Teachers, professionals, holidays |
Pint Glasses | Glass | Brewery logos, engraved artwork | Breweries, bachelor parties |
Custom Barware Sets | Mixed (glass + tools) | Matching designs across all pieces | High-end gifts, holiday bundles |
6. Educational Tools & Games
Make flashcards, puzzles, memory games, or math tools with wood or acrylic. Laser-engraved educational items are durable and can be customized for any age group or learning level.
Top-Selling Laser Cut & Engraved Educational Tools & Games
Product | Material | Common Personalizations | Target Audience / Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
Alphabet Puzzle Boards | Wood (plywood, MDF) | Child’s name, custom fonts | Preschool learning, toddler gifts |
Name Tracing Boards | Acrylic, wood | Child’s name in dotted traceable font | Handwriting practice, Montessori tools |
Number Counting Boards | Wood | Numbers 1–10 or 1–100 | Math skills for early learners |
Flash Cards with Images | Wood or acrylic | Engraved letters/numbers/images | Language and math games |
Multiplication Tables | Wood | Student’s name or custom grade level | Classroom aids, homeschool tools |
Memory Matching Games | Wood disks/squares | Animals, letters, custom designs | Early childhood memory development |
Telling Time Clocks | Wood, acrylic | Student’s name or classroom label | Time teaching aid |
Shape & Color Sorting Boards | Wood or layered acrylic | Engraved names, classroom labels | Preschool shape and color recognition |
Fraction Circles & Tiles | Wood or acrylic | Fraction values laser marked | Math learning tools for grades 2–5 |
Sight Word Tiles | Wood tiles | Custom word sets | Reading and spelling activities |
7. Sign Making
Whether you’re making signs for events, home decor, or small businesses, a laser engraver can create professional-looking signage from wood, acrylic, metal, or leather. Add paint or LED lighting for extra flair.
Top-Selling Laser Cut & Engraved Sign Making Products
Product | Material | Common Personalizations | Popular Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Custom Family Name Signs | Wood (birch, pine, MDF) | Last names, established dates | Home entryways, wedding gifts |
Business Logo Signs | Acrylic, wood, metal | Company name, logo, tagline | Office walls, retail shops |
Welcome Signs | Wood, acrylic | “Welcome”, family name, seasonal graphics | Front doors, porches |
Wedding Name Signs | Acrylic, wood | Couple’s names, wedding date | Wedding backdrops, receptions |
Nursery Name Signs | MDF, plywood, acrylic | Baby’s name in custom fonts | Nursery walls, baby shower gifts |
Bathroom / Kitchen Signs | Wood | Humorous or themed phrases | Home décor, farmhouse-style designs |
Directional Event Signs | Wood, acrylic | Arrows, room names, event name/directions | Weddings, parties, conferences |
Pet Name Signs | Wood, acrylic | Pet’s name, paw prints | Pet areas, gifts for pet owners |
Holiday Signs | MDF, plywood | “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Halloween”, etc. | Seasonal décor |
Inspirational Quote Signs | Wood, metal | Motivational sayings, quotes, scriptures | Offices, living rooms, dorm rooms |
8. Model Building & Prototyping
Laser cutters are ideal for hobbyists and engineers building scale models, architecture mockups, or prototypes. Cut and engrave precise components from plywood, MDF, or acrylic.
Top-Selling Laser Cut & Engraved Model Building & Prototyping Products
Product | Material | Popular Features | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
Architectural Scale Models | MDF, birch plywood, acrylic | Precision-cut components, engraved detail lines | Student projects, real estate presentations |
Miniature Furniture Kits | Basswood, plywood | Pre-cut parts, engraved assembly guides | Dollhouses, model scenes |
Vehicle Model Kits | Plywood, acrylic | Interlocking parts, wheels/gears | Hobby builds (cars, trucks, airplanes) |
Laser-Cut Puzzle Kits | Wood, cardboard | Engraved images and numbers | Educational kits, 3D brain teasers |
Mechanical Gear Models | Plywood, acrylic | Working gear systems, laser-marked alignment | STEM learning, kinetic sculpture projects |
Topographic Maps & Relief Models | MDF, layered acrylic | Precision-cut elevation layers | Geography teaching tools, landscape design |
Prototyping Panels & Housings | Acrylic, ABS, plywood | Engraved labels, cutouts for switches/sensors | Electronics, robotics, hardware projects |
Railroad Scenery Kits | MDF, cardboard | Laser-etched textures and windows | Model train setups, HO/N scale environments |
3D City or Castle Models | Cardboard, MDF | Layered cut pieces, etched details | Hobby builds, educational use |
Engineering Assembly Kits | Plywood, acrylic | Modular components, engraved identifiers | STEM classes, maker labs |
9. Leather Engraving
Create wallets, bookmarks, keychains, luggage tags, and more with laser-engraved leather. Faux leather (PU) is a popular and cost-effective material to start with and gives great engraving contrast.
Top-Selling Laser Engraved Leather Products
Product | Leather Type | Popular Features | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
Leather Wallets | Genuine / PU / Veg-Tanned | Custom name, monogram, or quote engraving | Father’s Day gifts, birthdays, groomsmen gifts |
Leather Keychains | PU / Full Grain / Faux | Small, affordable, often bundled with custom tags | Event giveaways, party favors, business branding |
Leather Bracelets | Veg-Tanned / Faux | Inspirational quotes or GPS coordinates | Friendship bracelets, memorial keepsakes |
Leather Journals | PU / Buffalo Leather | Engraved covers with names, logos, or artwork | Graduation, weddings, corporate gifting |
Leather Coasters | Full Grain / Faux | Custom logos, initials, or home coordinates | Home décor, wedding favors, branded merchandise |
Leather Hat Patches | Leatherette / Faux Leather | Pre-cut shapes with logos or custom designs | Hats, caps, sports team branding |
Leather Bookmarks | PU / Cowhide / Faux | Names, inspirational messages, custom artwork | Gifts for readers, book clubs, teachers |
Leather Luggage Tags | PU / Top Grain Leather | Monograms, contact info engraving | Travel gifts, corporate travel accessories |
Custom Leather Belts | Full Grain / Veg-Tanned | Personalized initials or date on the inside or end | Fashion accessories, anniversary gifts |
Leather Desk Mats / Pads | PU / Full Grain | Company logos, names, motivational phrases | Office gifts, executive giveaways |
10. Custom Awards & Trophies
Design plaques, medals, and trophies for schools, sports teams, or corporate recognition. Laser engraving allows for clean, crisp lettering and logos on acrylic, wood, or metal award bases.
Top-Selling Laser Engraved Custom Awards & Trophies
Award Type | Material | Popular Features | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
Acrylic Awards | Clear/Colored Cast Acrylic | Polished edges, color-fill engraving, LED bases optional | Corporate recognition, school honors, sales awards |
Crystal Trophies | Optical Crystal/Glass | Deep laser engraving, 3D subsurface engraving | Luxury awards, leadership recognition |
Wood Plaques | Walnut/Cherry/Maple | Laser engraved logos/text, beveled edges | Teacher awards, employee of the month |
Metal & Glass Combo Awards | Aluminum + Glass | Brushed aluminum accents, UV-printed logos | Modern corporate awards, appreciation trophies |
Custom Medals | Anodized Aluminum / Steel | Logo, name, or event engraved on front/back | Sports tournaments, marathons, school events |
Leatherette Plaques | Faux Leather over MDF | Laser-engraved names/logos with stitching detail | Budget-friendly recognition, student awards |
Desk Nameplates / Awards | Wood / Acrylic / Metal | Personalized with names/titles, often with stands | Office décor, retirement gifts |
Glass Flame or Star Awards | Clear Glass or Crystal | Etched stars/flames symbolizing achievement | High achiever awards, milestone recognition |
Resin Statues with Plates | Polyresin + Metal Plate | Engraved plate + molded design (e.g. sports or themes) | Coach awards, youth leagues, themed achievements |
Perpetual Plaques | Wood / Metal Plates | Multiple engraved name plates for ongoing awards | Monthly/annual recognition programs |
Final Thoughts
With a laser engraver, you’re not just limited to one kind of project—you’re opening the door to hundreds of creative possibilities. Whether you’re engraving for fun or building a side hustle, start experimenting with these ideas to find your style and niche. And remember: the only limit is your imagination.