Imagine turning plain leather items like wallets and keychains into totally unique works of art, gifts for loved ones, and products that you can sell for profit.
That's the magic of laser engraving, and trust me, it's way easier (and more fun) than you might think.
Whether you're looking for the perfect personalized gift or dreaming of starting your own laser engraving biz, you're in the right place.
We've got 25 seriously cool ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Let's dive in!
What's Inside:
- 25 Genius Leather Laser Engraving Ideas to Try This Year
- Getting Started with Laser Engraving
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
25 Genius Leather Laser Engraving Ideas to Try This Year
#1 - Passport Cover

Know someone who's always on the go? A personalized passport cover is the perfect travel buddy for the jetsetters in your life. Engrave names, travel quotes, or even a tiny map!
#2 - Leather Snap Keychain

Source: YoakumLeather on Etsy
Leather strap keychains like these are perfect for everyday use. Monograms, funny quotes, or even just initials make them super personal! They're awesome for wedding favors or corporate swag, too.
#3 - Leather Patches for Hats

Source: PecuLeather on Etsy
Imagine rocking your brand logo or a killer design on a favorite hat, thanks to a leather patch like this one. Try the xTool F1 Ultra for super-quick bulk engraving on multiple patches at once.

xTool F1 Ultra 20W Fiber & Diode Dual Laser Engraver
A speedy dual-laser engraver with a diode and fiber laser that can handle metal and bulk engraving with ease.
🌈🎥✨ Watch a recent live video where we engraved leather patches with the xTool F1!
#4 - Horse Name Plate

Source: LoneLunaGoods on Etsy
For horse lovers, a custom saddle or bridle decoration with the horse's name makes a unique gift. A durable piece of leather can last through tons of use, rain or shine. You could even engrave on-site with a portable and fast laser engraver like the xTool F1.

xTool F1: Fastest Portable Laser Engraver with IR + Diode Laser
xTool's ultra-fast and portable laser engraver that can handle tumblers and multiple materials with dual diode and infrared lasers.
#5 - Leather Tray

Source: ThePathLessTraveled on Etsy
Whether you make this for an anniversary, a new home, or just because, these trays are perfect for corralling stuff. Personalize them with names, dates, or a meaningful phrase.
#6 - Clutch

Source: LessMoreBag on Etsy
Turn a plain leather clutch into something more elegant and special with engraved initials, flowers, or inspiring words. It's a great gift or product idea for fashion-conscious individuals who appreciate good craftsmanship.
#7 - Toiletry Bag

Source: SwankyBadger on Etsy
An engraved leather toiletry bag is perfect for groomsmen, dads, or anyone who travels a lot. Add initials or a message for a personal touch.
#8 - Golf Bag Tag

Source: Lazy3LeatherCo on Etsy
A leather golf bag tag is a must-have for any golf fan. Try engraving their name, initials, or a favorite quote. You could also make branded merch for golf courses, country clubs, tournaments, and more.
#9 - Luggage Tag

Source: SpringbokCraftSupply on Etsy
Help travelers find their luggage after a flight more quickly with a custom luggage tag. Add names, contact info, or fun travel designs to make it instantly recognizable.
#10 - Leather Patches

Source: PGLaserCraft on Etsy
Help your customers make a bold fashion statement with custom leather patches for jackets, bags, jeans, and more.
#11 - Leather Bracelet

Source: BraceDesigns
An engraved leather bracelet is a special way for couples, family members, and best friends to remember and honor each other. Engrave special names, dates, or coordinates of places that are close to the person's heart.
#12 - Clothing Labels

Source: WunderholzShop on Etsy
A personalized leather patch adds a professional yet artisanal feel to clothing and accessories. Help clothing businesses and crafters elevate their branding with custom labels like these.
#13 - iPhone Case

Source: leatheready on Etsy
Help customers protect their phones and show off their style with a personalized leather case. You can engrave initials, funny quotes, photos, and more to make it personal.
#14 - Personalized Leather Bible

Source: EngravedEleganceLLC on Etsy
An engraved Bible cover is a thoughtful gift for baptisms, weddings, and other important life events. Add the person's name, a meaningful verse, or a special date to personalize it.
#15 - Leather Belt

Source: JPFanShop on Etsy
A leather belt is a classic gift, but you can make it even more meaningful by adding a monogram or secret message inside.
#16 - Personalized Journal Cover

Source: PrecisionMemory on Etsy
Inspire a writer, traveler, or student with an engraved leather journal cover. Engrave a name, inspiring quote, or a special design.
For flat items like this, try the xTool P2, which can engrave items up to 23" by 16" quickly and smoothly with its high-powered 40W CO2 laser.

xTool P2: 55W Desktop CO2 Laser Cutter
A powerful desktop CO2 laser from xTool that can cut and engrave multiple materials with ease.
#17 - Leather Photo

Source: BestLeatherGiftArt on Etsy
Turn memories into keepsakes by engraving photos directly onto leather. This would be a wonderful gift for anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
#18 - Personalized Wallet

Source: GoldenHornWallet on Etsy
Try a customized wallet for a gift that's both functional and meaningful. Add initials or a special handwritten message on the front or inside pocket.
#19 - Crochet & Knit Clothing Tags

Source: VintageWoodArtShop on Etsy
Add a finishing touch to handmade items with an engraved label like these. You can engrave them in bulk with the xTool F1 Ultra, then sell them to craft hobbyists and business owners.
#20 - Leather Coaster

Source: EssenzaEngravings on Etsy
Forget cork--try a set of sleek leather coasters like these. You can personalize them with monograms, family names, or funny quotes.
#21 - Leather Tumbler

Source: HazelHide on Etsy
We've seen a ton of ways to customize a tumbler, but this is a new one! Help your customers sip in style with a custom leather tumbler cover! Try engraving these with a name, favorite quote, or cool design that reflects your customer's personality.
#22 - Leather Covered Guest Book

Source: LottesPapery on Etsy
A guest book is a hallmark of any wedding, but you can make it extra special by engraving the couple's names and wedding date on the cover. This could also serve as a guest book for baby showers, birthdays, business events, and more.
#23 - Leather Bookmark

Source: DesignsByHarubin on Etsy
Sometimes, the simplest gifts can be the most meaningful. A leather bookmark engraved with a quote, initials, or special message will delight the book lover, student, or writer in your life.
#24 - Leather-Wrapped Whiskey Glass

Source: SnagCustoms on Etsy
Whiskey enthusiasts will get a kick out of this leather cover for whiskey rock glasses. Engrave it with a name, initials, or special quote to add a touch of sophistication to their home bar.
#25 - Airpods Case

Source: leatheready on Etsy
Every set of AirPods looks the same, but they don't have to! Help your customers express their personal style with a customized AirPods case. With a powerful laser like the xTool P2, you can even cut leather to make custom cases from scratch.
Getting Started with Laser Engraving
Are you ready to start creating your own engraved leather items? Let's talk through what you need!
Step #1 - Learn How to Laser Engrave
First, you'll want to understand how to engrave items and what kind of laser you need.
Our beginner's guide to laser engraving will help you get started fast.
Step #2 - Choose a Laser Engraver for Leather
Next, you'll need a dependable laser engraver.
For beginners, the xTool F1 is an awesome choice. It's affordable, fast, and engraves leather beautifully. If you want more power, the ability to bulk engrave, and other capabilities like metal engraving, check out the xTool F1 Ultra.
And if you want the best quality engraving on leather and you're ready to invest in a higher-powered engraving machine, a CO2 laser like the xTool P2 is gonna give you even better results.
If you're having trouble deciding, check out our comparison guide of the xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra and our guide to the best laser engravers for small businesses.
Step #3 - Find Laser Engraving Ideas
Curious about what else you can make? Check out our mega-list of laser engraving ideas covering even more materials, like glass, wood, acrylic, and more.
We've also shared where you can find thousands of free laser engraving and cut files for commercial use.
Step #4 - Find a Crafting Community
Join our Official MakerFlo Facebook Community to meet and share notes with thousands of other crafters just like you! We'll see you inside! 😀
Optional - Start a Laser Engraving Business
Learn how to start a profitable laser engraving business and discover the most profitable laser-engraved products you can make.
Then find out how to sell at craft shows so you can earn money doing what you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of leather can be laser engraved?
Natural leather and many types of synthetic leather (like vegan leather or pleather) can be engraved, but some synthetic materials cannot. Make sure your leather doesn't contain PVC, and research your specific material to make sure it's safe for engraving. If in doubt, contact your manufacturer.
Should you wet leather before engraving?
You only need to wet real leather for engraving, but "faux" leather or engraveable leatherette doesn't need extra moisture for engraving.
If you're using real leather, dampening the leather before engraving can prevent burning or charring on the surface. But you don't want it soaking wet. Many engravers dip the leather into water, then let it dry a bit so it's just damp before engraving.
How to laser engrave leather without burning?
There are three ways to do this. First, experiment with settings to get the best results. Then, try wetting your leather (if it's real leather) till it's evenly damp instead of dry. Some people also put painter's tape down before engraving to prevent burns. You'll want to experiment to see what works best with your type of leather.
Is it safe to laser engrave leather?
For the most part, yes. Some synthetic leather, like those that contain PVC, are not safe for engraving. Check with your manufacturer to be sure. Also, you always need to ventilate your laser engraver properly to keep yourself safe from fumes and dust.
Can I engrave leather with a diode laser?
Yes, you can. For example, the xTool F1 with its 10W diode laser is able to engrave leather.