Few things feel as special as a custom, personalized gift. Sure, it can feel tempting to go down the tried-and-true (easy) gift card route, but putting that extra thought into finding a personalized gift for that person in your life who deserves it really shows how much you care—and how well you actually know them.
From initial jewelry (always a crowd pleaser) to more unique gifts that have a deeper meaning to your friendship or relationship (like this novel or this cool star map), the best personalized gifts can take a little more groundwork, but will absolutely stand the test of time. Here are our favorite gifts to give this holiday season, whether that person you’re shopping for loves to cook, loves to shop or spans more on the sentimental side.
The Best Personalized Gifts To Give
A Chic Initial Ring
These 14k solid gold rings are perfect for stacking together, or wearing solo for that friend in your life who loves a daintier look when it comes to jewelry.
Monogrammed Pajamas
I love a solid set of PJs, and this super soft Eberjey set is at the top of my gifting list. Customize any set on the site with monogrammed initials for an extra $15 for an even more thoughtful present.
Cheese Please
Perhaps this has to do with my dairy-loving roots (I was born and raised in Wisconsin), but I love a good cheese board as a gift. This tiered version has the perfect partitions for various accoutrements which sold me on its own, but what truly makes this next-level special is the option to customize with their initials.
A Customizable Gift Box
The great thing about these customizable gift boxes is you can literally create the perfect, unique gift for that person in your life that truly deserves something special. Create a custom care package from scratch filled to the brim with everything from cocktail mixers to beauty products to home accessories.
A Heartfelt Cutting Board
I’m getting this cutting board, engraved with her famous spaghetti and meatballs recipe, for my mother for Christmas (don’t spill the beans, thanks). How unique and special to gift someone a meaningful kitchen utensil that can conjure up memories every time they bring it out to cook another family meal?
A Personalized Signature Bracelet
Take a picture of someone special’s handwriting, choose what metal you want and let the experts do the rest. This is a beautiful way to remember someone you love, whether you’re lucky enough to still have them in your life or not.
For The World Traveler
Map your way around the world with that person you love to travel with by gifting them this customized pushpin map, which allows you to chart all the places you’ve been. You can further customize the map by adding significant dates (your wedding day, for example) or your significant other’s name onto the map.
A Music Lover’s Heaven
For that person on your list who already knows exactly what they want, take their gift to the next level by getting them engraved (free of cost when you buy the AirPods from Apple).
Starry Nights
This custom star map print is perfect for marking any significant date that is meaningful to someone you love, from their birthday to the day you met.
Write Someone Their Own Novel
As a writer, I love the concept of creating a personal book for someone to fill with anything your heart desires, from cute illustrations to memories to thoughtful anecdotes about that person—the ultimate custom gift.
