A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
By Rachel LeWinter and Priscila Martinez
Updated on Sep. 12, 2024
These aren’t your grandmother’s monogrammed towels. From chic soaps and cocktail essentials to sweet treats and cool tech items, these unique gifts are surefire hits for everyone on your list.
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It’s not easy to find perfect gift ideas. And while there are a ton of amazing choices out there, including gifts for her and gifts for him, you might feel like your present is slightly impersonal or just missing something. To take your gift-giving up a notch, go for something that’s completely custom.
We found a wide selection of personalized gift ideas, including unique jewelry gifts for mom and gracious gifts for grandma. For the younger generation, there are gifts for kids, plus the best stuff for siblings, too, so you can cross “gifts for sister” and “gifts for brother” off your list.
And, of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without sentimental gifts for husbands and wives or gifts for boyfriends and girlfriends. These unique items really go the extra mile to make anyone feel loved, even people typically impossible to shop for, and they’re pretty much guaranteed to be a hit!
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Among the best personalized gift ideas is this classic nameplate necklace, which gets a modern upgrade with sophisticated script-style lettering. (There are 14 other fonts to choose from, too!) Personalize any name—up to 15 characters—and select a metal, including sterling silver and stainless steel. Even better? It will only set you back $15, but it looks like it cost a whole lot more. If you’re looking for an affordable gift for your best friend, this is an excellent choice.
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Help transform their abode into a spa-like environment with a lush Turkish cotton robe. Slipping into this sophisticated monogrammed design (choose from six different fonts and 16 colors) will bring hotel-style luxury to their home, no matter how crazy their day—or the state of their house—may be.
The lightweight waffle weave of this bathrobe feels soft and airy. Plus, it quickly absorbs water and dries in a flash. Feeling generous? Add a set of customized towels to instantly upgrade any bathroom.
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A reusable water bottle is essential for anyone with a busy lifestyle. Now you can customize a stainless steel tumbler from this family-owned business. The double-wall vacuum insulated design is made from BPA-free materials, features a spill-proof lid and comes with a complimentary gift box. Add a laser-engraved monogram, original text (up to 150 characters) or upload your own design or logo to make it a one-of-a-kind eco-conscious accessory.
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Consider this a chic, updated version of the quintessential friendship bracelet. These hand-crafted elastic-stretch designs (available in four sizes) feature crystal beads, sparkling gemstones and fun charms like evil eyes and smiley faces. Add a name, special word or meaningful date (13 characters max) for a bespoke present your BFF will adore. Check out more thoughtful ideas for handmade gifts that won’t break the bank.
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This useful Leatherman multi-tool has everything they need to tackle jobs big and small. The crowd-pleasing contraption is stacked with 18 different tools, including pliers, a serrated knife, a wire stripper, a can and bottle opener and more. It’s so popular, in fact, that Leatherman has sold more than 10 million Waves, making it the best-selling multi-tool of all time.
Make it an extra special present with an engraving for an additional $5.95, or use the custom shop to add your own images, photos, patterns or messages.
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There are a lot of fascinating ice cream traditions around the world. One new culinary custom that you might want to start? Giving a few pints of ice cream with a family’s name written directly on the packaging. You can even create your own flavors, and get creative by putting photos and artwork on the cartons. Either way, you can’t go wrong with delicious ice cream specifically tailored to anyone with a fondness for sweets.
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Workout fanatics can stand out in the studio with a one-of-a-kind yoga mat. Choose from three boho-chic designs, and add a name or message, up to 18 characters. With anti-slip backing, it’s the perfect place to practice her asana. Pair it with some top-rated leggings or workout shorts for the ultimate yoga package.
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Light up your favorite child’s face with their very own personalized bedtime story. It’s an excellent way to get little ones excited about reading. After all, what kid can resist a book that features them as the main character? It goes well in any child’s home library, along with the best children’s books ever written.
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Jigsaw junkies will love this gift to pieces! Celebrate their hometown or a special place with a made-to-order 400-piece puzzle. Each design features a detailed map showing roads, contour lines, transport infrastructure, water features, vegetation and notable buildings. A house-shaped novelty piece in the center can mark an exact address. It’s a fun idea for family game night—especially if they already have all of the classic board games—or a sweet gift idea for couples.
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There’s nothing more quintessential than a classic woven beach bag—the effortlessly chic style continues to remain a popular pick season after season. This monogrammed bag is a warm-weather favorite, and the perfect companion for the beach and beyond. Make hers extra special with a hand-embroidered name in a her favorite color so she can make a statement on the sand or the street.
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Maybe the person on your list is known for the best cupcakes in town, or maybe you want to encourage a future chef. For personalized gift ideas on a budget, this completely customizable baking spatula will be a hit. It rings in at less than $15 and makes a big impact. After all, what’s better than food made with love?
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Super fans of this beloved spirit will adore this bespoke wooden barrel case filled with everything they need to enjoy their favorite beverage. They’ll receive a dishwasher-safe glass, a coaster, whiskey stones and tongs—all of which can be personalized. Cheers to that! If vino is more their thing, check out this list of gifts for wine lovers.
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Your furry BFF deserves a little something special, too, and will love a new dog collar with his or her name (and your phone number!) embroidered on it. When it comes to personalized gift ideas, a practical present can’t be beaten. Here are more gifts for dog lovers that any pet parent will adore.
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Immortalize a child’s first drawing, one of your own doodles, or even a handwritten message for a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art. Send in a photo, and in just six to nine days, you’ll receive a memorable bauble that will be treasured forever.
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Instantly upgrade your next home gathering with a custom bamboo tray that serves up major style. Pick a shape—cheese, charcuterie or cocktail—then choose from 16 design styles to make it your own. The fancy engraving looks like it costs a fortune, but it’s far from that, starting at just $25. Use the money you saved on more stylish hostess gifts for every occasion—and budget.
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These ceramic mugs come in a variety of design options and let you write anything from a first name to a TikTok handle. Go wild and add a great picture for a personalized present they’ll use every day! Pair it with one (or more!) of these gifts for coffee lovers if your budget allows.
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Keep makeup and brushes organized with this handy canvas pouch you can personalize with up to four lines of text. Pick a fun saying like “lashes speak louder than words,” “selfie supplies,” “bag of stuff to make me look natural” or just add a name for a functional branded beauty pouch. If you want to spend a little more, fill the bag with some must-have lipsticks, lip balms, mascaras and more.
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It’s no secret that there are very real benefits to aromatherapy. Scents can do everything from amp up energy levels to calm anxiety, which is why a personalized soy candle is an especially useful gift. Choose from 19 fragrances, including vanilla, rosemary mint, bacon and bourbon, fresh-cut Christmas tree and more. Customize the candle with 20 font styles for any name, message, quote or short sentence. Here are more scented candles that will make any home smell amazing.
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There’s nothing fancier than a custom engraved ballpoint pen. Made out of glossy silver material, this unique creation comes in a classy box, ready to be gifted to a coworker or boss. It’s also a smart gift for students (forget boring school supplies!) or a wallet-friendly gift for doctors!
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Whether he’s manning the grill or whipping up a gourmet meal (or chicken nuggets for the kids), he’ll do it in style with this monogrammed apron. Choose from a variety of personalized options, with his name, a nickname or even a favorite recipe emblazoned across the chest. With an adjustable neck strap and extra-long waist tie, it’s among the personalized gift ideas that are a perfect fit for foodies of all sizes.
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If you’ve got a baby to buy for, you can’t go wrong with this adorable plush stuffed animal. You can have the child’s name, birthday or special message embroidered (for no extra charge!) onto a pink or blue bear to create a treasured, cuddle-worthy keepsake.
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Whether the person you’re buying for is a seasoned gardener or just fancies pretty flowers, they’ll cherish this beautifully crafted, chip-resistant stoneware pot, personalized just for them. Choose up to 21 names to be featured within a heart in multiple fonts (script, distressed and block), then add any four-line note to the back for an even sweeter message.
Take things to the next level by filling the pot with one of these sturdy houseplants. This would also be a terrific gift for grandparents (no green thumb required).
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Searching for a powerful way to express how you feel? You’ll want something so exclusive and totally original, it can’t be purchased in any store. Let musician David Morgan transform your stories into a personalized song.
By answering some questions and sharing several anecdotes, the singer/songwriter composes original lyrics specifically for the recipient, then performs the piece in their favorite musical style. You’ll get an MP3 audio file of the custom-made tune, plus the lyrics in a PDF document. Here are even more gifts for music lovers that won’t fall flat.
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A collapsible, customizable pizza peel turns any oven or backyard grill into a top-notch pizzeria, and four cordierite baking stones bring the heat. Use the two-sided roller to level the included artisanal dough, add seasoning, bake and then slice up your pie with the pizza cutter. Get this gift for your boyfriend so you can enjoy it, too!
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A true dog lover will prefer that their furry friend gets gifted before they do. This custom cushion is machine-washable, available in five colors and four text styles, and comes in a variety of sizes. If you’re looking for more personalized pet gifts or a different kind of dog bed, we have plenty of those for you to choose from, too.
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Carrying a picture in your wallet is so last year. Skip to the future and engrave an image in the wallet instead. For under $35, it’s among the best personalized gift ideas that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Engrave your favorite photo on this faux-leather accessory and a few touching words to go with it.
Bonus: This wallet comes with an RFID secure card, a metal composite that prevents thieves from stealing credit card information. For true tech lovers, check out these smart wallets for people who always seem to lose theirs.
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Make their tee-time dreams come true with this golf ball gift set that’s sure to be a hole-in-one on the course. A dozen monogrammed balls (choose classic white or hot pink) come in a personalized display case, along with a dozen tees and pencils. Shop more gifts for golfers that are sure to be un-fore-gettable.
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File this under personalized gift ideas perfect for a housewarming present. Accent any bathroom with the refined look of triple-milled soaps—a timeless, practical gift for anyone who loves the finer things in life. Add a monogram, name or even a special date to this trio of soaps that come in lovely scents like lilac and white tea, lavender mist, pomegranate and lemon verbena.
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Little athletes will flaunt their style—and their name and sports number—with this easy-to-order personalized headband from Funny Girl Designs. Go one step further and add an icon of their favorite sport or activity, like soccer, basketball, tennis or dance.
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For the lady who has an overflowing jewelry collection, this unique initial necklace will be a standout style among her baubles. Each letter design is sculpted by hand, then cast using the ancient lost-wax method, a time-honored technique practiced by master craftsmen. The design features 22k-gold-plated brass with an antique finish, a glass pearl and Swarovski crystals.
For other jewelry gifts, try these necklaces, cocktail rings or earrings.
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For foodies who love to cook or bake but don’t need any more kitchen items, surprise them with a funny gag gift that’s actually functional. Put their face (or choose a family photo, or even a pet pic) on a customized oven mitt, and they’ll be sure to smile every time they’re whipping up a meal.
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This mini Bluetooth speaker is perfect for music lovers to take their tunes on the go. It’s small enough to carry around but still powerful enough to turn any soirée into a celebration. Available in cherry or bamboo wood, this cool tech gift is rechargeable, comes with a USB cord, and will connect to your laptop, phone or computer.
Customization includes six different design options and 19 font styles, which are all sure to be a hit.
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For unabashed animal lovers, a custom canvas photo print of the receiver’s furry pal is one of the best ways to preserve cherished memories, and also a great home decor idea to gussy up blank wall space. For personalized gift ideas they’ll absolutely love when they already have everything else, consider this a winning present.
There are 15 different size options to fit every space—and budget. This would also make a special (and easy) Mother’s Day gift.
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What good fortune lies ahead for your significant other? It’s up to you! Write a fortune or a love note that will be printed and tucked inside a silver-plated faux fortune cookie. Packaged in a takeout-style box, it’s a fun trinket they’ll want to keep on display.
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Contain children’s clutter with this hand-painted storage bin. This is one of the personalized gift ideas that pulls double duty—it also acts as a bench. Choose from two wood finishes and five fun themes that include dots and stripes, nautical sailboats and anchors and a woodland scene with animals. Or completely customize your own design! Fill it with a few of these gifts for toddlers for a truly amazing surprise.
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Cold weather calls for warm, toasty accessories, and these monogrammed plaid gloves and scarf will surely earn a high-five. The index fingertips are touch-screen-friendly, so she’ll particularly love that she doesn’t have to take them off when using a smartphone. A matching oversized scarf with fringe detailing completes the look.
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Do your parents still keep family photos in their wallet? If they insist on carrying pics with them wherever they go, then they’ll love this tiny portable keychain that’s actually a mini photo album.
Crafted from an original film roll (remember those?), it unfurls to reveal your personalized photos—choose five, 10, 15 or 20 images. It’s a nostalgic keepsake they’ll never leave home without. Discover more covetable gifts for photographers to enjoy.
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