The 50 Best Personalized Gifts of 2023
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Because they deserve a gift as unique as they are.
Real Simple / Alli Waataja
Choosing a unique, one-of-a-kind gift can be a daunting task. It's important to find something thoughtful that resonates with the personality and preferences of the giftee, which is why personalized gifts are such an excellent choice—particularly for major gifting holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. They encapsulate individuality with a personal touch, whether it’s a name, significant date, heartfelt message, or custom design.
To help you find the right personalized gift, we pulled together an eclectic range of picks, from engraved jewelry to tailor-made artwork to timeless keepsakes. We also spoke to Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, for advice on the best places to shop for personalized gifts. Whether commemorating a birthday, celebrating an anniversary, or simply reminding someone of your affection, these gifts are a memorable token for any recipient, including moms, dads, and best friends.
Maley Designs Handwritten Recipe Cutting Board
Preserve cherished recipes with the Handwritten Recipe Cutting Board from Etsy shop Maley Designs. This board can be customized with a scanned recipe in a loved one’s handwriting, creating a functional and sentimental kitchen gift that is sure to become a treasured heirloom. It's a particularly meaningful gift for the grandma whose kitchen is the center of every family gathering.
Price at time of publish: From $38
Silver Dollar Candle Co. Personalized Scented Soy Candle
For any giftee who loves to get cozy, opt for this personalized scented soy candle. Customize it with your choice of scent and a name or message for a unique and thoughtful gift. You can choose from 10 scent profiles, with everything from holiday-inspired Fresh Cut Christmas Tree to soothing fragrances like Lavender Vanilla.
Price at time of publish: $20
LoveLinax Personalized Hair Clip
Gift a touch of elegance and fun with a personalized hair clip that marries functionality and style. With options to add initials or names, you can transform this hair clip into a unique accessory that reflects your giftee’s individuality. Available in many colors, this cute, personalized gift adds a distinctive, stylish flair to any ensemble, and is a great gift for women who love accessorizing.
Price at time of publish: $16
Williams Sonoma Classic Solid Personalized Aprons
The home chef in your life needs a quality apron to accompany their cooking sessions, and this personalized pick from Williams Sonoma is an elevated gift to commemorate their prowess in the kitchen. The cotton material is durable and versatile, and it has adjustable straps and spacious pockets. You can choose from 30 colors and 20 personalization styles to make it their own.
Price at time of publish: $25
Papier Moon & Stars Leather 2024 Planner
Help them get ahead in the New Year with this dazzling 2024 planner. With an upcycled leather cover, pressed foil detailing that mimics a sparkling night sky, 96 pages to jot down all of their ambitions and to-dos, plus a personalized monogram, this gift is the perfect blend of functionality and thoughtfulness. Plus, it’s available in four colors and three foil colors.
Price at time of publish: $60
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag
The iconic L.L. Bean Personalized Boat and Tote is perfect for all their daily essentials. You can customize this classic tote with a monogram, creating a durable and stylish bag that’s uniquely theirs. Plus, the robust construction and timeless design make it a versatile companion for any adventure.
Price at time of publish: $35
Gorjana Bespoke Plate Engraved Adjustable Bracelet
Elevate their style with the Gorjana Bespoke Plate Adjustable Bracelet. The bracelet can be personalized with a custom engraving, transforming it from an elegant staple into a meaningful keepsake. The adjustable design also ensures a perfect fit for every wrist.
Price at time of publish: From $75
JasminePMboutique Minimalist Custom Text Sweatshirt
You can customize this minimalist text sweatshirt with their favorite quote, saying, or name for a unique garment with individuality and style. Its soft, comfortable fabric makes it more than just a sweatshirt; it’s a cozy, casual statement piece. As a gift, it's a thoughtful reflection of the recipient's personality.
Price at time of publish: $35
BaubleBar Custom Phone Case
For teens who are always on their phone, opt for a customizable case to give their tech some stylish flair. Choose from various styles and personalize the case with the giftee’s name or initials, transforming their phone into a chic accessory.
Price at time of publish: $72
Crate & Barrel Marble Monogram Coasters
For the giftee who loves to host cocktail parties, elevate their bar cart with the Crate & Barrel Marble Monogram Coasters. These polished marble coasters can be personalized with a monogram, adding a sophisticated and personal touch to any table setting.
Price at time of publish: $30
Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book
Capture moments precious to your giftee with the Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book. The books can be customized with their most meaningful photos, creating a beautiful scrapbook tailored to them. Its high-quality construction and elegant design make it a timeless keepsake they will surely enjoy.
Price at time of publish: $62
Fianora Custom Leather AirPods Case
Protect your giftee’s AirPods in a custom leather case that fuses style and protection. This handcrafted accessory can be personalized with their initials, ensuring a unique touch. A secure fit guarantees the safety of your AirPods, wrapping them in a sleek, durable exterior.
Price at time of publish: $45
Shutterfly Calendar Overlay Easel Calendar
Start the New Year strong with this customizable calendar from Shutterfly. It's easy to personalize thanks to a variety of layout options, and comes with an oak stand that allows it to be displayed on a desk. It's an ideal gift to spruce up a desk, whether they work from home or in an office.
Price at time of publish: From $30
Mark & Graham Everyday Italian Leather Mini Zipper Pouch
This Italian Leather Mini Pouch exudes elegance and practicality. It's the perfect storage for small essentials, offering a secure zippered compartment in a compact design. The customizable monogram adds a personal touch, making it an ideal gift for anyone on the go.
Price at time of publish: $49
Create Your Own Mug Customizable Combo Mug
Create a mug masterpiece with Zazzle’s customizable combo mug. The mug can be personalized with photos, texts, and designs, crafting a one-of-a-kind mug to brighten your giftee's morning.
Price at time of publish: $17
Anthropologie Venice Monogram Trinket Dish
Knickknacks, trinkets, and treasures will find a home in this adorable monogrammed trinket dish. The antique-inspired floral design brings a playful pop of color to any space, while the gold initial adds a personal touch. Give it to your sister who needs a special place to store her favorite rings and earrings.
Price at time of publish: $18
Minted Filter Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art
Encapsulate their favorite photos in this sophisticated yet sweet personalized photo art print from Minted. The photos you choose are transformed into vintage-inspired Polaroid shots in the shape of a heart with four available color themes to suit their space. With a range of sizes and optional frames you can add to your gift, this photo art will be a cherished centerpiece wherever they hang it.
Price at time of publish: From $48
Astrid & Miyu Zodiac Pendant Necklace
If they constantly compare astrological charts, the Astrid & Miyu Zodiac Pendant Necklace will become their new favorite accessory. After selecting their zodiac sign, you can opt between 18k gold plated sterling silver and plated sterling silver, plus add an engraving for no additional cost.
Price at time of publish: $130
Elva Lightings Custom Name Neon Sign
Illuminate their name with this playful custom neon sign from Etsy shop Elva Lightings. With 24 fonts, 12 neon shades, and 14 sizes, you can tailor this gift to the space and style of your liking. This is a particularly great gift for kids who want to upgrade their bedroom.
Price at time of publish: From $121
DeLight Patisserie Custom Message Shortbread Cookies
Satisfy their sweet tooth with a personalized food gift like these adorable custom shortbread cookies from Delight Patisserie. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, the message you put on these delectable cookies will surely melt their heart.
Price at time of publish: $42
Crown & Paw The General Custom Pet Poster
Celebrate your giftee’s pet with the Crown & Paw Custom Pet Poster. The photo can be personalized with a photo of their furry friend, transforming them into a statuesque general. This playful and distinctive gift is a delightful addition to any pet lover’s home.
Price at time of publish: From $50
Weezie Makeup Towels
Monogrammed towels make any bathroom feel more luxe, and we especially love this makeup-approved set from Weezie. The dark navy cover hides the smudges and mess leftover mascara can make, while the personalization options are nearly endless with monogram styles, words and numbers, and iconography to choose from.
Price at time of publish: From $36
Papier Scallop Trim Notecard Set
Elevate the gift of writing with this enchanting Scallop Trim Notecard Set from Papier. You can add their name and select from nine playful colors, making this stationary more than just note cards; it’s a unique gift for teachers and anyone who loves to write thank yous, letters, and ideas.
Price at time of publish: $66 for 20-pack
Lovekoki Gifts Custom Family Portrait with Pets
Memorialize your family (and furry friends) with this custom family portrait. You can include up to 12 characters with personalized customizations for each family member’s name, hair, clothes, hand pose, body size, and skin color. The shop has hundreds of options and styles, so you can hand-select looks nearly identical to your family members.
Price at time of publish: From $17
Madewell The Transport Tote
The Madewell Transport Tote is the epitome of chic functionality. This versatile leather tote can accommodate their everyday essentials, while its elegant design ensures they will step out in style. This pick is a timeless companion for anyone who is always on the go (especially a college student who carries around books all day), and is made even more special by the customized monogram.
Price at time of publish: $178
The Pearson Shop Personalized Tic Tac Toe
Elevate your giftee's game nights with the Uncommon Goods Personalized Tic Tac Toe. Customize the beautiful wooden game board with names or a sweet message, creating a playful and unique piece perfect for family gatherings or friendly competitions.
Price at time of publish: From $18
Birthdate Co. The Birthdate Book
Help your recipient discover their unique celestial story with The Birthdate Book. The book is personalized with their birthdate and offers a fascinating exploration of their astrological makeup, creating a beautiful and enlightening gift for astrology enthusiasts.
Price at time of publish: $115
Mini Decor Shop Personalized Record Display
For the audiophile, opt for this sentimental and personalized record display. You can add a photo, song title, time stamp, and an engraved base for a truly unique present with a bit of retro-fitted flair.
Price at time of publish: $60
Mark & Graham Travel Watch Roll
The sophisticated traveler on your gift list will adore this monogrammed watch roll, which protects and covers their timepieces while en route. You can choose from five colors and four monogram styles and add up to three characters for their initials. Sophisticated yet practical, it's a great gift idea for the man in your life.
Price at time of publish: From $129
Lands' End Women's Pajama Set Knit Long Sleeve T-Shirt and Flannel Pants
Any giftee will love curling up in these super cozy pajamas from Lands' End. The long-sleeved set includes flannel pants and a cotton knit top, and it's available in six different color schemes. You can add an embroidered monogram to the set for a sweet, personalized touch.
Price at time of publish: $70
The Night Sky A Custom Night Sky Print
Memorialize an anniversary or birthday with a beautiful print of the night sky. Select your special date and location to calculate the position of the stars, then customize your design with a personalized message, print type (classic, foil, glow in the dark, or canvas), size, color, and map style. The result is a stunning keepsake they can hang in their home.
Price at time of publish: From $49
M&M's Design Your Own
Gift a sweet and personal treat that any recipient will be happy to munch on. You can select three colors from 24 hues, including unique picks like platinum and pearl. Then add up to four designs with their easy-to-use creation tool—you can select images, text, or clipart. Finally, pick from an eclectic collection of packaging options, with everything from butterfly-shaped gift boxes to party flavor packs. This is a particularly fun gift for people whose tastes you might not be too familiar with, like a coworker.
Price at time of publish: From $25
Minted Custom Map Filled Foil Art
Whether it be their home, birthplace, or favorite holiday destination, the Minted Custom Map Filled Foil Art is a shining art piece that highlights their favorite city, state, or country. Elevate the art further by opting for a framed print—Minted offers six colors and seven patterns to select from. Plus, the foil comes in silver, gold, and rose gold.
Price at time of publish: From $94
Katie Loxton Zana Mini Crossbody
Crossbody bags are the perfect everyday companion for all their essentials, and this pick from Katie Loxton has a customized monogram or embroidery for a super-chic finishing touch. The bag comes in four neutral hues, and you can choose from 10 shades for the embroidery. With easy-to-clean vegan leather, golden hardware, and a handy slip pocket, this will be your giftee's new favorite bag for everything from running errands to a night out with friends.
Price at time of publish: From $54
Weezie Women's Long Signature Robe
Wrap your giftee in luxury with the Weezie Women's Long Signature Robe, which you can customize with their monogram for a personal touch. The robe’s plush texture and stylish design make it a perfect choice for an at-home spa day and self-care.
Price at time of publish: $185
Personalization Mall Scrabble Personalized Vintage Bookshelf Edition Board Game
See at Personalizationmall.com
The Scrabble Personalized Vintage Bookshelf Board is the perfect gift for any household or family, as it requires multiple players and looks incredibly chic even when stored on a shelf. The game is housed in a minimalist “book”, and is compact enough to play on the go. Add up to 25 characters as your game title (like your last name) and a phrase or quote up to 50 characters long.
Price at time of publish: $69
Haverhill Classic Birthstone Stud Earrings
Timeless and elegant, the Haverhill Classic Birthstone Stud Earrings are customizable with your giftee’s birthstone and 14k white gold or yellow gold. Any quiet luxury aficionado will love the look of these understated but personal earrings—and they might even become their everyday pair.
Price at time of publish: From $290
Leatherology Small Train Case
Help your recipient travel in style with this exquisite leather train case. Its spacious interior can accommodate beauty essentials and toiletries neatly, while the high-quality leather ensures durability, and the refined design and monogram add a touch of elegance. This case is a versatile companion for the sophisticated traveler.
Price at time of publish: $125
MiiR Chug Bottle
The friend or family member who perpetually loses their water bottle will love this personalized pick from MiiR. You can embellish the bottle with the text or design of your choice, even adding their name or contact if your giftee is a bit forgetful.
Price at time of publish: $40
StampiShop Custom Book Embosser
Leave a distinctive mark on their library with a custom book embosser. Personalize this gift with their name or a monogram, creating a unique seal that adds a touch of sophistication to their book collection. This thoughtful gift is perfect for avid readers and book lovers alike.
Price at time of publish: $50
Fontem Personalized Rosa Clutch Bag
Every time your giftee opens the Fontem Personalized Rosa Clutch Bag, they find a personalized heartfelt message, making this a keepsake present that’s thoughtful and functional. The interior of the Italian leather clutch is emblazoned with a message of your liking—which can be as long as a letter or as brief as a favorite quote or memory.
Price at time of publish: $380
Marleylilly Monogrammed Packing Bag Set
Organize their next adventure or weekend trip with the Marleylilly Monogrammed Packing Bag Set. These bags offer a harmonious balance of style and utility, making packing and finding their belongings a breeze. Personalize each bag with a monogram for an elegant touch.
Price at time of publish: $30
Positive Prints Where We Met Map
Gift an adorable memento to the first place you met with this customized map from Positive Prints. You can choose from four shapes and 10 map styles, allowing you to tailor the final product to your giftee’s particular taste. Plus, the personalized title and coordinates make for a unique gift that they can hang in their home. Alternatively, you could gift it to a couple whose relationship you want to celebrate.
Price at time of publish: From $49
New York Times Custom Birthday Book
This thoughtful New York Times Custom Birthday Book features front pages from each birthday of their life, offering a fascinating glimpse into their past and history. You can personalize this gift with their name and birthdate for a tailored coffee table book they will want to keep on display.
Price at time of publish: From $100
The Company Store Ledge Plaid Merino Wool Throw
Give the gift of warmth and luxury with this Ledge Plaid Merino Wool Throw. Crafted from high-quality wool, it promises cozy warmth and comfort. Its classic plaid design is timeless, complementing any decor, and the monogram will make it a cherished possession in any home.
Price at time of publish: $279
Petite Keep Petite Classic Trunk
The Petite Keep Classic Trunk is a timeless keepsake box, perfect for storing precious mementos. Customize this sophisticated present with a monogram or name, transforming this elegant trunk into a personalized treasure chest they can fill with cherished memories. It's an especially ideal gift for new moms.
Price at time of publish: $229
Home Wet Bar Classic Monogram Whiskey Glasses
Raise a toast with these Classic Monogram Whiskey Glasses from HomeWetBar. These elegant glasses can be personalized with your recipient’s monogram for a sophisticated addition to any barware collection, ensuring each sip is a luxury.
Price at time of publish: $45
A Bride & Groom Shop Personalized Passport Cover
They will travel in style with this cute personalized passport cover. You can customize it with their initials or name, adding a touch of sophistication to their travel essentials. The high-quality material also protects their passport, ensuring it's safe on any adventure.
Price at time of publish: From $35
Mark & Graham Celebration Wine Bowl
The Mark & Graham Monogrammed Celebration Wine Bowl is the perfect gift for a dedicated host who wants to level up their next gathering with a stylish and personal way to chill their favorite wines. The monogram adds a unique touch, elevating this wine bowl into a sophisticated entertaining piece.
Price at time of publish: $169
Letterfolk Tile Mat
The Letterfolk Tile Mat personalizes any entrance with a funky, customizable design. Create welcoming messages or playful art for a doorway that reflects your giftee's personality. The high-quality construction ensures durability and style, making it a practical and stylish gift that will last for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $75
Questions You Might Ask
Who should you not buy a personalized gift for?
According to etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, you should avoid personalized gifts when shopping for professional acquaintances, new relationships, and those you know casually.
“Avoid personalized gifts for colleagues, clients, or business partners unless you share a close personal relationship,” Whitmore says. “It's best to keep gifts in a professional setting neutral and universally appealing.”
Whitmore also stresses that in new relationships, personalized gifts might come off as too personal. “Stick to thoughtful, but not overly personal, gifts until the relationship has solidified,” she says.
Finally, when gifting for a casual acquaintance—perhaps for a Secret Santa party or another occasion—it’s best to stay away from customized presents. “Giving a personalized gift to someone you don't know well can be uncomfortable for both parties,” Whitmore says. “Opt for generic, thoughtful gifts in these situations.
What are the best sites to find personalized gifts?
“Etsy offers a vast array of personalized gifts, from custom jewelry to artwork and home decor,” says Whitmore. She also recommends Shutterfly for customizable photo gifts including photo albums, calendars, and prints.
Personalization Mall is a “one-stop-shop for all things personalized," which makes it another fantastic place to shop. And for those who want a personalized gift in the paper realm, Whitmore likes Minted. “Minted is perfect for personalized stationery, cards, and art prints, allowing you to add a personal touch to your correspondence and decor,” she says.
What are the best occasions to give a personalized gift?
Birthdays and personal milestones are excellent occasions for custom gifts. We recommend personalized gifts to commemorate weddings, births, graduations, anniversaries, and retirements. “Personalized gifts are a wonderful way to celebrate the union of two individuals, including items like customized photo frames, engraved glassware, or a personalized quilt,” Whitmore says.
Baby showers and births are also excellent times for personalized gifts. “Welcoming a new life into the world is a perfect occasion for a personalized gift,” Whitmore says. “These can include customized baby blankets, onesies, or a growth chart with the baby's name and birthdate.”
For celebrating retirement, she recommends marking the end of a career with a personalized gift like a custom-engraved clock, photo album, or personalized retirement plaque.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Elizabeth Loomis, a seasoned writer with experience covering lifestyle topics that have given her a discerning eye for what makes a gift both delightful and memorable, and updated by Quinn Gawronski. To compile this list, they researched and compared an eclectic range of personalized gifts and spoke with Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach.
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