How long in advance should you order a customized gift?

This will vary by retailer. For local business sites like Etsy, shipping often takes longer than a larger online retailer, but they'll often provide shipping estimates for every product before purchasing. Still, it's smart to shop ahead when you're looking to add customization to any gift because it takes extra time to etch on a special date or unique name. Personalized gifts are also available on Amazon, where shipping can take as little as one day. If needed, other large retailers often offer expedited shipping if in a hurry.

Does shopping on Etsy support small businesses?

Yes, all of the "storefronts" on Etsy are run by small businesses. Etsy provides a platform for small creators to sell their products on a larger scale. While Etsy benefits from every sale, so does the artisan making the products you order. The average Etsy listing has a profit margin of around 40 percent , but this can go up over time as the seller expands their shop. So, the more you support a shop, the more they can grow their business and make over time.

Where can you buy personalized gifts?

Some sites are built for customization, like Function of Beauty. Others feature small businesses that specialize in personalized and unique products, including Etsy and Uncommon Goods. And yet, Amazon also offers customization for many of its products. You can also find high-end beauty retailers offering to engrave their products, especially around the holidays.

The 30 Best Personalized Gifts of 2023

Adding a personal touch to a gift—like a monogram, special date, zodiac sign, or birthstone—makes that present all the more sentimental and thoughtful.

We researched the best personalized gifts for any occasion, considering the type of personalization, the varying hobbies and interests of your recipient, and shoppers' budgets. Our favorite picks include a custom blanket from VistaPrint, a necklace featuring your zodiac constellation from Gorjana, and glassware from Uncommon Goods that features the night sky on an important date.

Here, the best personalized gifts for all your loved ones.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust the Spruce

Frontgate

View On Frontgate

Show your love by wrapping your recipient in luxury with a plush robe. This pick from Frontgate features Turkish cotton to keep loved ones warm during the winter without overheating. The robe has large pockets for keeping essentials nearby and a belted closure for a flattering fit. For a personal touch, you can add a monogram of up to three letters. There are 15 font options available and even more color choices.

Price at time of publish: $127

Vistaprint

View On Vistaprint.com

Wrap your loved ones up in precious memories with a custom photo blanket from VistaPrint. Choose the size and orientation of your blanket, then upload your family photo for customization. Next, add a couple's photo for a sentimental anniversary present, or upload a pic of the family dog to please pet parents for any occasion. The soft polar fleece is super comfortable and machine washable.

Price at time of publish: $48

M&M's

View On Mms.com

A sweet treat that people of all ages can enjoy, M&M's makes an ideal gift for all occasions. The website's configurator lets you pick the color, text, and image of your custom candy for a truly custom experience. You can even upload your own photo to appear on the bite-sized dessert.

Price at time of publish: $50

ROAM Luggage

View On Roamluggage.com

The traveler in your life deserves a carry-on that's all their own. With ROAM luggage, you can customize every inch of your new suitcase, so you can definitely pinpoint which luggage is yours at baggage claim. Choose from trendy colors like sage green or light pink, or classics including navy and black, for every part of the suitcase from the handle to the zippers. Then, add your initials for a personalized monogram to make any travel lover's day.

Price at time of publish: $550

How to Pack Toiletries in a Carry-on Bag

Papier

View On Papier.com

Keep all of your lists, notes, and big ideas organized in a gorgeous leather notebook from Papier. The handsome up-cycled leather comes in six colors, then choose a foil color for the two-letter monogram. Choose to have it right in the center or in the bottom right for a more understated look. The student, teacher, or chronic-list maker in your life will love the sweet gesture.

Price at time of publish: $55

Tateossian

View On Tateossian.com

For a subtle touch to a formal look, opt for these personalized cufflinks from Tateossian. Choose the first letter of your recipient's first or last name to add to the sleek gunmetal-plated pair. This would make a great engagement gift to add to a wedding suit or an elegant Father's Day gift for dads who love to dress up. Especially if they aren't into flashy monogramming, these understated cufflinks are the perfect middle ground.

Price at time of publish: $135

Popsockets

View On Popsockets.com

For an affordable gift that makes technology a bit easier to handle, opt for a custom PopSocket. PopSockets stick to the back of your smartphone as a way to hold your phone in your hand or even prop it up on a flat surface for easy viewing. Now, you can upload your photo to appear on your PopSocket to keep loved ones near wherever you go. PopGrip Plants are made with at least a third of plant-based materials and are fully recyclable. Also, $5 from every purchase benefits the Partnership for a Healthier America to provide fruits and veggies for communities in need.

Price at time of publish: $20

The Best Tech Gifts for an Upgraded Lifestyle

Gorjana

View On Gorjana.com

A simple way to add a personalized touch to any gift is by incorporating your recipient's zodiac sign. If your best friend, sister, or mother loves astrology, consider a necklace honoring her star sign. This one from Gorjana features a timeless gold plate with the constellation of their sign. The gold-plated brass will last years with proper care, and the stars made from white opalite add a sparkly touch to the center.

Price at time of publish: $65

Zazzle Personalized Family Recipe Cookbook

Courtesy of Zazzle

View On Zazzle.com

Keep all of your family recipes in one place with a personalized cookbook for the food-lover in your life. Customize the front of your cookbook with your family name, and choose the color and size perfect for you. This recipe book comes as a three-ring binder so you can continuously add more and more recipes to your stash as you get older. Over time, this can become a treasured family keepsake to pass down from generation to generation.

Price at time of publish: $28

Courtesy of Tony's Chocolonely

View On Tonyschocolonely.com

If you have a bit more money to splurge, perhaps for a bride-to-be or a milestone birthday, consider this fashionable set with customizable touches. The silky button-down top and pant set easily transition from day to night looks and come delivered in a travel pouch for throwing in your suitcase for weekend trips. When purchasing, you can customize your Jet Set with a monogram or cute images like cherries and wine glasses.

Price at time of publish: $8

The 26 Best Chocolate Gifts of 2023

Photo Courtesy of Weezie

View On Weezietowels.com

These monogrammed kitchen towels make the perfect housewarming or hostess gift for everyone on your list. Choose from four solid colors or 11 piping options, then choose your monogram, your font, and your color. You can take your gift a step further by matching your recipient's kitchen, then add initials or up to 11 letters to say "welcome" or "let's eat."

Price at time of publish: $84

Montserrat

View On Montserrat-nyc.com

Price at time of publish: $275

Artifact Uprising

View On Artifactuprising.com

One of the most personal gifts you can make for someone else is a photo album of special memories you two have shared. Artifact Uprising makes it easy with their online photo books. Choose from countless sizes, templates, page numbers, and paper types for the perfect collection of your favorite photos. Create one after a special vacation or big celebration for a keepsake they'll treasure forever.

Price at time of publish: $259+

Casetify

View On Casetify.com

Gift a friend a personalized gift they'll use and admire daily. Casetify lets you build your own custom phone case, choosing the type of case, color, and customized text. The site features MagSafe-compatible options, as well as cases that are compostable or ones that can withstand years of wear and tear.

Price at time of publish: $62

Action Face

View On Actionface.shop

It doesn't get any more personal than your face transformed into an action figure. That's exactly what Action Face does. Easily scan your face on the Action Face app, then choose your pose. Sports fans can pose with their favorite team or play their favorite sport. Or, put your figurine in scrubs or a military uniform to honor their profession.

Price at time of publish: $100

Cuyana

View On Cuyana.com

Before a big trip, gift a mom or girlfriend a personalized jewelry case from Cuyana. Crafted from Italian leather, the case features a removable strap with seven holes for necklaces or earrings, an earring pouch, and a roomy bottom compartment for bracelets and other pieces. Add in a 3-letter monogram on the upper flap for an added touch at an added price.

Price at time of publish: $163

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods takes personalization to new heights with its wide array of gift ideas. For a romantic gift that celebrates the day you met your partner or best friend, look to this custom glassware featuring the night sky. Choose from a stemless wine glass, beer pint glass, or pair, and enter your special date. Then, your glassware gets engraved with all of the constellations visible in the sky on that night. For even more customizations, add an engraving with your name, the date, and a special message, honoring your wedding date.

Price at time of publish: $54

Scavenger Box

View On Thescavengerbox.com

Create a romantic scavenger hunt for the special someone in your life on a special birthday, anniversary, or just another weekday. The easy guide lets you personalize the entire experience with locations, clues, and puzzles that are specific to your love story. You're bound to create an unforgettable day for someone you love.

Price at time of publish: $85

4.9

L.L. Bean

View On L.L.Bean View On Zappos

The ultimate beach bag, diaper bag, or grocery tote, this L.L. Bean open-top tote fits all of your essentials in a timeless style and colorway. While you can personalize this item with any monogram, there are also tons of other customizations to make this the perfect present. Choose from eight accent colors to complement the classic tan. Then, choose from four sizes and regular or long handle lengths. Consider what your recipient needs in an everyday bag and choose accordingly.

Price at time of publish: $35

Venus Et Fleur

View On Venusetfleur.com

There's never a wrong occasion to gift Venus Et Fleur's rose-filled letters. The black or white letter-shaped box comes filled with colored flowers of your choice that look and smell beautiful for a full year. You can also add in a personalized message on a card or a hint that something stunning is coming their way.

Price at time of publish: $82

West & Willow

View On Westandwillow.com

Personalized gifts for pet lovers often include their furry friend. Luckily, West & Willow creates custom pet portraits to hang in your home and admire for years and years. Choose between one and three pets in your portrait, then choose your background color and framing option. There are three different sizes to choose from, and the site even provides photo tips to capture the perfect picture of your four-legged friend.

Price at time of publish: $65

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

Raise a toast to a happy couple on their wedding day or anniversary with these customized champagne glasses from Uncommon Goods (or gift both to yourself). The beautiful glass coupes come engraved with two initials and the full set also includes two coasters, two recipe cards, and two acrylic stirrers for a thoughtful gift. Just add bubbles.

Price at time of publish: $98

Yves Saint Laurent

View On Yslbeautyus.com

Beauty lovers will swoon over this luxury lipstick that you can engrave with a monogram or sweet message. The Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick from Yves Saint Laurent offers rich color with a hydrating and comfortable feel for an easy-to-use product they can wear daily. With over 30 shades to choose from, you are guaranteed to find one that suits your recipient perfectly.

Price at time of publish: $38

Mark & Graham

View On Markandgraham.com

The hostess in your life will love this initial cheese board from Mark & Graham. Handcrafted in Vermont, the gorgeous wooden board features a single initial, perfect for serving charcuterie or other appetizers. It also functions as beautiful kitchen decor when not in use.

Price at time of publish: $99

Fat Brain Toys Wooden Personalized Name Puzzle

Amazon

View On Amazon

Personalized toys make the perfect gift for baby showers or little ones' birthday parties. This wooden name puzzle from Fat Brain Toys makes the perfect nursery decor that doubles as a fun and educational toy. Little ones can learn numbers and shapes as they practice their fine motor skills and complete the simple puzzle.

Price at time of publish: $27

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J.Crew

View On Jcrew.com

For an extra $10, add a 3-letter monogram to this stunning pajama set from J.Crew. Perfect for a bride-to-be or a mother-in-law, the pajamas come in a classy white, navy blue, and a unique powder blue, made from cotton for extremely comfortable nights. Plus, the set is machine-washable and comes in 10 sizes.

Price at time of publish: $108

4.8

function of beauty shampoo and conditioner

View On Functionofbeauty.com

It can be difficult to find the perfect beauty product to gift to a loved one since everyone has different needs and wants. Luckily, Function of Beauty makes it easy to customize your shampoo and conditioner set to match your recipient's exact hair type. Have your recipient take the beauty quiz to help experts determine the best set for their hair type, then choose their favorite colors and personalize the bottle with their name.

Price at time of publish: $30+

Eleni's NYC

View On Elenis.com

For a personalized gift you can eat, look to Eleni's NYC for custom photo cookies. Simply upload any photo and choose your cookie shape for the perfect celebratory gift that doubles as a delicious treat. While they may not last long on the plate, your recipient will remember the sentiment forever.

Price at time of publish: $6

4.8

Yeti Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler

Amazon

View On Amazon View On L.L.Bean View On Academy.com

A great tumbler makes a universally great gift for coffee lovers, teachers, busy moms, and more. The 20-ounce Yeti Rambler features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your drinks super cold or warm throughout the day. While the tumbler makes a great present, adding custom text takes the sentiment further. Add the name of your company for a retreat, or buy a whole set for a bachelorette party.

Price at time of publish: $35

BlueSparrowDesignsCo Personalized Doormat

View On Etsy

Make a new house or apartment feel like home with a personalized doormat. The classic welcome mat comes in two sizes and a timeless coir material designed for all weather. The mat features the word "Welcome" along with your family name to make guests feel warm and welcomed as they step into your space. Perfect as a hostess or housewarming gift, this pick brightens any entryway and adds a nice, custom touch to your space.

Price at time of publish: $43

Type of Customization

Personalizing an item does not just have to mean adding a name to something—monograms, zodiac signs, and birthstones can also hold special meaning. Consider whether your recipient is obsessed with astrology and is proud to display it, or if they'd get much more use out of a gift with just their initials added to it.

Hobbies and Interests

While adding personalization to a gift is a great touch, you still have to ensure the gift itself suits your recipient's tastes and interests. Monogrammed cufflinks are great for those who love to dress up, but they might not fit a teenager who doesn't own a suit. Also, a plush personalized robe makes for a great holiday gift in the winter months, but this might not be suitable for someone who lives in a warm climate.

Price

Adding personalization to a present can often come at a higher cost. Also, keep in mind that for presents that feature multiple subjects (like an illustrated family portrait), the fee increases with each person added.

FAQ

How long in advance should you order a customized gift?

This will vary by retailer. For local business sites like Etsy, shipping often takes longer than a larger online retailer, but they'll often provide shipping estimates for every product before purchasing. Still, it's smart to shop ahead when you're looking to add customization to any gift because it takes extra time to etch on a special date or unique name. Personalized gifts are also available on Amazon, where shipping can take as little as one day. If needed, other large retailers often offer expedited shipping if in a hurry.
Does shopping on Etsy support small businesses?

Yes, all of the "storefronts" on Etsy are run by small businesses. Etsy provides a platform for small creators to sell their products on a larger scale. While Etsy benefits from every sale, so does the artisan making the products you order. The average Etsy listing has a profit margin of around 40 percent, but this can go up over time as the seller expands their shop. So, the more you support a shop, the more they can grow their business and make over time.
Where can you buy personalized gifts?

Some sites are built for customization, like Function of Beauty. Others feature small businesses that specialize in personalized and unique products, including Etsy and Uncommon Goods. And yet, Amazon also offers customization for many of its products. You can also find high-end beauty retailers offering to engrave their products, especially around the holidays.

This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, crafts, and more.