Cameo video message

A personal message from a celebrity will make someone’s day

$46 at Ravensburger

Crown and Paw pet canvas

Immortalize your furry friend with a regal portrait

$68 at Uncommon Goods

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Personalized gifts are on another level of gift-giving. Not only are you hunting for something your recipient likes, but you’re also altering it so it’s custom to them. However, not all personalized gifts are created equal. The last thing you want is for your loved one to open the wrapping paper and give you a frozen smile that reads, “This is going straight to the back of the closet.” That’s why we’ve put together this gift guide, which includes 21 vetted personalized gifts that they’ll be eager to display or use. And all you have to do is click to order. It’s a no-brainer.

This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.

It’s easy to find a variety of personalized items these days, but what you’ll find here goes beyond tried-and-true options like engraved champagne glasses or monogrammed cufflinks. Instead, here you’ll find unique but practical gifts that will likely be used and appreciated, like personalized AirPods, tote bags or a cutting board decorated with their initials. We also know that something whimsical and fun can be equally awesome — a photo puzzle, for instance, or even a beverage tub for holiday parties. Pet portraits, personalized jewelry, or celebrity video messages are special options for those you know well. Whatever you choose, adding that extra special personalized touch is sure to bring holiday cheer.

There’s nothing more nostalgic than seeing your grandpop’s or grandmother’s handwritten recipe card. It transports you to standing in their kitchen, watching them briskly put the meal together as you sneak taste tests. Immortalize their favorite recipe on a cutting board and give it to a family member or friend. This is especially touching for anyone who lives far away from their loved one or who’s since lost them. Bonus: It’s currently 50% off for a limited time.

Rather than giving your giftee a stack of photos, turn them into something useful and give them this photo calendar on an easel. It can show off your favorite moments together, or you can comb through their Instagram and Facebook feeds and choose special photos from their year.

Treat the cook in your life an engraved chef’s knife they can use to whip up masterpieces in the kitchen. This particular one was forged by a fifth-generation bladesmith and made in France’s iconic knife-making region, Thiers. Your giftee will be sufficiently impressed by the quality. Just one note to keep in mind: The custom engraving is an extra $30.

Engrave a loved one’s initials or the address for their childhood home. With up to four letters or numbers allowed on this key, the opportunities are endless. Oak and Luna also offers this elegant piece in sterling silver ($64) and 10k solid gold ($220).

Folks who love to entertain will appreciate this personalized party decor. The galvanized metal tub reads “eat, drink & be merry” and it can be engraved with a last name. It’s the perfect touch for any soiree — just fill with ice and drinks and let the compliments roll in. It’s a perfect host gift.

Letterfolk’s tile mat is a doormat you can customize. It makes a fun personalized gift for the crafter on your holiday list, or for the person who loves trendy home decor. The mat includes black and white tiles, but you can buy extra colors separately for $12 each. Change the mat each season for cheer that lasts all year.

Etch a personal message or signature into a sterling silver money clip. Submit a note from a card, or anywhere else you have handwriting captured. This engraved money clip will be a gift they treasure forever. Bonus: The money clips are handmade in the US. by Indiana artist Heidi Hale.

Madewell’s best-selling leather tote bag is a crowd-pleaser. It comes in true black, English saddle and true black brown, and can be personalized with a variety of font and text colors. Quality construction and classic style make this tote a perfect present for the holidays or other special occasion, and the personalized monogram is the icing on the cake. Note: The monogramming option is currently unavailable on Madewell’s website, but you can still call their customer service line (866-544-1937) to get it added. Monogramming costs $10, although it’s free for Madewell Insiders.

Erin Condren’s popular planners are a great gift for organized types and the list maker in your life. There are so many fun covers to choose from, and everything can be personalized with a name or initials. Features include monthly quotes, calendars, note sheets, stickers and even a ruler. 

How can you not order a pair of custom photo personalized socks? You know you’ll get a reaction when this creative, hilarious gift is unwrapped. Choose from dozens of colorful sock styles, upload the image of your choice (a pet, child, significant other) and choose your size. Hot tip: My Face Socks also make great stocking stuffers and White Elephant gifts.

If you’ve got pet parents on your Christmas list, I can confirm they’ll love a Crown and Paw portrait. Choose a canvas size and design, upload a photo, and Crown and Paw will create a whimsical, personalized gift. Who wouldn’t want to see their dog or cat as a queen or old-timey war hero? It’s art.

These super soft pajamas would already be an adorable gift, but adding a name makes them an even better gift idea. Choose from long- or short-sleeved styles and fun designs, including peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, city scenes, rainbows, pizza and forest animals. And they’d be even cuter as a sibling set.