Personalized Christmas Gifts

Everyone likes having things that are made just for them. Personalization makes an otherwise ordinary gift unique and special to its recipient. It is fun to be a part of the creative process when it comes to personalizing presents. Choosing the right words or photograph can be part of the joy. When the time comes to share this present with a loved one, the experience will have deeper meaning for both of you.

With personalized gifts, you can pay tribute to special dates, people and achievements. Newlyweds, new babies, athletes, academic achievers—or anyone else—will enjoy a gift that features them as the star. They will cherish these items for years to come.

Engrave a picture frame with names and dates, then fill it with a special photo or piece of custom art. Engrave a ring or locket with a special pet name or saying. Do you have a golfer for a father or a brother? Get him a set of personalized golf balls or club head covers. Even shoes can be customized for color, materials and design.

Got someone who just wants socks and shirts? Personalize a couple shirts for him or her and make the usual unusual. He’ll never lose socks that have his name on them.

Personalized gifts aren’t only embroidery and engraving. Christmas gifts can be tailored to someone’s taste, such as a unique bottle of wine or a special skin cream you can’t find in a normal store. Surprise someone with a gift personalized to their personality, not just their name.

Now here’s a gift idea!

What you probably aren’t thinking of when you think of personalized gifts are in the following list. They are all gifts you can make your own in a big way.

• Custom Bobblehead of anyone you choose. Make a collection of the whole family!
• Personalized stuffed animals—you design them yourself, however you want.
• Mini vending machine stocked with favorite snacks and drinks.
• Classic paintings recreated with the face of a loved one or friend. Turn Mona Lisa into whoever you want!
• Date of birth newspapers—this can even be turned into a puzzle for a more engaging activity.
• Customized proposal and love books. She will be surprised when she reads this one!

Finding the Right Personalized Christmas Gift

Personalized Christmas gifts are good for everyone. Here are gift ideas for the various people in your life. You’ll see one gift idea repeated time and time again; the gift basket. Gift baskets are an easy Christmas gift to throw together, because you can choose everything online. There are hundreds of types of gift baskets, so we’ve tried to be specific when we mentioned them.

Teacher

Give your favorite teacher a Christmas gift they will remember. Customize a tree ornament with the year, your child’s name and school name. Personalize a travel coffee mug with her class picture. Teachers work hard, and they have lives outside of school too. Give a gift card for store they may shop at, or service they’d enjoy.

Mother

Delight your mother by giving her a gourmet chocolate gift basket this Christmas. You can personalize a basket for Mom by picking out her favorite treats and flavors. Don’t forget to add a special note.

                                            Grandma

Looking for a gift idea for your Grandma, or are you trying to find a gift that a child can give to their grandma? Either way, we’ve got you covered. Children can customize an apron or blanket with names and photos. Children may also personalize other items for a grandmother, such as mugs, dishes, t-shirts and more. Create these online, or buy the materials and do it yourself.

If it’s an adult gift to a grandparent, then step it up a notch. Treat Grandma to a gourmet food or wine basket as well (we told you they’re a good gift idea for anyone). If you’re looking for something that will last longer, have a family portrait reprinted on canvas or etched in glass.

Far-Away Relative

Help a relative feel closer with these gift ideas:

• Talking picture frame or book.
• Old family photographs framed or digitally re-mastered.
• Throw blanket printed with family photographs and names.

School Age Kid or Teen

All school age kids and teenagers need school gear. Give a personalized backpack—either with art or a name—and they’ll never lose it again! As we always say, kids teens also love gift cards.

Dad or Grandpa

Does Dad or Grandpa love to fire up the grill? Give a personalized chef’s hat or apron to the man who does the cooking. You can personalize other practical gifts as well, like wallets, money clips, car accessories and professional gear.

Romantic

Romantic gifts ideas are always welcome. Inscribe jewelry with a special message for your loved one. Perhaps put a secret symbol or date. Or have aphoto etched in gold. This will show you want the relationship to last forever.
Don’t forget to see out Editor’s Choice section for our favorite Christmas gifts this year.