Personalized Gifts That Are Truly One of a Kind

Although they might require a little more thought and effort, the best personalized gifts show that you truly understand the special someone you’re shopping for—whether that’s a best friend, partner, or parent. Customization can be as simple as a monogrammed item with their initials or an engraved keepsake with a special date. These little touches, however, truly make any gift feel more distinct and meaningful.

Since the best personalized gifts tend to take a little more time, we’re giving you a head start to ensure these extra-special gifts arrive well before the eleventh-hour scramble. Here, we’ve outlined the best holiday gifts for any personality in your life. A few editor favorites include a customized Nike sneaker (designed by you!) for the fashionista in your life, an embroidered pajama set from J.Crew for the happy at-home nester, or a personalized bottle of olive oil from Flamingo Estate for the fervent foodie—but you’ll have to keep reading to see each of these unique ideas. Consider your shopping list made and checked twice, relieving a little bit of the stress that comes with gift-giving—you might be surprised just how easy some of these really are at little to no extra cost.

Below, see all the ways the best personalized gifts can make their holiday season even more joyous.

For the Style Guru

Looking for something extra-chic for that stylish someone? A few of our must-haves include Bode’s custom corduroy pieces, which can be embroidered with personal motifs and memorable illustrations that read like a walking memory book, or a colorblocked sneaker creation from Nike, where you play designer, working with their favorite palette or team colors. Simple monogramming and engravings are never a bad idea either, there are plenty to choose from atop tote bags, button-down shirts, and personal jewelry.

For the Homebody

Those who feel happiest at home with a good book or binge-worthy TV show are going to love any of these special ideas. Classic pajama sets from J.Crew or an impeccably cozy robe from Ralph Lauren are extremely easy to monogram with initials, special characters, or even numbers. Other highlights include a journal for zen morning moments, featuring their birth month and flower, or a personalized tea caddy; complete it with a beautiful message of your choosing in custom calligraphy.

For the Foodie

Make the lovable foodie in your life even happier this holiday season, with personalized kitchen essentials they’ll actually use. Williams Sonoma offers monogramming on their beloved striped aprons, while Flamingo Estate’s infamous extra-virgin olive oil bottles can be personalized with a script of your choice—plus, the packaging is so good you don’t even have to gift wrap. Recipe journals, embroidered dinner napkins, and even a Yeti customization station round out our favorite food-inspired picks.

For the Beauty Addict

Choosing a personalized gift for that beautyholic in your life is easier than you think. At Nordstrom, we spotted Guerlain’s custom lipstick cases, sure to add a special touch to their everyday essentials (plus, they’ll make their favorite shade actually findable within the dark hole of any tote bag). Diptyque is offering custom engravings on their iconic fragrance bottles for the scent connoisseur on your list, or grab a silk Slip pillowcase, complete with their initials—for a flyaway-free slumber, night after night.

For the Wanderlust Seeker

Those who spend more time racking up miles at airports throughout a calendar year, than they do at home, will be elated to find a new set of personalized luggage from Béis, waiting for them to unwrap. You can also customize a cashmere sweater with embroidery from Lingua Franca to remind them of home, wherever they go (and ward off in-flight chills on those overnight flights). Under-$100 accessories—like an engraved luggage tag or passport cover—are no-brainer stocking stuffers in our opinion, as well.

For the Pet Lover

Because pet parents deserve presents, find plenty of ideas for the animal lovers in your life. From Staud’s painted bags, customized with their pet’s own portrait, and Susan Alexandra’s bespoke bracelets, to made-to-order animal beds where you can choose color and pattern combinations—there’s something for everyone. You can also never go wrong with an embroidered collar or L.L.Bean’s Boat & Tote bag, to hold toys and treats while on the move, personalized with the name of their furry friend.