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When it comes to gift giving, putting together something “personalized” can simply mean appealing to your audience. It means finding the gift that is just right for a specific person in your life, so they know you thought of them to the point where they have a huge grin plastered across their face when opening your wrapped masterpiece. Creativity and effort does not go unappreciated, and it can be quite the heartwarming moment from the perspective of the giver after devoting time to your craft.
Many of us enjoy gift giving, and I know for me, it can truly be a love language that I implore, in order to show the special people in my life how much I cherish their presence. Not only that, but gift giving is widely fun, and might I say quite addicting… Personally, I think there is also a beautifully nostalgic aspect present in the concept of receiving gifts. I can picture the endless excitement I experienced while being a young girl leaping out of bed in the morning to approach my Christmas gifts with an urgency like no other, a determination to be the first eager person in the living room.
When it comes to searching for gift ideas this year, I have found Etsy to be the best platform because of its endless possibilities encompassing many different price ranges. It has a wide array of unique gifts that will let your family and friends know you put extra effort in this year. Not to brag, but your aunty who you have only met once aspires to this level of precision. Good luck out there, and though this might be controversial, Santa has nothing on you this holiday season.
A Bookish Gift For Your Reader Friend, So They Can Live the Dream (Curling up and Reading Cozy Books During Winter)
I saw this “Blind Date with A Book” Box, and immediately thought it was the coolest thing ever for girls who love reading, fuzzy socks, and chocolate (I mean who doesn’t love chocolate?). This is also one of those Etsy gifts that you could easily recreate your own version of at home, and make more specifically catered to your bestie. Maybe add some of your loved ones’ favorite Trader Joe’s snacks and wrap the book with a cute bow–then you’re set. Get this cute bookish kit before it’s too late!
For Your Coffee Addict Friend, So You Can Feed Their Raging Addiction
This one is so cute, as the subscription gives your coffee connoisseur friend a chance to try a bunch of different fun flavors of well sourced, delicious coffee. The packaging is absolutely adorable, and “Driftaway Coffee is a BIPOC woman-led small-batch coffee roastery based in Brooklyn,” as stated on their Etsy profile. This is a great way to support a women-run small business and surprise someone with a gift that will make their morning just a little bit better. For Your Coffee Addict Friend, head to the link asap!
A Personalized Recipe Book For the Designated Family Chef to Compile Their Favorites Yummy Eats
I’ve seen a bunch of these recipe books, so this is just one example, but I thought this one was super amazing with the adorable personalized cover! If you happen to have someone in your family who constantly cooks, this gift serves as an amazing keepsake. It is one of those gifts with longevity and a practical use. A cookbook will be appreciated by everyone in the family, and hopefully with time, it will continue to grow and take shape into an anecdotal story of your family’s delightful food. This Personalized Recipe Book is ready to be filled with delicious eats, so head to the Etsy shop right now!
Morse Code Necklaces are a Little Nerdy, But Actually the Coolest Thing Ever!
I got my sister and my roommates Morse Code jewelry this last fall, and I truly think this would be such a fun necklace to wear and have, sharing a little secret with whoever gifted it to you. These come in a few different colors and are awesome, since you can decide exactly what you want them to say. The coded message you choose could be their name, a word, an inside joke, or literally anything you want. These morse code necklaces leave you with so many options, so you won’t regret getting one now at the link to Devon Michaels.
Let’s Bring Back Sending Postcards and Writing Cute Letters to the People We Adore
This one might only appeal to a specific crowd, but something about sending a long distance friend a postcard can be so fun! They are an easy and particularly affordable gift that includes twenty-five of them for only about $6 dollars. Not to mention, they arrive quickly, so these vintage postcards are perfect for last minute shopping. Some of my friends love to keep stamps, ticket stubs, and other various memorabilia, and this fits perfectly with that style. Your artsy, vintage friends or any friend who loves decor could even use these as wall art. Make sending postcards a cool holiday tradition by getting a batch on Etsy now!
Dedicated to the Friend Always Picking Up a New Hobby! Why Not Try Crochet Next?!
Honestly lately, I have had a strong urge to take up crocheting because it seems like such a good hobby. I am all ready to assume the state of a grandmother in a crochet club, sitting leisurely in a rocking chair and drinking tea–it just sounds picturesque. If you have friends who are looking for something new to try, this kit makes it so easy. According to the reviews, it’s a pretty quick project that will turn out absolutely adorable. I also love a friend who is constantly up to something new everytime you call them, and hopefully this blanket will be their next form of escapism over break. By getting this kit, you can curl up with their crochet blanket next time you visit their place, so it seems like a win win to me!
The Cutest Cocktail Picks that will Make you Want to Plan a New Year’s Eve Night with your Girls ASAP
The urge to host a New Year’s Party with cute drinks, a charcuterie board, fun board games, and disco strobe-light is getting stronger by the day. I saw these little drink picks, and immediately wanted to get creative, and start planning. I think they are also the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys making cut little beverages or is destined to be a party planner. Hopefully this is the perfect gift to convince them to put your name first on the invite list. Get these fruit cocktail picks, some your cool host or hostess can add some flavor and vibrancy to your next get together.
Home Sweet Home … This Might make your Mom Cry, It Is That Wholesome
Okay, this is a little bit more on the expensive side, but a totally worthwhile investment because it truly is so heartwarming. Consider thrifting a picture frame to place it in to make it even more special. Essentially, they are hand made drawings of your home, and for your parents they would serve as a reminder of how much you appreciate coming back to a place filled with endless love. When visiting a friend in Washington, her mother had one of these in their home, hanging on the wall for all to see, and I immediately knew someday it will be a necessity for me too. Seeing this beautiful home drawing every time I eagerly return for the holidays is reason enough to consider it for my parents, and I think you too should check it out at the link above!
A Man Gift, I Think… Wallets Just Make Sense?
Okay, shopping for guys can be a challenge at times (at least for me), but wallets serve as any easy gift because they are totally going to get use out of it!! Sometimes for friends, or my boyfriend, I stick to the classic hoodie or maybe even get extra creative with a hat or socks, but why not try a wallet this year? I also really love the first one I linked because it allows you to personalize a message on the inside, and I just know my dad would love it if my sister and I teamed up and got him this sentimental wallet. Everyday he could see a remainder of our appreciation for him, which is just so cute. The cactus wallet pictured below is a little more expensive, but the trendy exterior is super cool and makes it a bit more creative.
The Cutest Bath Bombs to Buy In Bulk for All the Women in your life who Deserve A Spa Day
I am not sure about you, but as finals wrap-up, I know I could use a day focused on face masks, a mani-pedi, and overall just destressing. These bath bombs come in a pack of twelve, giving you the perfect option to give everyone a little something special this year, or maybe to disperse amongst all your friends. I also think they would make the perfect stocking stuffers for your mother or sister, who deserve a girly, self-care gift. Order some of these bath bombs at the link, so you can give your loved ones a perfect, relaxing present to use during their holiday break!
Creativity Is All About Effort!
I hope you find this list of ten personalized gift ideas is useful when you are doing your holiday shopping!! My favorite ones are probably the coffee subscription because I truly think it will impress your favorite coffee lover. It is a high quality gift that will remind them of you, and comes in colorful, trendy packaging. I also absolutely love the personalize recipe book, as a foodie myself. I would greatly appreciate having a long lasting and resourceful gift like that to show off to my future kids someday. Etsy is also a really sustainable source, as it combines local shops and small business meaning everything you receive typically is from a safe and well intentioned source. On Etsy’s website, they mention that they are “the first major shopping site to offset 100% of carbon emissions from shipping and packaging of every delivery.” By promoting Etsy, you can continue to promote an environmentally friendly approach to shopping.
For all of you holiday gift givers out there, I recommend having fun thinking about the people in your life’s favorite items to receive, but also prioritizing the time you get to spend together more than anything else. Another remainder is that creativity is all about effort, so it truly is the thought that counts. The perfect gift is one that is complemented with a hug or gentle embrace. Your love will radiate through the gesture, and that’s what matters most.
-Emoree Sullivan