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Blog / Style & trends / 23 Personalized Gift Ideas to Woo Your Loved Ones

Style & trends

23 Personalized Gift Ideas to Woo Your Loved Ones

23 Personalized Gift Ideas to Woo Your Loved Ones
Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

By Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

11 min read

Looking for a gift that’ll leave a lasting impression? Personalized gifts are a wonderful way to show your giftee that you truly care for them. With a little more thought and planning, you can add a personalized touch that’ll dazzle your loved ones.

Many companies offer personalized gifts with custom engraving, wood carvings, or glossy stickers. But you’ll find the largest range of products and customization options with a print-on-demand service provider like Printful. With Printful, you can personalize 340+ high-quality products with embroidery, all-over prints, creative designs, fonts, and more.

But which products are sure to be a hit? We’ve researched and picked the most useful and meaningful personalized gift ideas. From popular accessories and apparel to games and home decor—you’ll find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

Our 23 favorite personalized gifts

Everybody loves feeling special, and personalized gifts effortlessly evoke that feeling. In this list, you’ll find the perfect gift for every occasion, relationship, and budget. No matter whether it’s a special gift for your friend, mom, dad, co-worker, or children in your life.

1. Monogrammed cap as a style statement

a black hat with yellow text on itSource: Printful

Imagine opening a gift and seeing your initials embroidered on the front. You’d feel pretty special, right? A monogrammed cap is a wonderful gift for dads who can’t leave the house without a baseball cap or for summer outdoor activity lovers.

a white hat with blue text on itSource: Printful

Add customized embroidered initials or a funny phrase that represents your person. Now you have a gift that protects them from the sun (or hides a bad hair day) and is stylish and unique. Browse our baseball caps to find the perfect fit. 

2. Custom date embroidered sweatshirt

a man wearing a yellow hat and blue shirtSource: Printful

A cozy sweatshirt or hoodie is a wardrobe staple, offering ample space for creative designs. You can customize the front, back, sleeves, and both the inside and outside labels. It’s the perfect gift idea for your significant other, bestie, or sibling.

Create a meaningful gift for your partner by embroidering a special date on the right front corner and adding details on the sleeves or back. Your sweetheart will feel cozy and loved whenever they wear your gift.

Explore our vast selection of custom hoodies to find the right one for your special someone.

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3. Personalized AirPods® case for music junkies

a white square container with a keychain

Source: Printful

Every AirPods® owner secretly wants a personalized AirPods® case (even if they don’t know it yet). Think of what your giftee loves and how you can turn it into a cool AirPods® case design. For your friends who are foodies or fruit lovers, create a clever and punny case to bring a smile to their faces.

Choose our rubber AirPods® case or an all-over print case for more design freedom.

4. Personalized phone case for the fashionista in your circle

a phone case and a cup of coffee and a notebook

Source: Printful

If there’s one gift on this list that suits any occasion or giftee, it’s the personalized phone case. Virtually everyone owns a smartphone, meaning they need a case to protect their trusted companion (unless they like getting a new screen every time it falls on the ground).

There are countless ways you can personalize a phone case. For example, you could turn Polaroid photos into a design for a portable souvenir or monogram their initials for a classy-looking accessory. Check out our 30+ phone case design ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

5. Hometown map puzzle for the nostalgic expat

custom puzzle of a city or town is a fantastic birthday gift for that expat friend who’s missing home. It’s also super simple to create—go to an online map service like Google Maps, search for your giftee’s hometown, and take a screenshot. Then, you can upload the screenshot to Printful’s Design Maker and create a personalized puzzle.

Note: Make sure you follow our guide on preparing the perfect print file to ensure the best result. Additionally, ensure you follow copyright laws when using map images for personalized items.

6. Custom apron for the chef in the house

Looking for a gift for someone who loves to cook? A personalized apron can be a unique way to show your appreciation for their culinary skills. You can add their initials or a fun pun, like the example above, to make it even more special. They’ll be excited to put it on and start cooking up a storm.

7. Stylish monogrammed tote bag to carry all the essentials

a woman holding a bagSource: Printful

Have a tote lover on your holiday shopping list? Chances are, they own many tote bags but not one customized specifically for them. Gift them the ultimate tote bag with embroidered initials or a clever personalized message.

For example, the tote pictured above would make an amazing gift for someone named Rose. And it references the popular TikTok song Can I Call You Rose by Thee Sacred Souls. Just be careful with legislation, as song titles are fair game, but song lyrics are protected by copyright laws.

8. Personalized notebook they’ll want to use

a notebook and coffee cup and phoneSource: Printful

Some of your giftees may own countless notebooks full of journaled thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. Others might still dream of journaling and haven’t dived into it yet. A personalized notebook with their initials or an inspirational quote will surely get them writing.

Printful’s Design Maker offers countless personalization options with text, Quick Designs, photos, clipart, backgrounds, and other files you wish to upload.

9. Fun socks with their pet’s face

a pair of legs with socks with dogs on themSource: Printful

Those friends who consider their pets family will love seeing their faces on custom socks. Upload their pet’s photo to the Design Maker and choose whatever pattern you prefer. You can also use the background remover tool to achieve a crisp look.

Don’t have a photo of their pet? Ask your giftee’s friends or family, or use a free image resource to find a photo of the same breed—they may not even tell the difference!

10. Monogrammed slides for him and her

Custom slides for men and women are a versatile gift idea for birthdays, holidays, graduations, or as a simple surprise. They’re comfortable and stylish and can be worn indoors or outdoors. Plus, slides provide more support for your feet than flip-flops if they fit well since you don’t have to grip them with your toes.

Gift your parents custom monogrammed slides with “Mr.” and “Mrs.” to take on vacation, wear around the house, or frequent their favorite spa in style.

11. Custom t-shirts for anyone who loves casual wear

Custom t-shirts are a timeless gift idea. They can make an excellent gesture for birthdays or any other occasion. You can easily personalize a t-shirt to the likes of your special someone. For instance, if they love carbs as much as flowers, a funny t-shirt with a bouquet of baguettes would make an ideal gift.

Need some more inspo? Check out our article with 56 next-level t-shirt design ideas. You could even go all out and design a customized hoodie or cap to match the t-shirt.

Read also: Cool Best-Friend Shirt Ideas to Celebrate Friendship

12. Personalized coasters for the host or hostess in your circle

a cup of tea on a coasterSource: Printful

We all have that one friend or family member who enjoys hosting get-togethers. It’s a talent that comes effortlessly to them. You can show appreciation for their hard work by gifting them personalized coasters that complement their home decor. 

You can print family and friends’ names on the coasters, theme them for the holidays, or simply find a pattern or design that reflects their style or home.

13. Custom wine tumbler for a drink anywhere

a person holding a cupSource: Printful

Is Aunt Marge always spilling her glass of wine on your carpet? Get her a custom wine tumbler to sip in style (and save yourself the hassle of cleaning). And if she’s bored, she can read “thank you” in every language (if you go for the design in the photo above). But more seriously, custom tumblers are versatile gifts not limited to wine-drinking.

Picnickers, campers, hikers, beach-goers, frequent travelers—all love having a portable spill-proof cup. It’s also perfect for taking to concerts or festivals. Plus, it’s an eco-conscious choice because they can reuse it instead of buying multiple plastic bottles.

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14. Personalized embroidered beanie to stay warm in style

a man wearing a hatSource: Printful

Don’t know what to gift your friend for their birthday? An embroidered beanie is a great gift for a friend who likes hipster fashion, mountain climbing, or winter sports. Anyone in cold weather needs a beanie to keep them warm and cozy. Why not gift them a personalized one with their initials, life motto, or favorite cute animal?

Gifting apparel is a surefire way to brighten anyone’s day—after all, we all need clothing and enjoy looking stylish. Not sure which color they’d love? Create several mockups with Printful’s Mockup Generator and ask your friends and coworkers for opinions.

15. Pillows and pillowcases for the hygge-loving person in your circle

Do you have a friend who’s obsessed with pillows? They probably own about a dozen in all shapes and sizes. And if you ask them why they need so many, they’d say there’s no such thing as too many pillows. Gifting them a custom-made pillow or pillowcase will show them you care about their comfort and well-being (and approve of their pillow obsession).

You can personalize a pillow with their favorite flowers, doodles, or patterns or make a unique design like the examples above. An especially clever gift for that friend who sticks to an early bedtime (or for the kids in the family!).

16. Customized cloth napkin set for dinner parties with their fave people

a spoon on a napkinSource: Printful

Have you ever been a dinner guest at someone’s home and noticed they had beautiful cloth napkins? You ask where they’re from, and they tell you their grandma sewed them herself. There’s something special about having a set of napkins custom-made for your household. Even if you don’t have a sewing machine, you can still customize a cloth napkin set for your family.

Embroidered names add an elegant touch to cloth napkins, but if you want something more playful (and versatile), consider something like the design above. Such cloth napkins can be used by different dinner guests.

17. Personalized postcard for your long-distance bestie

a white card and two small plants on a wooden surfaceSource: Printful

Show your long-distance bestie how much you miss them by sending a personalized postcard. No doubt they’d prefer to see you in person, but a personal message on a custom-made card will surely brighten their day. That’s also one of those gifts that won’t break the bank.

Want to turn a simple postcard into a birthday card for your bestie? Inspire from these birthday card design ideas!

18. Framed poster with a portrait or family photo

a woman holding a pictureSource: Printful

If you’re looking for a heartfelt gift that captures cherished moments beautifully and tangibly, a framed poster is a fantastic choice. It’s a thoughtful and unique way to show someone how much you care and can serve as a reminder of your connection and happy times shared. Plus, it adds a warm and personal touch to any space and becomes a meaningful and enduring decor piece. 

Turn a beloved photo into a work of art by adding some cool effects in Canva, then choose a poster and upload your file to Printful’s Design Maker.

19. Beauty products for a home spa experience

a person's hands holding a bottle of soapSource: Printful

Personalized beauty products, like customized bathwashes, make excellent gifts. They cater to individual preferences and contribute to your giftee’s well-being, allowing for a pampering experience. The personalized aspect adds a special touch, making your giftee feel valued and appreciated. Every time they use your gift, they’ll create a spa-like atmosphere at home, helping them relax and rejuvenate.

20. Baby bodysuits for newborns and toddlers

a baby standing next to fruitSource: Printful

Stand out at the next baby shower by gifting a customized baby bodysuit. Or bring the best baby’s birthday gift—a custom baby bodysuit that’s just the right fit! The parents will be delighted to receive new clothing with a personal touch. You can print a cute logo or design or use embroidery to add an elegant look. The level of personalization is up to you.

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21. Embroidered towels for the whole family

a white towel with red textSource: Printful

Here’s a personalized gift perfect for the holidays—embroidered towels with each family member’s name. Your family will adore the gesture. Plus, there’ll be no excuses for “accidentally” using someone else’s towel.

Of course, you can experiment with other designs like plants, flowers, and characters to fit any other occasion. Or, if you’re sticking to a family gift, try embroidering each person’s cartoon face. You can draw their portraits on your own or hire a designer.

22. Custom throw blanket to stay warm and cozy 

Is there anything cozier than a warm, fluffy throw blanket and a cup of hot cocoa? Yes! A cozy throw blanket personalized just for you! When designing a blanket for your loved one, you can think of their favorite animal, plant, food, character, etc., and combine it with their favorite color.

You can also create a pattern with their initials or print a funny photo of theirs for a gag. Again, the level of customization is up to you—as long as your personalized gifts are thoughtful and meaningful, you’re doing it right.

23. Personalized placemat set for special dinner guests

Imagine turning your children’s drawings (or your art) into placemats. You’d probably want to set them on the table every time you sit down with the fam. Upload any PNG photo to the Design Maker and add as much personalization per placemat as you like. You can make a design that suits any occasion or go for a holiday theme like Easter, Halloween, or Christmas.

Need more personalized gift ideas? Browse our list of trending products for other special gift inspiration.

A sentimental gift shows you care

While there’s nothing wrong with generic gifts (especially when you don’t know the giftee that well), custom-made items will genuinely show you care. Your giftee will appreciate the thought, time, and personalization you put into their gift.

Remember, it’s not about how much money you spend but the personal touch you give your gifts. We hope you found some gift inspiration for every occasion and special person in your life. Which gift idea is your favorite? Did we miss any top personalized gifts? Let us know in the comments below!

  Read next: 30 Ideas for Custom Teacher Appreciation Gifts

author

By Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa on Apr 4, 2024

Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

Guest author

Zoe is a creative writer, multilingual translator, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for learning, traveling, and global cuisine. When she's not typing away at her PC, you can find her teaching yoga in the park, reading on the couch with her cat, or plunging in the Mediterranean.

Zoe is a creative writer, multilingual translator, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for learning, traveling, and global cuisine. When she's not typing away at her PC, you can find her teaching yoga in the park, reading on the couch with her cat, or plunging in the Mediterranean.