Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Finds: This Time, It's Personal

Anyone can run into a random store at the last minute and buy a generic, mass-produced candle for a present. However, those aren't the gifts you remember; they're the ones that linger on shelves, gathering dust. Today I've put together a collection of custom, personalized gift ideas that will show you really thought about the person in question. (Mom, perhaps? Mother's Day is a'comin'!) Here are some of my favorites.

 

Custom Silhouette Pillow - 12x12

You plus me, and baby makes three! Customized silhouettes make the facts of life totally adorable (and a functional family portrait!). By lepapierstudio, $24.

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Let me do a quirky custom portrait for you

Do you have a cherished family photo? A favorite in-joke that's best illustrated with a snapshot from that one crazy afternoon? Have it immortalized in a quirky custom portrait by EmmieBean. $50.

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floral bookplate mug, made to order

Bookplates ensure that your favorite tomes are returned in a timely manner. A monogrammed mug will do just the same, but with delicious coffee filled to the brim. By fieldguided, $20.

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Custom antiqued sterling heart charm necklace

Heart necklaces are so romantic. This antiqued sterling version would look great with engraved initials! By modernmama, $42.

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Personalized Peony Notes Boxed Set of 8

Personalized stationery gives notes so much more authority and aplomb. I want mine to say "From the desk of A.A.F." By MichelleBrusegaard, $18.

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Custom Name Tooled Hand Painted Leather Cuff

Leather jewelry will last forever. Customize a leather cuff with a name or saying for a meaningful gift. By valentinoink, $25.

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Custom Handstamped Photo Charm Bracelet or Necklace

My mom would love a custom handstamped bracelet with the names and birthdates of myself and my sisters: wouldn't yours? By MetalPressions, $120.

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CUSTOM BUST (Commission Your Own OOAK Art Doll Bust)

To all the doll lovers out there: Wouldn't you love to receive a custom bust of yourself or a loved one? Amazing work by blackeyedsuzie. $150.

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Custom Sewn Pet Portrait

Yes, yes, and more yes: I want a custom pet portrait showing my dogs marrying each other! This would be the gift to end all gifts. By pidgepidge, $350.

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Smokey Trifold Wallet - Leather in Antique Brown

This leather wallet rocks my world! I'd have mine engraved with a poem or lyrics to a favorite song. By moxieandoliver, $95.

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P.S. What's your idea of a great personalized gift? Leave it in the comments!

 

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Personalized Gift Ideas | Search for Custom Items | More Personalized Posts | Gift Ideas

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Tags custom, engraved, Etsy Finds, Gift Ideas, gifts, moms, monogrammed, Mother's Day, personalized, shopping
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94 comments     Login to add your own!

April 21, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. JulieMeyer

JustAnotherDay's cards rock!

April 21, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. slinkymalinkicat

Wow .... great ideas! Thank you!

April 21, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

I'm loving the silhouettes!

April 21, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. Greenbriar

The Custom Silhouette Pillow is awesome and priced wonderfully!

April 21, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. GoodNightLolaSue

i heart personalized stuff!!

April 21, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. elizabethwren

Wonderful list, great ideas!

April 21, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. Greenbriar

LittlePinkHouses item is really cute as well! I love anything felt!

April 21, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. tannerglass

Awesome Finds here! The Custom House Painting is a great idea!

April 21, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

Now there are some especially unique ideas here...not your typical personalized goods...I think the custom doll, house portrait, and family memory portrait are really good ideas..

April 21, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. MarcoLaGrenouille

Great finds! thanks

April 21, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. zombuki

I just love that the example name is "Isobel" - such a pretty name :3

April 21, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. EJPcreations

I love the custom painting idea!!!

April 21, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. SewnNatural

I love the custom house painting... what amazing artistry!

April 21, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. buttercupbloom

Toh-tally cute! I love the emmiebean shop's work!

April 21, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. redyellowandblueink

Wow, how cool. Just wonderfully imaginative, special, and unique.

April 21, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. bobnstitch

Really wonderful finds as always!!!!

April 21, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. missindie

lovely picks! that mug is perfect!! :]

April 21, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. jenniferladd

These are so cool! I love the custom portraits!

April 21, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. WoollyWonka

Love the custom house painting!

April 21, 2009 at 1 p.m. marcelostworld

Wonderful selection!

April 21, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. paperplatypus

Wow, there are some great things here. I especially love the custom portraits - I want one!

April 21, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. fieldguided

Wow, thanks Alison! This is my favourite custom item on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

April 21, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. ElysianFields

Awesome pics. I LOVE the custom House Painting. Very cool!

April 21, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. thebestvintage

I LOVE the leather wallet!!

April 21, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. MFvintage

love the leather cuff by valentinoink

April 21, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. DolorisPetunia

Check out Doloris Petunia's site- DP makes custom statement necklaces, fascinators and other fun things. One of the things DP specialize in is make special pieces for brides special day. Clients contact DP when they want to work in piece from a relative that has passed on or a trinket that means something extra special to them- so they can have their own timeless piece of wearable art.

To see more check out:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

April 21, 2009 at 1:25 p.m. SeptemberStars

The creativity on Etsy never ceases to amaze me..

April 21, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. fragmentsbyedith

Great finds! For a special person with C I have new cards that I added yesterday! Check it out. :)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

April 21, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Love the custom house painting by juliebcreative~!

April 21, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. ThreeBySea

I just introduced Design It Yourself Stationery Sets in my shop this weekend. Have a particular sentiment you'd like to express? Want personalized note cards? The choice is yours!
Here is the section with all the designs so far-

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...

April 21, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. SandraHealy

Nice choices of personalized gifts! I can write a custom message - usually only a few words depending on the space there - on the bottom of most of my animals.

April 21, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. jenniferlynnstudio

Personal items are always a good choice. Nice selections. I added a Special Mom necklace to my store..I hope to add more in the near future.

April 21, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. staceylyndesigns

Great ideas and beautiful gifts. Another idea is personalized monogrammed handkerchiefs. I have some available in my shop. They come packaged in an origami gift box.

April 21, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. IceCreamCandy

how cute...very personal:)

April 21, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. HotDigitalDog

I love all of those shops! Since you asked so sweetly, I do think customized pet portraits are awesome gifts!

April 21, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. tamato

I have a line of custom note cards, and the selection is growing all the time. They make great gifts, I just gave a set to my niece who's getting married. Check out the selection at
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...

April 21, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. valentinoink

I love the wonderful personalized items you picked! Thank you so much for including my leather bracelet! :)

April 21, 2009 at 2:23 p.m. FlanneryO

These are some of my favourite 'finds' ever...the digital portraits are fantastic!

April 21, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. lilworkerb

Custom gifts are the ones we all hold near and dear.

April 21, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. ovgilliesdesigns

Love Personalized Peony Notes - they're just so beautiful. Custom gifts are just such a great idea.

April 21, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. fantasybeader

wonderful finds :-)

April 21, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. windshine

i have personalized word / text portraits... pets, couple, babies, homes, you name it and i can make it custom for you!

April 21, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. kallastudios

Personalized gifts always mean so much more to the recipient. I recently created a monogrammed sterling disc necklace for my sister, and she practically swooned! It was a great feeling, as the 'giver', knowing I had given her something she loved.

April 21, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. sandali

Adding the personal touch indeed !! Great finds -- found many favorites. Happy Days ;)

April 21, 2009 at 3 p.m. CutieDynamite

Love the silhouette pillow!

April 21, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. LincolnParkStudio

For mother's day , a custom painted portrait of the kids and/or family makes a wonderful meaningful gift for mommies and grandmommies! Check out: LincolnParkStudio.etsy.com

April 21, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. lepapierstudio

my silhouette pillow's looking lovely here!
Thanks for featuring it!

April 21, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. ScottieinaCanoe

Personally speaking, I think they are all FAB :)

April 21, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. odiliafu

I love the custom name leather bracelet. Wonderful picks!!

April 21, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. SalalKnits

Wow, awesome finds! I just got a personalized necklace for my mom from Sweet Sea Jewelry! It's a perfect mother's day gift.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

April 21, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. delightdesign

Fabulous post! If you are looking for customized or personalized, please consider checking out my shop. Everything I do is custom, unique and personal!

Here is one my current favorite listings:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

April 21, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. modernemotive

Very pretty! I love the floral bookplate mug!

April 21, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. JustAnotherDay

thanks for including me in this cool spotlight article!

April 21, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ToxicInk

That pillow rules!

April 21, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. SparkleMe

I completely agree and I've written an entry about this exact same thing!
http://sparkleme-designs.blogspot.com...

April 21, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. Sonniesuellc

How cute! I love that pillow!

April 21, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. EmmieBean

Thanks for featuring me! ;)

April 21, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. thestapeliacompany

I like these items. They'd make nice gifts for someone special.

April 21, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. gramkinpaperstudio

I love personalized items. Great pics

April 21, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. MileEndSoapandCandle

I love blackeyedsuzie! (my fellow Montrealette)

Would you like to see your loved one's name in (candle)lights?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

April 21, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. PickleLilyDesign

Wow! The artists on Etsy never cease to amaze me! The custom house paintings are phenomenal. What a wonderful idea.

April 21, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. PickleLilyDesign

Wow! The artists on Etsy never cease to amaze me! The custom house paintings are phenomenal. What a wonderful idea.

April 21, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. punkybunny300

Oh wow! Fabulous collection of gifts!! I seriously think my mom needs one of those bookplate mugs!

Thanks so much for including my ring!!

April 21, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. fineartstoneware

very cool items!

April 21, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. mythunderstood

custom pet stuff always a winner!

April 21, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. BlkSwn

Allison, you are soooo our favorite picker! You find the best things...keep up the good work.

April 21, 2009 at 6:48 p.m. BlkSwn

We meant Alison. we're gonna go feed tina some more ham now.

April 21, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. lauraslefthook

I love the idea of personalized gifts. It shows how much you thought of the person.

April 21, 2009 at 11:16 p.m. HAREandDRUM

I have to get that pillow! I remember when I was a child my parents were about to wallpaper a room and before doing that mom sat us each down and drew our silhouettes straight on the wall, just for fun. Every time I'm in that room now I know they are there under the wallpaper. Such a great feeling, a personal stamp on a place.

April 22, 2009 at 12:15 a.m. codyscreations

Love the silhouettes pillow!

April 22, 2009 at 12:16 a.m. haannh

I love the picks!

April 22, 2009 at 12:21 a.m. erinbowe

So many great items - especially for mother's day!

I have several items in my shop right now that can be personalized (like my avatar - a hand-sawn initial in sterling silver). I also take custom orders for unique mother's pendants!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

April 22, 2009 at 7:34 a.m. BayMoonDesign

Being a cat person with 5 cats, I love that cat pillow. So cute!

April 22, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. HibouCards

I love the custom painted house and of course the Little Pink House items... got 2 already and they are really great. Personalized gift are truly the best!

April 22, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. EpicBones

so true! that pillow is amazing by lepapierstudio!! geeez, people are so clever on here, i can't even handle it.

April 22, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. lovelygifts

Nice selection!

April 22, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. DalkullanJewelry

The personalized wallet is a great idea.

April 22, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. kittytrishia

I am so in love with the personalized custom sewn pet portrait, to have my two kitties in love and not fighting like in real life would be a dream come true!

April 22, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. PoorRobin

I've been plotting and scheming about how to make someone buy the leather bracelet for me...

April 22, 2009 at 1:17 p.m. klacustomcreations

I have my eye on that mug you selected! I have plenty of personalized items in my shop would love for you to check it out www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

April 22, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. luckyd

Love personalized things always a wonderful gift idea!!!

April 22, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. SnippetsofTime

I love the artwork you chose - they are, well, so personal. I'm inspired to offer something that can be personalized...

April 22, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. obi1

Wonderful collection! Love the letterpress initial necklace...

April 22, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. vivilian

lovely creation!!!!

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April 22, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. littlepancakes

These are all awesome!

April 23, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. RubyStudios

AWESOME IDEAS!! I just ordered a custom silhouette pillow from DiffractionFiber for a friend for Mother's Day. I know she'll cherish it for many years to come, as long as the little rugrat doesn't get his hands on it, of course!! ;)

April 23, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. blackeyedsuzie

Great article, Alison, as always! Thanks so much for including my bust!

April 23, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. akane

I love getting customized items! It makes every handmade item that much more special!

www.akanedesigns.blogspot.com

April 23, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. redbeauty

You betcha, I love CUSTOM -- That's 90% of what I do and offer, from Custom Personalized Photo Fleece Throws, Creative Canvas for your wall decor, Pillowcases (you can sleep with your little angels - how perfect for Grandmothers who do not live near their precious little "grands", and the trendy skinny camisole printed with that special someone. We offer creative design support, whether it be a SPECIAL border, poem, or any particular theme you have in mind to compliment your photos and make your items truly "ONE OF A KIND". Be sure and swing by often...new items will be added every couple of days! In the near future, we will be offering CUSTOM SIGGIES & AVATARS.

April 25, 2009 at 1:09 a.m. artfulabilities

Thanks for the great ideas

April 25, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. Parisera

lepapierstudio's Custom Silhouette Pillow is so cute...

April 27, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. ameliasporch

the book plate mug is a great idea, love it.

June 11, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. xuxu0051

http://www.sbbshoe.com
ed hardy swim strunk:$12
polo tshirts:$10
coach handbags:$35
nike jordan shoes:$32
true religion:$30
http://www.sbbshoe.com

http://www.edhardyvip.com

Aug. 18, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. lilacpop

I love personalized gifts. Check out the wedding date (or anniversary-perfect for the 1st year because it's paper) photo I have in my other shop. Made from the pop up keys from a vintage cash register and arranged in any date and printed on metallic paper.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

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