The Most Unique Ways to Personalize a Gift

When you think of personalized gifts, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a simple name or monogram. And while we love a thoughtful name gift, personalization can be so much more than that. But exactly how can you personalize a gift beyond the obvious? Turn to the incredibly talented independent sellers on Etsy, of course! Then, take a look at all these surprising ways to personalize any present.

We chose these unique personalized gifts for their creative customizations and rave reviews. Whether you go with best-friend sweatshirts, astrological-sign home decor, secret-message jewelry, or something else, these personalization ideas will have any lucky recipient thinking, "Wow, I can't believe they thought of that!"

Location

A custom city map

SHOP: Personalized city map print from Sun Wall Art, from $35

Does the person you're shopping for have a city that’s near and dear to their heart? Honor that favorite destination with an artful custom map.

Secret message

A custom Morse code necklace

SHOP: Custom Morse code necklace from Everli Jewelry, from $80

Share a secret message with a loved one in a gorgeous and subtle way with this Morse code necklace, which comes in 14K gold or silver. Personalize it with a name, word, or phrase.

Astrology and zodiac signs

A custom moon phase pin

SHOP: Personalized moon phase pin from Gemagenta, $151

Mark a special day with a personalized moon phase gift. Whether it's the day they were born, an anniversary, or another meaningful day you've shared, a moon phase gift like this custom pin is a subtle nod to a significant date.

An astrological sign wall hanging

SHOP: Personalized astrological sign wall hanging from Bearloom Studio, from $40

Is someone in your life into zodiac gifts? Use their sign as inspiration for an astrological candle, constellation earrings, or even an on-trend wall hanging.

Handwriting

A personalized handwriting baking pan

SHOP: Personalized handwriting baking pan from Prairie Hills Pottery, from $130

A useful gift that's tasteful and thoughtful? This personalized baking dish hits the spot and checks both boxes. Add a famous family recipe—maybe the recipient's favorite dish to make or one of Grandma's classics—and make mealtime extra meaningful.

A personalized glass

SHOP: Personalized glass from DeDrinkie, $25

This customizable whiskey glass features a special message at the bottom that's in your handwriting, for a double shot of unique personalization.

Color scheme

A ring stack

SHOP: Aquarius ring stack from Alison Moore Designs, from $1,327

Whether you're looking for a color-inspired anniversary gift by year (hint: the traditional color for a 10-year anniversary is blue), or just want something special that celebrates their favorite hue, you can't go wrong with a color-themed gift. This ring set features tiny diamonds and a sea of blues in sapphire, topaz, and tanzanite rings that can be worn together or separately.

Birthstone

A birthstone bracelet

SHOP: Birthstone bracelet from Lola Bean Jewelry, from $32

From featuring the recipient's birthstone or gems to represent loved ones or significant months, birthstones can be used to customize a gift in so many meaningful ways. This dainty, minimalist bracelet, with its lovely a row of gemstones on a simple cable chain, comes with your choice of four metals (gold filled, rose gold filled, 14K gold, or silver) and a glittering rainbow of gemstone options.

Letters and color scheme

A custom train set

SHOP: Custom name train from Busy Puzzle, from $78

Perfect for a little one's playroom, this custom train can feature the child's name (or any other word they love) in the color scheme of their liking. You can add a track and tunnel to complete the set, and, as a bonus, get their name engraved on the head of the train.

Pet portraits

A hand-painted mug

SHOP: Hand-painted pet portrait mug from Laura Lynn Pottery, from $145

If the person you're shopping for treats their pet like a king or queen (as they should), this personalized mug will be their new favorite kitchen accessory. Hand-painted with their pet's adorable portrait (with the option to further customize by adding a name), they'll love pouring their morning beverage into this adorable vessel.

Significant dates

A personalized birth date ornament

SHOP: Personalized birth date ornament from Dream Folk, $50

Celebrate the birth of a new baby with a custom holiday ornament hand-painted with their name and birthday. The new parents will appreciate having a personalized ornament to hang on on the tree. And, as little one grows up, they'll love finding the perfect spot for it and hearing the sweet story behind it for years to come.

A Roman numerals necklace

SHOP: Roman numerals necklace from REDCHERRY BLVD, from $42

Whether it's their birthday month, the day their kid was born, or the date they moved to a new city, help someone special celebrate all sorts of milestones with this delicate Roman numerals necklace. This necklace subtly shines on its own, or it can be layered with others if the person you're shopping for has a few special dates that they hold close to their heart.

Birth flower details

A birth flower necklace

SHOP: Flower birth month necklace from Tom Design, from $48

An unexpected alternative to birthstone or zodiac sign gifts, everyone has an assigned birth flower they might not know about! Each birth month necklace in this collection features a delicate bloom engraved on a gold or silver charm (your pick!), so your loved one can bask in the beauty of their gift all year long.

A custom jewelry box

SHOP: Custom jewelry box from Westwood Studio Design, $24

From trendy teens to effortlessly elegant grandmothers, all the lovely ladies in your life will appreciate this travel-friendly fabric jewelry box embellished with their name and birth flower.

Unique photo gifts

A custom silhouette portrait

SHOP: Personalized silhouette portrait from Silhouettes by Elle, from $110

A sweet way to honor the whole family and capture a moment in time, this custom silhouette portrait is sure to become a treasured family heirloom. The artist uses a photo as inspo and meticulously hand-cuts each silhouette to perfection.

A family address stamp

SHOP: Personalized return address portrait stamp from Lili Mandrill, from $139

For a fun idea that will actually get a lot of use over the years (think: thank-you cards, holiday cards, and more), this return-address stamp features the face of each family member, the family's name, and, of course, their address.

A set of custom photo coasters

SHOP: A set of custom photo coasters from Gifts by Red Bird, from $17

Shopping for someone who loves keeping the surfaces in their home clean and celebrating fun family memories at the same time? They'll love this custom set of ceramic stone coasters with a cork backing and feature sweet family snaps of your choice.

A custom best friends sweatshirt

SHOP: Custom, embroidered best friends sweatshirt from FoFm Custom Creations, from $64

Emblazon a fun photo of you and your BFF onto a sweatshirt for a thoughtful (and comfy) present. Gift this to your bestie and they'll love wearing it for cozy nights in.

A personalized best friend plaque

SHOP: Personalized acrylic photo plaque from Pink Box Creations, from $46

Your best friend deserves an award! To show your love and appreciation, choose a favorite photo plus a personal quote (pick from more than 20 options or opt for a custom quote). This heartfelt plaque is sure to earn a place of honor on your friend's desk, table or mantle.

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