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We’ve updated this year’s guide with a few thoughtful picks, including a custom egg stamp and pretty satin ribbon. Hollow Braid Nylon Rope
The thrill of having one’s name emblazoned on a unique possession isn’t reserved only for 7-year-olds scoring mini license plates—everyone feels special unwrapping a gift created specifically for them. In that spirit, we’ve collected our favorite personalized gifts, many of which are customizable versions of Wirecutter picks. Whether you want to have a gift monogrammed, custom made, or personalized in another way, these gifts will show the recipient that you care deeply just for them.
Personalized Satin Ribbon ($20 per yard at the time of publication)
Far easier—and less wasteful—than individually wrapping each gift in paper, a customized ribbon shows care and looks chic in the time it takes to loop two bunny ears. This ribbon from Namemaker is available in several color and font options (we like white text over dark ribbon, for the most readable masterpiece), and it comes in 10-yard increments. Printed with a last name or two, it’s an especially thoughtful gift for someone with a big family; a spool could also be handy for a school-age child with a dance card full of birthday parties.
Zazzle Personalized Egg Stamp ($11 at the time of publication)
We first realized chickens were hot when our post on raising chickens went gangbusters back in the early days of the pandemic. If someone on your list is the steward of a brood, a custom egg stamp will surprise and delight. We like this vintage-style version, which can be customized with your pal’s name or their farm’s moniker. Getting the hang of stamping a spherical object takes a little practice. But once they nail this, they’ll never want to distribute a dozen without the stamps.
Papier notebook ($30 at the time of publication)
My home is filled with notebooks. Many are the utilitarian recommendations from Wirecutter’s guide to notebooks. This custom beauty from Papier isn’t one of our picks, but it sparks joy in a variety of meaningful ways. It has a two-tone hardback cover (available in several color combos) and monogramming at the top (in multiple colors, fonts, and sizes), so you can craft the right vibe for whoever is on your list. And with the 96 pages of lined, plain, or bullet-dotted paper, they’ll have plenty of creative space to draft the perfect thank-you note, with no ink feathering or page bleed-through.
VistaPrint custom hat ($25 at the time of publication)
Embroidering a baseball cap elevates it from sun shield and dirty-hair disguiser to style statement. I’ve given and received great VistaPrint hats, which are high-quality and surprisingly affordable. Encompassing more than 10 hat colors, nearly 50 choices for embroidery thread, and dozens of fonts and text sizes, VistaPrint’s options are almost overwhelming. I’ve had good luck keeping it simple: Most recently, I gave a video-producer friend a white hat embroidered with small navy letters reading “Fix It in Post”—her signature phrase.
Madewell Leather Pouch Clutch ($50 at the time of publication)
Beloved by several Wirecutter staffers, this Madewell leather clutch works as its own handheld accessory or an organizer tucked into a larger purse or tote bag. The soft leather wears impressively; inside your giftee will find card slots and a snap-pouch for coins or earbuds. The clutch is consistently available in three versatile neutral shades, but the seasonal offerings like a coral or butter yellow are worth checking out, too. To personalize, select between large and small fonts in 11 different colors and up to eight characters. Madewell’s larger custom leather goods are also great if you think your recipient would prefer a cross-body purse, tote, or overnight bag.
American Stationery Custom Cocktail Napkins (about $35 for 50 at the time of publication)
Wirecutter editor Hannah Morrill first spotted these at a pal’s house in Miami, where a can of La Croix felt luxurious when served atop a conch shell and surname-embossed napkin. Though the website looks a little industrial, the paper napkins from American Stationery are incredibly absorbent, soft, and durable, and it’s a cinch to customize them. First, select the color of the napkin itself; then choose the size, color, and font of the text. (Hannah’s friend chose white with orange ink.) Add a relevant “motif,” or clip art, and behold the impact of a simple pack of paper napkins.
Smartish Gripmunk phone case (from about $35 at the time of publication)
Chilling truth: The average person looks at their phone about 300 times a day. (And the person who doesn’t probably lives a content life of solitude atop some mountain). Enhance the experience of 21st-century connectivity with a tough and customizable case. The Gripmunk phone case is one of Wirecutter’s top-rated cases for protection against dings and scratches. And on the third-party site Smartish, you can easily personalize the Gripmunk for your recipient. First, search by “Gripmunk,” and select your phone model. Next, upload and crop your image. And a custom phone case will be delivered in under a week. One cool upside: Unlike some printing companies, this one allows images from pop culture, so you could add a still from a movie or a popular meme. Any choice is sure to lighten the mood in the daily battle against endless notifications—and cracked screens.
Hedley & Bennett The All Day Crossback Apron ($95 at the time of publication)
Our top-rated apron makes a special gift when you embroider it with text (up to 10 characters) or initials (up to three characters) in several color options. Food words and phrases are welcome here: “Medium Rare” is timeless, and “Yes, Chef” has recently taken on an extra-sexy appeal. Or keep it simple with a word representing their favorite nosh, like “Hoagie” or “Chili Crisp.” Of course, initials work, too. Whatever you choose, this apron—with long, adjustable straps, sizes from XS to XL, and a lifetime guarantee—is sure to be beloved.
Personalized Night Sky Print ($45 at the time of publication)
You know the day that matters most to your recipient: Maybe it was the day they were born, the day they married you, or even just the day they submitted the 400-page dissertation that earned them a PhD. Whatever it is, a custom sky map—depicting the stars aligned exactly as they were at that location on that date—makes a beautiful gift, for both its celestial image and the emotional resonance. You can also include quotes, names, dates, and locations for text that complements the composition.
Uncommon Goods Personalized Family Mugs (about $100 for four mugs at the time of publication)
Your circle of family and friends undoubtedly includes a bunch of characters—so why not immortalize their cartoon likenesses with these customizable mugs? Think of each mug as a ceramic homage that doubles as a vessel for delivering 15 ounces of one’s beverage of choice. Take advantage of Uncommon Goods’ myriad illustration templates—more than 40 characters, plus several skin tones, hair colors, and clothing accent colors—to design the perfect mug for your recipient. Reviewers love that this novelty gift is beautifully crafted and sparks joy with every sip.
DivvyUp Custom Dog Socks (from about $25 at the time of publication)
What could be more custom than a pair of socks featuring one’s own face—or, better yet, the face of someone they love? The answer is: not much. And to that end, DivvyUp is among the easiest services to use. Upload an image of a beloved visage, and then select a background color or print. A couple of weeks later, face socks will arrive on your gift recipient’s doorstep. Depending on the intended recipient, consider different mugs. A friend from work? Maybe it’s their particularly hilarious ID photo. A pal from high school? Use the yearbook photo they nearly forgot about. Your doggy co-parent? Fido, obviously. Made from a durable blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex, these socks are stretchy and soft, and they hold up well.
L.L.Bean Boat and Tote (from $35, plus $8 for monogramming, at the time of publication)
The person on your list probably has one or two tote bags already, but they may not have one that’s unequivocally, without a doubt theirs. For that, you’ll want to give them a tote with a monogram. The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is among our favorites from testing, thanks to its heavy-duty cotton and tight stitching, which can withstand weights of up to 500 pounds (though we doubt your recipient will ever need to haul that much). In addition to personalizing the bag with your loved one’s initials—or an ironic phrase—you can also customize the size (small, medium, large, or extra large), color (10 options, including deep mulberry and regatta blue), and handle length (regular or long). L.L.Bean now offers a fully monochromatic bag, too; the handles and canvas body match—a particularly modern upgrade from the old-school contrast handles.
14k Gold Oval Signet Ring (about $250 at the time of publication)
For a dainty accessory that packs ample meaning, we think this signet ring that you can engrave makes the perfect choice. Wirecutter senior editor Jen Hunter said she hasn’t taken hers off since the day she received it. This one is especially solid because it has a closed back—the signet plate is made from solid gold, as opposed to being hollow inside. This also makes it feel smooth against a finger and, as Jen said, “incredibly comfortable to wear.” It’s available in rose gold, yellow gold, or white gold, and for no extra charge, you can add up to three engraved characters in one of several font options.
L.L.Bean Winter Fleece Robe ($80, plus $8 for monogramming, at the time of publication) L.L.Bean Kids’ Fleece Robe ($45, plus $8 for monogramming, at the time of publication)
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who is always cold—and who favors cozy over fancy—consider a personalized robe. The L.L.Bean fleece robes for adults and kids were among the favorite warm options in our guide to the best robes. “My kids and I have these robes, and they’re what we all reach for on cold fall and winter mornings,” said deputy editor Christine Cyr Clisset. “I like that they’re cut generously, which means my kids have been able to wear theirs for several years.” You can personalize these robes with up to 10 characters, in a variety of thread colors.
Crown & Paw Custom Pet Canvas (from $60 at the time of publication)
For people who put their pets on an emotional pedestal, Crown & Paw’s personalized pet portraits can visually elevate an animal’s rank to royalty. Whether the pet is a pig, puppy, chicken, or cat, Crown & Paw can swiftly re-create a 19th-century or Renaissance-era portrait in their likeness. “I was deeply impressed by the quality, and I couldn’t help but giggle,” said Wirecutter’s Nick Guy. “They captured my dog’s brindle coloring and goofy personality perfectly. It looks like an actual painting, with his big ol’ head fitting seamlessly onto the classy body.”
Krazy Straws Namesake Straw (from $10 at the time of publication)
For the kid who’s territorial over their beverages, or the adult who just needs a more whimsical way to hydrate, a straw that bends and curves to shape their name makes a charming gift. Krazy Straws lets you customize the name of your recipient and choose from among several opaque and translucent colors. Unfortunately, cleaning the straw isn’t nearly as fun as drinking from it (your loved one will need to wash it right after use, by running tap water through it end to end and soaking it in warm, soapy water). But we share the opinion of Wirecutter’s Nick Guy, who provided his thoughts on straw cleaning after he bought these straws for his two nieces: “Not my problem! The perks of being an uncle!”
Pinhole Press Hardcover Cookbook (from about $90 at the time of publication)
A custom cookbook is a beautiful—albeit time-consuming—gift for your favorite home chef. Pinhole Press offers an intuitive and well-designed layout to simplify the process of uploading photos, ingredient lists, and directions. The finished, cloth-bound product looks satisfyingly professional; ambitious authors can add extra recipes for 75¢ a page. A personalized recipe book would also make a great collaborative gift for a group of friends or a big family: Each member could submit a few of their favorite recipes.
Minimalistic Birthstones Bracelet (from about $40 at the time of publication)
These custom birthstone bracelets are pleasing in their simplicity, featuring a dainty silver or gold-filled chain of varying lengths to fit your recipient’s wrist size. Select just one gem—maybe your recipient’s birthstone. Or, if you’re buying for a romantic partner, consider adding both of your birthstones together. Dorie Chevlen, one of the authors of this guide, has this bracelet with a blue topaz and a moonstone, to represent the birth months of her parents, plus a citrine gem for her three siblings (who, like her, were all born in November). She wears it whenever she needs a simple accessory or wants to feel connected to them.
Chaco Custom Sandals ($130 at the time of publication)
Durable and adorable, customized Chaco sandals are beloved for their ability to withstand rigorous outdoor activities while looking cute and staying comfortable. “I’ve worn my pair constantly since I received them, and I’ve gotten compliments,” said Wirecutter’s Rozette Rago. Customize the straps, footbed, and soles of these Michigan-made sandals with photos, favorite phrases, embroidery, and myriad color combinations. And although Chaco sandals are renowned for their durability, the company also offers an inexpensive repair program for owners.
Cuyana Easy Tote (about $250, plus $15 for monogramming, at the time of publication) Cuyana leather earbuds case (about $50 at the time of publication)
The recently launched Cuyana Easy Tote is one of Wirecutter’s new favorite tote bags, thanks to its supple Italian leather, minimalist lines, and incredible storage capacity (this bag really can fit everything). The Easy Tote debuted in 2022 as a replacement for Cuyana’s Classic Tote (our former pick), and it upstages its predecessor in two meaningful ways. First: Short and long handle lengths mean the bag can be clasped by hand or slung over the shoulder. And second: Interior ties allow the Cuyana to transform into a bundled, bucket-style bag, for days when someone is carrying less. Cuyana can monogram the tote with up to three large or eight small letters. (If you think the recipient would prefer something cheekier than a monogram, may we suggest: “LFG,” “LOL,” or, our favorite, a simple “IYKYK.”) If the bag is out of your price range, Cuyana’s earbuds case is handy and fancy-seeming, and it can also be monogrammed.
Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet (from $70, plus $10 and up for monogramming, at the time of publication)
A person’s name stays with them forever, and so can a thin bifold wallet from Leatherology, one of Wirecutter’s favorite slim wallets, thanks to its subtly luxurious look and feel. (And it will stay with them longest of all when you include a Bluetooth tracker, too.) Make this gift even more special by adding a foil-debossed monogram of up to four characters in gold, silver, or rose gold (there’s also a colorless option). Plus, since there are many sophisticated leather colors to choose from, you can design a Leatherology wallet perfectly suited to your recipient’s taste.
Mixbook (from $16 at the time of publication)
Mixbook, Wirecutter’s pick for the best photo-book service, is a great place to have custom photo books made year-round. But the holidays are the perfect time to curate special images into a gift that will keep those memories alive forever. Whether you hope to give a photo book centered on a holiday theme or a past vacation—or even a book that’s just a compilation of older, scanned images—Mixbook’s easy-to-use design software offers tons of customization options. If you’re looking for more photo-gift inspiration, check out our guide to other personalized photo gifts we love.
Personalized Stationery (from $25 for a set of 10 at the time of publication)
Epistolary correspondence still beats email, text, and Snaps for grace, style, and posterity. The problem is, bespoke stationery usually costs a fortune. The letter writer on your list will appreciate this high-quality set from Joy Creative Shop, which lets you select from among 10 cheery colors for the envelope and 30 hues for the text. The 110-pound card stock has a satisfying heft and a slightly textured feel, and the printing is opaque and consistent, with no blips or errors.
Yeti Rambler 20-ounce Tumbler ($35 at the time of publication)
A longtime Wirecutter pick for a particularly sturdy tumbler, the 20-ounce Yeti Rambler is great—so great, in fact, that if it gets lost, the lucky finder is unlikely to jump through major hoops to give it back. Unless, of course, the mug is personalized, and they can’t enjoy it ethically anyway! Yeti makes those customizations easy: Add text or monogramming in a variety of fonts and colors, pick a design from among Yeti’s collection (including sports logos, Greek letters, and some inoffensive clip art), or upload your own black-and-white image. The customizable area is relatively generous—all the better for adding a meaningful quote, an inside joke, or detailed contact information.
Custom Converse Chuck Taylor All Star (from $80 at the time of publication)
One of our picks for the best white sneakers, Converse’s Chuck Taylors are incredibly customizable, allowing you to choose the colors and prints for the inside and outside body, the tongue, the eyelets, the laces, the rubber, and every other part of the shoe. You can also have them embroidered with up to six letters on the outside low rear or the heel stripe. (Initials on the heel stripe are a stylistically safe bet when you are giving a gift.). And fear not: While half of the iconic shoe’s sartorial appeal lies in looking effortless, a bespoke pair of Chucks will preserve that same low-key cool.
Apple AirTag (about $30 at the time of publication)
For the person who’s always searching for their keys, wallet, or purse, a Bluetooth tracker makes the perfect problem-solving gift. Our favorite for iPhone users, the Apple AirTag leverages Apple’s huge network of devices to recover the lost item, and it is impressively accurate at pinpointing the exact location of someone’s stuff. What makes it more special and gift-like, though, is the option to add custom engraving with up to four characters or emojis when you order from Apple. Customize the tracker even further with a key-ring hole or an adhesive back; you’ll find innumerable options online from both Apple and third-party companies.
We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.
This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.
Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”
Nancy Redd is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering everything from Santa hats to bath bombs. She is also a GLAAD Award–nominated on-air host and a New York Times best-selling author. Her latest picture book, The Real Santa, follows a determined little Black boy's journey to discover what the jolly icon truly looks like.
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