23 Best Personalized Gifts That Will Show It's the Thought That Counts

Marlen has been a writer and editor for the past 10 years, covering beauty, fashion and commerce. When she's not writing, she's traveling abroad and exploring new cities.

Natalia Lusinski Contributor

Natalia is a contributing writer for CNET. Her work can also be seen in places like Business Insider, Yahoo and Forbes. She spent several years living abroad, from goat-sitting in the Swiss Alps to staying with nuns at a monastery in Venice. Back in Los Angeles, she runs a popular pizza Meetup and is still on a quest to find her favorite slice.

Mpix Photo Coasters

These personalized coasters make a fun gift and a great conversation-starter -- whether you include photos of you and the giftee or ones of their family. They come in sets of four and prices start at $24. You can also purchase the wooden display stand to house the coasters when they’re not in use.

Shutterfly Photo Key Ring

I get these made for people all the time. and they’re perfect as a standalone gift or even as a gift tag on another present you’re giving them. The photo options are endless.

Family Recipe Cutting Board

There's nothing more nostalgic than seeing a loved one's handwritten recipe card. It transports you to standing in their kitchen, watching them briskly putting the meal together as you sneak taste-tests of their delicious creations. So why not immortalize their favorite recipe onto a cutting board and give it to a family member or friend? This is especially touching for anyone who lives far from that particular loved one or has since lost them.

Gift Wrap My Face Wrapping Paper

Once you find the perfect personalized gift, go one step further and wrap it in your giftee's face -- or your own -- as an inside joke. Gift Wrap My Face wrapping paper is a hilarious way to present holiday gifts. Upload a photo (or photos) of a loved one's face and choose from hundreds of wrapping paper designs, from Christmas elves to snowmen to menorah heads. It will definitely be memorable!

IntentionallyMe Personalized Engraved Money Clip

With this money clip, you can get it engraved on one ($27) or both sides ($38) -- and even in your own (or in your child’s) handwriting. When you gift it, you can put a handwritten note into the clip or even some money, depending on who it’s for. One thing’s for sure -- your giftee will definitely use it.

My Face Socks

You know you'll get a reaction when this creative, hilarious gift is unwrapped. Choose from dozens of colorful sock styles, upload the image of your choice (a pet, child, significant other) and choose your size. My Face Socks also make great stocking stuffers and White Elephant gifts.

Artifact Uprising Brass Easel and Calendar

Rather than giving your giftee a stack of photos, turn them into something useful and give them this photo calendar on an easel. It can show off your favorite moments together, or you can comb through their Instagram and Facebook feeds and choose special photos from there.

Custom Ravensburger Photo Puzzle

You can create a custom high-quality Ravensburger puzzle with a favorite photo of your choice, whether it's a pic of your giftee's furry friend, them with their significant other or friends, or a family photo. The 1,000-piece puzzle is around 10 by 14 inches when put together -- there are also other sizes available -- and there is an option for it to come in a box or a collectible tin. The puzzle fan in your life will love this nostalgic gift. Bonus: The you and your giftee can work on the puzzle together for a cozy holiday activity.

Mark & Graham Monogrammed Luggage Tag

It's no surprise that this luggage tag is a top seller. Choose from 13 tag colors and then get creative with initial combos to create a unique, fun gift that's sure to be appreciated. The tag buckles onto a luggage handle and has a privacy flap too.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry Personalized Beverage Tub

Folks who love to entertain will appreciate this personalized party decor. The galvanized metal tub reads "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," and can also be engraved with a last name. It's the perfect touch for any soiree. Just fill it with ice and drinks and let the compliments roll in. It's a perfect host gift.

Marble & Brass Monogram Board

Whether your giftee is into the "butter board" trend or loves a classic charcuterie spread, this handcrafted Williams-Sonoma monogrammed piece will be a favorite. The 14 by 9-inch modern white marble board features a polished brass single initial in the corner. Upgrade tip: Toss in a set of cheese knives and artisan cheese for an ultra-luxe gift.

Little Navy pajamas

These super-soft pajamas would already be an adorable gift, but adding a name makes them even better. Choose from long- or short-sleeved styles and fun designs, including peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, city scenes, rainbows, pizza and forest animals.

Letterfolk Tile Mat

DIY folks will love piecing together this mat. It comes with 150 black tiles and you can either spell something out for them or they can. The tiles can also be used to create designs instead of words. An introvert friend has this and spelled out “Go home” -- and she loves that she can change the message anytime she’d like.

Merci Maman Personalized Flat Bangle

This flat bangle is a subtle piece that's easily stackable with other jewelry. It can be customized on the inside and outside with a sweet message, and can be hand-engraved on the same day. It has flexible sizing and is available in either a sterling silver, 18K gold-plated or 18K rose-gold-plated finish.

Erin Condren LifePlanner

Erin Condren's popular planners are a great gift for organized types (we all know some!) -- or wannabe organized types. There are so many fun covers to choose from, and everything can be personalized with a name or initials. Features include monthly quotes, calendars, note sheets, stickers and even a ruler. 

Sallyrose Name Necklace

A name necklace from Sallyrose is a perfect first piece of "real" jewelry. Kids and teens will love the cute character charm options -- including Hello Kitty, Harry Potter, Disney, Snoopy and Star Wars -- to accent their sterling silver or gold-plated 18-inch chain. This thoughtful present will arrive in a gift box and we like the affordable price too.

Earth and Space Nightlights

These galactic nightlights from Uncommon Goods are just the coolest. An illuminated acrylic plaque sits on a wood base, creating a warm nighttime glow. Choose the Earth or space design, and add your child's name for a unique, practical and personalized gift.

VistaPrint Fleece Photo Blanket

Give the gift of personalized coziness with this comfy blanket, which you can personalize with a photo. Choose a size (50 by 60 inches, or 60 by 80 inches), upload a photo, pick a design and your blanket will be shipped out and ready to gift. Bonus: VistaPrint's photo blankets are machine-washable, which is good news for snack spillers.

Crown & Paw Custom Pet Canvas

If you've got pet parents on your gift list, I can confirm they'll love a Crown & Paw portrait. Choose a canvas size and design, upload a photo, and Crown & Paw will create a whimsical, personalized gift. Who wouldn't want to see their dog or cat as a queen or old-timey war hero? It's art. But be sure to check out their site for all the fun, unique options. And keep in mind that prices vary depending on factors like what size portrait you choose and whether or not you get a frame.

Oak & Luna Key Charm Necklace

You can get up to eight characters engraved onto this 18-karat gold vermeil key, whether it's your giftee's name, initials or even their childhood address. It also comes in sterling silver, rose-gold vermeil and 14-karat solid gold. Trust us, this key will unlock your giftee's heart.

Williams-Sonoma Miyabi Kaizen II Chef's Knife

Treat the cook in your life with an engraved chef's knife they can use to create masterpieces in the kitchen. You can add custom text or a monogram to it for $15 each, and there are 28 monogram designs to choose from, which gives you plenty of options. It will definitely be a gift they’ll cherish -- and actually use.

Madewell Transport Tote

Madewell's best-selling leather tote bag is a crowd-pleaser. It comes in two colors -- true black and English saddle -- and can be personalized with a variety of font and text colors. Quality construction and a classic style make this tote a perfect present for the holidays or other special occasions, and the personalized monogram is the icing on the cake. Monogramming costs $10, although it's free for Madewell Insiders.

Engraved Apple gadgets

Yes, there are still a small number of Apple gadgets that you can get with a custom engraving. Obviously, you're limiting the hand-me-down value of these gadgets -- and you're paying a premium for them at the Apple Store -- but a personalized note or symbol on those AirPod headphones, AirTag trackers, iPod cases or iPad tablets is a great way to show you thought ahead. Pro tip: AirTags start at just $29, so they're a great stocking stuffer for an iPhone owner.

Cameo video message

A Cameo video message is the perfect unique personalized gift for the person who has everything. At the click of a button, a celebrity will record a personalized video that you can download and send. Singers, reality stars, athletes and even politicians are among the options. Prices vary: Tom Felton, also known as Harry Potter's Draco Malfoy, will cost you $599, but you can get a special message from Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga for $175. Look out for holiday deals from select celebrities too. And if you're looking for something more festive, you can buy a cameo from Santa Claus, starting from $10.