If you're seeking a present for someone who loves to indulge in nostalgia, choosing one of the best sentimental gifts is a great option. We've rounded up gifts from a range of categories that all say — either subtly or overtly — that you're thinking of them.
These gifts are tailor-made to be special to you and your giftee. Due to their personalized nature, check order deadlines before purchasing if you need your gift to arrive before Christmas. For more ideas ranging from tear-jerkingly sentimental to uniquely personalized, check out our picks below.
This gift guide includes a sponsored product that has been suggested by Ana Luisa. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*
Style gifts
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For pet parentsThese ultra-comfy crewnecks are elevated by hand-drawn, embroidered portraits of their furry friend(s). The wearable artwork pays homage to their multi-legged pal. -
For the giftee who loves to travelMonogram their initials on this passport cover to add a thoughtful and special touch to the gift.
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A dainty, personalized necklaceInitial jewelry is always a sentimental choice. This tarnish-proof hypoallergenic necklace is a best-seller from Ana Luisa, one of our favorite affordable jewelry brands.
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Staff Pick
A staple bagThe classic Lands' End Canvas Tote is back having its moment in the spotlight. Customize it with their name or a meaningful phrase.
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This year's "it" braceletIt's the year of the friendship bracelet. Highlight a meaningful phrase, affirmation, or name, or choose a pre-made design.
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For the one who never lets go of their phoneMake their phone case a collage that’s an homage to all the people, places, and things in life they love most.
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A bracelet in a loved one’s handwritingThis bracelet in gold, sterling silver, or rose gold gets its design from your or a loved one’s handwriting.
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He'll wear your message on his sleeveThese special brass envelope cufflinks flip open to reveal your personal message or image printed on wood.
Home gifts
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For the state pride championThese brightly embroidered pillows pay homage to each state's cities and cultural touchpoints.
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A smart photo frameWhy frame one photo when you can have an endless slide show? It's easy for family members to add photos with the accompanying app.
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For the bookwormA good book can truly define us. Capture that feeling of reading a classic for the first time with up to 12 of their favorite titles.
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Keep up with loved ones from afarThese paired lamps, one of which lights up when the other is touched, lets them know you're thinking of them even when apart.
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Staff Pick
A custom candleMiami-based Taja Collection specializes in custom candles. Upload a photo of your pet or a favorite moment, choose a fragrance, and they'll create a beautiful keepsake.
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Immortalize a music-based memoryThis custom canvas print combines a name, time, place, and lyrics to create unique, personalized wall art.
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A visible voice noteSend a song or an audio file of you or a loved one speaking, and this shop will turn it into sound-wave art.
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For pet parentsIf they love their pet more than pretty much anything in the world, this portrait is a thoughtful gesture.
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For the loved one far from homeThese unique scents capture the ethos of states and cities or memories like road trips and backyard BBQs.
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If music is the language of loveThis acrylic display can be customized with a photo and Spotify code to a memorable song or playlist.
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Home sweet homeCelebrate the milestone of home ownership or bask in the nostalgia of a childhood home. These watercolor prints are hand sketched based off your provided image and framed.
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Commemorate a beloved memoryCommission a custom watercolor of your — or a newlyweds’ — wedding venue or location.
Hobbies and games gifts
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For the person who loves arts and craftsThis fun paint by numbers kit has a personal twist; They'll upload a favorite photo, print it on the included canvas, and then get painting.
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Throwback to a childhood gadgetFill this reel viewer with snapshots of cherished memories for a gift that'll flood them with nostalgia.
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Comes with a customized box as wellHelp them stay entertained by gifting them a customized puzzle of their favorite picture.
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A beloved game with a personal touchFor families who treasure game night and a little friendly competition, this personalized Scrabble game is heirloom quality.
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For the one who's always looking to improveWrite down a goal or wish on each wish card, plant them, and then watch them bloom into wildflowers.
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A travel-friendly mini printerPrint mini photos, editable within the Polaroid app, from your phone or tablet using a WiFi connection.
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A hand-picked mini gift boxChoose mini gifts, like caramels or chocolates, and add a note and photos to this customizable gift box.
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Create a custom fragranceScent is heavily tied to memory. Play chemist to design a custom scent that takes you back to a person, time, or place.
Stationary and book gifts
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For the giftee who loves to writeLeatherology's monogrammable, full-grain leather journal is built to last and be refilled as much as needed.
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A calendar with a custom start monthArtifact Uprising's desktop calendar is sustainably made from reclaimed wood and fully customizable.
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70 pages of personalized birth chart insightsIf they know their sun, moon, and rising sign, this made-to-order astrology book will make the perfect gift.
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Nostalgic analog communicationThis customized stationery lets them share their thoughts and appreciation for others in their own handwriting.
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A mood-boosting rereadWith over 110 pages of fill-in-the-blank prompts, this book lets you get as mushy-gushy as you'd like.
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Best for childrenThis customizable search-and-find book makes your little one the protagonist of six alternate universes.
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A cohesive, beautiful keepsake.Convert their favorite photos and mementos into one glossy book they can showcase around the home.
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For the history buffThis one-of-a-kind book curates headlines from their birthday from The Washington Post, LA Times, or NY Daily News.
Kitchen gifts
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A mug with a meaningful messageYou can customize this mug with any words you want, printed in your handwriting or someone else's.
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For the bakerAccessorize their KitchenAid with an engraved mixing bowl. Williams Sonoma also engraves Ember Mugs, Wusthoff knives, and Zwiesel glasses.
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Define how you really feelGive meaning to the classic "name mug" by defining three special characteristics about what you love about its recipient.
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For that one special dishBoth functional and highly sentimental, this stoneware dish can be customized with a phrase of your choosing, up to 40 characters.
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A new heirloomWhen taken care of correctly, cast iron can last decades. Pass this skillet on to the next generation by engraving a special message on the bottom.
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Because family recipes just taste betterPreserve family recipes in a unique way with this solid cherry wood cutting board.
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Cheers to the occassionCommemorate any occasion with a special bottle of chardonnay, cabernet, rose, or Champagne personalized to the recipient.
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A gift that keeps on givingHave family members add recipes to create a cookbook that can become an heirloom gift for future generations.
