Guy, I’ve broken down. Normally I’m a Christmas-starts-after-Thanksgiving kind of person but 2020 has changed me. I really just want to put up my tree, turn on some twinkle lights, and pretend like the election is behind us. I’m looking forward to creating the holiday magic with my little family this year and I don’t want to wait much longer.

So that brings us to gift guides. I’ve really been enjoying creating them this year. It’s a fun way to start getting into the holiday spirit early without shocking my husband by putting up decorations a month ahead of time. This year I have a handful planned out so far. I’m starting with these personalized gift ideas because this year we all need to take into account shipping timelines that may be affected due to Covid. Anything personalized takes additional time on top of regular shipping too.

Why personalized gifts? Well, this year especially, something sentimental might be just the thing for a loved one that you haven’t seen in months.

8 Personalized Gift Ideas

Honey & Hank Stateside Napkins

One of my favorite female owned small businesses to support is Honey & Hank. They make the most whimsical and well-designed home linens. Their designs are all created out of the silhouettes of the 50 states. A set of napkins from someone’s home state would be a great personal gift, especially if they just moved or don’t live near home anymore. Honey & Hank just launched tea towel designs for all 50 states but their cloth napkins are the best in my opinion.

They just announced their Holiday collection which includes tea towels and pillow designs.

Monogrammed Leather Tote Bag

Another beautiful and functional gift would be a monogrammed leather tote bag. The Madewell Transport Tote is the gold standard when it comes to monogrammed leather totes. Cuyana however is another brand that creates beautiful leather handbags with monogramming. Either of these options would be a great gift for any woman who is always on the go and needs to carry around a tote full of things with her.

Which tote to buy? Well, the Madewell Transport tote only comes in a few different colors but there is a version of the transport tote with a zipper top. The Cuyana tote also has a zipper style and is available in more colorways but is more expensive (about a $30 difference). Cuyana also sells organizing inserts for their tote bags. I’ve never seen Cuyana put their tote bags on sale while the Madewell tote will likely go on sale over Cyber Weekend.

“Polaroid” Photo Gift by Minted

If you want a non-cheesy photo gift, this set of nine “polaroids” from Minted is a beautiful way to capture memories. This would be perfect to frame photos of a pregnancy or a growing baby. I suggest going with the framed option as it’s not too expensive to add on and would make it a complete gift versus just the print.

There is also this 12-month version that is great if you want to share photos of an entire year rather than just a nine grid.

Personalized Books for Kids

There are a ton of great options for personalized books for kids. I really like this Teddy Can Change the World book where they will insert your child’s name into the story. However, I think that Teddy might be getting Teddy’s Very Own Trucks and Things That Go book.

Photo Book by Chatbooks

Another gift that you can set up in a few minutes is a photo book from Chatbooks. What makes these photo books different than others is that you can do it all from your phone. Chatbooks can pull photos from your Facebook, Instagram, or camera roll to make photo books within minutes then they mail them to you. I love that this company is “by moms, for moms” so they really know the meaning of making something quick and easy.

Shutterfly Photo Gifts

Ok getting into the cheesy photo gifts, Shutterfly is the place to go. They will print a photo onto basically anything you want. Need a pillow with your SO’s face on it? What about a throw blanket? Maybe potholders? I say go classic and do a photo ornament for special moments in life like a wedding, new baby, or family move.

Monogrammed Anything from Mark & Graham 

Want to give a gift that is monogrammed? Doesn’t matter what it is, Mark & Graham will do it. Basically, everything they sell is monogrammable. From handbags to scarves to cheese boards to wallets, you name it and they will write initials on it. Their Holiday Best Sellers page is a great place to start because there is a lot to sort through from wine glasses to phone cases.

Initial Jewelry

There are so many great options out there for personalized initial jewelry. I love this little signet ring that can be monogrammed with initials or a date on it. I wear one celebrating the birth of my son. I also really love these delicate constellation signet rings. As for necklaces, this one from Kate Spade is a great find especially for someone who is just starting a jewelry collection. These initial name choker necklaces are also really popular for moms right now.

Personalized Yankee Candles

Know someone who loves candles? You can have their picture (or a picture they would love) placed on a candle then sent to them. I’m going to be giving this to someone this year.