The holidays are a time to celebrate the people who matter most with gifts that feel personal and meaningful. Thoughtfully chosen, handmade, and personalized keepsakes are intentional and often cost-effective gifts. Here’s a list of 16 custom gift ideas to inspire your holiday giving.
Custom Gifts to Give for the Holidays
1. Homemade Goods
Homemade gifts carry a personal touch that store-bought items can’t match. Consider gifting preserved fruits, pickled vegetables, or homemade jams in decorative jars with handwritten labels. You can also create simmer pot packets filled with dried fruits and spices to fill their home with warm, cozy scents during the winter months. If you like spending time in the kitchen, baked goods like cookies, breads, and festive treats are always a hit.
2. Knitted Scarf, Hat, or Mittens
If you opt for a hand-knitted scarf or pair of mittens, choose yarn colors that reflect your loved one’s personality or favorite hues. These gifts are practical and perfect for cold winter days. If knitting isn’t your skill, consider supporting a local artisan for a similar personal touch.
3. DIY Self-Care Products
Encourage loved ones to slow down and enjoy the season with homemade self-care products like bath bombs, lip balms, or sugar scrubs. Add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for soothing fragrances to help them relax from holiday stress. Package them in glass jars with custom labels for a polished, spa-like presentation.
4. Custom Photo Frame
A photo frame is the perfect sentimental decoration to give for the holidays. Handcrafted photo frames allow you to display cherished memories like group photos with friends, family portraits, or snapshots from a favorite vacation. Customize your frame by choosing a wood moulding that complements their home or office decor and add a personalized engraving for a meaningful touch.
5. Handwarmers
During long winter months, keep your loved one warm and cozy with handmade hand warmers.
Select a pattern at a craft store and sew it at home, or purchase from a local retailer and personalize them by embroidering initials or adding a heartfelt message.
6. Crocheted Blanket
If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, a crocheted blanket is a labor of love that can be passed down through generations. Select yarn colors and a stitch pattern that reflect your loved one’s personality or home decor. Handmade blankets keep you warm and carry sentimental value, making them one of the most meaningful gifts you can give for the holidays.
7. Painting or Art Piece
Art can be deeply personal, and gifting a painting or handmade piece shows both thoughtfulness and creativity. Consider the recipient’s style and create something that suits their personality. You can craft your own work or commission a local artist for a professional, one-of-a-kind piece. Artwork is an original gift that doubles as decor and a conversation starter.
8. Pet Treats
For the pet lover in your life, gift them some homemade pet treats. Find simple recipes online for peanut butter or meat-based treats that use few ingredients. Package them in a special jar with their pet’s name or with a custom pet photo frame for an extra special touch.
9. Lanyards & Keychains
Small gifts can make a big impact when they’re personalized. Create your own with craft supplies or design one online through a retailer. Add initials or charms that reflect hobbies and interests to make a more meaningful gift.
10. Memory Shadow Box
A shadow box is a beautiful way to display memories and milestones. Fill it with ticket stubs, souvenirs, photographs, postcards, dried flowers, invitations, or handwritten notes. Shadow boxes are perfect for commemorating weddings, graduations, births, or travel adventures.
11. Recipe Book
Compile favorite family recipes into a custom book to pass down delicious traditions. Handwrite recipes on cards and place them in a photo book, or print them and organize in a personalized binder. Add a personal dedication page in the front where loved ones can write notes about what they’ve included. A recipe book is a heartfelt gift for anyone who loves to cook.
12. Jewelry
Jewelry like engraved necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or watches make timeless holiday gifts. Order jewelry kits online to create custom pieces yourself or source from local craftspeople. Personalize with initials, birthstones, or sentimental messages to make them a gift that feels truly special.
13. Gallery Wall Set
Turn your memories into art with a curated gallery wall. Choose frames in complementary styles and sizes to help your loved one create a stunning display, or give them a set of matching frames and let them decide how to decorate their space. Gallery walls often feature consistent mouldings and mat colors, but for a creative twist, design unique frames for an eclectic vibe. Check out our blog for more tips on how to design gallery walls.
14. Coffee Mug, Tumbler, or Water Bottle
Hand-paint a mug or design a tumbler online to create a cup that’ll soon become their everyday essential. Mugs, thermoses, or durable water bottles encourage them to caffeinate and hydrate, whether they’re at home or on the go. Pair this gift with their favorite coffee or tea blend for a personal touch.
15. Photo Calendar
Help them start the new year off right with a customized photo calendar featuring family pictures or favorite moments. It’s a practical and sentimental way to keep memories front and center all year long. Calendars are especially great for grandparents, parents, or anyone who loves staying organized.
16. Engraved Cutting Board
For the entertainer in your life, an engraved cutting board or charcuterie board is both a functional and stylish option. Add their family name or a favorite quote for a gift that will be admired for years. Pair it with gourmet cheeses, chocolates, or snacks for a complete holiday gift.
Shop Customizable Frames for Loved Ones
At customframes.com, we believe every achievement and memory deserves to be commemorated. Our handcrafted frames are made in the USA with premium materials and eco-conscious practices. We guarantee your satisfaction with our frames, so you can give holiday gifts that display memories and achievements with pride.
By Brynn Van Beek
