Trying to up your gift-giving game this year? Give that special someone a present that feels like it's actually for them. Take a look at these thoughtful tips and ideas that feel totally personal.

The art of gift giving is truly a skill. Generally speaking, a winning present is always thoughtful, creative, well-planned and can range in price depending on the special occasion—and person. Most of us are all lucky to know a few people in our lives that have really mastered this skill, but for those of us who need a little help we have a few tips and some great gifting ideas that would work for birthdays, holidays, special events and anniversaries. 

1. The first rule of gift giving is to stay on top of your dates. You need to be aware of what’s coming up in your calendar, this will help you avoid the biggest pitfall of gift giving: buying something in a last minute frenzy. 

2. Take note of your giftee’s favourite things (Wine lover? Hockey fan? Reality TV obsessed?) and characteristics (Artistic? Outdoorsy? Sentimental?). Also be aware if they are only interested in practice things or appreciate decorative elements. This will really help guide you in the right direction.

3. Take these ideas and search google, but better yet, search Etsy. It specializes in specific interests and affordable personalized gifts. 

4. Always include a hand written note on a card that would appeal to either the giftee’s esthetic, sense of humour, or both.  

Still struggling to come up with an idea and running out of time? Try one of these gifts that feature custom names, initials and horoscope signs for a simple yet thoughtful personalized present. 

Etsy

A new phone case is affordable and accessible, we love this marble one with subtle initials in rose gold.

Rose marble personalized phone case, $35, etsy.ca. 

 

suetables.com.

Looking for a major wow item? Try a custom illustration on a scarf. After sending a photo of whatever you want illustrated (dog, mother and daughter or family portrait) in 2 to 4 weeks you’ll have your finished items. It doesn’t get more personal than that!

Custom Illustration Style & Soul on a large scarf, $230, suetables.com. 

Edie Parker

Pick your colour, sparkle and name for these fancy acrylic coasters, they come in a set of four. 

Square coaster, $295, edie-parker.com.

Etsy

Personalized necklaces are so five years ago! Now it's all about the namesake rings. 

Custom name rings, $29, etsy.ca. 

Anthropologie

The accessory enthusiast in your life will love one of these jumbo initial pins.

Initial pin trio, $30, anthropologie.com.

Del Toro

Yes, these smoking slippers are a splurge, but they’ll last years. Hand crafted on the Adriatic Coast of Italy, the customization allows you to select the type (and colour) of fabric, colour of sole and, of course, initials. 

Women’s custom slipper with custom monogram, $495, deltoroshoes.com.

Etsy

Perfect for the collector of jewellery—or it can be used to house a mini terrarium.

Personalized glass jewellery box, $55, etsy.ca.

Antropologie 

The astrology devotee on your list would love one of these tiny dishes to house delicate jewellery or keys. 

Star sign trinket dish, $14, anthropologie.com.

Sara Chloe

This is the perfect gift to team up with your sibling for your mother's birthday or mother's day. 

Multi 'Cara' necklace, $398, sarachloe.com. 

Etsy

If your looking for something for the foodie that has everything, this custom hand stamped spoon will surely be a winner. Stamp it with a saying, inside joke or something puny. 

Customized hand stamped spoon, $22, etsy.ca.

Anthropologie 

Need something for a coffee aficionado? Try one of these nautical mug.

Bryant letters mug, $10 each, anthropologie.com. 
 

Anthropologie

The word nerd in your life would adore one of these astrology bound note books complete with rose gold pen. 

Zodiac journals, $18, anthropologie.com. 

Bite Beauty

With bite beauty lip labs in Toronto, New York, San Francisco and San Jose you can make an appointment to create your very own custom lipstick colour. Not only are you giving the gift of a personalized lippy, but better yet, the experience of making it. With nearly 200 exclusive Bite Beauty pigments to choose from the combinations are endless. Next, pick a finish (glossy, matte or a combo of the two) and then finally a scent (cherry, mint, vanilla, citrus, mango, violet, coconut, wild berry and fresh citrus).

Custom lipstick $55 for one and $80 for two, bitebeauty.com.