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When it comes to being a great gift-giver, there are so many different routes you can take. The perfect gift might be based in practicality or luxury and indulgence. For those partial to nostalgia, the best sentimental gifts will always win them over. Keychain
A sentimental gift does not only mean a hand-written note that'll make them misty-eyed. To us, a sentimental gift is one that's thoughtful and goes the extra mile in showing the person on the other end of the gift exchange that you really care. Whether it's an item that nods to memories you've shared together or a product that'll help them learn that new skill they can't stop talking about, this list is filled with the best sentimental gift ideas that will make anyone in your life feel special.
Best for: The music lover
From cassette tapes to CDs, making someone a playlist has always been seen as an act of closeness. Give this classic gesture a modern twist with this personalized acrylic song display. You can customize this gift with a photo and Spotify link to a memorable song or road trip playlist.
Remember the good old days of making scrapbooks for the ones you love? This customized collage from Minted is the much more sophisticated, grown-up version. Upload 30 of their favorite photos, or your favorite photos featuring them, and Minted will organize them into a sweet, heart-shaped collage that looks great on display.
Best for: The one who needs a boost whenever
With over 110 pages of fill-in-the-blank prompts, this book lets you get as mushy-gushy as you'd like. You can be sure they'll have this stored somewhere special so they can reread your answers whenever they need a boost.
Best for: The board gamer
Help them stay entertained by gifting them a customized puzzle of their favorite picture. This puzzle also comes with a customized box, making this gift even more special. Choose from any image to commemorate a special event, remember a great vacation, or show love to their favorite pet.
Best for: The utterly quotable one
Frame one of their favorite quotes, lyrics, or sayings and customize everything from font color to matting to make it theirs.
Photos of loved ones are an instant source of joy. Structuring your daily life around them with a calendar is a great way to fill each day with more gratitude and happiness. Artifact Uprising's desktop calendar is sustainably made from reclaimed wood and fully customizable. You can also choose the calendar's starting month, so you don't have to wait for a new year to create one.
Best for: the long distance friend or partner
Whether you're near or far, they'll always remember the promises you made with this pinky promise keychain. Every time they go to unlock their car or house, they'll be met with a daily reminder of the bond you two share.
A search-and-find book is a challenging and fun activity for young kids learning how to read. This personalized option makes your little one the protagonist and it makes for a sweet keepsake they can have for years to come.
Best for: Sentimentalists that are minimalists too
For those who like to tap into their sentimental side more subtly, this birthstone necklace is a beautiful choice. Each birthstone is set in pure 14k yellow gold, and the necklace has a dainty design that works well for everyday wear. The special meaning they assign to this piece is all their own, and that's what makes it so special.
Best for: The long-distance bud
Let them know you're thinking of them with a cute custom gift box from Greetabl. Choose a mini gift like caramels or chocolates, a gift card, and add a note and photos to be delivered to their door.
Best for: The Green Thumb
A money tree is said to bring positivity and good fortune into any space it occupies. Who wouldn't want that? It doesn't hurt that these plants are also non-toxic, pet-friendly, and work to purify the air around them.
Best for: The lifelong journaler
Leatherology's monogrammable, full-grain leather journal is built to last and be refilled as much as needed. If you know someone who loves writing but can't find the right journal, this will show them that you care. Whenever they write in the journal, they'll remember who got them started.
For most of us, and for better or worse, our phones are with us 24/7. So why not make their phone case an homage to all the people, places, and things in life they love most? With CASETiFY, you can upload photos directly to the site and quickly turn them into a phone-case-ready collage.
Best for: The plant lover
For the one who's always looking to improve, give them a gift that'll help them pursue their self-growth goals — quite literally. This set of plantable wish cards calls them to write down their goals or wishes on each card, then plant them, water them, and watch as they bloom into beautiful wildflowers.
If they know their sun, moon, and rising sign, this made-to-order astrology book will make the perfect gift. Provide their birthday and time of birth, and the company will create a 70-page book with information and insights customized from their birth chart.
One Insider Reviews writer said the book felt extremely personalized, and no two books are the same.
Best for: The one who loves handwritten letters
For those who err on the side of nostalgia, what better gift than that of analog communication. While we can communicate completely digitally these days, there is something so special about sharing your thoughts, and your appreciation for others, in your own handwriting. A set of customized stationary is all they need to do just that.
No matter where they go, they'll always keep you close with this miniature photo album keychain. Sure, they could just scroll through the photo album on their phone, but this old school iteration is so much sweeter.
Is there anything more romantic than a love letter? This mini, 100% gold charm version can be engraved with up to 30 characters, which is the perfect amount for a short but sweet message. Pair it with a dainty chain and they can always keep it close to their heart.
Best for: The bookworm
Your book lover can get rid of their paper bookmark and replace it with this wooden book holder. They can place their book on the stand and pick up where they left off later. You can choose from six different wood color options.
Best for: The avid traveler
For the giftee who loves to travel, a passport cover is a great gift. You can have their initials monogrammed onto the cover to add a thoughtful and special touch to the gift.
A custom piece of jewelry is already a thoughtful gift but this handwritten bracelet from Etsy goes the extra mile. Surprise your gift recipient with a gold, sterling silver, or rose gold bracelet with words on it written in your or a loved one's handwriting.
Best for: The family who takes tradition seriously
The My Family Cookbook is a sweet gift that will keep on giving. After having various family members add recipes, the book can become an heirloom gift that gets passed down to generations.
Tie Pins Music makes for such powerful memories. Is there a song that's the soundtrack to your friendship? Are there lyrics that you and your partner live by? If so, consider this custom canvas print from Lime & Lou. Add the song title of your choice, give the memory a name, time, and place, choose the frame and colorways and you have a personalized gift that's sure to tug on their heartstrings.