By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
Best personalised gift ideas to add a sentimental touch
Yasmine specialises in shopping advice and finding the best deals during sales events like Black Friday, helping readers get great value for their money.
If you’re looking for a gift for someone special, adding a personal touch will make it even more meaningful and show how much you care.
Whether it's a delicate engraving or a striking custom print, there are plenty of presents to convey that it's really the thought that counts.
To make your decision easier, we reached out to Which? experts to share their favourite personalised gift ideas, perfect for any occasion.
Personalised gifts less than £25
Engraved mirror
An engraved mirror is a handbag essential. It’s the perfect mix of pretty and practical: ideal for quick lipstick checks or a hair touch-up, and a sweet, stylish keepsake they’ll want to carry around.
We like Personal and practical
Watch out for Not all letters are engraved
A compact mirror will be used every day for quick touch-ups on the move but most wouldn't think to treat themselves to a bespoke version.
Whether you choose a budget-friendly mirror from Amazon or a high-end one, such as a personalised Chanel mirror from LK Designs, the engraved finish makes it feel like something special.
Personalised shoe tags by My Amulet
You pick this up directly from My Amulet for £12 per pair of personalised shoe tags.
I don't always feel like dragging myself out of bed to go for a run, but it definitely feels a little easier when I look down at my shoes to see a message of encouragement from my daughter.
We like Perfect for runners
Watch out for Limited space for customisation
If they're a keen runner, these shoe tags by My Amulet could be a hit, adding a unique personalised touch to their running shoes.
The tags are made from stainless steel with a curved design and easily loop through the top lace holes.
Customise each one with their name, initials, a meaningful date (such as a race day) or a motivational phrase to keep them moving. You get up to 15 characters per tag.
Tennis balls
Custom-labelled balls keep my gear from going missing while playing social tennis, but they mean much more than that. It’s the kind of thoughtful gift that shows someone really knows me.
We like Available in 10 colours
Watch out for Expensive compared to normal balls
For the avid tennis player, a set of personalised balls is a thoughtful nod to their hobby.
Custom balls won't get mixed up with others on the court, and the attention to detail is sure to be noticed.
Beyond the court, this could also be a great gift for dog owners to take on walks for a game of fetch.
Parkrun ID bracelet
Available from Parkrun (£16)
For your Parkrun-obsessive family and friends, a personalised Parkrun ID band is a great gift. They're a great investment, it's thoughtful and saves you carrying a paper Parkrun ID or fiddling with your phone. Plus, it doubles as an emergency-contact band, and can be worn even at non-Parkrun events.
We like Keeps your Parkrun barcode accessible
Watch out for Remove it to scan the barcode
Weekend Parkruns are popping up all over the country, and regular participants are sure to appreciate this silicone band featuring their Parkrun ID, name, ICE (emergency) contact and medical details.
Your info is on the inside of the band to keep it private, and it’s inset so it won't get worn down.
The band comes in seven colours, decorated with the Parkrun UK logo.
Make-up bag
My friend got us personalised make-up bags – it was a great upgrade from my usual carrier bag and is still used to this day.
We like Will get used daily
Watch out for Not all letters are covered
Elevate their daily routine with a personalised make-up bag.
Roomy enough for all the essentials, including brushes and foundation, this make-up bag is perfect for cosmetics enthusiasts and a thoughtful gift when you customise it with their initial.
Personalised gifts less than £50
Papier The Mini hardback photo book
Available from Papier (£26)
My mum creates photobooks of all our family holidays. They make such thoughtful gifts because they allow us to relive our favourite memories in a way that feels far more special than simply scrolling through a screen.
We like Fully customisable, website is easy to use
Watch out for Make sure the quality of photos is good enough
Create a photo book to celebrate your memories together, whether that's a recent holiday or your snaps over the years.
Personal, thoughtful and heartwarming, it'll be sure to bring a smile to their face.
You can between different colours, sizes and cover styles, and upload photos with text and stickers.
See how this service compares to rivals with our guide to the best photo album books.
Engraved lipstick
Available from Bobbi Brown, Guerlain, Kiko, Yves Saint Laurent
So many premium brands offer this now – Bobbi Brown, Dior, Estee Lauder, YSL – or if you want a cheaper option, there are lower-cost brands like Kiko. Each time I top up my lippy, it's a lovely reminder of being part of the bridal party/bride squad.
We like Sentimental luxury
Watch out for Pick a shade they’ll wear a lot
Lots of beauty brands offer engraving for their products, from affordable favourites like Kiko to luxury brands such as Bobbi Brown.
An engraved lipstick adds more than just a splash of colour to their smile. It'll make their make-up routine feel special.
You can also find engraved refillable cases if you want the present to last for years to come.
Personalised keyring
You can pick up one from sellers on sites like Etsy. Our experts liked this one.
This cute gift is a thoughtful way to remember your kids' handwriting when they were little as life moves so fast we quickly forget. Bonus points if it’s something heartfelt like ‘love you, mummy'.
We like Will last for years
Watch out for Don't put their full name or address on it
It may be physically small but a personalised keyring could have a big impact.
A keyring is something that will get a lot of use. It'll remind them of you every time they pick up their keys to leave the house, start the car or get home from work.
It shows you’ve put effort into the present, without having to break the bank.
Baby bath towel
Available from Not On The High Street (£33)
I've bought this as a gift for a few of my friends/family who have newborns, and it's been a hit! It's good quality and very cute! I also think it's a good mix between something functional and something sentimental.
We like Cute and snuggly
Watch out for Made for newborns to around nine-month-olds
This super-cute baby bath towel has a bright orange beak and white head feathers. Little ones can snuggle up in it while it absorbs water.
Personalise the towel with the baby’s name embroidered on the back, and then add a gift box option.
Personalised blanket
You can pick up one from sellers on sites like Etsy. Our experts liked this one.
I bought this blanket for my brother and his wife with their gorgeous dog, Cookie, on it. I went for the biggest option and was pleasantly surprised with the quality and softness – it's a really luxurious blanket and worth the price.
We like Perfect for pet owners
Watch out for Consider which size to get
Pet-obsessed owners won't expect to open your present and find a personalised blanket with a photo and the name of their furry friend printed on it.
It’s described as a soft, cosy fleece blanket and is available in several sizes and colours, including pink, blue, grey and teal.
Personalised gifts less than £200
Monica Vinader bracelet
Available from Monica Vinader (£79 for silver, £85 for gold)
To thank my sister for bravely organising my hen do with in-laws and aunties, I splashed out and engraved a gold bracelet with her initial.
We like Timeless
Watch out for Only has space for initials
Engraved jewellery will be worn forever.
This Monica Vinader bracelet is delicate and stylish, and the disc can be etched with initials. Choose between 18-carat gold vermeil and sterling silver, based on their usual jewellery preferences.
Chambers & Beau jewellery
Available from Chambers & Beau (£195)
Some of my most treasured jewellery is personalised from Chambers & Beau, an independent one-woman company. I've got a necklace with my daughter's initials on that I wear pretty much all the time (and have done for over a decade). Beautifully made and some lovely unique designs.
We like Personalised jewellery with lots of options
Watch out for Hand-stamped rather than machine-engraved
Chambers & Beau offers personalised jewellery in all sorts of styles. Choose your preferred shapes and sizes, then add names, messages or mantras to them.
This necklace mixes finishes across the chain, medallion and mini charm, available in gold or silver. The brand also engraves bracelets.
Silver marmite lid
Available from Made In The Jewellery Quarter (£110)
I knew I had to get my husband something special for our silver wedding anniversary, so I was thrilled when I discovered you can buy a silver Marmite lid and get it engraved. It's quirky, and perfect for someone who loves Marmite.
We like Unique and quirky
Watch out for Expensive
If they are the type of person who loves Marmite, this engraved lid is a fun present for a special celebration.
Made from sterling silver, it’ll add a touch of luxury to a jar of their favourite toast treat. It comes in a few sizes, including 125g, 250g and 500g.
Kitchen knife
Available from Katto (£165)
An engraved kitchen knife makes a fantastic Christmas gift. By engraving a high-quality kitchen knife, you turn a daily essential into a meaningful memento that makes every meal prep feel special.
We like Long-lasting
We don’t like Some people are picky about knives
Any serious home chef needs their own knife to cook with. Splashing out on engraving will make it a gift they’ll use for years.
It can be a tool for chopping as well as a sentimental present. Unlike some other personalised gifts, the engraving is etched into metal so it’ll never fade.
To see more options tested by Which?, take a look at our guide to the best kitchen knives.
Looking for more gift ideas? Take a look at our other guides: