Move over, monograms! These picks for unique personalized gifts feature some unexpected customizations that feel oh-so-special.

Unique personalized gifts: a Black woman wearing a gold Roman numerals necklace.
Photo by: REDCHERRY BLVD

When you think of personalized gifts, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a simple name or monogram. And while we love a thoughtful name gift, personalization can be so much more than that. But exactly how can you personalize a gift beyond the obvious? Turn to the incredibly talented independent sellers on Etsy, of course! Then take a look at all these surprising ways to personalize any present.

These unique personalized gifts were chosen for their creative customizations and rave reviews. From best friend sweatshirts to astrological sign home decor to secret message jewelry, these personalization ideas will make any lucky recipient think, "Wow, I can't believe they thought of that!"

Location

A custom city map

Custom city map SHOP: Personalized city map print from Sun Wall Art, from $28

Does the person you're shopping for have a city that’s near and dear to their heart? Make it a work of art with a custom map sharing a favorite destination.

Secret message

A custom Morse code necklace

A woman wearing a custom Morse code gold necklace. SHOP: Custom Morse code necklace from Everli Jewelry, from $75

Share a secret message with a loved one in a gorgeous and subtle way with this Morse code necklace, which comes in 14K gold or silver, that you can personalize with a name, word, or phrase.

Astrology and zodiac signs

A custom moon phase pin

Custom moon phase pin SHOP: Personalized moon phase pin from Gemagenta, $142

Mark a special day with a personalized moon phase gift. Whether it's the day they were born, an anniversary, or another meaningful day you've shared, a moon phase gift like this custom pin is a subtle nod to a significant date.

An astrological sign wall hanging

Astrological sign wall hanging SHOP: Personalized astrological sign wall hanging from Bearloom Studio, from $36

Is someone in your life into zodiac gifts? Use their sign as inspiration for an astrological candle, constellation earrings, or even an on-trend wall hanging.

Handwriting

A personalized handwriting baking pan

Handwriting baking pan SHOP: Personalized handwriting baking pan from Prairie Hills Pottery, from $130

A useful gift that's tasteful and thoughtful? This personalized baking dish hits the spot. Add a famous family recipe, either their own or grandma's favorite, and make mealtime extra meaningful.

A set of personalized cufflinks

A set of personalized wooden cufflinks with someone's handwritten message on them. SHOP: Personalized handwritten cufflinks from Clouds & Currents, $38

This set of personalized wooden cufflinks features a message from you in your own handwriting for a double dose of unique personalization.

Color scheme

A ring stack

A stack of rings featuring blue sapphires and diamonds. SHOP: Aquarius ring stack from Alison Moore Designs, from $1,161

Whether you're looking for a color-inspired anniversary gift by year (hint: the traditional color for a 10-year anniversary is blue), or just want something special that celebrates their favorite hue, you can't go wrong with a color-themed gift. This ring set features tiny diamonds and a sea of blues in sapphire, topaz and tanzanite rings that can be worn together or apart.

Birthstone

A birthstone bracelet

A gold birthstone bracelet. SHOP: Birthstone bracelet from Pandorea Jewellery, from $46

From featuring their own birthstone to including gems to represent loved ones or significant months, birthstones can be used to customize a gift in so many sentimental ways. This bracelet features a sweet knot detail, comes in gold, rose gold, or silver, and can be personalized with up to four birthstones.

Hobbies and interests

A hand-painted custom chair

A hand-painted custom children's chair with their name. SHOP: Hand-painted custom chair from Chairs for Littles, $258

Perfect for a little one's artwork or homework station, this hand-painted custom chair features the child's name, up to four of their favorite colors, and designs specific to their interests.

Pet portraits

A hand-painted mug

A personalized hand-painted mug with a dog's face on it. SHOP: Hand-painted pet portrait mug from Laura Lynn Pottery, from $145

If the person you're shopping for treats their pet like a king or queen (as they should), this personalized mug will be their new favorite kitchen accessory. Hand-painted with their pet's adorable portrait (with the option to further customize by adding their name), they'll love pouring their morning beverage into this adorable cup.

Significant dates

A personalized birth date ornament

A hand-painted personalized holiday ornament with a name, birth date, birth weight and heigh, and a rainbow. SHOP: Personalized birth date ornament from Dream Folk, $50

Celebrate the birth of a new baby by having their date of birth and name hand-painted onto a holiday ornament. While the parents will enjoy hanging a personalized ornament on their tree for the first few years, their little one will love finding the perfect spot for it (and hearing the sweet story behind it) for years to come.

A Roman numerals necklace

A Black woman wearing a gold Roman numerals necklace. SHOP: Roman numerals necklace from REDCHERRY BLVD, from $40

Whether it's their birthday month, the day their kid was born, or the date they moved to a new city, you can let someone special celebrate a number of milestones with this delicate Roman numerals necklace. Handcrafted in vermeil, a thick 18K gold layer on 925 sterling silver, this necklace subtly shines on its own or can be layered with others if the person you're shopping for has a few special dates close to their heart.

Birth flower details

A birth flower necklace

Birth flower necklace from Etsy SHOP: Flower birth month necklace from Tom Design, from $48

An unexpected alternative to birthstone or zodiac sign gifts, everyone has an assigned birth flower they might not know about! Each birth month necklace in this collection features a delicately engraved bloom on the charm, so your loved one can bask in the beauty of their gift all year long.

A custom denim jacket

A custom denim kid's jacket personalized with their name and daisies. SHOP: Custom denim kid's jacket from Rose + Mae, from $50

Available in sizes up to 14, any kid will look adorably cool in this custom denim jacket featuring their name and an optional daisy design, which is the birth flower for April.

Unique photo gifts

A custom silhouette portrait

Custom silhouette cut out photo from Etsy SHOP: Personalized silhouette portrait from Silhouettes by Elle, from $102

A sweet way to honor the whole family and capture a moment in time, this custom silhouette portrait is sure to become a treasured family heirloom. The artist uses a photo as inspo and meticulously hand-cuts each silhouette to perfection.

A family address stamp

Custom family portrait address stamp SHOP: Personalized return address portrait stamp from Lili Mandrill, from $109

A fun idea that will actually get a lot of use over the years (think thank you cards, holiday cards, and more)? This return-address stamp that features the face of each family member from a photo, the family name, and their address.

A set of custom photo coasters

A custom ceramic coaster featuring a family photo. SHOP: A set of custom photo coasters from Gifts by Red Bird, from $27 for a set of four

If they love keeping the surfaces in their home clean and celebrating fun family memories at the same time, they'll love this custom set of ceramic stone coasters that feature cork backing and sweet family snaps of your choice.

A custom best friends sweatshirt

A custom blue sweatshirt with two best friends embroidered on it. SHOP: Custom best friends sweatshirt from FoFm Custom Creations, from $77

This pick takes a fun photo of you and your BFF and embroiders it onto a cozy sweatshirt. Gift this to your bestie and they'll love wearing it for all future cozy nights in.

A personalized best friend plaque

A personalized acrylic photo plaque featuring a photo of best friends and a message. SHOP: Personalized acrylic photo plaque from Pink Box Creations, from $28

For this acrylic plaque that is sure to be the centerpiece of any table or mantle, you choose a photo of you and your best friend as well as a personal quote (there are more than 20 to choose from, or you can create a custom one).

More unique personalized gift ideas straight from our editors

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