10 Personalized Gifts That Are Anything But Basic
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10 Personalized Gifts That Are Anything But Basic

By Kelly McCabe and Victoria Christie

The last-minute girlies know: There’s nothing like the rush of getting your holiday presents in the knick of time. But just because you left it to the last possible moment, doesn’t mean they have to  suck… or come from Jeff Bezos HQ (a.k.a. Amazon). Here, we curated a handful of sweet and sentimental personalized gifts that will help you secure your “best gift-giver ever” crown—and will arrive by Christmas Day. Who needs Santa when you have us?

The Cutest Custom Ornaments

Mint to Be Custom Ornament (a sparkly candy cane with a name) from ​​BaubleBar hanging on a Christmas tree.

Mint to Be Custom Ornament, ​​BaubleBar, $50, baublebar.com

Everyone knows that you can never buy too many new ornaments for the Christmas tree each year…. right? And who would have thought BaubleBar—yes, the jewelry brand co-founded in 2011 by best friends Amy Jain and Daniella Yacobovsky—has some of the most creative and luxurious custom ornaments we’ve ever seen. This candy cane ornament is the perfect gift for a newly married couple (so cute to have their last name included!), or for anyone in your life that thinks decorating the Christmas tree should be a full-time job (because it is). P.S. They have so many other unique ornament options to check out here. Use code GIRLBOSS for 20% until December 22! *Limited exclusions may apply. 

The TikTok-Famous Hair Clip

Two Emi Jay claw clips that are customized with sparkly names, laying on top of a notebook.

Big Effing Clip, Emi Jay, $120, emijay.com

Emi Jay is taking over our Instagram and we’re not mad about it. Her custom hair clips and hair brushes are absolutely darling, and there are so many colors and jewel designs to choose from. We love the customizable Big Effing Clip because it’s rhinestoned by hand with 100% Swarovski crystals and adds a unique flare to your go-to day-4 hair accessory. It’s the perfect gift for yourself or your best friend for a chic Mary Kate and Ashley Olson matching moment.

The Old-Money Monogrammed Tote

Boat and Tote® from L.L.Bean in green and white

Boat and Tote®, L.L.Bean, starting at $29.95, llbean.com 

If Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy wore it, you better believe we’re adding it to our wishlist. This iconic Monogrammed Tote from L.L.Bean is reasonably priced and is the perfect representation of the ‘90s minimalist style that everyone is loving right now. It’s functional, comes in several different colors and sizes, and gives you the option to include a custom monogram. I love the idea of monogramming this as an everyday tote to bring with you to work, or to give to a new mom as an effortlessly chic baby bag. She’s not a regular mom, she's a cool mom. 

The Ultimate Bachelorette Concierge

A group of women on a BachBoss trip wearing sparkly dresses and posing for the camera.

BachBoss, bachboss.com

We know exactly what to get the bride-to-be in your life: a totally unique, fully planned bachelorette trip for her and her crew. As a bridesmaid or maid of honor, you know how stressful (and expensive) these bachelorette bashes can be. There’s the flights, the reservations, the transportation, the hotel, the decor, the food, the outfits. So, what if you had a concierge to plan everything for you? Just fill out BachBoss’ quick online questionnaire, book a free 15-minute call with their team and then, they do the rest. You’ll get a custom itinerary and personalized touches—without having to lift a finger. Um, we’re in love?

The Quiet Luxury Jewelry Piece

A Diamond Letter Charm ("N") from Mejuri on a stack of gold bracelets.

Diamond Letter Charm, Mejuri, $198, mejuri.com  

Yes, your partner wants diamonds. To all the gift-givers out there wondering if their lovers would like something sparkly this season, we can say with a big resounding, “YES” that if we were to receive this beauty, we’d be shamelessly sharing it with everyone we know. The Diamond Letter Charm by Mejuri is a timeless piece to add to anyone’s “forever collection” in their jewelry vault. Wear it solo or accompanied by a few dainty gold chains, this charm is perfect for everyday *and* a fancy night out.

The Body Duo With Scents for Everyone

A body lotion and body wash in the scent Rose of No Man’s Land from Byredo.

Le Corps in Rose of No Man’s Land, Byredo, $119, byredo.com

Chances are, you have a picture of a Byredo perfume bottle displayed on a marble countertop in one of your “quiet luxury” Pinterest boards. Their design aesthetic is so chic! With so many scents to choose from (our pick is Rose of No Man’s Land with notes of pepper, rose, raspberry blossom, papyrus and amber), and limited-edition packaging featuring graphics by the Swedish illustrator John Bauer, this body wash and lotion set is a crowd pleaser.

The Modern Throw Blanket

The Criss Cross Custom Blanket in Neutral/Beige from ​​BaubleBar with the name "Chloe" on it.

Criss Cross Custom Blanket, ​​BaubleBar, $98, baublebar.com

Sure, you could go to Target and pick up a chunky knitted throw blanket that everyone and their mom has draped over their couch—or, you could have your giftee’s initials knitted onto a graphic custom blanket from Baublebar. Choose between 50+ designs and three sizes—but we’ve got our eye on this Criss Cross beauty in Neutral/Beige. It’s giving Hermès vibes but for a fraction of the cost. Plus, the super-soft acrylic knit is machine wash-friendly, so no need to stress about running, fading or shrinking. Use code GIRLBOSS for 20% until December 22! *Limited exclusions may apply

The All-in-One Wellness Regimen

An overhead shot of The Elix TCM Wellness Set with fruit.

The Elix TCM Wellness Set, Elix, $160, elix.com

For the Goop obsessive in your life, you can’t go wrong with these blends inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Daily Harmony, Get Well and Stay Well will help you get a more restful sleep, balance your hormones, combat stress and boost your immunity, while Zoey’s Digestif and Ginger Aide combat bloating, nausea and indigestion for a happier, healthier gut. You can even divide up this set and give them as stocking stuffers to six of your friends. 

The Personalized Birthday Candle

A Birthdate Candle from Birthdate Co., dated November 25.

Birthdate Candles, Birthdate Co., $59.99, birthdate.co

This is such a cute gift idea for your astrology-obsessed BFF (or for yourself, obvs). Wondering what you’d smell like if you were a candle? Birthdate Co. made 365 custom scents based off of astrology, numerology and tarot—and you can even learn more about your personality with the detailed labels. The candle itself is made from natural soy and coconut wax and burns for 60-80 hours.

The Sentimental Charm

I Love You Tag in Script from Monya Jewelry with the name "Genevieve" written.

I Love You Tag in Script, Monya Jewelry, starting at $120, monyajewelry.com

You know the famous Taylor Swift lyric from “Call It What You Want?” “I want to wear his initial/On a chain 'round my neck, chain 'round my neck/Not because he owns me/But 'cause he really knows me.” Well, forward this to your SO, because this tag necklace is something you’ll want to have in your collection forever. It’s available in sterling silver (white, yellow, or rose gold plating), 10K solid gold (white or yellow), or 14K solid gold (white, yellow, or rose), and three different types of chains and chain lengths. Engrave anything meaningful on it—an anniversary, a location, initials, a name—and you’re guaranteed to win the holidays.

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