How Do I Personalize Gifts?

Personalizing a gift gives it added meaning.

Giving a gift can sometimes be a daunting task. If you are not very familiar with the recipient, or if the recipient is someone who has "everything," it may be difficult to choose a meaningful gift. However, there are several ways that you can personalize a gift so that it represents the occasion and the heartfelt feelings you have toward the recipient.

Choose Suitable Gifts

When sending a personal gift, it is important to choose a suitable item. Even if you don't know the recipient very well, consider what you do know or ask others for tips on the recipient's hobbies and favorite things. Giving a gift that suits the personality of the recipient will show care and thoughtfulness. Also consider the occasion of the gift giving when deciding how much to spend. A gift for a fortieth birthday party will likely be more elaborate than a gift for a thirty-third birthday party.

Choose Customizable Gifts

Another option for personalizing gifts is to choose items that can be embroidered or engraved. These kinds of items can be personalized with the recipient's name or monogram, a heartfelt sentiment, or one of the recipient's favorite phrases or quotations. These items can often be tailored to specific events and individuals. For example, you could give a personalized ornament at Christmas or an embroidered baby blanket to celebrate the birth of a child. For a woman, consider buying an embroidered handkerchief. For a man, cuff links engraved with his monogram. An embroidered or engraved gift shows your personal connection to the recipient.

Choose Appropriate Wrapping

You can also add personalization in the wrapping of the gift. Consider using colors that are favorites of the recipient. Look for wrapping paper in a pattern the recipient finds attractive or a paper that carries the design of a favorite television show, film or character. Use bows and ribbons as appropriate. For instance, it may be less desirable to use frilly ribbons on a gift for a young man. Finally, take care in your wrapping. Torn or wrinkled paper reflects carelessness whereas a nicely wrapped parcel shows care and consideration.

Add a Personal Card

Finally, add a personal card or note to the gift. This may help you to explain how or why you chose this particular gift or may remind the recipient of the item's significance. A personal message also conveys genuine consideration to the recipient. If buying a card with a pre-printed message, consider adding a few lines of your own. Alternatively, you can buy a blank card if you wish to write a longer note to the recipient. For added personalization, try designing and creating the card yourself using craft supplies or a computer card making program. If you don't have the time or artistic skills, consider adding a few stickers or embellishments to a store bought card.

References

• A Gift Personalized: Homepage

Resources

• Greeting Cards Resource: Greeting Card Projects