Give a Gift They Won’t Return

There’s a lot of pressure on us during the holiday season to buy the perfect gift for everyone on our list. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. As we get older and don’t seem to need as much, gift giving becomes an exercise in creativity.

What do you get for the person who has everything? How about giving them something personalized with a photo or a monogram? Nowadays, you can have a photo put on just about anything – blankets, pillows, watches, ties, plates, cups and more. Here are some ideas for personalizing your gifts, along with several reputable online merchants who make it affordable.

Snapfish

Put anybody’s picture on just about any item you can imagine. It runs the gamut from kitchenware, to mousepads, clocks, desk accessories, Christmas ornaments, blankets, clothing and even cell phone skins.  You can also personalize note pads, cards, calendars and Christmas cards.

Artscow

This may be the most comprehensive photo gift site on the Web, and it’s super cheap, because you get dozens of free credits just by registering on the site. Free credits means you only pay shipping. That could literally save hundreds of dollars on holiday shopping.

Artscow will put a picture on just about anything: purses, umbrellas, playing cards, golf accessories, backpacks, camera cases, jigsaw puzzles, earrings, watches, necklaces, key chains, letter openers, bookmarks, ornaments, memory cards, flash drives, etc. You can also make photo books and calendars and have photos printed cheaply.

Personal Creations

This site will put anybody’s name on just about anything, and this is more like a gift shop than a photo site. Shop by recipient, holiday, gender or occasion. There is literally a gift for everyone at personal creations. Personalize toys, home décor, books, furniture, tools and gadgets, drinking glasses, candy jars, Christening gifts, wedding gifts and so much more. Sign up for e-mails and receive discounts of 30 percent or more fairly regularly. There are some very classy items on this site that look much more expensive than what you’ll actually pay. Each order has a one-time, $3 personalization fee.

Personalizaton Mall

This site is very similar to Personal Creations, but there is very little overlap in merchandise. If you can’t find something on one, you may find it on the other. There are at least two things that set this site apart from the other. First, there’s tab called “Today’s Hot Deal”. Second, Personalization Mall has customer reviews on its products. The daily deal might just be where you find gifts for teachers and co-workers this year.


A customized gift isn’t just personal. It’s something most people will keep for a very long. And, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Just note one thing. Personalization takes a few extra days. You want to start shopping now to beat the holiday rush.