What to get for Christmas: 9 personalized gift ideas

The hardest part of Christmas shopping is that the people we love already have everything. The gifts that get remembered are rarely the expensive ones — they are the ones that could only be theirs: a photo, a line of handwriting, a date. The ideas below all turn an everyday object into a personal memory.

1. A leather wallet with a photo

A family photo or a picture of the kids laser-engraved on the front of a wallet is the most popular gift for dads and partners. Seeing the people they love every time they reach into a pocket keeps the gift meaningful for years.

2. A handwritten note

A short line in a mother's, grandparent's or child's handwriting can be engraved exactly as written inside the wallet. The handwriting of someone who has passed away is one of the most moving gifts we make.

3. Names, dates and coordinates

The day you met, a wedding date or the coordinates of a hometown are simple and elegant — perfect for anyone who prefers no photo.

4. A passport cover for travellers

For someone who travels a lot, a leather passport cover with initials or a map detail is useful and makes their passport easy to spot.

5. AirPods case or watch strap

For a smaller budget or a stocking filler, an engraved leather AirPods case or Apple Watch strap with a name or short message works beautifully.

6. A long wallet

For those who carry phone, cards and cash together, the tall front of a long wallet is ideal for full-length photos and family pictures.

7. A matching gift for couples

The same photo engraved on two pieces — say a wallet and a card holder — makes a lovely pair.

8. A minimal card holder for a colleague

For an office gift exchange, a slim card holder with initials is personal without being too much.

9. A gift to yourself

Carrying your favourite photo of the year every day is a pretty good resolution too.

When should I order?

Personalized pieces are made to order, so plan a little earlier than usual. International parcels can take longer in December because of customs and holiday volumes, so we recommend ordering at least two weeks before Christmas. We post the current last order date in the banner at the top of the site.

Which photos engrave best?

Sharp, well-lit photos where faces fill the frame give the best result. If the background is busy, use the "remove background" option in the editor. You see the result in the live preview before you order.