Struggling to find a gift for your hard-to-buy-for mother-in-law? Perhaps you’ve ended up with your boss in the work secret Santa and are stuck for ideas? Or maybe you can’t think of what to buy a friend who already has everything?
Personalised gifts elevate a crowd-pleasing present to a meaningful one. From a wooden gaming stand to ceramic egg cups, we’ve found some of the best.
***
Personalised gift ideas for men, women and kids
***
Hobbies and games
Cocktail recipe book
From £24.99 at Wonderbly £29.98 at Not on the High StreetWhether they like their cocktails shaken or stirred, this book comes filled with lots of tasty tipples for them to try, complete with a drink specially selected for, and named after, them. The cover can also be customised, and if you give a little info about the recipient’s personality, a toast dedicated to them will be supplied, too.
Wooden guitar pick and case
From £11.74 at EtsyIf they spend their days strumming on a guitar, give them a special place to keep their picks/plectrums. Made from walnut wood, this case can be personalised with a design and their name, and you can add a personalised pick too, if you fancy.
Yoga mat bag
£32 at MarloeFor those who know their utkatasana from their tadasana, this yoga mat bag comes in four colours and can be personalised with their initials – so they can let everyone at class know they take their yoga seriously.
F1 personalised number plate keyring
£15.20 at Not on the High StreetWhether they’re a lifelong fan or a recent convert since the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, this Formula One keyring can be personalised with the recipient’s name on a number plate charm.
Photo puzzle
From £8.99 at EtsyUpload a photo to have it turned into an 80-, 120- or 300-piece puzzle. Go for a nice photo of the two of you to make it sentimental … or perhaps a not-so-flattering picture to make them laugh.
Apron
£28 at EtsyYes, chef! With a stylish, minimalist design, this custom apron comes in more than 40 different colours and is also available in children’s sizes. Culinary skills not included.
Golf set
£23.96 at Not on the High StreetThis set can be personalised with a name and message on the tin and initials on the golf balls. This independent business also says it’s happy to take requests if you want to add your own twist to the design.
Football coaster
£9.90 each at EtsyThese acrylic coasters can be customised with any football shirt and name to make a great present for diehard fans.
Gardening set
£34.95 at Not on the High StreetThis copper gardening set is perfect for loved ones with a green thumb, and you can add your own message to the wooden handles.
Monopoly
From £65 at EtsyA great gift for a family of board-game fanatics who love the original. You can customise the name of all the properties and squares, as well as the game and edition name. A fun way to put all your inside jokes to good use.
Gaming stand
£26.99 at the Laser BoutiqueThe ideal gift to declutter an avid gamer’s desk. This family-run business can laser-engrave a name or gamer tag on to its birch gaming stand.
***
Food and drink
Chocolate
From £2.67 at Tony’s ChocolonelyTony’s Chocolonely bars can be customised to mark various occasions. You can choose that special person’s favourite flavour, and make it their own by adding a message and picture.
Baked beans
£6.49 at HeinzWe all know a baked bean fanatic, and now you can give them their favourite toast-topper with a personal touch. Heinz will print a name or message – up to 12 characters – on a can.
Champagne
£53 at Fortnum & MasonNothing says celebration like a bottle of bubbly – and you can customise this Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs with a special message of your choice.
For more bubbly, check out our guide to the best sparkling wine
Marmite jar
From £10.49 at EtsyDo they love it or hate it? If the answer is the former, give them a jar of the nation’s favourite yeast extract, complete with their name on the label.
***
Lifestyle and home
Wash bag
£26 at Not on the High StreetThis cheerful-looking canvas wash bag is perfect for carrying makeup or toiletries, and it can be personalised with initials.
Plant pot
£22.40 at Not on the High StreetWhether they have half a jungle in their living room or just a few unkillable succulents, give the plant parent in your life a pot they’ll be proud to display. This one comes in blue, mustard, white or green and can be customised with their name and a message.
Water bottle
From £20 at Chilly’sGive the gift of ditching single-use plastic with this stainless steel insulated 500ml water bottle that keeps liquids hot or cold. Chilly’s bottles can be engraved with a name for an additional £10.
Coffee scoop
From £17.60 at Not on the High StreetA gift as useful as it is personal. Its two-in-one design means it doubles as a scoop and clip to keep coffee fresh.
Beer mug
£20.39 at Not on the High StreetThis traditional dimpled mug that can hold up to a pint is perfect for the beer drinker in your life. Both the name in the centre and words encircling it can be personalised.
Pet portrait
From £95 at Not on the High StreetTransform their fluffy friend into one of these fun hand-painted pet portraits, with a choice of colourful backgrounds for an extra dopamine dose. Just send a picture and the name of the pet, and they’ll do the rest.
Egg cups
£25.75 at Holly & CoThese handmade egg cups come as a pair and can be stamped with a message, allowing you to get creative with your personalisation.
Wooden spoon
£3.99 at EtsyFor home bakers, cooks or anyone who wants to rid their kitchens of plastic, this wooden spoon can be engraved with a message that will make them smile every time they reach for it.
Travel mug
£38.95 at Etsy £39.45 at Holly & CoThis unisex travel mug, which is handmade in Wiltshire, can be stamped to add the name of any lucky recipient.
***
Accessories
Tote bag
£23.01 at EtsyA good size tote is a busy person’s best friend – they’re perfect for lugging around daily essentials or transporting everything you need for an overnight stay. These bags come in a range of joyous colours and can be embroidered with their name or a saying of your choice.
Not another … cap
£24 at Not Another BillCaps with pithy sayings are all the rage: this one leaves space for you to finish the sentence “Not another …” with an inside joke or something that captures their personality.
Birthstone and initial necklace
£47 at Wanderlust LifeThese gorgeous necklaces from Devon-based jewellery brand Wanderlust Life can be personalised with the birthstone and initial of your loved one. The teardrop stone and initial pendant would look great on anyone.
Monogram glasses case
£24 at Etsy £30 at Penelope ToThis soft leather glasses case can be embossed with up to three initials in a silver or gold finish. It’s available in various colours, so you can choose their favourite to make it truly theirs.
Pocket money pouch
£10 at Not Another BillThese cute pocket money pouches have a nostalgic feel. You can personalise the slogan to something like “matcha fund” or “money for sweet treats” or whatever captures their latest obsession.
Leather lipstick case
£35 (plus £12 for personalisation) at the Go-ToThese refillable lipstick cases are made from upcycled leather and can be embossed with their initials for a present that feels personal, sophisticated and a little bit glam. Pair it with a lipstick refill in a shade you know they will love.
Leather AirPods case
From £30 at Not Another BillElevate your loved one’s AirPods and ensure they never pick up the wrong ones again with this leather case that can be embossed with their initials.
Small leather purse
From £28 at Betsy & FlossJess Cartner-Morley recommended this Betsy & Floss purse. It’s compact, measuring 10.5 x 8cm, with a zipped pocket for coins and slip compartments for cards and notes. You can personalise it with up to four characters for free, or five to eight characters for an additional £5.
Luggage strap
£8.49 at EtsyWe all know the stress of trying to keep track of your luggage on long journeys. These colourful straps can be personalised with their name, so they’re unlikely to grab the wrong case.
Spotify code keyring
From £1.74 at EtsyDid you know every song, artist and playlist on Spotify has its own unique code? Create a playlist of songs you know they’ll love and get the code printed on a keyring for a simple but deeply personal gift. Think of it as a modern-day mixtape.
***
Kids
Pink bunny soft storage basket
£44 at My 1st YearsCute-but-useful, this soft bunny storage basket can be embroidered with the name of the child, and may encourage them to keep their toys neatly tidied away.
Personalised I Spy book
From £24.99 at WonderblyDesign a character that looks like the lucky kid you’re giving this to, and they will be transported into their very own I Spy book. Think Where’s Wally, but with a personal touch.
Romper
£15.99 at Not on the High StreetThese adorable rompers can be customised with the name of the latest addition to the family, making it a lovely present for new parents.
Wooden music box
£45 at Not Another BillA keepsake they will treasure for years to come, this wooden music box can be personalised with their name. Switch it on to watch the ballerina twirl to the sound of soft, twinkly music.
Hooded bath towel
£22.05 (plus £5 for personalisation) at My 1st YearsThis snuggly hooded bath towel, complete with adorable bear ears, can be personalised with their name.
For more, read the Filter’s best Christmas gifts for 2025