PRESENTS THAT GET PERSONAL
If it’s the thought that counts, then these gift ideas count for a lot. With ways to tweak, tailor and customize, personalized presents show just how well you know your giftee. Just be sure to check delivery cutoff dates — a little extra time is often nee
Keepsake photobook
If you’re guilty of letting photos languish on your computer’s hard drive, let this holiday season be your reason to turn them into a meaningful gift for a loved one. Mixbook offers fully customizable photobooks that turn family snapshots, wedding portraits and travel memories into keepsakes. Every aspect of the design can be customized; size, paper quality, hardcover or softcover, backgrounds, layouts, stickers and so on. Starting at $21.99; mixbook.com
Mixtape doormat
For someone nostalgic for the days of crafting perfect, personalized mixtapes for high school crushes and epic parties, this retro doormat is a gift win. Designed by graphic artist Jim Holodak, the mat can be customized with up to 16 characters of text placed along the cassette title line. $48.59; uncommongoods.com
Monogrammed cashmere knit throw
This knit throw from Williams Sonoma is made with 20 per cent cashmere, making it feel both lightweight and cosy. For a small additional cost, online customers can add a monogram of up to three letters, in the font style and colour of their choosing. $199 (U.S.), plus $9.50 (U.S.) for monogram; williams-sonoma.com
Custom face serum
Toronto’s Province Apothecary specializes in organic skincare and beauty products, made from high quality, all-natural ingredients sourced from each Canadian province and hand-blended in small batches. Its custom face serum makes for the perfect gift for the green beauty lover on your list. Customers from across Canada can fill out a questionnaire about allergies and skincare concerns, which a Province Apothecary holistic esthetician will use to create a customized serum. Not sure about your loved one’s skin? Gift cards are available for the custom serums. $40; Province Apothecary, provinceapothecary.com
A whimsical adventure book
Amaze a little one with a storybook that stars him or her as the main character. The latest release from personalized book company Wonderbly is My Golden Ticket, a Roald Dahl collaboration that transports kids to the magical universe that is Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Children aged 5 to 12 will be delighted to find their name throughout the book — including on the wrapper of a customized Wonka bar (real chocolate not included). $34.99 to $44.99; wonderbly.com
DIY sneaker
The Nike Cortez sneaker is one of the company’s old-school sneakers. Company co-founder Bill Bowerman, an Olympic-class track coach, designed the shoe in 1972, after recognizing athletes needed a shoe that was both comfortable and durable for distance training and road running. Fast-forward to 2017, and the Cortez is still around, still cool and completely customizable. Using Nike’s online tool, gift givers can customize nearly every element of the Cortez — from base material to tongue colour — for their sneaker-loving loved one. Not sure what they’ll like best? Gift a gift card and let them design their own. $185; nike.com
Design a mug
Here’s a cute idea for stockings that need extra stuffing, workplace gift exchanges, young nieces and nephews, or your favourite tea lover. This simple everyday mug comes with a pen that can be used to turn its blank surface into a one-of-a-kind, highly personal cup. Simply draw on the surface, let it dry for one hour, then bake for 20 minutes at 200 C. The mug comes with a stainless-steel infuser and a lid that doubles as a saucer. $23; DavidsTea, davidstea.com
Made-for-him socks
For a more personal stocking stuffer, order a pack of these customizable men’s socks from Uncommon Goods. Stick with his name or initials, or send a playful message; you’ve got eight characters up top and 20 across the toes to work with. The pack includes five pairs of black pima cotton socks, suitable for men’s shoes sizes between 6.5 and 12. $63.93; uncommongoods.com