Life is busy, especially during the holidays. Before you run out and buy random gift cards, check out these 15 cool and unique gift ideas that are sure to bring smiles to your friends and family. Best of all, many of these gifts are delivered digitally, which means no shipping delays -Yipee! Three cheers for stress-free shopping!
1. Have a song written and recorded – just for them.
Not musically inclined? Don’t worry; Songfinch makes it easy. You answer a few questions, select your music style and artist’s voice, and voila, Songfinch creates a one-of-kind song you and your recipient will treasure forever. Ready in seven days or less. Add it to your music library, stream it, or make it your ringtone. Custom songs start @ $199.
2. Give them the royal treatment.
Bestow the title of Lord or Lady with Lords of Kerry. The official title includes co-ownership of land in Kerry, Ireland. Digital personalized certificates are emailed after purchase, while the complete Lord/Ladyship package is printed and mailed. Packages start at $49.90/each.
3. Turn their name into a work of art.
Fugu Studio takes names (up to 11 characters) and designs a custom monogram logo. They boast that no two designs are the same, so that’s cool! Fugu will personalize mugs, hats, prints, and even candles with your unique monogram. Or use the digital file to create your own – even a tattoo! Custom monograms start at $46.
4. Show off your family pride.
If matching jammies aren’t your style, consider family t-shirts or sweatshirts with a unique sweatshirt design. Support your local t-shirt print shop, or find an online site. All you need is your name and family symbol. Let your imagination run wild.
5. Get tagged – luggage tags, that is.
Personalized luggage tags are functional, fun, and frugal! I prefer aluminum tags like these from LilyReed on Etsy. Prices, styles, and turnaround times vary.
6. The gift that keeps on giving. . .plant a tree in their honor.
The Gifted Tree plants trees in forested areas around the world. You choose from over 30 countries on six continents. The gift includes a personalized certificate (digital option available), a plantable seed tag, and a link to virtually visit the forest the tree is planted in. Most are grown in remote areas, so you cannot see, but know you are giving our planet a big hug! Gifts start at $19.95.
7. Take them stargazing.
The Under Lucky Stars Star Map shows the exact alignment of constellations and stars on a given date, time, and location. It can be framed or unframed. Star maps start at $55
8. Put your pet’s mug on a . . . mug??
Why not! petzoup on Etsy creates custom barware personalized with your pet’s portrait. Handpainted with YOUR pet. Just send in photos of your pet, and they work their magic. Glasses start at $42.50. Allow lead time for each item that is handmade.
9. Capture their voice. . .forever
Did you know your voice creates a unique sound wave pattern? Well, Soundwave Art turns those soundwaves into playable artwork. I won’t bore you with the science behind it. Just know it’s pretty cool! Add the Soundwave Art App to play back the message on your smartphone. Art starts at $49.99.
10. Help wanderlust friends and family showcase their travels.
Wendy Gold World Push Pin Travel Maps These personalized maps are handmade and come with over 100 push pins. Choose from a variety of map styles and sizes. Available framed or unframed. Maps start at $89.99.
11. Take any photo and turn it into a masterpiece.
My Davinci hand creates traditional art, pop, and other custom projects from your photos. They can add you to iconic works of art, like American Gothic! Clever and unique. Art starts at $99.
12. Socks are a great gift, especially with your picture on them!
Divvy Up Socks personalizes socks with a picture of your choosing. Your dog, cat, kid, grandma – you name it! Socks start at $24/ pair.
13. Turn your friends and family yellow – literally!
Turned Yellow Simpsonizes friends and family. Just send in a picture (or two), and the artists will do the rest. Don’t have a cow, man! It’s digital, so there is no shipping. Art starts at $30
14. Do you love someone to the moon?
Then gift them a spaceship. . .like the personalized I Love You to the Death Star & Back 3D Shadowbox. Perfect for Star Wars-loving couples. The ship won’t fly, but this gift will send their heart soaring! Personalize with names, dates, and memorable years. The year changed to a roman numeral Episode number. One gift for two people, see where I’m going with this. . . Shadowboxes start at $39.95.
15. Surprise your favorite foodie with toasty, scrumptious, mouthwatering. . socks.
Um, what? Yep socks. Not just any socks, Rainbow Socks, has cooked up a lively menu of socks that look good enough to eat. The socks are colorful, fun, and warm. Socks start at 19.95
When it comes to gift giving, try and think outside the box. Happy gifting!!!
Have a cool and unique gift idea you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it!