It turns out I was looking for the perfect gift in the wrong places. I love treating my friends to something special during the holiday season, and I often find myself endlessly scrolling to find the gift that is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. I've certainly found success in my traditional methods of shopping, but it feels like this year, the holidays are approaching faster than ever, and we've nearly run out of time. I'm a lover of non-fiction, and I ended up inspired by a really great quote in a recent read that helped me discover my new favorite last-minute gift.
I always do my best reading when I'm on a flight, and most recently I picked up a classic. How to Win Friends and Influence People is filled with killer lines, and one that stood out to me this time around was author Dale Carnegie's musings about how "a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language." This made me reflect on how honored I've felt in the past when someone important remembered my name or how offended I can get at a slight misspelling. With everything around me reminiscent of the holidays, my mind quickly shifted to a few of the people I haven't found the right gift for yet.
Personalized jewelry is just that—personal. It's the gift that keeps on giving, as the recipient will wear it often and look down with a smile knowing that it's a special piece picked just for them. While getting specific with their initial (or yours) can be cute, a birthstone or astrological sign can be a subtler note to their individuality. I've already picked out a few items in my shopping guide that I know my loved ones will fawn over. Take a little scroll, and see what you find for yours.
NECKLACES
I wear my favorite necklaces every day, and the lucky person who receives a personalized one from you will probably never take it off.
Shop necklaces:
You can design this necklace to say whatever you'd like, but I think pasta is genius for any Italian-food lover.
I'm suddenly wishing my name included every letter in the alphabet.
A cute gift idea for your S.O. is to send them this with your initial on it.
Diamonds are always a good idea.
Any paper-clip chain necklace is a winner in my book.
The off-center letter placement is so chic.
Any astrology-crazed people you know will love this.
EARRINGS
I remember when Carrie Bradshaw traded in her iconic nameplate necklace for earrings that are strikingly similar to these, and I've wanted them ever since.
Shop earrings:
I love anything that screams Y2K.
I wore these last New Year's Eve and they certainly did not disappoint.
I've had my eyes on these ever since they hit the runway.
Birthstone gifts can be quite meaningful. February babies, this one is for you.
A more discrete take on the aforementioned "Carrie" hoops.
A pet name would make for the cutest earrings.
The best part of this gift is that you can tell the happy recipient that you designed it just for them, whether you choose their favorite color or birthstone is up to you.
RINGS
Rings make for such a great gift because the wearer can easily see them throughout their day.
Shop rings:
A friendly reminder that diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Isn't she lovely?
I can imagine any new mother adoring this ring.
This ring is the definition of a good find.
For the friends on your list who like to make a big statement.
Only real Scorpio stans will recognize the meaning behind this ring.
Sometimes I wish I were born in July so I can say Ruby is my birthstone.
BRACELETS
Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves. Your loved one will hang on to this personalized bracelet instead.
Shop bracelets:
If you really want to wow that special someone, try gifting them with the big three—their sun, moon, and rising.
That's my name; don't wear it out.
This bracelet is so stackable.
This will be easy for them to wear with literally anything.
A luxe jewelry brand is always a winner.
The simplicity is bliss.
I couldn't leave you without suggesting one more Carrie Bradshaw–inspired find.
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