When you’re shopping for Christmas or holiday gifts this month, there’s likely at least one person who you want to get something meaningful for. Perhaps this person has really been there for you in 2015, or they’re simply very special to you. Either way, this person matters to you, and that means that you don’t want to buy them a typical or ordinary gift. The special people in your life deserve something one-of-a-kind that you truly put thought into picking out – something personalized and unique. If it’s something customized – even better. Here are 8 wonderful, original and custom gifts for under $75:

giving keys both styles

1. The Giving Keys – Engraved and Personalized Jewelry

The Giving Keys specializes in necklaces and bracelets with unique key pendants. No two keys are alike, and the fact that each key is unique is part of what makes this gift extra special. Most jewelry companies charge an arm and a leg extra if you want a customized engraving, but The Giving Keys only charges $5 extra for customization which allows you to choose any word you like to be engraved on the key. You could get their initials engraved, an anniversary date, a word or phrase that means something to them or one that reminds you of their qualities. Or, you can choose one of their available inspirational words like “dream” or “believe” which can be engraved onto your key for no additional cost. They make both men’s and women’s bracelets and necklaces. We suggest the customizable “Dainty Key Necklace” ($61), the “Never Ending Key Bracelet”  ($57) or the Classic XL Key Necklace ($66). As you can see, all of these provide a list of words you can choose from to have engraved on the key, or you can choose your own word for $5 extra. The dainty necklace is more feminine, but the bracelet and the XL necklace are unisex. The Giving Keys employs those transitioning out of homelessness.

driftwood earrings pic

2. Runway Passport – Fifi & Dachs Hand-Carved Driftwood Earrings

Runway Passport is a great one-stop-shop for incredibly unique gifts, as this is where you can find the most creative emerging designers from all over the globe. For example, this is where you can find the most unique pieces by German jewelry company Fifi & Dachs. For a unique gift, go for their Gold Driftwood Earrings ($39). Aisha Becker (the creator and designer of Fifi & Dachs) finds and picks driftwood directly from the European Rhine River. Once she finds these pieces of driftwood from the riverbank, she then carves them into jewel shapes by hand and rubs them with linseed oil rub to cover them in a gold leaf. Once these pieces of hand-carved driftwood are transformed into golden jewels, she enhances them with a row of tiny, delicate pearls and turns them into a one-of-a-kind pair of stunning earrings. They also do incredible hand-carved driftwood rings ($68). You just won at gift-giving, my friend.


gemstone ring collage both styles

3. The Social Experiment – Unique Gemstone Rings

The Social Experiment is a Vancouver-based, Canadian jewelry company that specializes in beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry. Their rings, for example, are made using semi-precious gemstones and gold-plated, non-tarnish brass wire. Each individual stone used for each individual ring is unique and special in its own way. There are several to choose from like this gorgeous purple raw amethyst ring, this semi-precious neon turquoise beach ring, or this black tourmaline ring. Each ring is a steal at only $39, and each also comes with an explanation as to what the gemstone’s healing properties are. For example, amethyst is known for its healing properties and for focusing energy. Remember, no two gemstones are ever alike. Each one will have its own unique shape and cut, so this ring is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind, special gift.

knot theory collage

4. Knot Theory – Customizable Bow Ties and Neckties

Knot Theory is a Canadian bow tie company that allows you to choose your own bow tie colours and patterns. Each custom bow tie is only $69, handmade here in Canada with superior quality fabrics. For example, if you choose the colours blue and white, that bow tie can be tied 6 different ways (all blue showing, all white showing, all blue with a white knot, etc).  It’s nice to be able to customize this gift depending on the favourite colours of whoever you’re buying the bow tie for. Knot Theory also sells all black bow ties with personalized messages embroidered on them, in small lettering on one corner of the bow tie’s tip. These messages include “hustle” and “carpe diem”. The buyer can choose the message that they think represents the recipient the most. The great thing is that the bow tie can be worn to hide or show this secret message. Knot Theory sells bow ties in unique patterns such as mini moustaches and houndstooth. If the person you’re buying for has a pet, you can buy a matching doggie bow tie as well. They also have regular neckties where you can choose the colour of the knot for a unique and customized look.

sandilou haiti scarf

5. Sandilou Designs – Jardin Fantastique Hand Painted Silk Scarf from Haiti

At Sandilou designs, each beautiful scarf is one-of-a-kind because each is hand-painted and hand-dyed. Another find from Runway Passport, these scarves are a rare find – and it’s pretty likely that whoever you gift it to will not know anyone else who has one. Take a look at this beautiful Jardin Fantastique scarf by Sandilou ($55). They’re very soft, 100% silk scarves that make a statement because you’re wearing an original painting from Haiti around your neck. If wearing original art isn’t unique, I don’t know what is.

personalized stationary journals

6. Personalized Stationary or Personalized Journals

Personalized stationary and personalized journals are a great custom gift for any friend or family member who likes to write or keeps a journal. You could make it funny gift by printing a journal for your sister that says “Kate’s Crazy Thoughts” or make it more personal and thoughtful. Even easier is to buy the Anthropologie Custom Crest Journal ($25) and simply choose the first initial of whoever you’re buying for at checkout, or grab a unique and personalized notebook from Denik ($12).

anthropologie initial earrings

7. Anthropologie – Letter and Stone Stud Earrings with Custom Initials

Anthropologie’s Letter and Stone Post Earrings ($32) come in every letter of the alphabet, so you can customize the letters you buy depending on the first initial of the first name of whoever you’re buying for. This is a great customized gift for women because most women would love to wear earrings that display their own initials. These earrings are 18k gold-plated and dainty at only ¼ inch in diameter.

framed quote

8. Chapters – Frame an Inspirational Quote

For a really personalized gift, simply order a frame online from Chapters Indigo ($16 – $44) and go to a photo centre to print out a special inspirational quote that you think your friend or family member would like. It shows thoughtfulness that you picked out a quote and got it framed for them. They can hang this in their bedroom and think of you each time they see it. If you have Adobe Photoshop, you can even choose your own fancy font to type out the quote before getting it printed on photo paper in the size that fits the frame.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.