46 Sentimental Gifts That Will Make Them Go “Aww” Every Time

Gift-giving is one of life’s greatest joys — but it’s not always the easiest task. Whether you’re shopping for your sweetheart, parent, sibling, friend, or anyone else you care about, finding the perfect present requires some effort. Scoring the right item can be especially challenging when you want something that speaks from the heart and lets your loved one know just how much they mean to you.

That’s why we did the searching for you and found these sentimental gifts that are sure to make your friends, family, and everyone else on your list feel all the feels. From custom jewelry and one-of-a-kind artwork to thoughtful home decor and kitchen items that are sure to become heirlooms, you’ll find it all (and more!) here. If you want to leave an impression that will make them warm and fuzzy inside, take a peek at our list of sentimental gift suggestions below.

AT Sentimental Gifts

1. Pet Nose Print Necklace

   Etsy

   $45.81 (was $53.90)

   This first pick may just be the sweetest thing you can get for pet parents. Made with an image of their pet's nose print, this necklace is a subtle and gorgeous way to carry their pet with them wherever they go (and give them a boop no matter how far away they are).

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2. Papier Al Fresco Recipe Journal

   Papier

   Does your family have a set of cherished recipes they've passed down through the generations — or newer recipes you all want to share? This custom family cookbook holds your family's treasures deliciously.

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3. Lavyio Custom Watercolor House Poster Portrait Print, 11 x 14

   Etsy

   $30.54 (was $40.72)

   For the couple who just bought their very first home, look no further than this custom watercolor painting for a gift they’ll cherish forever. The artist promises a chic and touching interpretation of the exterior using a photo of the home as inspiration. You can opt to receive a digital file or a printed image.

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4. Birthdate Candle

   Birthdate Candles

   $49.99 (was $59.99)

   Sometimes you receive a gift that makes you feel so loved that you just have to pay it forward. That's what happened when one of our AT contributors got this Birthdate Candle. Each one is customized by day of the year, and the label dives deep into the personality traits of someone born that date, along with deets on their tarot card, ruling planet, and ruling number.

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5. Custom Star Map

   Etsy

   $47.78 (was $68.26)

   One of the most popular zodiac gifts over the last 10 years has been the star map poster. These lovely pieces of decor feature a personalized custom night sky view based on the date and location you select, making it a truly spectacular way to commemorate a special day.

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6. Custom Leather Jewelry Organizer

   Amazon

   $21.95

   Give your loved one a plush jewelry case for their most treasured pieces; it's customized with their name and birth month flower. The case is ideal for travel so the recipient can carry their favorite jewelry wherever they go. The faux leather comes in eight different colors.

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7. Vanity Fair Photo Album

   Printworks

   $59

   Photos are some of the most sentimental items we have. So why not gift them a sweet keepscape photo album that also doubles as a chic coffee table book? Bonus points if you fill it for them.

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8. Meditation and Affirmation Cards

   Amazon

   $12.99 (was $17.99)

   Help someone cultivate a self care practice with these affirmation cards. Each one features an inspiring thought on one side, with related questions on the reverse for deeper exploration.

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9. Birthdate Pendant Necklace

   Birthdate Candles

   $165 (was $199)

   This pendant necklace is customized by birth date by astrologers with four gems — a perfect energetic selection for each day in the calendar. Choose between 14K gold-plated silver or sterling silver adjustible. The necklaces have an adjustible 16 to 20-inch chain and arrive in a beautiful presentation gift box that explains the meaning behind the four stones.

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10. Knock Knock What I Love About You Journal

    Amazon

    $9.95 (was $11.90)

    Remind your favorite person of all of the ways that you love them with this sweet find. The book comes with 112 pages of prompts to help you open your heart and share your feelings. That way, no matter how far apart you might be, your person can turn to the book to be reminded of how much you care.

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11. Linum Home Textiles Smyrna Personalized Luxury Robe

    QVC.com

    $98.98 (was $110)

    Help your pal cozy up in style with this chic monogrammed waffle robe from QVC. Made from breezy Turkish cotton, it's lightweight yet warm, and absorbent enough to wick away any excess moisture from their skin post-bath or shower for added comfort. All you need to do? Choose their initial (first or last name!) to emblazon the front!

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12. Intersection of Love Photo Print

    Uncommon Goods

    $75

    Do you remember the exact date you and your loved one first met? Mark that moment with this personalized photo print of intersecting street signs — with your names and that significant date.

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13. Personalized Mixtape USB Drive, 4G

    Etsy

    $24.56

    There's nothing that makes someone feel all warm and fuzzy quite like a mix tape created just for them. Well, Etsy seller Blank Record has taken this classic present and updated it for the 21st century. While it looks like a cassette tape, it's actually a USB drive that you can load with songs, photos, videos, or anything else you want to share to make them know how much you love them. Choose from 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB drives.

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14. The Birthdate Book

    Birthdate Candles

    $95 (was $115)

    For a truly special sentimental zodiac gift, head to Birthdate Co to pick up the Birthdate Book. Each beautiful book is made-to-order, illustrating your giftee's astrological birth chart — the map of the stars and planets at the exact moment they were born. With over 70 pages of detailed horoscope analysis, they'll uncover secrets and insights about their life, personality, and what the stars have in store.

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15. Create Your Own Reel Viewer

    Uncommon Goods

    $34.95

    Photo albums are great and all, but this customized gadget from Uncommon Goods is way more fun. It's just like the viewfinders that kids use to look at photos from around the world, but this grown-up version comes with a reel of seven photos that you submit. Every time your giftee pushes the button, they'll be treated to another image that will warm their heart and bring back special memories.

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16. Custom Dog Stuffed Animal

    Etsy

    $26.10 (was $29)

    One look at this miniature stuffed version of their beloved sidekick, and your giftee will be smiling ear to ear. Just send in some pics (or a link to the dog or cat's Instagram account, perhaps?), and Etsy seller DaNangCraft will work their magic to create a likeness that your giftee is guaranteed to adore. After giving one to a friend, AT's commerce director, Mark, calls this toy "the ultimate gift for doting dog parents."

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17. Birth Flower Earrings

    Uncommon Goods

    $38

    Celebrate a birthday with these birth month flower earrings. Each earring carefully preserves a blossom in resin and a silver-plated pewter setting.

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18. Hula Home Hand Casting Kit

    Amazon

    $23.99 (was $29.99)

    Hand casting kits have been all over social media and honestly, can you name a more sentimental gift than a homemade statue of you and loved ones embrace? It also doubles as a fun (and potentially funny) activity to do together.

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19. Heart Snapshot Mix® Photo Art

    Minted

    $37

    Send in your favorite snapshots and Minted will arrange them into a collage in the shape of a heart. They offer a range of sizes and frames so you can find just the right look for your loved one's home.

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20. Embroidered Pet Sweater

    Etsy

    $24.99 (was $35.70)

    Pet owners keep their furry friends close to their hearts and this sweater lets them do it for the whole world to see. Simply upload a photo of their pet and HolteDesigns will embroider its likeness and name on a cozy sweater they'll cherish for years to come.

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21. Personalized Acrylic Song with Photo

    Amazon

    $9.99 (was $13.99)

    Trigger deep memories through a favorite song with this custom acrylic song plaque. All you need is the Spotify link. Use the album or song image that shows up in Spotify when you play the song, or add a photo of your own.

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22. Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas: Celebrate the Movie Magic

    Amazon

    $25.32 (was $30)

    If you and your loved one share an obsession with Hallmark holiday movies, you might as well go ahead and pick up two of these books: one for them and one for you. This fun present celebrates the traditional made-for-television masterpieces with behind-the-scenes photos from the film sets, recipes for Christmas cookies and snacks, decorating ideas, fun quizzes, and more.

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23. Personalized Leather Photo Keychain

    Etsy

    $28.99 (was $57.98)

    With this Etsy gift, you can bring back the days when people carried photos of their loved ones in their wallets, not just in their Photos app. Choose up to 10 photos to add to this photo keychain that'll make finding their keys easy and heartwarming.

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24. Law of Attraction Planner

    Amazon

    $29.95 (was $32.95)

    If you know someone who's feeling a little bit lost these days, show them that you care with this 16-month Law of Attraction Planner. Designed with productivity and positivity in mind, it's filled with exercises, affirmations, and other tools to help them get from where they are now to where they want to be.

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25. Soundwave Art in Acrylic Plaque

    Etsy

    $17.71 (was $44.27)

    Send someone the sound of your voice or a favorite song captured in this sound wave plaque. Your recording is accessible through the QR code printed on the plaque.

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26. Personalized Thanks Candle

    Homesick

    $29.95

    What better way to thank someone than with a candle created just for them? You can personalize the candle and the box with your specific message, and every time your giftee breathes in the soothing cucumber and lemon scent, they'll think of you with a smile. Homesick also makes candles that call to mind places (i.e. Hawaii, New Orleans) and pastimes (Book Club, Yankee Stadium), so be sure to check those out as well to find the absolute right choice.

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27. Customized Sequin Throw Pillow Cover

    Amazon

    $24.99

    Throw pillow covers don't get much more fun than this sparkly cutie available on Amazon. You choose the image, logo, or special message, and your recipient will smile every time they run their hands over the sequins to reveal it. The case measures 15.7" x 15.7" and does not come with a pillow insert, so you might want to throw one into your cart, too.

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28. Customized Musical Jewelry Box

    Etsy

    $165.20 (was $236)

    Tell them you care with a customized jewelry box that not only displays your personalized message but also plays an electronic version of a song of your choosing. Your loved one will think of you every time they open it to retrieve their most precious keepsakes, or even if they just need a reminder of how special they are. Pick from ebony, chestnut, red mahogany, or six other elegant colors.

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29. Classic Candy Box, 1 Month

    Cratejoy

    $28.97

    Shower your giftee with a delicious dose of nostalgia with this Classic Candy Box from subscription box maker Cratejoy. After all, who wouldn't feel sentimental when munching on Pop Rocks, candy buttons, and loads of other sweets from their youth. Purchase a one-, three-, six-, or 12-month subscription.

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30. Custom Pet Portrait Phone Case

    West & Willow

    $55

    Pet owners know that the way to their hearts is through their four-legged friends, which makes this customized phone case a sentimental find that any "parent" will adore. Send in a photo of your giftee's favorite animal, and West & Willow will transform the image into an adorable illustration and print it onto a phone case. Talk about an upgrade!

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31. Our Adventure Book Scrapbook

    Amazon

    $9.99

    Make the memories of your shared adventure last forever with this fun, multicolored scrapbook. It includes 40 blank pages for you to fill with photos and other mementos. Better yet, gather all of the elements and wait until you're together to lay it all out.

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32. Engraved Handwriting Bar Necklace

    Etsy

    $36.40 (was $52)

    Give them something personal to keep close to their heart in the form of this stunning and understated bar necklace that can be customized with a message in specific handwriting. AT Contributor Bridget gave one to her mom with "lots of love" printed in her mom's handwriting, and it was a total hit. In fact, she called it "probably the best gift I’ve ever given."

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33. Personalized Family Recipe Board

    Uncommon Goods

    $100

    AT contributor Annmarie gifted this sentimental-yet-super-practical find to her mom, who was feeling nostalgic for her own mom during the holidays. To create your own, just send in your favorite family recipe, and Uncommon Goods will engrave it on a cutting board. Choose to use your own (or a loved one's) handwriting, or go with standard font.

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34. Personalized Handwriting Blanket, Minky 50" x 60"

    Etsy

    $39

    Let your loving words keep your favorite person warm and cozy with this personalized blanket. Either upload a message in your own handwriting, or Etsy seller Fir and Needle can use their own font if you'd rather. It's available in two materials and multiple sizes.

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35. Personalization Mall Scrabble Personalized Vintage Board Game, Bookshelf Edition

    Etsy

    $42.74 (was $56.99)

    If you and your family and friends are the types to appreciate a great game night, then this baby is the perfect sentimental find. It looks like any other book on the shelf, but it's actually an elegant version of the classic word game Scrabble. Not only will this gift provide endless hours of entertainment (and competition), but you can also customize the cover with a name and short message.

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36. Monogrammed Shun Classic Hollow-Ground Santoku Knife

    Williams Sonoma

    $159.95

    Do you have a friend or family member who's a whiz in the kitchen? They'll more than appreciate this exquisite Santuko knife from Williams Sonoma, which you can have printed with their name or monogram. Crafted in Japan, it features a wide, angle-tipped, extremely sharp blade that's perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing. Choose either a 7" or 5.5" version.

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37. Bond Touch Long Distance Connection Bracelets

    Amazon

    $58.65 (was $69)

    If you and your love can't be together in person, these long-distance connection bracelets are the next best thing. Each of you wears one, and you can send "touches" to each other to show you're thinking of the other one. That's right, these Bluetooth-enabled accessories mimic the vibration of actual touch, so you can communicate your feelings without words from across town, across the country, or an ocean away.

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38. Better Together Personalized Book of Love

    Uncommon Goods

    $45

    Every love story is unique, so tell yours via this adorable, personalizable printed book. Through illustrations that mimic you and your partner, this present celebrates those wonderful little moments that you share together, from spooning on the couch to looking up at the stars. We dare you to find something more romantic and heartwarming!

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39. Monogrammed Steak Brand & Cutting & Carving Board, Triple-Initial

    Williams Sonoma

    $89.95

    If you have lovely memories of family cookouts and barbecues, consider this culinarily focused gift from Williams Sonoma. It includes a monogrammed cutting board, as well as a matching monogrammed meat brand. Bonus: Chances are your giftee will invite you over for steaks to see the brand in action, which is the perfect chance to spend more time together.

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40. Your Vows As A Foil Art Print

    Minted

    $248

    It can be hard finding art both you and your partner will love, but a custom art print of your vows is sure to be a sentimental gift you'll both love displaying. Featuring text gilded in gold foil, simply customize it with your favorite line, pick a frame, and you have a gift that's sure to be a tearjerker (in the best way).

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41. Fillmore Vegan Leather Laptop Sleeve

    Mark & Graham

    $59.99 (was $79)

    If you want to show your loved one that you care in a subtle, elegant way, gift them this vegan leather monogrammed laptop case. It's crafted in three classic, bold colors with a magnetic closure. Though simple, it's a thoughtful, personal present that they'll use and appreciate nearly every day — and that they probably wouldn't splurge on for themselves.

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42. Create A Gift

    Greetabl

    $25

    With Greetbl, you can create a totally customized present that speaks to the one you care about. Select the box design and messaging, choose a gift you know they'll love (there's everything from candy to mugs to bath bombs), and add a gift card to one of dozens of retailers (if you want to). Prices vary depending on what you pick, but you can definitely score something wonderful for as little as $25.

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43. Custom Wood Photo Calendar

    Artifact Uprising

    $35

    Artifact Uprising is a great go-to for personalized gifts, and this wooden clipboard-style photo calendar is sure to be a hit. Select 12 photos — one for each month — to create something truly special and unique. It will put a smile on your loved one's face all year long. Not bad for just $30!

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44. Goldbelly Gift Card

    Goldbelly

    $25

    Sometimes the best way to stir your giftee's emotions is through the food. With a Goldbelly gift card, they'll enjoy the flavors that bring back warm memories, whether that means deli from DC, a Chicago deep-dish pizza, ice cream from their favorite hometown scoop shop, or anything in between. Gift cards start at $25 and go up from there.

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45. "You Are My Sunshine" Engraved Wooden Music Box

    Amazon

    $11.99 (was $17.99)

    Certain songs are universally known for tearing at the heartstrings, and "You Are My Sunshine" is definitely one of them. This itty-bitty, palm-sized music box features an old-timey wind-up handle and all sorts of charm. If you'd rather send another sentiment, you can choose pre-written messages tailored for moms, dads, daughters, and spouses.

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46. Custom Street Map Pillow

    Etsy

    $48

    Capture any meaningful spot in the world — a birthplace, wedding venue, the location where you first met — in this personalized pillow printed with a map. Bonus: you can choose the color of ink used.

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