40 Sentimental Gifts to Show You Care

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It’s always the thought that counts, so why not put a little extra thought into this season’s gifting? If you’ve been consistently relying on the ever-practical gift card or generic drugstore fragrance, it’s time to commit to a more sentimental gift for your loved ones this year.

The hallmark of spot-on, sentimental gifting is quality over quantity—something personal and thoughtful that will tug at their heartstrings in the best way. Maybe it’s a customized gift for your best friend, or something wholesome for Mom and Dad (who probably deserve so much more than we can give, tbh). No matter the recipient, you don’t have to spend a fortune to show you care. There are plenty of gifts under $50 that still say “I love you” as well as a piece of fine jewelry or an all-inclusive getaway.

When you don’t want your gift to say “I waited until the night before,” shop the 40 thoughtful items below that are so sweet, you may need to gift a box of tissues, too.

Petite Dôme

Give the gift of real flowers that last. La Fleur has granted all of its’ beautiful bouquets a glimpse of immortality, because they are made to last up to three years without any maintenance.

Custom Pet Portrait Phone Cases

For a pet parent, nothing will warm their heart like a modern memento of their favorite feline or Fido. And this custom portrait phone case from West & Willow is one that they’ll actually use day in and day out.

State Candle

Proof that you can always go home again: Homesick’s state and city-inspired candles will remind them of their roots, no matter the distance.

A Little Life

A story about “the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves,” this New York Times bestseller by Hanya Yanagihara is notoriously heavy enough to pull on your heartstrings. One reader recounted the novel simply as, “a book that will make you feel.”

2-Pack CozyChic™ Socks

Nothing says self-care like a comfy, cozy pair of warm and fuzzy socks. This 2-pack is also available in nude and pink color combos.

Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

Everything old is new again, and there’s something about tangible Polaroid pictures that digital camera rolls can’t replace.

Photo Gallery Portrait Puzzle

When the weather outside is frightful, they can stay inside and piece together this personalized puzzle that re-creates a cherished photo. Gift this with their favorite boxed tea or a companion photo frame.

Gift Card

There was a time when few things meant more to this Belieber than a Ticketmaster gift card. So if you’ve got a die-hard on your hands, granting them the opportunity to see their favorite artist in concert is as good as it gets.

Pallene Bracelet

If written dates feel a little “been there, done that,” opt for this cosmic, gold-plated bracelet that showcases the phase of the moon representing a specific day. Perfect for the person who knows their sun and their rising sign.

Latest & Greatest Vegan Cupcakes

The way to their heart is through their stomach, right? A perfect treat (and personal favorite), Baked by Melissa offers swoon-worthy, bite-sized cupcake boxes that include a variety of flavors, as well as new Halloween- and holiday-themed packs. You can also choose to build your own box—give one, get one.

Custom Comic Strip Cartoon

It was a pivotal television moment when Summer Roberts gifted Seth Cohen his very own comic, and it’ll be just as meaningful when you gift it, too. Recreate a special memory or funny anecdote with a personalized cartoon strip.

Custom Pet Pillow

Humans pull out all the stops for their four-legged friends, so turn a photo of a furry bestie into a handmade pillow for endless hugging and squeezing. Pets may also appreciate the momentary reprieve in affection with this newfound body double.

The Original Diamond Spaced Letter Necklace

Spell it out with a piece of fine jewelry they can wear for life. Available in 14k white, rose, or yellow gold, this necklace holds up to seven capital letters and an optional diamond spacer.

Video

I can’t think of anything that’s more valuably sentimental than sage words of wisdom from George Feeny himself. The man raised us all. So for mega fans of Boy Meets World, The Office, Bravo housewives, or even Olympic gymnasts, Cameo is the crème de la crème. You can book their favorite celebrity and have that person send your recipient a personalized message.

Friendship Lamp

If jewelry isn’t their thing, stay connected with long-distance touch lamps. Touch your lamp and its counterpart will light up to send a sentimental message that lets them know you’re thinking of them.

Vegan Cashmere Throw Blanket

My love language is warm and cozy, so I’m adding this neutral throw to any future holiday wish lists. One reviewer admitted, “I am blown away that this blanket is plant-based, yet looks and feels just like cashmere. It’s so soft and cozy...it has immediately become my comfort blanket.”

Pumpkin Tiramisu Natural Soy Candle

What’s more meaningful than a gift that gives back? With each Wicks for Wags candle purchased, a portion of proceeds will go toward animal rescue organizations and help support animals in need. And with delicious, seasonal scents that smell good enough to eat—like this Pumpkin Tiramisu option—it’s a gift you can give all year long.

My Family Cookbook

Whether it’s mom’s banana bread or grandma’s tomato sauce, don’t let sacred family recipes fade away. Keep tradition close with this fun family cookbook.

Zen Self Care Box

For the one who’s overworked, nothing says “thoughts and cares” like handing over a box full of pure pampering. This self-care gifting box from Unbox Me includes a silk eye mask, calming bath bomb, herbal tea, facial masks, and a refreshing reed diffuser.

Memory Print

Capture a special moment—a birthday, anniversary, first date, first dance—with this map of the night sky that is “as unique as the moment it celebrates.”

Tiny House Weekend Getaway

If their love language is quality time, consider escaping the 9-to-5 hustle and bustle with a weekend getaway to Watkins Glen’s Farm Sanctuary. Home to nearly 500 rescued farm animals, you can take in the crisp autumn leaves or peacefully snowy pastures as you sip hot cocoa from the porch of your tiny cabin house. Farm Sanctuary even has a West Coast location in Southern California.

Preserved Flower Whiskey Glass

Home decor takes on a personal touch with these preserved flower glasses. Turn a favorite bouquet or floral arrangement into glassware to commemorate a special day or event.

Hope Pop-Open Cards

Spread a little kindness through thoughts of hope and uplifting encouragement. Gift this box of 30 cards as a set, or disperse one as an extra surprise in all of your holiday cards. A little gesture can go a long way.

Flower Initial Necklace

More than another piece of personalized jewelry, this dainty Rellery necklace showcases a bouquet of birth month flowers, like daisies or lilies, and can be further customized with additional charms displaying letters or symbols.

Custom Viewfinder & Reel

Nostalgia heightens the sentimentalism of this vintage-style gift. Chose a selection of favorite photos, and this Etsy shop will create a custom viewfinder reel that’s as fun to use as it is wholesome.

Love Is Evergreen Tree

Mark your milestones and watch love grow with this baby Evergreen sapling. Perfect for the ever-present plant parent or those embarking on a new chapter.

Moon Lamp

This enchanting, top-rated moon lamp makes a great gift for all ages, whether as a night light or a symbolic reminder of long-distance love.

Fill In the Love Book

I’m personally endorsing these tiny, fill-in-the-blank books, because over the years I’ve filled one out for just about everybody under the sun (including my cat). And they’re always a hit. Choose a general category, or buy a book specifically designed for a mom, dad, sibling, bestie, or partner.

Card Game

Popular Instagram account @werenotreallystrangers created a game that has already launched thousands of heartfelt conversations. Think of it as a sweeter, more psychologically in-depth version of Cards Against Humanity.

Holland Gold-Tone Watch

While time spent together is the greatest gift of all, the concept of time is a close second. This gold-tone, stainless steel watch from Kate Spade is a failsafe jewelry gift and doubles as a reminder that, no matter how long the day seems, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.

Spotify Plaque

The 3,000 reviews on this custom light-up Spotify plaque speak for themselves; if you need to say it with song, this is the way to do it.

Macaron Gift Box

If you can’t afford a romantic Parisian getaway, bring France home in the form of a dainty, delicious, and aesthetically pleasing Ladurée macaron gift box.

Time Capsule Journal

This family history journal comes complete with prompts, questions, recipe boxes, and photo tabs to record a life well lived. “I gifted this to my grandmother,” mentioned one buyer. “She loved it and it is such a perfect heirloom...10/10 recommend if you want to give a lovely sentimental gift.”

Elaina Birthstone Bracelet

You can’t go wrong with a thoughtful piece of birthstone jewelry, and this bracelet from Kendra Scott has a 4.5-star rating from almost 100 reviews.

Personalized Leather Photo Keychain

People don’t carry around photos of their loved ones in their wallets like they used to—let’s change that.

Birthdate Book

For all the astrology gurus, this made-to-order birthdate book dives into explanations of stars and planets, horoscope analysis, signs, and personality interpretation.

Long Distance Connection Bracelets

You’re never far apart with these long distance touch bracelets. Tap the center of your bracelet and the other person will be notified that you’re thinking of them.

Our Adventure Book

Be inspired by Up and gift them their very own scrapbook to track all of their wildest travels and adventures.

Inocencia Negra Print

Artwork is one of the most personal things you can give, and it’s also something that can evoke quite a powerful response.

Handwriting Bracelet

Not only can you get them a bracelet of their favorite quote or meaningful words, but you can have it inscribed in a script based on someone’s handwriting.

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