Gift Edit 2024

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

Written by

Amy Gordon
Amy GordonContributor
From the garden to the kitchen to the bedroom, Amy can't stop herself from constantly switching up the style in her living space. When she's not working as a writer and editor, you can (try to) find her traveling the world, hibernating with a great book, and swimming with sea…read more
Sarah M. Vazquez
Sarah M. VazquezCommerce SEO Editor
For the past 8 years, I've covered all things shopping. My work's been published by Hearst, PureWow, and Bauer Media Group. I'm a Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl (with a BA in English from Montclair State University) who loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and my family (but not necessarily in that order).
Nikol Slatinska
Nikol SlatinskaCommerce Shopping Writer
I write home shopping content for Apartment Therapy. My job entails product testing and reviewing, as well as writing serviceable shopping guides for furniture and home decor. I received my undergraduate journalism degree at the University of Missouri and wrote for local publications in my college town.
updated Feb 7, 2025
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
Pretty wrapped present in brown paper, brown ribbon, dried flowers
Credit: Erika Layne

This feature is part of Apartment Therapy's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

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.

The Best Sentimental Gifts

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.

1 / 47
From our partner
1-800-Flowers
$87.00
was $102.00

Not only are the floral arrangements from 1-800-Flowers perfect for special occasions, but the quick-shipping flower delivery service also has plenty of lovely "just because" bouquets, like this mixed anemone bouquet. You can purchase it with or without a vase and have it delivered straight to your special someone's door. After all, receiving flowers never gets old.

2 / 47
Etsy
$43.19
was $53.99

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).

3 / 47
From our partner
Calvin Klein
$60.00
was $100.00

A blanket might seem like an obvious gift, but there's perhaps no option as soft or luxurious as Calvin Klein's core plush blanket. It's at once incredibly cozy and sophisticated, thanks to its fluffy fabrication and Calvin Klein logo patch. Available in two sizes and five colors, the blanket is also machine washable for ultra-easy maintenance. Every time your giftee curls up in this homey pick, they'll think of you.

4 / 47
Birthdate Candles
$44.99
was $54.99

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.

5 / 47
From our partner
Walmart
$26.05

Photos are some of the most sentimental items we have, so why not gift them a sweet keepscape album? This one has a vintage flair thanks to its tapestry-inspired cover. Thanks to that cool design feature, it's pretty enough to double as coffee table decor. Bonus points if you fill the album for them with some of your favorite shared photos.

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Papier
$38.00

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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Etsy
$36.58
was $91.44

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.

8 / 47
From our partner
Fracture
$50.00

Whether it's a picture of their precious pet or of the two of you together, they'll love this glass print from Fracture. A unique take on a sentimental photo gift, Fracture prints directly on glass for superior clarity and ultra-vibrant color that never fades. Turning a favorite memory into modern glass decor? It doesn't get much more special than that.

9 / 47
Etsy
$49.68
was $66.24

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.

10 / 47
Uncommon Goods
$30.00

Advent calendars are so much fun, and this one will make any book lover in your life feel seen and appreciated. There’s something about getting to open a fun little treat every day that has the power to seriously improve your week. The festive calendar from Uncommon Goods includes fun but practical items your loved one will appreciate, including pencils, bookmarks, notepads, and more.

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Amazon
$12.99

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.

12 / 47
Birthdate Candles
$185.00
was $235.00

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.

13 / 47
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.

14 / 47
QVC.com
$76.98
was $110.00

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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Uncommon Goods
$75.00

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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Etsy
$23.83

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.

17 / 47
Birthdate Candles
$95.00
was $115.00

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.

18 / 47
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.

19 / 47
Etsy
$29.00

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."

20 / 47
Uncommon Goods
$38.00

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

21 / 47
Amazon
$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.

22 / 47
Minted
$37.00

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.

23 / 47
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.

24 / 47
Amazon
$9.99

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.

25 / 47
Amazon
$16.94
was $30.00

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.

26 / 47
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.

27 / 47
Uncommon Goods
$100.00

What could be more thoughtful (and potentially romantic) than a personalized song? When you pay for this service, you answer a few questions and share some anecdotes, and then musician David Morgan transorms the information into a song, which you receive as a MP3 audio file and PDF lyric document. A one-minute song costs $100, and a 3-minute song costs $250.

28 / 47
Amazon
$22.95
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.

29 / 47
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.

30 / 47
Homesick
$20.96
was $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.

31 / 47
Etsy
$172.20
was $246.00

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.

32 / 47
West & Willow
$55.00

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!

33 / 47
Amazon
$7.98
was $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.

34 / 47
Amazon
$21.99
was $34.95

Preserve the dishes that have been bringing your family big smiles and full bellies with this DIY recipe book. Fill it with recipes, memories, clippings, and cards, then give it to your loved one to melt their heart. Even better? Pick out a dish or two to cook together, so you can make new, delicious memories.

35 / 47
Etsy
$36.40
was $52.00

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."

36 / 47
Uncommon Goods
$100.00

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.

37 / 47
Etsy
$39.00

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.

38 / 47
Williams Sonoma
$99.95
was $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.

39 / 47
Etsy
$57.74
was $76.99

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.

40 / 47
Amazon
$58.65
was $69.00

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.

41 / 47
Uncommon Goods
$40.00

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!

42 / 47
Minted
$286.00

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).

43 / 47
Mark & Graham
$34.99
was $79.00

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.

44 / 47
Greetabl
$25.00

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.

45 / 47
Artifact Uprising
$35.00

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!

46 / 47
Goldbelly
$25.00

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.

47 / 47
Etsy
$48.00

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.