What’s more priceless than a customized gift that shows how much you care? Here are a few to consider adding to the Christmas shopping list for your very special loved ones.
Customized items are probably one of the best kinds of gifts you can bestow anyone on any occasion, all the more during the holiday season. For one thing, customization instantly signals just how much thought and effort you put into your presents. Nothing screams “I pay attention and I care” more than taking the time to add a touch of your giftee’s personality to an item.
Handcrafted presents are, of course, inimitable and unparalleled, but you can still give personalized gifts without spending too much time making them from scratch—perfect for a busy December of Christmas shopping. If you want to sprinkle in some panache to your gifts with ease, here are a few options to consider.
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Le Labo
Who wouldn’t appreciate a bottle of their favorite Le Labo scent for Christmas? Whether it’s the recognizable Santal 33 or the equally beloved Another 13, the popular brand gives customers the option to personalize their bottles and box sets with their giftee’s name in that quintessential typewriter-like style.
Ana Tomy Planner
Ana Tomy became a hit made-to-order stationary and lifestyle brand in its native Malaysia, so much so that it has since expanded to the Philippines, bringing its full roster of beautiful, custom goods (and the experience of assembling them). While the brand has its fair share of adorable bags and accessories, it’s their planners that steal the show: great gifts for those who like analog organization.
Besides a line-up of solid colored designs and leather covers, the brand also frequently collaborates with Filipino and Southeast Asian artists to create gorgeous planner covers. Select the types of pages you need, customize their order, and even choose the color of your bookmark ribbon, metal coil, and band. And once that’s all done, a planner package lets you add your giftee’s name onto the cover with your colored foil of choice. While you can personalize and order your items online, we highly recommend paying a visit to the brand’s physical stores in SM Aura, SM Megamall, and Powerplant Mall for the full experience of browsing and selecting components yourself.
LAMY Pens
Nothing says “extra” more than an engraved pen, and even better? One from the German brand LAMY, which makes some of the best, most precise writing instruments out there. Anyone would appreciate one of their reliable ballpoint pens or rollerballs, but those who enjoy fountain pens would definitely love to receive one (and again, LAMY is one of the safest choices you can make for a solid pen, both for beginners and seasoned collectors). The brand also releases limited edition collections that would make great gifts for your pop culture-savvy friend, from Harry Potter to Pokemon.
While pen engraving isn’t available online, you can have your pens customized in any of the brand’s concept stores in Glorietta and Ayala Manila Bay.
Rugaboo
Give the gift of making a big statement at home with a custom tufted rug. You could opt to make one yourself with rug tufting classes from studios like Bumi & Ashe, but you can also place an order with artisans like Louise Beron of Rugaboo who creates pieces ranging from logos and words to pets and favorite cartoon characters.
GAIA
The girls (and haircare lovers) in your life will definitely love claw clips and brushes with some personality—theirs, specifically. GAIA offers photo-worthy customization options for their products, letting customers add names or initials to each piece for that extra oomph.
Stanley
Stanley has been a trusted brand for keeping drinks hot and cold for years, and its viral The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumblers have recently earned the status as must-have “It” girl items with their intuitive designs and wide range of colors. There’s a Stanley tumbler for everyone, but why not take it a step further and have one engraved with the name of your giftee? Chris Sports, the brand’s official retailer in the Philippines, offers laser engraving services to make hydration an integral, more personal part of their routine.
