If you’re one of those individuals, you’ve surely starting thinking about holiday gift-giving and perhaps you’re already frustrated about the choice of gifts, which seem to be more of the same old-same old each year. If that’s the case, it’s time to look beyond the malls and consider a unique personalized gift for those on your list.

There are many advantages to presenting your loved ones with personalized gifts, not the least of which is the fact that they probably won’t receive a duplicate. Personalized gifts for Christmas and other holidays also let the recipient know that you’ve taken the time to choose something specifically for them. Selecting such a gift may take more time than just selecting something from a rack in the store, but it says to the recipient that they’re important enough to warrant some extra attention.

Personalized gifts come in all shapes and sizes, from jewelry and other small items to travel gear, smoking and wine accessories, apparel, and much more. Most will include the name or initials of the recipient and, where appropriate, a date. They can be holiday-oriented or may be an item that can be used year round.

Best of all, they can usually be selected and ordered without ever stepping foot out of the house, a trend that is becoming more and more popular with savvy shoppers who are anxious to get their holiday chores out of the way.

While our attention turns to thankfulness at Thanksgiving time, it’s always essential to remember to not only shower thanks on our loved ones in November but also year round. Who wouldn’t love to have an unexpected present any time of the year?

Giving thanks for that special someone is especially fun if you take the time to choose a personalized item they’ll treasure. Personalized gifts are rarely duplicated and they let the recipient know that you shopped just for them.

Thank you gifts might include personalized keepsake items such as trinket or jewelry boxes, charm bracelets, and lockets that accommodate small photos. Another ideal thank you item is a picture frame. You can purchase personalized photo frames in a variety of styles and colors. Many are meant for specific individuals, such as “sister”, “father”, or “best friend.” These frames can usually accommodate a name or two as well as a date and sometimes a line of text for that extra-personal touch.

Thank you gifts don’t necessarily have to be sentimental. If the person you wish to thank shies away from the sappy stuff, reward them with something a little less serious, like personalized sporting gear, unique personalized signs for the home or office, or items that fit their hobbies, such as glasses or other accessories for wine lovers.

Anniversary couples who are renewing their vows for a special landmark anniversary can experience that moment once again through the use of a similar item known simply as an “anniversary candle.” Looking much like the unity candle, a personalized anniversary candle can be used during a ceremony or even lit during a party if no religious ceremony is held.

The anniversary candle bears the name of the couple, the date of their wedding, and the anniversary year; i.e. 25th or 50th. Most anniversary candles also include some sort of graphic, such as a couple dancing, a heart, or another picture. Like unity candles used for weddings, anniversary candles often include one large candle and two smaller ones. Holders are sometimes part of the package but may be purchased separately in some cases. They are usually available in silver or gold.

These personalized candles add a wonderful touch to any ceremony and remind the couple and their guests just how much of a stake they have in each other’s lives and how – through the years – their lives have truly melded into one.

Certainly, you can include photos or other memorabilia connected to the deceased as part of the festivities. In addition, however, companies that carry personalized items usually offer for purchase “memorial” vases or memorial candles that pay tribute to special people who have passed on before the event but whose lives had a significant impact on the bride and groom or other individual celebrating a special day.

These memorial vases usually bear a line from Scripture or a verse from an appropriate poem. In addition, the name of the person being memorialized and the dates of their life (birth-death) can be included as well. The vase may be placed wherever it is deemed appropriate. For example, it may sit on the altar during a wedding ceremony or near the guest book or wedding cake at a reception. The bride and groom can determine the best placement.

Regardless of where the personalized memorial item is placed, however, it will be a significant reminder of a much-loved person (or people) in the life of those whose special day has arrived.