Why Personalized Gifts Matter in Our Home (And How We Make the Holidays More Meaningful)

I missed my usual Monday blog post, but this week has been overflowing with custom ornaments, engraved perfume bottles, leather pieces, and the most thoughtful teacher gifts. December in my studio is always a reminder that personalization is not just beautiful; It’s meaningful.

And in our home, that meaning runs deep.

In our home, we don’t teach our children that Santa Clause will come down the chimney and give them gifts.

Hear me out!

We do discuss Saint Nicholas (and if you haven’t seen “Saint Nicholas: The Real Story” – it’s a MUST SEE Documentary on the actual history we have on Saint Nicholas – and let me tell you… he was not at all who I thought he was. He was epic and legendary in ways he was never secularly recognized for until this documentary, if you ask me).

Nevertheless, instead of Santa Clause bringing the gifts in our family, we focus on celebrating Jesus’s birthday, and the only thing Jesus asks for from us on His birthday is the same thing He always asks of us: that we show Love to one another in his name. Because of that one wish He has for us, our family leans into the five love languages during the Christmas season, and every gift we give is chosen with intention, tenderness, and a sense of honoring something sacred.

Our Family Christmas Traditions

In our house, Christmas gifts are the most special gifts of the year. Not because they are expensive, but because they are personal.

During Christmas break, we always pick at least one day to have a family movie day. We stay in pajamas, pile under blankets, make popcorn and hot chocolate, and enjoy being close. That is our quality time.

Christmas morning is filled with cuddles, gentle words of encouragement and handmade cards. These are our expressions of physical touch and words of affirmation.

We also exchange thoughtful gifts and simple favors. My kids love giving acts of service coupons. Shoulder rub coupons. Back scratch coupons. Help with chores coupons. Declan especially loves back scratch coupons. These small offerings feel just as meaningful as any wrapped gift.

Jesus asks us to love one another, and for our family that looks like kindness that is intentional, quiet, and deeply felt.

Why Personalized Gifts Matter

This is probably why I am so drawn to personalization in my work. A customized piece says something powerful.

It says, I thought about you. I know you. I chose this with your heart in mind.

That is the kind of love we try to cultivate in our house during December.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to create that feeling through art and calligraphy.

1. Custom Ornaments

Ornaments become tiny heirlooms. First Christmas together. Baby’s first Christmas. A memorial name. A family quote. These pieces carry stories from year to year.

2. Personalized Cutting Boards

Paired with a handwritten gift tag, they make the perfect “I made this just for you” gift.

3. Leather Gifts for Husbands, Dads, and Business Owners

Hand burned leather luggage or backpack tags. NFC enabled business card holders. Custom Bible covers. These gifts are practical, personal, and meaningful.

4. My Mom’s Vintage Record Player

Stay Tuned for the Reveal next week…! 📸

One of my favorite projects this season is my mom’s vintage blue suitcase style record player. I am adding her name in gold on the front. It is simple, but it transforms the item from something she might like into something she will connect with in a way that will hopefully help her connect back to herself through music.

Love Made Visible

For me, personalization is not a trend. It is a way of gifting someone the experience of being seen, deeply thought of, and loved.

It is exactly what we try to give Jesus on his birthday, too. Love made visible through our actions, our words, and the gifts we choose with intention.

If You Want to Order Something for Christmas

If you want something thoughtful, intentional, and personal, you can reach out below to get started on your project idea! I would love to help you create a gift full of heart.