How to Add a Personal Touch to Store-Bought Gifts

Not every gift has to be handcrafted to feel heartfelt. Sometimes you find the perfect thing at a store, but it just needs a little *something* to make it truly yours.

That’s where a personal touch comes in.

Whether it’s a last-minute present or something you picked up weeks ago, here’s how to take a store-bought gift from “nice” to “wow, you really thought of me.”

1. Pair It with Something Personal

If you bought your dad a coffee mug, add a bag of his favorite blend or a homemade biscotti recipe. If it’s a candle, pair it with a playlist that matches the mood. It doesn’t take much to show, “I know what you love.”

2. Add a Custom Gift Tag or Note

This one’s easy but often overlooked. A handwritten note—even a silly doodle—adds instant charm. Instead of “To: Mom, From: Me,” try “For the woman who somehow knew where my shoes were every time.”

3. Get Creative with the Wrapping

Skip the standard gift bag and wrap it in a page from an old book, sheet music, or even a map of a place you’ve been together. Add a sprig of herbs or a Polaroid under the bow. Suddenly, the outside of the gift is part of the fun.

4. Include an Inside Joke

Nothing says “this is just for you” like a reference only the two of you would get. Maybe it’s a phrase from a favorite movie, a quote from a shared moment, or just a goofy nickname. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else.

5. Upgrade It (Just a Little)

Take the store-bought item and level it up. Add your own seasoning mix to a kitchen gift. Tuck a handwritten recipe into a cookbook. Stick a family photo inside the cover of a journal. It says, “I took this a step further—just for you.”

6. Mix It with Something Custom

This is where a personalized item can really shine. Pair a store-bought cozy blanket with a custom mug. Or match a journal with a personalized pen. It’s the best of both worlds: practical + personal.

Small Touches, Big Meaning

You don’t need to craft everything from scratch to give a gift that feels meaningful. With just a little creativity and thought, your store-bought present becomes something personal—something that says, “I didn’t just buy this. I made it yours.”

Looking for an easy way to add that personal element? Check out our custom mugs, shirts, and more. They're made to mix, match, and add meaning to any gift.