TN’s Guide to Gifts that Don’t Suck: Personalized Portraits

Don’t we all want a gift that’s personal? Or at least one that feels that way? That’s where a personalized (sort of) portrait comes in. I saw this idea online one Christmas past and thought it would make a great gift for my sister, who had just had her second baby*. But since I’m super cheap and vaguely artistic, I decided to make my own version rather than buy one. 1. Because I want the credit of making it myself and seeming talented (I’m very conceited), and 2. Mainly the cheap thing. And at the end of the day, who doesn’t want a picture of themselves as a gift?

*_{let’s hope she doesn’t have another or I guess I have to make another family portrait…}

 Here are a few examples:

Here’s my creation for my sister and brother-in-law. It’s hanging in their kitchen and makes me feel quite important. I like the idea of a cartoon-ish portrait since portraits can get real cheesy real fast. I work on commission if you like my style 😉

A great place to look for gifts like this is Etsy. There are some amazing artists selling beautiful items. And wouldn’t you rather have something handmade than a random Amazon lightning deal?

This option is from PrintableWisdom, and it’s the cutest. You can add your pets, your grandma, your next-door neighbor, whoever you want.

Or maybe you finally want your boyfriend to know about your interest in tandem bicycle riding – here’s a great way to show him, not just tell him, from Patricia Carlin on Uncommon Goods!

So you don’t want a picture of humans. Well, how about a pet? If I waited another month on writing this post, chances are I’d have one of these hanging on my wall. I’m a self-professed crazy cat lady and my cat Luna is my everything. You definitely know at least 15 people who are obsessed with their fur babies (cringe), and this is definitely the gift for them.

Buy this from The Toy Shop on Etsy

 Or this Stephanie Carter on Uncommon Goods!

Maybe a print is too basic for you. You want your already a little bit extra gift to be EXTRA EXTRA. Well, have we got the options for you.

YOU COULD BE A COOKIE! If that doesn’t entice you then I don’t know what will. Submit your photo instantly to TreeLittleTree on Etsy so we can start eating!!

If cookies don’t float your boat (what’s wrong with you?!) then how about something to hold all that hot tea that’s been spilling? This image is pretty compelling for the accuracy that MugsMugs on Etsy is able to create. Check out the options here.

If you like the idea of personalization for the holidays, check out more of Uncommon Good’s personalized options here and Etsy’s here. Cheers to gift giving that doesn’t suck!

CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE GIFT GUIDE HERE!