39 Sentimental Gift Ideas If Getting Them to Happy-Cry Is the Goal
Cue the waterworks.
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When I’m shopping for a gift for a loved one, the goal is to get them in their feels. Because there’s nothing like seeing that semi-teary-eyed, sweet puppy-dog face reaction when your giftee sees the thoughtful present you got them. Sure, you can go the easy route and just grab ’em a luxury candle or their favorite bottle of wine, but a well-thought-out gift with meaning behind it can’t be beat. Truly, the best type of gift is the one that shows how well you know them. And if you need some guidance in the sentimental category of gift-giving, we’re here to help! We put together a list of sentimental gift ideas that’ll probably make them happy-cry—aka goal accomplished.
Going the extra mile with a personalized prezzie, something that caters to their specific hobbies and interests, or a gift that commemorates a special part of their life will definitely hit different. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, dad, sister, or BFF, the 39 best sentimental gifts below will make them feel extra loved. Keep scrolling to see all the sweet options to choose from!
A great way to make your giftee feel special? Getting them a mirror with encouraging words engraved on it. You’ll be praised for your creativity with this one!
Puzzles are so much more fun to put together when it’s a meaningful picture. You can upload whatever photo you want when customizing their puzzle—maybe it's a picture of the two of you, their pet, or a family portrait. They can even frame it when it's all done.
What do you get the Swiftie that seems like they have every Taylor Swift-themed product known to man? A metal poster that has affirmations in the form of Tay’s lyrics. And the fact that it’s on Amazon makes it even better for you!
For the person that's just absolutely obsessed with their pet: a custom pillow that’s shaped like them. None of their decorative throw pillows will ever compare!
Meaningful jewelry will always hit a soft spot. This pretty friendship bracelet will be a constant reminder for them to always look and think ahead.
A candle that smells like their grandma’s kitchen will really get them emotional that's for sure! This warm and spicy scent that’ll remind them of homemade desserts has notes of caramelized sugar, sandalwood, custard, amber, and vanilla.
Whether they’ve been wanting to start their own business or they’re just a major Kris Jenner fan, regardless, they’ll learn a lot from this class taught by the celeb entrepreneur herself! Bible! This subscription includes access to hundreds of video lessons from experts like Kris Jenner, Wolfgang Puck, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, and more—for $10 a month. Kris Jenner’s class, specifically, will teach them everything she knows about building a successful brand from the ground up.
Complete their chic bedspread with this custom blanket that has their name on it. You can choose between 13 different neutral and bold colorways depending on their taste.
You’re about to win S.O. of the year with this one! If you’re gift shopping for your partner, this is the perfect present that screams ~thoughtful~ and won’t make a dent in your wallet. It’s a cute poster with 100 date ideas that you can scratch off every time you do them. It not only adds some excitement to the relationship, but it also makes a cool wall decor piece!
The way you will unlock so many memories for them with just this small pack of Lip Smacker lip balms! And of course, you gotta get them the set with all the Coca-Cola flavors to really amp up the nostalgic vibe.
If they’re a golfer, look no further. A personalized set with their initials on a dozen golf balls and the display case will mean the most to them. It also comes with a dozen tees and pencils so they’re ready to play a game whenever!
A traditional bouquet of flowers is sweet, but IMO, an arrangement of flowers that’ll last ’em an entire year is even sweeter. This itty bitty box comes with a set of nine mini roses that are available in 17 gorgeous colors ranging from red to lavender.
Their charcuterie boards just got chicer with this monogrammed cheese board! Its unique triangular shape (that makes for easy storage) opens up into a tiered board where they can have different sections for each type of food. Plus, it includes a stainless steel cheese fork and two knives.
Show them you believe in them with this motivating book that provides thoughtful insights and advice from some of the most successful women in business, fashion, journalism, and more. You (and this guide) may be the reason you kickstart them into their next career journey!
PJ Salvage Women's Loungewear Flannels Pajama Pj Set, Vintage Pink
Ya know they love espresso martinis, so gift them a pajama set with espresso martinis on them! It’s the little things. <33
Their first designer wallet is a moment they’ll never forget. I love this timeless red Jacquemus card holder with a press-stud closure for extra security.
Girls love their diamonds! This sparkly 14k solid gold ring with 11 round, natural diamonds will definitely touch their heart—especially if they don’t have any real diamonds in their collection. No matter how they style it, it’ll look stunning on its own or stacked with other bands.
Welcome to 2022 where you can get a picture frame that you can control with your phone! Yep, this frame will allow your giftee to instantly add photos and/or videos so that they can experience allll the memories. Plus, it's a touchscreen
You're looking at their personality in a necklace. Customize this adorable piece from the cult-favorite brand Frasier Sterling using different charms that describe your person.
A designer perfume is one of those things that they'll never buy for themselves but have been dreaming of forever. This classic one by Dior has the most beautiful warm floral notes that'll instantly become their go-to scent.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics.
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