I try to begin planning for my holiday shopping months in advance, even picking up gifts throughout the year if I find something perfect that matches the recipient. That’s important when almost everyone on my list is either a picky teenager or an adult who has everything. My Mother-In-Law is notoriously difficult when it comes to presents. I’ve bought plenty of gifts over the years that I thought were nice only to have them returned after a month. “I thought you could use these more than I can,” she’d say. Finally, I resorted to buying gift cards to her favorite restaurant every year.
This year I decided a personalized gift might be a welcome change after I checked out the selection at Personal Creations, featuring Unique Personalized Gifts for Life’s Special Occasions. They had a huge amount of choices, with 200 of them priced at $20 or less, and I was stumped at first. What should I choose? I know how much she loves her Grandchildren so the Chillin’ With My Grandkids coffee mug was a choice. The personalized door mats offered possibilities as well. Then, I saw the Family Tree Throw. There were enough leaves to include the names of everyone in the family, including the daughter in laws. The bottom offered a space to add our family name and the year they were married. My husband seconded the idea. “I think she will like this one, “ he said.
I was able to add all the information onto the family tree and have the order processed in around ten minutes. I wasn’t sure how long shipping would take so I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived three days later. It’s well made and will keep anyone (especially me, because I freeze year round when I visit their house) warm. I did have two small complaints with the throw. The names can only be ten letters long. That’s not good when my Mother in law’s name is eleven letters long. My son noticed this as soon as he examined the throw. “How come Grandmother’s name is missing the last letter?” he asked. “I could only add ten letters, “ I responded. “Don’t tell her and maybe she won’t notice.”
My other problem was the leaf arrangement. It would have been good to have my in-laws at the top, followed by their children, daughter in laws and then grandchildren. Instead, the names were scattered randomly over the throw. Naturally, my son noticed this immediately too. “How come you are at the top of the throw, Mom? You’re above Grandmother.” “Don’t tell her and she might not notice,” I repeated. My husband promptly responded, “I bet she’ll notice that!” While she may notice that, I know she will like having her entire family displayed on the throw. I can see it prominently placed in her living room and shared with friends and family.
Do you have a family member you have a hard time finding a gift? What was the best idea you’ve had for a gift?
What a neat idea! I love to give personalized gifts for the holidays!
That is gorgeous! What a cute idea!
What an awesome gift! I’m totally hitting blanks for christmas gifts for my mom and something personalized sounds like a great idea. She’s always cold so a throw sounds perfect!
I LOVE Personal Creations. I actually just got an order a couple days ago. I ordered a personalized breadbox that looks super cute in my kitchen.
I agree on the placement {and of course the character restriction!} but it still looks awesome! I’m seriously considering ordering one for my mom!
That is beautiful. Wonderful choice.
So beautiful! What a precious idea.
<3 Melissa
wildflwrchild.blogspot.com
That’s such a cool idea! Personalized gifts are such treasures. She might likely notice, but I bet she will love it anyway, I know I would be tickled to get such a lovely, person gift.
What a neat idea and how great that you had it ordered in ten minutes. I’m going to check this out for my mom. I think she’d love it too.
i love personalized items. all the time. it makes things so much more special!!
I struggle with gift giving every year. Some people are so hard to shop for. That is a really cute idea, though. I bet my husband’s mom and stepdad would like it.
I can’t get past the fact that your mother in law returns gifts to you. WOW. Talk about a lack of manners or class. I love this throw, I hope she appreciates what a thoughtful daughter in law she has!
A few years back I was trying to think of a present for my Brother. I had a picture of him posing in sunglasses with his thumbs up and acting really cool. I ended up getting t-shirts with his face blown up on them for him and his girlfriend. I was pretty proud of myself for that one.
haha, that’s funny about the name being too long! It looks really pretty, though!
Great gift choice. I love personalized!!
I like the idea but yes, the order would be important. If it’s a family tree, it generally has a certain flow to it. That being said, it’s still a pretty throw.
LOL that’s too funny Pam! “Don’t tell her and she won’t notice!” I think the blanket is really pretty. I love getting new blankets because I always want to have a lot available when guests stay with me. So I think it’s a great gift idea.
What a beautiful blanket! I would love to get one of these for my mom.
Oh, this would be perfect for my MIL:) I am off to check them out right now!!! Thank you
That’s a really pretty throw, and such a neat idea! I hope your mother in law loves it!
this is beautiful. I want one
I love the choice you made and I also go with personalized gifts. One year I did a coffee mug with a picture of her dog on it and it was a huge hit.
This is really neat…too bad about the leaf placement
A personalized gift may be the answer to that hard to buy for family member. I am sure will notice you at the top of the throw.. but will love it. Took a peek at the website.. there are so many idea’s to choose from.. going to put a hint to kids that I want the Round Casserole Dish, this way with my Initial on it.. no one else can borrow it.
thanks for the review