Personalized Holiday Gifts from Personal Creations {Review}

With the holidays getting closer and closer, it's time to start thinking about the gifts that could truly make them special. As much as it's fast and convenient to pick up items at the store that can be bought prepackaged and ready to go, I always also try to keep a lookout for companies that can provide something with... a little bit more. That uniqueness that it going to make my recipient know I care.

Which is exactly why it's easy to see that the 3,000+ high quality, personalized gifts for every occasion offered at Personal Creations make finding the perfect item for family and friends on my list for the holidays (as well as weddings, new babies, graduations, birthdays and more) fast and fun.

From large to small, practical to frivolous, Personal Creations has a selection of everything from ornaments to stocking stuffers to home decor to apparel (and everything in between) that is customizable just for you. Whether you browse the entire collection or break it down by one of their convenient categories (for him, her, the home, etc) it is easy to see why Personal Creations is best known for specializing in gifting and offering a wide variety of products and options.

Just look at the multitude of colors, designs and styles that they have available in personalized Christmas stockings!

With so many great gift ideas, it was difficult to narrow down the selection... but I finally opted for one gift for Mom, one gift for a child, and one gift for a teacher.

First, for me: the Pencil Shape Photo Album.

Exclusive to Personal Creations, the Pencil Shape Photo Album is just what I've been looking for to help capture my daughters' school memories in a simple and stylish way. I'll admit that I haven't done such a good job creating baby books for either of my kids, so I don't want to make the same mistake when it comes to documenting their school careers.

Instead, this clever pencil-shaped album measures 12"L x 8½"W and makes it simple to keep all of the important documents, photos and info all in one place — the cover even holds Preschool-12th grade wallet-sized photos and can be personalized with any name (up to nine characters).

Inside, there is a page of memories to complete for each grade and pocket pages to hold report cards, awards and photos, as well as a page of cute stickers at the end that can be used throughout the book.

I appreciate that the included questions aren't anything that will take a young child too much time to think of answers and that there is even a line for the girls to write their name. I can't wait to compare this year to what their handwriting will look like 10 years from now!

Retailing for only $12.99, the Pencil Shape Photo Album from Personal Creations would make a perfect gift for parents or for preschoolers themselves who are excited to head off to Kindergarten!

Next up, a unique gift for children: the Name Frame Photo Collage.

Available in pink or blue, this white frame measures 26½"W x 6½"H and features any name (up to nine characters) laser cut into the colored mat. With photo openings that measure approximately 3" x 3," it is easy to slip just about any photographs in behind the mat and secure them in place.

The result is a crisp, clean, modern, personalized way to decorate a nursery, bedroom, hallway or more! What better way to display a child's name and your cherished photos at the same time?

Retailing for only $29.99, the Name Frame Photo Collage would make a unique gift for parents-to-be or for a child of nearly any age.

Finally, a gift for teachers: the Teacher Tote Bag.

While teachers appreciate the thought behind each gift that they receive from their students, let me tell you, one person can only have so many ornaments and pins shaped like snowmen. Therefore, when it comes to finding a gift for my own girls' teachers, I try to somewhat follow the teacher theme... but yet still find a way to make the item useful.

Personal Creations offers an entire category of Teacher Career Gifts for just that reason, so whether you are looking for a mug or a photo frame, they offer one that will surely make your child's teacher smile. Although we haven't yet decided on what will go inside, for now Big Sister E is already excited that she will be able to give her teacher a way to carry supplies, lunch, papers or just about anything else in her personalized, sturdy white canvas tote.

With the ability to add any name (up to 12 characters) right into the chalkboard graphic, we are looking forward to giving this gift and knowing that it is durable, easy to clean and plenty large enough (18"Wx15½"H) to be convenient without being cumbersome.

Retailing for $16.99 and made in the USA, the Teacher Tote Bag is one way to show that you care and appreciate your child's teacher this holiday season and all year long.

Whether you're shopping for adults or kids (or yourself), these items are just a few of the vast variety of wonderful gifts that PersonalCreations.com has to offer. For any age, interest, style or personality, you're sure to find something that will be well-received and cherished this holiday season.

(Other than the complimentary products that I received from PersonalCreations.com to facilitate my review, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this site and these items.)