Unique Christmas Gift Ideas: Personalized Art for Everyone on Your List
If you’re tired of giving (and getting) gifts that end up in a drawer by February, personalized Christmas gift ideas are worth the slightly earlier planning — and a custom pencil portrait is one of the few gifts almost everyone actually keeps out on display.
A Portrait for Everyone on Your List
Parents and grandparents tend to love a portrait of their kids or grandkids, especially from a recent photo they haven’t seen turned into art before. Pet owners are some of the easiest people to shop for with a pet portrait — it’s rarely a gift they’d think to get themselves. For couples, an anniversary-style portrait works just as well at Christmas as it does in spring. And for anyone who’s lost someone this year, a memorial portrait can be one of the most meaningful gifts under the tree.
Order Early for the Holidays
Hand-drawn art takes real time, and the run-up to Christmas is our busiest season — the same is true for most custom and handmade shops. Ordering by early-to-mid fall gives your artist enough time to do the piece justice and leaves room for shipping, rather than racing a deadline in mid-December.
Keeping It a Surprise
Getting a good photo without tipping off the recipient is usually easier than people expect. A sibling, parent, or friend’s phone often has exactly the shot you need, and it doesn’t have to be a photo the recipient took themselves — a recent one from a family gathering works just as well.
A Gift for the Person Who “Has Everything”
Every family seems to have that one person who’s impossible to shop for — they already own what they need and don’t ask for much. A custom portrait sidesteps that problem entirely, since it isn’t something they’d think to buy for themselves, and it’s not a duplicate of anything already sitting in a drawer somewhere.
Quick Questions
Q: What’s the latest I can order and still get it by Christmas?
A: It depends on the size and where it’s shipping, so the honest answer is: the earlier, the better. Reach out with your date and we’ll tell you what’s realistic.
Q: Can I order now and send the photo later?
A: It’s best to have your photo ready when you order so we can get started right away, but reach out if your situation is different and we’ll figure out a plan.
Start early this year — browse portrait styles or reach out with any questions about timing before the holidays.