48 Best Sentimental Gifts for That Someone Special
Tug on their heartstrings with these meaningful present ideas.
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While not every occasion calls for a sappy and sentimental gift, there are certain events that lend themselves to gifting something more meaningful — namely, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, milestone birthdays, and even holidays, like Christmas. But when it comes to making someone feel special, a thoughtful gift given just because is never a bad idea, either!
No matter who you're shopping for — your BFF, mom, dad, significant other, sibling, child, grandparent or a coworker you're close with — we've put together a list of the best sentimental gifts that will show them just how much they're appreciated. Here you'll find something extra special to give your favorite person, from personalized keepsakes that showcase their name, birthstone or home state, to a booklet of "vouchers for lovers" in case their love language is acts of service. And just because a gift is sentimental doesn't mean it can't also be practical. Case in point: a set of customized whiskey glasses that'll have them thinking of your special bond every time they pour themselves a cocktail.
In short, no matter who you're shopping for or what the occasion is, there's a gift on this list that'll make them feel all the love — and maybe even leave them shedding a tear or two!
Much better than a wilting bouquet, these preserved flowers promise to last up to five years without care. They come housed in a glass dome rimmed with soft LED lighting to set the mood.
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Bring tears to her eyes with this adorable wood music box that will play "You Are My Sunshine" when she cranks the lever. "This little music box made my daughter's day," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "She went to bed with it and fell asleep listening to it. She loves it."
Even if he's not normally a jewelry guy, he'll appreciate this cord bracelet, especially when he notices the GPS coordinates from where you first met or fell in love on the silver disc.
Similar to a weighted blanket, this heart-shaped pillow, available in pink, gray, and cream, mimics the warmth and weight of a real-life hug. Give it a good squeeze to feel subtle pressure that lifts stress and minor pains.
Cute Capsules in a Glass Bottle
Give him a daily dose of love with these colorful capsules. Each pill comes with a blank piece of paper inside that you can fill with notes to make him smile. This gift is a hit on Amazon, too — it's been reviewed by over 23,000 people!
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Gift your favorite bookworm this stainless steel bookmark so she'll never lose her place again. It even comes packed inside a cute gift box so you don't even have to wrap it!
Make it sweet or spicy (or both!) by gifting your S.O. this pack of 20 coupons. Some of them will encourage your partner to bring out their romantic side (a cuddle session) and others will give you both what you really need (quality alone time).
"What I Love About You" Book
Celebrate your special date, whatever it may be, with these custom sweatshirts. The date is embroidered in roman numerals on the chest, and their initials (or yours) go on the sleeve.
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There is no way that this hand casting kit won't become an instant keepsake in your home. Use the high-quality plaster to mold two adult hands, four small children's hands or two adult hands with a small child's.
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This cute "pocket hug" is sure to give your friend a boost on hard days. Made of stainless steel, it comes nestled inside a faux leather pouch for safekeeping.
She's been with you through it all, so why not gift her this sweet stainless steel keychain that comes with a sentimental note about loving each other "through thick and thin." With a split ring closure and a minimalist look, it's a gift she can use every day.
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Guaranteed to be a keepsake, this beautiful hand-painted box will cue the happy tears. Made of resin, the two figurines are meant to represent friendship.
If you're looking to comfort someone suffering a loss, this angel wings ornament is a great way to keep memories of their loved one alive during the holidays. A cord and string closure helps it tie easily to any type of tree.
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With a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, this glass cross makes a great Father's Day gift if he's a man of faith. It measures four inches long and comes with a special sentimental message.
Both sentimental and useful, this engraved wallet is made of stainless steel, can hold cash and up to 12 cards and features a sweet message from fathers to sons.
Featuring a sappy message on the back of the box that just might make her tear up, your mom will think of you and your special bond every time she lights up this candle with notes of bergamot, lavender, sage, jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, musk and lily.
100 Dates Scratch-Off Poster
Consider this a gift for both of you. This ready-to-hang poster invites you to step outside your comfort zone and try some new date ideas. The list includes everything from making dinner together at home to taking dance classes.
Since your love was fated by the stars, why not gift him this beautiful personalized constellation poster? It comes with the exact coordinates in the sky the day you met, and can even be personalized with your names.
Mothers and Daughters Jewelry Tray
This cute ceramic jewelry tray is the perfect gift from daughters. Its sweet message is sure to tug at her heartstrings.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com.
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