The scramble for Christmas gifts is officially in effect. Many people will be racking their brains to find the perfect gifts for their family and friends. And, in return, many wallets, fruit scented body lotion sets and other mediocre gifts will be purchased. Unless one of your buddies has hinted at one of the above mentioned gifts, try exploring other options for something a bit more sentimental and personalized. Keep on reading for 4 customized gift ideas.

Old Photos: Do you have an old photo of a family member or friend that’s a bit worn at the edges? Take it to a shop and have it restored for around $25 (or less). Memories like these are truly priceless, and will be remembered for years to come. Having your life-long best bud rip open their present to find a restored photo of the two of you together at summer camp is a far better gift than that generic body spray set from Macy’s. If you have quite a few photos, you can make cheap copies at the drugstore, and create a collage in a large frame for a hodgepodge of memories.

Books: Most people have a favorite book or two. If someone important in your life has an old or tattered paperback copy of their favorite novel, try purchasing him or her a nice hardcover copy, like those with the attached ribbon bookmark and gold leaf edges. Giving something that is not only sentimental, but that will also be frequently used, is the perfect combination.

Bag of Goodies: Try putting together a bunch of small gifts that you know they’ll enjoy. If you know he or she loves a cozy night in watching movies, spring for a goodie bag filled with a couple of DVDs, a blanket, and a box of microwave popcorn. If  your friend is a chronic web surfer, try a novelty USB key with a new mouse or mouse pad. There’s plenty of room for flexibility here, so use your head and keep it creative and useful, but more importantly, thoughtful.

Subscriptions: Maybe your friend is always picking up a magazine or two every month, but hasn’t subscribed to any. Get them a year subscription to their favorite mag. Most magazine subscriptions can be had for under $13 on average, and your friend will have 12 months of magazine bliss without having to go to the newsstand (and will save a lot of money in the process!).

Gift giving time doesn’t have to be about hellish shopping trips and clueless buying sprees. By keeping things simple and focused, your money will go towards a gift that your recipient will not only enjoy, but actually use. And that’s money well spent.

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