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48 Best Sentimental Gifts of 2023 - Meaningful Gift Ideas

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Tug on their heartstrings with these unique and thoughtful gift ideas. Jewelllery Box Packaging

48 Best Sentimental Gifts of 2023 - Meaningful Gift Ideas

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!

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.

Turn an image of their beloved furry friend into a pillow they can take anywhere — or add to their pet's toy pile for a good photo op.

This little book gives you a place to remember all your adventures together, big and small, with post cards, tickets, photos and other mementos.

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.

RELATED: 66 Best Gifts for Your Sister, From Unique to Practical

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."

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.

Take some time to think about all the reasons why you love your mom, dad, significant other, sibling or best friend. Then fill in this book by following simple prompts, including "You have the greatest taste in _____." (For a more personalized option, pick one specific to your mom or dad.)

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.

RELATED: 45+ Thoughtful Gifts for Your Girlfriend She'll Love

At first glance, this looks like any ol' box ... until they untie the bow to reveal layers of photos, memories, and love notes. There are 24 spots for photos and notes, and even room to hold a small trinket in the middle.

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.

RELATED: 40 Thoughtful Gifts for Couples

More unique than a traditional photo frame, this 3D version takes your gift a step beyond. Made of crystal, it also has an LED light up base. "The clarity of the image was absolutely breathtaking," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

You can customize this name bracelet with your own (or your recipient's) handwriting for an extra personal touch.

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!

This beautiful compact mirror will remind her just how beautiful she is on those days she might be feeling less confident. Made of stainless steel, she'll carry it with her wherever she goes.

Think of this as the gift that keeps on giving: Each week in the year ahead, they'll be encouraged to send a card to someone in their life and then reflect on how it made them feel.

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.

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.

RELATED: 50 Romantic Gifts Guaranteed to Give Them Warm Fuzzies

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!

RELATED: 70 Unique Gifts for Your Boyfriend That Will Warm His Heart

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.

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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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. 

48 Best Sentimental Gifts of 2023 - Meaningful Gift Ideas

Storage Box 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.