I love giving gifts. No—seriously, it’s my thing. There’s no greater feeling than curating the perfect surprise for someone you love, then watching their face light up as they unwrap it. Sure, I’ve missed the mark a few times—but hey, practice makes perfect…right? Through all that practice, I’ve learned the most heartfelt, can’t-stop-ugly-crying gifts are always the ones made just for them. A custom-made creation where thought lives in every detail—where love, care, and intention turn an otherwise ordinary presentation into something truly unforgettable.

Now, a little tip: Personalization should add meaning, not just decoration. It’s not about stamping a last name or cheeky saying on the nearest object—because, really, who’s asking for a monogrammed toothbrush? (No offense.) When I give a custom-made gift, I want it to be practical enough for everyday use, yet thoughtful enough to feel special every time they use it—like a small reminder that I was thinking of them specifically.

My Latest Gifting Obsession: RENEW Serving Boards

Items I keep in my gift-giving arsenal are serving trays and charcuterie boards. These tried-and-true staples serve a variety of uses and can be found in nearly every kitchen—no matter how your recipients’ design aesthetics may vary. One brand I keep coming back to time and time again is RENEW. Their products aren’t your momma’s serving boards, ok? These beauties are carefully and sustainably crafted using reclaimed chopsticks (who knew?). They have 16 different styles that are almost too gorgeous to cover with food. Don’t believe me—check them out for yourself, here. And as if their delightful designs weren’t gift-worthy enough, I learned you can personalize each and every board for as low as $10. Cue the angels singing!

An already one-of-a-kind gift now made to be even more unique? Count me in. You can create a monogram, select an icon from their image library or write a custom message (up to 30 characters). They do allow you to upload your own image or logo to be engraved onto the board, but ask that you contact their customer service to walk you through that process (customization@renewbytrinity.com). They also offer a variety of font options to choose from, so you can select the one that feels the most tailored to your recipient. You can also select your design’s placement on the board—location varies depending on the tray that you choose.

Perfect Gift for the Perfect Occasion

One of my favorite occasions to gift a personalized board is a wedding shower. Engraving a soon-to-be-married couple’s monogram in the middle of a charcuterie board really tugs at the heart strings. It’s a symbol of their upcoming union, the love that brought them there and is something they can create lasting memories around for years to come. A style I’ve had personalized for my friends multiple times is the Gather + Graze Serving Board. Its design layout perfectly accommodates lettering for a monogram, without overwhelming the board.

Game-Day Ready (and Beyond)

Another perfect opportunity to flex your gift-giving muscle is during a game-day bash thrown by your bestie. These boards make the cutest hostess presents—especially if enhanced with the name of their favorite team or a sports-related message. Check out this cutie—appropriately named the Game Day Sandwich Board—I had made.

The More the Merrier

These boards make the perfect gift for a handful of other occasions, too! Here are some more ideas of when to gift one:

• Holiday – Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Galentines Day, a personalized serving board adds a warm, thoughtful touch to seasonal entertaining.
• Corporate Gifting – Elevate your client or employee gifts with a custom-engraved board. It’s classy, useful, and way more memorable than a generic gift basket.
• Birthday – A board engraved with their name, a favorite quote, or an inside joke makes it feel truly one-of-a-kind.
• Personal – Because who says you can’t treat yourself?
• Baby Shower – Perfect for the new parents to use (and display!) in their kitchen. Stay tuned for our Gender Reveal message idea. Genius!
• Wedding or Anniversary – A custom board with the couple’s last name or wedding date is a timeless keepsake they’ll actually use.
• Housewarming – Welcome friends or family to their new home with something that feels both practical and personal. Bonus points if you pair it with their favorite cheese and wine.
• Host or Hostess Gift – Skip the flowers and bring something that will last long after the party’s over.
• Thank You Gift – A heartfelt way to show gratitude—engrave a short message like “Thanks for everything” or “You’re the best.”

At the end of the day, gift-giving is about connection — those little moments of joy that come from giving something truly personal. Whether you’re celebrating someone special (or yourself), I hope you find as much satisfaction in creating these thoughtful, custom pieces as I do in giving them. Here’s to meaningful gifts, happy hearts, and endless reasons to celebrate.

For more inspiration and to explore customizable options, visit the RENEW website.