Pondering over what to buy for your BFF or the perfect anniversary gift for your parents? The age-old trend of gifting video games, cars, dolls, scented dolls and even stationery seem to have died out. Customised gifting is in and justifiably so. Families and friends are opting for gifts that will not leave a lasting impression and stay close to one’s heart.
“Personalising gifts are picking up as a trend, the motivation being to create something different and unique. A gift that has been made especially keeping someone in mind will be cherished all the more. It also turns an ordinary gift, for instance, a mug, into something extraordinary,” says, Ajay Menon, creative head, ZoomIn Photo Studios, adding, “A personalised gift reflects the thought, time and effort that has gone into it to make it a special and memorable gift. At the ZoomIn Studio, there are a variety of options — be it coffee mugs, t-shirts, bag tags, mouse pads, collage posters, canvas prints and, of course, photo books. Ajay says, “Nothing beats a photo book, through which one can tell a story. It’s the easiest way to capture special moments with loved ones.”
Personalised gifts also seem to have a longer shelf life, especially when it comes to canvas prints and photo books. In fact, most teenagers prefer gifts that are useful and trendy, like bag tags and tote bags.
Also, if you’re a workaholic, catch a brief moment of respite as you stare into the personalised calendar lying on your desk. Besides, it could be ideal corporate gifting options too.
“Earlier, customers did not have many options with regard to customising gifts — all they did was choose readymade gifts off the shelf and imprint their logos on them. With corporate gifting reaching new heights and innovations, such personalising helps. Also, seasonal gifting, especially during Diwali, when corporate gifts include silver momentos, candles and even electronic items fall under this category,” says Ashfaq Hussain, proprietor, Dash & Dots.
He adds, “Eco-friendly gifts are in. A lot of customers who want mugs have moved on from ceramic ones to stainless steel with customisation. Be it T-shirts, pens, sippers — each have individual identities and can be customised as per needs. Moving a notch higher, desktop clocks, glassware, Swarowski crystalware, paperweights, coasters, bar accessories are also being personalised just as a lot of leather products are. With a boom in the IT industry, gifts like pendrives, Ipad cases, digital photo frames and external drives are being used as options for corporate gifting. We’ve even supplied Swiss army knives with names engraved on them.”
It’s no more rocket science to wear your attitude on your tees. Sudeep Nadukkandy, product manager, Printo, informs, “Personalised gifting provides the right opportunity to transform an ordinary gift item into something special. There is something magical about seeing one’s name or photograph in print on an otherwise impersonal item. Add to that a quote or line that is special only for the receiver and the giver, and you’ve got yourself a winner.” But Sudeep believes in giving full credit to the customers “Sometimes, they come up with the most innovative of ideas. Be it personalised paper lampshades, coffee table books and story books — they have thought of it all. Talk of corporate gifting and marketing managers consider them to be one of the most powerful weapons in their arsenal,” he ends.
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