3 thoughtful {personalized} gift ideas.

Even though the holidays are over, I’m constantly thinking of thoughtful and unique ways to give gifts to my loved ones. I have a handful of birthdays coming up, and I’m sick of getting the same old gifts for everyone!

Here are a couple of fun gift ideas that are unique, thoughtful, can be personalized, and also won’t break the bank.

1. for your best friend - a personalized journal.

This is something Jessi actually got me a few years ago, and it made me feel so special. I know I’ll have that journal forever, so went from being a great gift to something that will hold memories.

There are a handful of website that make custom journals, but I especially love the options Minted.com has.

2. for your family - professional photographs.

Especially if you’re a 20-something like me who no longer lives at home – you probably know how much your parents and grandparents ask for photos of you.

It can seem a little conceited to send someone a photo of yourself as a gift, but it really will mean a lot to your family who misses you! There are some really affordable photo studios (and here are even more photo coupons), so even one great photo with a pretty frame can be really meaningful.

Wherever you may be in life – starting a new job, engaged, pregnant – capture the moment for your family members to feel like they’re a part of it.

3. for anyone – a custom phone cover.

I did a review of RuMe custom iPhone covers last year, and I still use mine today. Our phones have become our number one accessory, so why not surprise someone with a phone cover that is uniquely theirs?

**********

How do you come up with gift ideas? What’s your go-to gift for loved ones?

RuMe customizable iPhone case review + giveaway.

What’s the one material object you can’t live without? Really think about it…

For me – the answer is easy. My cell phone! My iPhone 4S is my go-to for so many important things in my life. In addition to the obvious act of keeping in touch with people, I use my iPhone for emails, social media, looking up directions, alarm to wake up in the morning, music, and *takes breath* the list goes on.

Living in New York City I find myself constantly out and about in the city for meetings, events, and social gatherings, so it’s pretty safe to say I would literally be lost without my phone. Like a lot of people, my phone is almost always in my hand, or at least within reach. And, since I must admit that I can tend to be a bit of a klutz, it’s always been really important that I have a good case on my phone to protect it.

The only problem with cell phone cases, though, is that they can tend to be bulky and…well…not exactly cute. That’s why I was so excited to learn about RuMe and their customizable cell phone cases.

 

 

RuMe cases help protect your device from dings, drops, and take-by-mistakes, while also having interchangeable and customizable backplates. How cool is that?!

Since my cell phone is something that is always with me, I love the idea of making it an accessory that expresses me and my personal style. I love that this backplate design even matches my wrist tattoo…

I also love inspirational quotes, so I decided to make this custom design for the custom backplate of my phone using one of my favorites.

I’ve already gotten so many people out and about in the city – even on the subway - asking me what it says and commenting on how much they like it!

In NYC it’s always a plus to have your fashion and personal style be a conversation starter. Who would have guessed that my cell phone would become an accessory that helps me out at networking events?

And – good news – you can customize your own backplate on MyRume.com by uploading your own image(s) and RuMe will ship it to you with no additional shipping charges. Whether it’s a photo of that unforgettable night out with friends, your cute dog doing cute dog stuff, or that artsy pic you took in Europe last summer that blew up your Instagram…nothing feels better than getting complimented on a design that is your very own.

Great news - you can win a $100 Target gift card plus your very own RuMe case! To enter, just go to MyRume.com, check out their cute phone case designs and come back here to comment with which of their cases best expresses your style. The style I went with is called Crosby!

If you want to shop now, MyRuMe.com is offering 30% off everything online for Girl Meets Life readers. Use coupon code “GML30″ during check out and save.

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 8/16/13 - 10/15/13.

Be sure to visit the RuMe page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!