If you're looking for a present for a one-of-a-kind special someone this holiday season, don't just gift another hum-drum device. Cases, stands, decals and other customizable accessories add pizzazz and flair to the devices that you hold near and dear.
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For ambitious gift-givers, custom-designed presents are always stand-outs under the tree -- as are gifts that allow recipients with an artistic flair to put a custom, DIY spin on their own accessories.
Below are a few gift ideas that can be customized to appeal to anyone's tastes and style.
For smartphones and tablets
For a device that may as well be an extra appendage, it's worth adding some personalization to your smartphone. These gifts and ideas are unique ways to customize your beloved tablets and phones.
Put a photo on it: For a truly personalized laptop, tablet or phone case, upload your own special memories and photographs to Snapfish and order a custom case that will put a smile on your loved ones face.
Perfect for: Parents, siblings, BFFs
Price: Starts at $34.99
3D-printed cases: If you've got a flair for design, consider creating your own custom phone case on Shapeways, a company that will 3D-print your designs in any number of materials and send you the physical copy in a matter of weeks. You can also choose from a variety of pre-designed versions, which -- though perhaps not one-of-a-kind -- still feel futuristic and will definitely elicit compliments on your creativity.
Perfect for: Techies and futurists
Price: Starts at ~$20
Swarovski crystals: For a unique and beautiful DIY gift, loose crystals present endless bejeweling possibilities, from a beautiful phone case to a laptop sleeve to handmade charms for any number of devices.
Perfect for: Teenagers, glamorous girls
Price: Ranges
Chalkboard paint: A layer of chalkboard paint over a plain phone or tablet case is a creative way to make your devices stand out from the crowd.
Perfect for: the DIY-er, the Pinterest-obsessed, kids
Price: Plain phone case + paint starts ~$15.00
Lily Pulitzer-inspired monogram stickers: These vinyl decals are lovely, and the perfect gifts for your friends who look like they walked straight out of a Vineyard Vines catalogue. The stickers range from 2-12 inches, so they'll fit almost any smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Perfect for: Sorority sisters, roommates, siblings
Price: Starts at $4.50
For music tech
For audiophiles, adding a personal flair to your favorite pair of headphones is a great way to personalize the tech that you use every day.
Earbud sleeves: Tangled earbuds are (arguably) one of life's most annoying grievances -- but that doesn't have to be the case with these cleverly designed earbud sleeves. The designs are made-to-order, and you can choose from a variety of color combinations.
Perfect for: Teenagers, commuters, runners
Price:
Crocheted headphones: Nothing says comfort and warmth like hand-crocheted headgear -- and these charming and handmade headphones are cute, to boot.
Perfect for: Grandparents, kids, mom
Price: $38.00
Custom wooden headphone stands: WoodWarmth makes beautiful headphone stands, and you can choose the wood stain for each design. Classy, elegant and practical = the trifecta of gift-giving. The Etsy shop also offers a variety of stands for laptops and smartphones, so there's something for everyone on your list.
Perfect for: Audiophiles, teenagers, dad
Price: Starts at $35.00
Pocket DJ mixer: Make and take music wherever you go -- the Pokket Mixer portable sound mixer can turn your phone or laptop into a beat-making machine. Just plug into your device's headphone jack.
Perfect for: Party people
Price: $100.00
For tech accessories
Dress up your tech with these nifty gifts.
Leather laptop cases: Great for travel and for protecting your delicate laptop or tablet screens, leather cases come in a variety of styles and sizes -- as well as personalized, monogrammable and customizable designs.
Perfect for: Dad
Price: Varies
Keyboard skins: Add some pizzazz to your plain keyboard and change up the font with skins that come in almost unlimited designs and funky patterns.
Perfect for: College students, teens
Price: $4.99
The LG Quick Circle wireless charging folio: This case fits the LG G3 smartphone, a Mashable Choice product. Simply remove the back of your LG 3TM and snap this case onto your phone -- it fits seamlessly and displays a clock, as well as a swipeable screen that enables you to access your music player, call logs, camera and more.
Perfect for: Techies
Price: $59.99
Cute and functional USBs: It seems like almost anything comes as a USB these days, including these adorable cufflinks -- fashion meets function. Looking for something for a female coworker? This message-in-a-bottle flash drive is a great stocking stuffer.
Perfect for: Coworkers
Price: Varies
Stylus pen caps: If you use a stylus with your tablet or phablet, these little guys will add some character.
Perfect for: Kids and quirky adults
Price: $15.00