Best Photo Gift: ArtPix 3D Crystal Photo

Customized gifts with family photos is a time-honored gift for mom—and this reader favorite, the ArtPix 3D Crystal Photo, takes that idea to the next level. We were impressed with the real-world results here . . . it looks heirloom quality. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• So touching! We love how the pictures are rendered in 3D.

• Made in the USA.

• LED light base (an extra charge) adds to the overall effect.

• Durable.

What Needs Work

• Less impressive results from fuzzy pictures. Make sure you send in high-def photos.

• Pricey.

• Lots of extra charges (LED light, cleaning kits, etc).

Best Necklace Gift: My Boys Personalized Name Necklace

When we surveyed our parent readers for their favorite gifts for mom, customized jewelry (particularly necklaces) were the second most popular response (photos are first). We gathered suggestions from our readers and did additional research before deciding this necklace from Hannah Design is the best bet. Here’s why:

What We Liked

• Wonderful results.

• Good quality.

• 4 different styles of engravings.

• Up to 11 characters per child name.

• Includes birthstone crystal for each child.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Small size.

Best Wall Art: Personalized Mother Gift

This art catalogs the names and birthdates of up to four children—we liked the overall quality and yes, you can get it framed. Or provide your own frame. Affordable but well designed.

What We Liked

• Nice variety of background color options.

• Can have up to 4 children.

• Made in the USA.

• Affordable.

• Frame has faux wood look.

What Needs Work

• Frame is a bit pricey, given the basic quality. 

Best Throw Blanket: Custom Gifts for Mom-Personalized Throws Blanket

If you are buying a gift for a mom who loves blankets, this gift by EastArts impressed us—a throw with pictures from your family. You choose from over 25 photo setup options. Then pick the size of the blanket, typeface and colors. 

We liked the quality of the blanket here—soft and warm.

What We Liked

• Good quality picture reproductions.

• Warm, soft fabric.

• Affordable.

• Machine washable.

• Lots of options for colors, sizes, and text.

What Needs Work

• Photo resolution will affect the outcome! The higher the resolution, the better results.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!