Custom Gift Finder is written and edited by Shelzy Perkins. This page explains how guides are researched, what we will and will not claim, and how we handle money and mistakes.
Research and curation, not hands-on testing
Our guides are researched and curated. We compare retailer listings, product specifications, personalization and engraving options, production and shipping windows, and recurring themes in verified buyer reviews. We do not physically test products unless a guide clearly says so, and we never describe research as testing.
How a pick earns a spot
- Fit: it suits the recipient, the relationship and the occasion.
- Usefulness: it is likely to be used, not stored in a drawer.
- Personalization: custom options add meaning, not just a name stamped on.
- Timing: it can arrive in time for the occasion the guide covers.
- Value: it feels worth its price for that budget.
Links, prices and ratings
- Product links point to a specific listing. If we cannot confirm a listing, we drop the product instead of linking to a generic search.
- We do not publish fixed prices for Amazon products, because they change. Budget bands such as "under $50" describe the guide, not a promised price.
- We do not publish star ratings, scores or review counts we did not measure, and our structured data never includes invented ratings.
AI assistance
AI tools help with research and first drafts. Shelzy reviews, edits and fact-checks what gets published, and is responsible for every guide.
Money and independence
Many links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Custom Gift Finder earns from qualifying purchases. Brands cannot pay for placement, and we do not accept free products in exchange for coverage. Details are on the affiliate disclosure.
Updates and corrections
We recheck seasonal guides ahead of their peak dates and only change a guide's updated date when the guide itself changes. If something is wrong, broken or out of date, tell us and we will fix it.