We all have that one person who’s tricky to buy for.

Whether it’s a housewarming, a big birthday, or a thoughtful thank-you, the right gift can be hard to pin down, especially if you want it to be useful and meaningful.

Enter: the doormat. Yes, really.

At Vox & Dolly, I’ve seen firsthand how a custom doormat can become one of the most unexpected (and most talked-about) gifts.

Whether it’s for someone’s new home, furry friend, caravan adventures, or business venture, here are some of the best gifting ideas, and who they’re perfect for.

Doormats For the New Homeowner

There’s nothing like receiving the keys to your first home or settling into a long-awaited dream space.

A custom doormat makes the moment feel official.

It’s personal, practical, and something most people won’t splurge on for themselves.

Ideas they’ll love:

Family surname or “established” year
“Our Happy Place” with initials
A simple “Welcome” with their street number

It also doubles as the first piece of decor they’ll see every day. A great way to make the house feel like home.

Doormats For Pet Owners

Let’s be honest, most pets run the place.

So why not give them their own special place on the doormat?

Pet-themed mats are some of my most popular gift orders, especially for those who treat their cat, dog, or bunny like royalty.

Options I’ve created include:

The family name + pawprints
“Our Happy Place” with initials and paw print
A crest-style mat for the pet itself
“A House is Not a Home Without a Dog”
Personalised sausage dog or cat face designs

Ideal for birthdays, pet adoptions, or just because.

Doormats For Caravan Lovers

Know someone who’s always planning their next road trip?

A personalised doormat is the perfect touch for their home on wheels. It adds instant warmth to a small space and can be rolled up and taken anywhere.

Gift ideas:

“Happy Campers with personalisation”
“We Sleep Around” with personalisation
Classic Kombi design with “Van Life”

Whether it’s for a brand-new van or a much-loved camper, it’s a gift that goes the distance.

Doormats For Newlyweds

They may have plenty of wine glasses and bath towels, but do they have a mat that celebrates their new last name?

A custom mat is a personal, unexpected wedding gift they’ll actually use and see daily.

Suggestions include:

“The Thompsons” in bold script
“Always & Forever” and personalised
“Initials with a love heart”

It also makes for a thoughtful engagement or anniversary present, especially when paired with a note or keepsake box.

Doormats For New Parents

Sleepless nights, endless nappy changes… and a front door that could use a bit of joy.

A cheeky or sweet doormat is a great pick-me-up for new parents, especially if it acknowledges their new arrival in a fun way.

Ideas:

“Shhh… Baby Sleeping”
“Just so you know there is like a lot of kids in here”
“Beware of Kids”

If they’re not the cutesy type, you can always lean more practical or funny because laughter helps when you haven’t slept in three days.

Doormats For Airbnb Hosts

I’ve had a wave of orders from people launching their Airbnb, and a custom doormat is a small but mighty detail that guests love.

If you know someone setting up a rental, it’s a perfect “congrats!” gift.

Options include:

Property name or street address
Remove your shoes doormat
A simple “Welcome to [Location]”

It’s functional, welcoming, and totally photo-worthy, which means five-star reviews may follow.

Doormats For the Person with a Niche

Sometimes, the best gifts are the weird and wonderful ones.

I’ve created doormats with family jokes, favourite artists (hi Bruce Springsteen), and even custom designs for small businesses.

If someone in your life has a hobby, passion, or aesthetic they’re known for, chances are, I can turn it into a mat.

Thoughtful Doormat Extras Included

Every Vox & Dolly doormat comes:

Gift wrapped
With a care tag
And with the option to add a personalised message at no extra cost

It’s all created by hand in my Sydney studio, from design to painting to packing.

Still Stuck? Think About…

First homes

Moving away presents
Retirement
Baby showers
Holidays (especially Christmas!)
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
Grandparents Gifts
Starting a new business
Or just saying “you’ve got this”

There’s a mat for every story, and I’ve got a doormat for all of them.

The Best Doormat Gifts (and Who to Buy Them For)