Inside: How to Beat Inflation, Check Off Your Whole List, and Do It Fast!

So, you want to put smiles on your loved ones faces this Christmas, but you need some ideas on the best Christmas gifts. Well you have come to the perfect place!

We are convinced that the best gifts for any occasion have three important qualities:

Three Qualities of the Best Gifts

1. They Last Forever
2. They Are Meaningful & Creative
3. They Can Be Easily Shared and Enjoyed

Now, it just so happens that art, printing, custom framing and shadowboxing last forever, have tons of creative meaning, and are always on display while enhancing the room! No matter what your budget is, you can create the perfect gifts for everyone just by following these guides. 

In this gift guide:

1. Your Special Someone
2. The Kids
3. Secret Santa
4. Easy Group Gifts

 
EDIT: You may wonder how we can be so sure that our services make the best gifts. We have seen gifts that brought tears of joy and nostalgia to our client's loved ones many many times because custom artworks are just that special - and you can turn anything into art. While it may sound awfully biased, we truly believe that creating a custom piece is the #1 gift for even the most difficult to shop for!

For Your Special Someone

You know who is really special in your life, but they are the hardest person to buy for, isn't that right? After all, this is someone you give a gift to year after year and you want to keep it fresh. The easiest way to know that you have a great gift is if it checks off the "Qualities of a Great Gift" above - but so many things don't fit that category. Relax. We have you covered, just read on!

Pro Tip: Start simple - what do they enjoy doing? What makes them feel good? What are those things that delight them?

Gift Ideas: Everyone has a secret stash, and you might just know where theirs is. The secret stash is where people tuck things away that they don't know what to do with yet, but is actually special to them. VIP concert pass they attended? A family heirloom? A memento of a great trip? A print or piece of art they haven't got to? Pictures they took? Once you have it, bring it in to us to transform it into a work of art with a handmade custom frame or shadowbox. You will delight them every single time!

100+ Polaroid Photos in a classic frame of a couple from their many special moments

For The Kids!

Children are always growing and changing, aren't they? What do they like this year? While you probably have quite the list already, it all comes down to what really matters, doesn't it? And what really matters doesn't come from a toy store or a video game. What really matters is creating lasting memories.

We believe that everyone is a collector, and kids are especially interested in building their own collection. What we collect helps to define who we are and our interests, and it offers a deep social connection. Have you ever met a collector who doesn't want to share what they have been collecting with you? Kids love to collect, and they have probably already started in many ways. How could you help grow their collection and care for it?

Pro Tip: As they grow, meaningful presents tend to grow with them, where trendy toys and games tend to fade in importance over time. Something that lasts can help children develop their own identity. Whether you are mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa or anyone in their life - these meaningful presents will stay with them, and create a strong connection to you.

Gift Ideas: Take a look at the top of their dresser - have they made any art recently? What have they been collecting? Could you help them display those with an affordable shadowbox or custom frame? Or is there a piece you would like to give them? A photograph or a poster, or a piece of art? You can create and print something they would love and get it ready to hang in their room - and we are here to help.

A collection of stylish eyewear that one mom created for her son in a stylish shadowbox

Try A Secret Santa

One simple thing we do every year in our house that is both insanely fun, easy, and cost saving is to draw each other's names so everyone has a Secret Santa. Why it works so well? People love mysteries and surprises, and picking one present "from the family" is so much easier than making everyone get something for everyone else! Your group can decide on a spending limit if needed, and generally we advise a generous one, because this is meant to be the one special thing that they receive this year.

Pro Tip: Sometimes you draw your own name from the hat, so we reshuffle the whole group every time until we get a perfect Secret Santa distribution.

Gift Ideas: The best gift is one that lasts forever, means something special, and can be easily shared. Search for a print or small piece of art that represents something they enjoy, or a special memory of theirs, or if you can get close enough - frame something from their secret stash! Check out our amazing Build-A-Frame program to create a custom frame fast and on a budget!

This car was a favourite for a 12 year old boy. We printed this graphic mat and used an orange-core matboard for a stunning and affordable custom frame!

Easy Group Gifts!

Spread the cheer of Christmas to your co-workers, your sports team, or singing group, or whoever you spend time with through the year, but how? Group Gifts have long been my solution. Simple, small affordable things that you can easily pass out to everyone. In the past we have received hot chocolate mix in a jar, or a unique homemade jam in a tiny jar. You always remember those people who gave out that small gift fondly.

Pro Tip: Getting creative while keeping it simple is the best way to do this in a budget friendly and personal way.

Gift Ideas: Maybe you like getting crafty, or creating a special food item, but you can always get a print made that fits easily in a card! Perhaps something you draw, or getting a group photo of everyone together (so easy!).

 A simple print can go a long way because a picture says a thousand words! Make it a standard size so it fits easily in a photo frame.

 Wrapping It Up

Now that you've got the best ways to gift this holiday season for any celebration, we want to leave you with some more inspiration. Enjoy this photo gallery of projects that may just give you the idea you need for the perfect presents this year!