Holiday Gifts in a Snap(shot)!

If for you, 'tis the season to feel frazzled, here's a variety of fuss-free gifts for everyone on your list. They're personalized, quick, and easy (and grandparents think they're the cat's meow)!

For many of us parents, especially moms, holiday gift shopping (no matter which holiday!) can be challenging. It often becomes just one more activity added to our already overbooked lives.

But, fear not, there is a much less time-consuming, easier way to give gifts to anyone on your holiday list—grandparents, aunts, teachers and friends. It's creative photo gifts. Since these gifts are inexpensive, easy to do, and always well received, you simply can't miss. The perfect gift for everyone and a keepsake to be cherished for years to come, photo gifts are treasures sure to put a smile on your loved ones' faces. Whether homemade or bought, photo gifts always suggest that you've spent a little more time and thought on the recipient, which is always appreciated. Who doesn't love to feel special?

Everyone can be an artist! It takes very little time and very few art supplies. Some suggestions for photo gift projects are:

• placemats
• bookmarks
• calendars
• special occasion or holiday cards
• magnetic acrylic picture frames
• scrapbooks
• personalized clothing or other gifts made of fabric

There are numerous types of unique and fuss-free photo gifts. Just ask Wendy Sinclair-Hall, a mother of four from Missouri and a photo gift-giving pro. Wendy says, "[Projects] have to be simple and I need to be able to do them in a very short time. Simple, easy, quick!" She has created a variety of gifts that "look cute and that the grandparents think are the cat's meow." And note that older kids can do many of these projects, too!

Placemats

Arrange favorite pictures on an oversized piece of colored cardstock. Decorate with stickers, your kids' drawings and/or a special message, then laminate. Make just one, or create a set with each one representing a member of your family. This is a fantastic gift for your child's playmates, family members, or friends. Grandparents really love these! Every time someone uses these special placemats, they'll think of you and yours.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks are another great craft idea. Use the same method as for the placemats, cutting cardstock down to size. You can then decorate them with a favorite picture, quote, poem or story. Laminate the bookmarks, finish off with a hole-punch and ribbon—and voila! You have the perfect gift for a caregiver, babysitter or teacher.

Gather up your favorite photos from the past year, one for each month, to create this custom gift that will be used year-round . There are many software programs, such as Ofoto.com, with which you can make calendars at home. Or you can let someone else do the work for you at a website or your local print shop.

Special Occasion or Holiday Cards

In our electronic age, a handwritten card that arrives via snail-mail is a rare treat. And a card personalized with a special picture makes a big impression. Photo cards are always keepers and often prominently displayed for all to enjoy. Enclose a gift certificate or money gift in your personalized photo card to add an extra something special. At your local craft store, you can find blank notecards already cut, scored, and ready to decorate. Print or have developed a favorite snapshot, glue it to the front of the card, then decorate it with stickers or rainbows. It's the perfect personalized gift!

Cards are particularly appreciated by relatives who don't live nearby and miss special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, sports activities, and dance recitals. These special people may want to share children's milestones such as crawling, walking, or losing their first teeth. Custom printed holiday cards are another way to send the very best. Ofoto.com can do that for you, too. Of all the cards your loved ones will receive this season, you can be assured that yours will be in the front row.

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