Out of Gift Ideas? Personalize a Calendar!

This morning, I found myself standing in the middle of a semi-crowded mall struggling to think of something I could give a childhood friend of mine who was going to be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. At that moment, I am faced with a very common conundrum that besets us all when thinking of something to get someone who has absolutely everything. What do I give her? I walk around praying for an idea and then suddenly my eyes fall on the sweetest thing that might as well be the answer to the end of my mental struggle.

What I saw was a very neat calendar-ala-album sitting inside one of the display windows. Light bulb lights up at the top of my head: Perfect!

I had tons of pictures dating back up to 20 years ago and reprinting them wouldn't be that hard given the incredibly vast array of online printing companies these days. She would be soooo thrilled by this little gift of mine that would also serve as a nostalgic souvenir of our childhood, as my mother would call it, insanity.

And what was more, who DOESN'T need a calendar? She's a very busy woman, up and about all day and this would definitely be of good use to her. I personally am sure I'd be lost without one. The scatterbrained photographer that I am, it gives me a sense of pace, a sort of gravity that keeps things at a manageable pace. Keeps me on top of my deadlines, projects, business commitments and personal obligations. And I'm sure she can still use one.My only dilemma now is where can I find someone who offers the type of calendar printing that I have in mind? I was going for the usual 100lb gloss book stock with a somewhat matte finish to put a dramatic effect to our pictures. And who knows, I could offer it as a freebie to my big clients too! They would certainly love that.

I only have little time left I might as well get the pictures and print file ready. I'm certain somewhere on the Internet there's a printing company who ships overnight for crammy folks like me.

So should you ever find yourself stuck in the same rut as me, try giving calendars as presents. Break free from the typical conventional grid look, put in your own ideas and come up with a sweet and useful gift that can be kept and cherished even beyond 365 days.