Finding the perfect gift for your loved one can be a daunting task. Though you may know him or her well, it is only natural to want whatever you select to hold special meaning. This is why photographs generally make for a fantastic gift. They are personal and definitely meet the criteria when it comes to giving something that holds meaning.

a new spin on photographs as a gift copy

However, there are many new and innovative ways to spice up the tradition of giving photographs as gifts. Take a look at these DIY projects and custom portrait ideas and get inspired when it comes to personalising your next gift.

Why do people hate receiving gifts (and prefer photographs)?

At some point in everyone’s life, one will inevitably experience the discomfort of accepting a gift that he or she does not particularly like. The prospect of pretending to like a present in order to avoid hurt feelings while simultaneously accumulating yet one more thing that you won’t use or appreciate is a common reason why many hate receiving gifts. In addition, it can also be painful knowing that a person you care about spent good money on something you don’t like.

This is why you hit the jackpot when you choose to involve pictures in your gift. Taking this path makes it fairly easy to guarantee that your offering will be a success--no faking required.

Apart from the fact that some people fear to have to feign exuberance upon the receipt of a gift, opening a present can also be particularly difficult for a person who prefers not to be in the spotlight. But the moment he opens up a present that involves others (the folks in the pictures you’ve displayed), the entire situation becomes inclusive to all.

It’s a win-win for everyone and ensures that the real purpose of the gift, which is to make the recipient feel cared for, shines through.

What are some creative gift ideas?

Generally, things that are handmade show care and creativity that is often lacking when it comes to store-bought gifts. Handmade presents represent the time you put into them and also how much you care about ensuring that your gift is personal.

Turning photographs into a present is a beautiful way to give the people you care about a tangible representation of the memories and people they hold dear. Who doesn’t love having snapshots of the things that bring them joy around for all to see? This makes collages built from printed photos a great option.

Here are a few DIY collage ideas that are sure to be a hit.

String Lights

Strings of lights made for holding pictures are available for purchase, but it is an extremely fun and easy project to do yourself as well. All that is needed are a string of lights (white or colored) and clothespins. Secure the photographs between the lights with the clothespins to create a personalised wall hanging that offers a pleasant glow as a bonus.

Clothespin Frame

This type of collage combines the whimsical nature of free-hanging pictures with the more traditional presence of a frame. Simply secure string in lines horizontally across the frame and use clothespins to situate the pictures. Since you’ll need to put them back on the frame afterward, the smaller the clothespins are, the better.

Wire Board

If you’d like to add a little industrial flair to the clothespin idea, try pinning the photos on a wiring board. There is no need for a glass covering, but you can add a frame around it if you wish to insert a touch of elegance.

Cardboard Collage

Pasting photographs on cardboard or canvas is another way to add panache to the idea of pictures as a gift. Cover your chosen foundation with some stylish paper and place a hook on the back for easy hanging. Ribbons, glitter, and lace can be used to adorn this method further. Choosing polaroid pictures for this project is an additional option if you wish to add a measure of old-fashioned charm to the display.

What are some gifting ideas for a home decor lover?

It is far easier to shop for a gift for someone when you know what he or she likes. Still, even if you know that the person you are shopping for loves decorative pieces, the adorning of one’s living space is still a rather personal pursuit.

And yet, just as nearly every gift is bettered when made more personal, such as the case when it comes to selecting decor for another.

The following are two customisable home decor ideas that you can undertake yourself if you want to venture out of the picture frame idea and head into furniture:

Photo Clock

Looking for a gift that is practical and charitable? Present a gift that is both when you put together a clock featuring a photo for each number. All you need to purchase is a plain clock that has enough room for pictures and some glue in order to secure them on the clock’s face.

Coat Rack

For a functional twist on displaying family photos, consider finding a coat rack shelf that has space on the top for photos. This can be done by pressing heavy-duty pins into the wood to keep the pictures in place or through the addition of a sheet of glass. Once again, both functional and heartfelt.

Collage Coffee Table

What could be better than looking down at the faces of those you care about first thing in the morning while sipping your coffee or late in the evening when you relax over a book and a cup of tea? This sentimental phenomenon can be achieved when you place photographs beneath the glass top of a coffee table. This is one gift that you can be sure the recipient will find a use for and is guaranteed to result in a smile when received and long after.

How to turn artwork into gifts?

Perhaps you are not particularly talented when it comes to the creation of your own gifts. Have no fear, because there is an excellent choice for those who wish to customize a gift but do not desire to undertake the assembly of a DIY collage or resort to simply putting photos in frames.

Choosing to buy a wall hanging or painting as a gift can be tricky due to personal preferences, but when it comes to a custom portrait, it is hard to go wrong. By having a personalised painting created, you are given the ability to turn a piece of artwork into the perfect present that is bound to be cherished for a lifetime. A customised portrait puts a new spin on the traditional nature of a memory captured on camera.

But how does it work?

Paint Your Life makes it easy with a few simple steps:

1. Choose a photograph

Select a picture that you would like to have turned into a painting. It can be of one person, multiple, or even a beloved pet.

2. Check out the artists

Take a look at the work of the talented painters in the gallery of the Paint Your Life website. Decide which medium you’d like to have your portrait painted in as oil, charcoal, pencil, watercolour, acrylic, or pastel are all offered. Contact the painter whose work you feel is the best fit for your vision for the painting.

3. Get a sneak preview

Before the creation process begins, you will have the opportunity to inform Paint Your Life of any changes you’d like made to the photography. It might be that you’d like two pictures merged together or an unwanted object removed. These requests will be accommodated, and the colors will also be enhanced in order to achieve the full effect.

4. Select sizing and framing

At this stage, you will be asked to choose the size of the painting. In addition, in an attempt to make the creation of this gift as easy as possible, Paint Your Life includes framing, saving you the trip, and trouble of completing this step later.

5. Join in the creativity

You will be sent regular updates on the painting’s progress, allowing you to inform the artist of any changes you might wish to have made along the way.

6. The arrival of the portrait

The completed painting will arrive on your doorstep beautiful, fully assembled, and ready to be gifted.

Take a closer look at the details involved in turning a cherished photograph into a painting with Paint Your Life here.

The Beauty of Personalisation

There is nothing like finding the perfect gift for someone who is important to you. The next time you need something that will go right to the heart, consider personalizing your present for a lasting impact. Whether you choose to do it yourself or enlist the help of a talented artist, there is no need to wonder ever again whether or not the recipient will like what you bought when you choose to customize.

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