A picture is worth a thousand words

Personalised photographic gifts make timeless and cherished presents; presents that you give that will capture special moments forever and can be enjoyed year after year.

With the amazing advancements in digital imaging technology in recent times, it’s become easy to transform your favourite photos into perfect personalised gifts. With online printing services, it’s easy to get a high quality print of any photo you choose. You can turn precious memories into stunning, tangible items.

These make perfect presents for any number of special occasions; from birthdays and anniversaries, to weddings, newborn arrivals and Christmas.

When it comes to personalised photographic gifts, the sky is the limit! You can choose from beautiful frames, albums, photo-books or even jigsaws made from your own carefully chosen photos. With the range of professional products available, you can be sure to find the perfect gift to make the day special. You can even have a special occasion such as a wedding or birthday included on your item of choice to make it entirely personal. You can get more ideas on mixbook.com.

Personalised photographic gifts are a unique way of showing someone that you care. With a wide range of options, you can be sure to find something special for everyone on your list. Whether it’s a canvas print, photo mug, or memory album, a personalised photographic gift is sure to be appreciated.

Wall art

Canvas prints – these can take the form of one large statement piece or a group of smaller pictures. They will be on permanent display in your home, cheering you up every time you pass by or get the chance to stop & stare. Landscapes or individual portraits work very well for the larger canvases. Perhaps you’ve captured a gorgeous image of a family member on your phone (or had it professionally done in a studio). It can be reproduced to whatever size you require to fill a specific space – perhaps above the sofa or fireplace. A selection of smaller canvases provides the perfect opportunity to get creative. You could arrange pictures on a gallery wall; in a long row, perhaps up the stairs or along a corridor – or juxtaposition different shapes & sizes. Perhaps there’s a theme to consider – children, pets, wildlife, garden shots, hobbies – the possibilities are endless!

Greeting cards & invitations

Nothing beats getting a letter or card from someone special. It’s become even more significant these days, as much of our correspondence takes the virtual form of email and phone messaging. So a personalised card could be the perfect idea – whether it be to congratulate someone, invite friends & family to a wedding or house-warming, mark a special occasion or just to send your love!

Calendars & diaries

Calendars and diaries are used and looked at every day of the week for the entire year. With personalised pages, each new month can begin with a different photo of family members, snaps of favourite holiday destinations, inspirational recipe ideas, maybe. You’ll look forward to each new image appearing when a page is turned!

Tea & coffee mugs

If you’re looking for something usable and practical, custom photo mugs are a great option – especially if the recipient is a hot drink addict. Whether you opt for a ceramic mug or a travel mug, you can upload any photo for an eye-catching design that truly stands out. Photo mugs are a fun way to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while appreciating a meaningful image.

Cushions & blankets

A double hit of positivity! The comfort of the cushion or blanket combined with the warm glow of a favourite picture – whether it be a favourite person or a memorable place. Perhaps they could reflect the landscape that surrounds your home – think beach huts or shells if you live by the sea, trees or wildlife if you live in the countryside – and perhaps cityscapes or favourite buildings if you live in a more urban setting. They could capture your favourite pets, both past & present. If they’re allowed on the furniture, we’re sure that a soft cushion will get the thumbs up (or paws up) from your treasured pooch too!

Whatever personalised photographic gift you choose, you can make it entirely yours and capture the moment forever.

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On our radar: Grow your own mistletoe kit

BUY IT HERE

Every year, we look out for alternatives to the usual flowers and chocolates Valentine’s Day gift options. Did you know you can buy a grow your own mistletoe kit? Yes, the plant is usually associated with Christmas, but February-April is mistletoe sowing season. And, besides, what is it that you’re meant to do under the mistletoe?

Each mistletoe kit contains 50 freshly-picked berries (enough for about 10 plantings) with detailed instructions, labelling material and a recording form to keep track of planting.

The seeds need to be sown on the bark of trees – mistletoe loves to grow on apple trees the most; however, it’s also happy on hawthorn, lime, poplar and many others.

**Since writing, the English Mistletoe Shop are now only despatching in March 2020. Nonetheless, they can take pre-orders from autumn 2020 onwards for early 2021 delivery… so that’s next Valentine’s Day sorted!**

Buying art as a gift without losing friends

Have you seen that episode of Friends, where Phoebe has that awful 3D lady artwork, and Rachel and Monica don’t want to upset her, so they tell her they love it? Only to realise their mistake when they’re gifted terrifying artwork of their own? Well, buying art for a friend or loved one doesn’t have to be quite that traumatic. But, it can be if you get it wrong.

Art can be a lovely gift. It’s a great way to show someone that you care and to give them something special. But art is very personal. Your tastes aren’t necessarily the same as your friends’, and sometimes we’re surprised by what our friends and family like. It’s easy to get wrong, and the last thing that you want is to buy someone something that they hate.

Look at their décor and existing artwork

One of the best ways to find out more about what they like is to look at what they have already. Even if they don’t have an original piece, look at prints as well as other décor choices that they’ve made, and accessories that they have added to their homes. Even their fashion choices will give you a clear idea of what kind of colours and themes they like, as well as how traditional, quirky, unique or fashionable they are. Are they someone who plays things safe with matching shades and soft neutrals? Or someone that prefers to experiment with colour and isn’t scared of clashing?

Go to galleries together

Visiting galleries together is a great way to get a better understanding of how they feel about art. Spend an afternoon at an art gallery, exploring and talking about how the artworks make you feel. Share your tastes with them, and ask questions about theirs. You can still Buy Mr Brainwash Art for Sale on Deodato.co.uk and look at online galleries later.

Choose something small

Art is always a risk, and the more substantial the artwork, the bigger the risk. Both in terms of how much money you’re spending and how much the recipient will enjoy it. Buy a large piece and it might only fit in certain areas of their home. They might feel obliged to display it in a prime area, even if they aren’t keen. This could be irksome.

Get something small, and you give them options. The artwork that you’ve chosen will fit in many different areas of their home. They might be able to find a room where it fits in well or, at least, a more discreet place to display it.

Remember, it’s not for you or your home

We’re all guilty of buying presents that we like, instead of thinking about what our friends and family will love. You might have similar tastes in some things, but you still need to remind yourself of who you’re shopping for. If there’s something that you like, that you think would look great in your home, don’t buy it for your friend. Make a note of it, and return to buy it for yourself at a later date. Or take a look at other pieces by the same artist. While you’re shopping for your friend or family member, try to suppress your own tastes and wants.

Avoid themes

Buying art for a Christmas gift doesn’t mean that the work has to have a festive theme or even festive colours. Nor does buying art as a wedding present mean that its theme must be love. Themes can be a bit naff and wildly limit your options. Themed art also means that it might be appreciated when it’s received, but what about in the ensuing years? Try to avoid themes, instead concentrating on finding artwork that will last, and even grow in value as time goes by.

Trust your instincts

Most of the time, we make mistakes and buy the wrong things because we question ourselves. We see something that we’re immediately drawn to, so we have a feeling that our friend would love it. But, instead of buying in there and then, we take the time to look at other options and to think about it. During this time we start to question ourselves and doubt slips in. Nine times out of ten, your instincts are right. Trust them.

Don’t ask for too many opinions

Asking for help can be a great idea. If you’re looking for a gift for your best friend, asking their partner for advice, or for their ideas can be a great way to get a second opinion. But don’t ask too many people. Suddenly you’ll have loads of conflicting advice, and it will be almost impossible to find something that matches everyone’s opinions. Ask one person for advice if you think you need backup. Don’t even tell anyone else what you’re looking for. If there’s one thing that is going to block your instincts, it’s other people’s opinions.

Consider a gift voucher

If you’re really stuck, perhaps you’ve found a great gallery or store, or even an artist that you’re sure your friend would love, but you don’t feel confident about any particular piece, or you don’t want to take a risk, a gift voucher can be a fantastic option. It still gifts them art. You just don’t have to make a choice. Buy a greeting card or postcard from the gallery or artist, and slip the gift card or voucher in the envelope with it for a lovely gesture.

Or even a framed print

Framed prints are cheaper, less of a risk and still look great in the home. A smaller framed print gives your friend a chance to experiment with what they like, without you risking wasting a large sum of money on an unloved work.

Don’t be offended if you never see your gift again

If you get it wrong, wouldn’t you rather your friend tell you, or even return the artwork without telling you, than feel forced to display the piece? Don’t be offended if you get it wrong, art is massively personal and it’s always tough, even when you know someone very well.

Of course, another option is simply asking them. Ask what they like, who their favourite artist is and even what they’d like to receive as a gift. It might not be a surprise, but at least you’ll know that your gift will be appreciated.

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Classic models – gifts for Christmas, Grandad will love

Often we can worry a lot about how our gifts for Christmas will be received. We just hope our children and spouse like what we got them and don’t have to put on an Oscar-worthy performance, hiding their true feelings. However, what we sometimes forget is, gifts matter to the older generation too. Have you ever thought about what grandad might want? It’s tough shopping for elderly people because we tend to think they wouldn’t like the kinds of gifts we normally buy. However, it’s not really all that difficult. Just think about the categories in which you shop, and then date them back a few decades. If you’re buying someone a particular gift, how could you do something similar for your grandparents? Something simple and that reminds them of how things used to be would be great. But grandads like to have fun too, they like to enjoy the finer things in life, just like your children.

Creating a model

They say aviation had its golden years after the war. During the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s are when jet aircraft really started to become more and more advanced. They were also, not so tied down with aerodynamic desires so they were also much more beautiful. No doubt your grandparents have a memory of two, of the kinds of airplanes they saw with their own eyes. That’s why you should buy a model aircraft kit for your grandad this Christmas. It’s a hark back to his days when he witnessed the jet age. It’s great fun because a model aircraft kit is similar to a puzzle. It requires patience and dedication but at the end of it, there’s a big reward. In fact, the reward is even greater because the model aircraft can be hung from ceilings or displayed in cabinets.

Try to be subtle when asking your grandad what kinds of aircraft he likes from his younger days. You may find that he likes fighter jets more than passenger airliners. On the other hand, he may be infatuated with World War Two aircraft such as the Spitfire, Tempest, P51 Mustang, Messerschmitt, etc. When you find out exactly what he likes and holds as his most fond memory, go onto Airfix to find the model.

A touch of class

Back in the old days, trains were the most advanced form of transport. Even the earliest jet liners weren’t as advanced as some of the trains that were skipping around the country. In fact, the jets were much simpler, with far fewer moving parts.

Trains, on the other hand, were still using steam power with many pistons, camshafts, gears and pressure valves all working at the same time to produce monumental amounts of horsepower. So, to take your grandad back to those days where travelling on trains was a classy thing to do with these model trains. These classic models many of which are from the 50s. Able to hit 75 mph in their heyday, there’s something so elegant about these somewhat antique machines. They also have 60s models which slowly began using diesel-powered engines. You can see the evolution of the trains from being blocky to much more streamlined and sleek while moving through the air.

Sleek and fast

The Le Mans racing event has never been as huge as it was during the 50, 60s and 70s. It was a time when aerodynamics was just starting to become the most important factor in car design. It was also when racing cars began to punch through 200mph down the straight. If your grandad remembers these days of GT racing, then you should give him a classic car model kit for Christmas. It’s easily one of the more fun things to build when it comes to model kits. It’s simple, easy and doesn’t have too many fiddly bits. These cars were sleek and fast. They were also the most beautiful cars ever created, some might say. Pick from the Jaguar D-type, Ferrari GTO, Aston Martin, Bentley and Porsches. All kinds of manufacturers took part in these events, so you have quite the selection of model kits to choose from.

Christmas is about the simple things and enjoying what you love to do. So, give your grandad a present that he will love to put together himself. Whether it’s model trains you can put on an electric track to play with, a model airplane of a fighter jet, or perhaps a 200mph sleek Le Mans racing car that can be fitted together, it’s a blast from the past that will play up to fond memories.