One Photo Frame, Three Personalized Gift Ideas

Many a photo frame present has been kept in its box for various reasons ranging from being too tacky to adding too much clutter to the home. But why let your gift gather dust in its box when you can subtly encourage your recipient to actually display it? Here are three ideas that you can use in personalizing a single picture frame and making it into a more thoughtful gift.

Add a Photo

Instead of giving the gift as is, you can always add a beautiful photograph in the frame! Your recipient can then immediately display your gift on the mantelpiece, piano, or desk instead of letting it lie inside the box while a suitable photo can be found.

You just have to be careful about choosing the type of photo for the frame. Your choice will largely depend on your personal relationship with the recipient as well as your access to beautiful photos. You should keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid inserting your own photo unless you have reasonable assurance that it will be appreciated, such as in the case of your spouse.
• Choose a photo that puts the recipient in a positive light, such as a professionally-taken photo from your portfolio.
• Avoid placing a photo that will make the recipient cringe in embarrassment unless you have a close relationship where funny gags and practical jokes are part of your interactions.

Basically, choose a photo that can immediately be displayed, whether it is of the recipient or of a shared experience.

Add Embellishments

If possible, you can personalize photo frames by adding your own ornaments, such as crystals, ribbons, and even seashells. Your goal here is to add your personal touch to the frames instead of giving out-of-the-box, run-of-the-mill gifts. You can even buy several styles of photo frames and then personalize each one according to your recipients’ individual styles.

Add Engravings

If DIY projects are not up your alley and suitable photos are not available, you can always take the easier way out – request the retailer to have each picture frame engraved with the recipient’s name or a short message. Your message can be as simple as "I love you" or as profound as "I keep a picture of you in my heart", whatever suits your purpose.

Of course, these suggestions for gift personalization can also be applied on a silver locket or a pill box. You will realize that it is not the item itself that matters but the loving thought behind it.

The author is a best expert in terms of business.