Inexpensive Gifts that Come from the Heart ~ 2009

[Pinksink]

Goodness knows, for the past few years I have not had a lot of $$ to spend on Christmas. This year it is especially true. But I have found a way to make a gift that most of my family and friends have appreciated in the past. In fact, when they see each others, they ask for a copy for themselves. Cost $1.99-$3.99 each

I am somewhat of an amature photographer and end up taking pictures at just about every get together that we have(it saves me from being in the pictures LOL). And I like to mess around with pictures and graphics on the computer. You do not have to take your own pictures to do these projects and you do not even have to be good with a computer as many stores (like walgreens) have collage makers. And it doesn't have to take a lot of time, especially if you use the collage maker .

If you are good with a computer and have digital pictures, you can put together an 8 X 10 with 4 or 5 pictures or more depending on how you size them, and color fill the background behind them. If you do not have digital pictures, you can bring them down to Walgreens or Walmart etc and upload them on their machine and in the case of Walgreens put together a collage. (see examples Link) You can even crop the pictures when you upload them to isolate people you want. (and if you are good with graphics and pictures you can remove former in-laws LOL)
You pick the pictures they fit it onto one page the size that you choose ie 8 X 10.

I do not even worry about the frames as I do not (I admit it) have good taste in decorating. They can pick up the frame that suits their decor. They are just thrilled to see the pictures and to think of the memories each represent, all on one page, that they do not have to paste into a scrapbook or use a special matted frame for.
And you can feel good that you gave them that special gift from your heart.

Cost....if you make your own 8 X 10 CVS has them on sale for $1.99 Walgreens $2.99 Collages at Walgreens are $3.99 for an 8 X 10 and have a 33% off code (Enter: 33COLLAGE) through Saturday.

(I am not promoting Walgreens, it is just that I use them for my library of pictures I share and I find it easy to put it together there. This year I put them together myself. )

Merry Christmas!

[Pinksink]

I was trying to edit this post for additional example of collages, but it kept logging me out.Link

Also, if you know a teen who happens is a fan of a celebrity, you can even create one using photos of them. I did one for a young lady who loved a particular Quarterback whom I had taken a lot of photos of and they loved it.

FYI, Walgreens just sent me an email with a LINK to another coupon sheet for instore, they have a $2 off 8 X 10 enlargements, limit 2

[Castingbread]

Great idea...my dd is the photographer around here, I'll have to share this idea.

[Cynthiabutterfly]

This is a great idea, and I've done this for DH's mom- they had one great first school pic of DH and I just enlarged it from a wallet to a 8X10 and got a frame for $2 at Dollar General. She told me it was the best gift she ever got! I was able to do it on my home pc and printer, I just used some photo paper to make it look nicer.