Christmas Gift Ideas #2 ... #makeitpersonal

Last week we had two birthday celebrations, my mother and my son and we also celebrated a life, my father's. It marked the occasion of his birthday and his passing. He left this earth nine years ago this week and we miss him dearly. 

In the process of reminiscing, I remembered the joy that you can bring to others with photographs. I went in search of one photograph the other night and ended up hours later with dozen by my side.  They are all featured above. So many sweet memories waiting to be shared.

Which brings me to Christmas gift ideas and photographs. It is so simple, requiring little expense... only your heart. If you are looking for something extra special to give someone this year, think of a photograph that you might have tucked away. Print it, frame it, add a note explaining the memory. Think of how you feel when a happy memory comes flooding back through a photograph. It is the best feeling...wouldn't you agree?

If you have a number of photographs and would like to put them into a tailored presentation, consider Smilebox. I used it for my son's 21st birthday, it is a wonderful keepsake. You could also use the photos to create a family photo book with Shutterfly, iPhoto and Smugmug. If you have any suggestions for other sites, we would love to know!

I have a few other ideas for you...

Saying it via a postcard pillow...

Something to cherish, a postcard pillow. Simple and yet is speaks so tenderly. 

You can have a personalised postcard pillow made by OliveHandmade

If you are the super crafty type..

How about a photo pillow? Martha Stewart and her crafty helpers

have everything you need to know to create your own  here.

Can't decide on just one?

If you have a few photos to display, you can check out Red Envelope 

for this display collection or create your own from your local shop.

Talk about love...how special is this!

Holly @ Nothing But Bonfires wanted to do something special 

for her father's 60th birthday. She wrote to family and friends 

and asked them to write down their memories and send them to her. 

She sorted them all out in envelopes according to year. 

I LOVE THIS!  The possibilities are endless. 

  

Make it personal...gift wrapping

Annie @ Most Lovely Things is a clever soul. 

She shows you how to make holiday gift tags using old photos...

Learn how here

Thinking about books for gifts?

An Exuberant Catalogue of Dreams by Clive Alset

Pamela @ From The House of Edward  

may have just what you are looking for.

I always love reading Pamela's gift ideas. 

Have a look at

Books At Christmas 

 Books at Christmas, Part Two.

Part Three is coming so stay tuned!

The New York Times has put together a list 

of notable fiction, poetry and non-fiction.

100 notable books of 2013

Don't miss it!

Do you know about the Brown Paper Book Club,

where I collect all your recommendations and put them into

a list? You might find a few ideas here too.

The Brown Paper Book Club 

Did you see my first Christmas Gift Idea List?

If not, you can read it here.

#shoptalk here

Before I go, in my first Christmas Gift List,

I featured the L.L. Bean Boot in Houndstooth Wool.

Many of you were keen on that boot and I have since

discovered that they are sold out.

One other you might like...I know I do.

The Women's Waxed-Canvas Maine Hunting Shoe.

Perfect for mucking about!

Women's Waxed-Canvas Maine Hunting Shoe

I muck around in the boots below

(when I am in New Hampshire).

It is Dubarry love for me! 

More here

Dubarry Galway Ex-Fit Womens Country Boot

With that I leave you with wishes for a wonderful week.

I hope you found something here to inspire you. 

I will be back soon with more.

Happy Exploring, Crafting, Shopping!

Jeanne xx