Personalized Gifts

Shoto Koen (park),Tokyo, Japan.

I was going to start this article by referencing the difficult economic times many are facing right now. Offer ideas for making presents as a great way to give a special gift without spending a lot of money. I changed my mind. WHY? Because your financial situation shouldn’t matter. These gifts are something money can not buy. These gifts are personal. They are gifts of the heart. Money or items bought in a store can not replace the things that are near and dear to us. Our personal and family history, our accomplishments, memories of loved ones, family gatherings, etc. These are the things that make us who we are. They are personal. We are connected to these things. In my new book currently titled “The Painted Surface” (this might change), I wrote about shopping within your home and how to create authentic personalized art with (sometimes forgotten) items that are important to you. This process can also translate into personalized gifts for your family and friends.

Finding items from our past or present make unique personalized gifts. For example; how about a drawing or painting you or they created in elementary school, an award or certificate, a picture of them with a loved one or while performing one of their favorite activities? Anything that is special to them can be transformed into a special personalized gift. A simple drawing, painting or sketch, can be easily matted and framed as you would do with a fine piece of art. This will transform what once seemed “amateurish” into something “important” and “authentic.” How many times have you seen a piece of art in a gallery and wondered if a child had painted it. What gives it validity is the way it is displayed. Art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. You will be surprised how mounting these pieces will give them a new level of creditability. Not to mention how your recipient will feel seeing their artwork or accomplishment displayed in an artful and gallant way. Photographs are another great way to create personalized gifts. How many photos do you have in boxes, photo albums or on your hard drive? These can be turned into professional looking works of art that provide a personal connection. With the use of PhotoShop or other computer programs, ordinary pictures can be transformed into something special. You can convert them into black and white photos which make them seem “timeless.” You are able to adjust the lighting, contrast, correct blemishes and remove any unwanted objects. The point is, even if you don’t have the “perfect” picture, you can make it one. It’s the subject and the memory that’s important. (If you do not know how to do this there is surely someone you know that can help you. If not, many photo labs offer this service). Like with the artwork, mounting these pictures in an artistic way will give them everlasting charm. What once was a picture left unappreciated in a photo album can now be a personalized work of art; and a heartfelt gift for all to enjoy. This can be done with just about any item that has personal value. Newspaper clippings, mention in the school program, report cards, team pictures, rings, a watch, pendants, a scarf, their first drivers license; all can be mounted and displayed in a professional way. Anything that is important to your loved one will bring them joy. And to you too knowing your gift brought them happiness. It’s inexpensive and highly creative. Most importantly it’s extremely thoughtful and deeply personal. Isn’t that what gift giving is all about anyway? Start looking and discover how a personalized gift can quite possibly be the best gift ever!

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Dino Fauci

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