Why choose a personalized picture frame as a gift?
Humans are visual, social creatures. Therefore, pictures appeal to us as a way to remember good times, important people, or important events. And a picture frame is one of the best ways to display our favorite pictures so we can see them every day. Adding the touch of personalizing the frame makes any photo stand out. Giving a personalized picture frame as a gift will make the receiver feel special and important. Paired with a special photo and the frame will become a treasure the person will love for years.
What materials can personalized frames be made of?
Personalized frames come in a variety of materials. The first that probably comes to mind in a silver frame, whether sterling silver or silver plated that is engraved. However, you can also get glass, porcelain, leather, marble, and wood frames. Each requires a different kind of personalization, but all can be customized. It is also possible to personalize frames that can’t be engraved directly. See below for ideas.
What types of personalization are available?
The first way of personalizing a photo frame is with engraving. This is usually done with a polished metal frame. These come in silver, gold, or nickel. Engraving can also be done on glass. Engraving can be usually be done at any jewelry store or frame retailer, or a specialized vendor such as Things Remembered. Engraving was once done as an etching process, but is often done these days via laser. These provide very clear, sharp lettering, or images that are added to the frame.
The most common engravings are names and dates, but images and poems, or personal messages, can be engraved as well. Of course, the more engraving that you want done, the larger the item needs to be. You will need either a bigger frame or some kind of plaque that is attached to another frame, and the plaque is engraved.
Painting
Ceramic picture frames are often hand painted instead of engraved, as engraving could damage the material. Whether you get it professionally personalized, or do it yourself, this is a an easy way to go. If a child is personalizing a frame for a parent, grandparent, or teacher, paint is also an easy way that they can decorate a picture frame.
Embellishments
Many frames come with jewels, real or imitation, embedded in the frame. You can do this yourself as well. Scrapbook embellishments work well on frames, or other small craft objects. With time and patience, and some good craft project directions, a diy personalized frame doesn’t have to look amateur at all. It can look quite professional and will save you money over a similarly done professional personalized frame.
Items such as ribbon, sand, charms, and puffy numbers and letters can make great embellishments. For a fashion based frame, check out using doll clothes or shoes to embellish the frame.
Other personalizations
For frames that don’t really have enough room for personalizations, or if you want to add more than would make sense on a frame, then a large mat can be added around the photo in the frame. This allows for embellishments, hand written messages, or other additions that wouldn’t fit on a frame otherwise.
Wood frames, if not embellished, are personalized through burning. You can purchase a creative woodburning kit, or get the customization professionally done, where they will probably use more of a branding tool.
What should I say on the frame?
For a special event, then the date, with a fun description is good. For instance: Happy 60th, Grandpa! January 1, 2000. Or: We tied the knot! September 22, 2006
For an infant photo, the birthweight can be included with the name and date.
If you don’t want to go with these options, or for a more general gift, then a favorite saying can be a great personalization. A word or phrase that is a great inside joke with the recipient can also be a great engraving.
TIP: No matter what you choose to put on the frame, be sure that you get the spelling of everyone’s name if you aren’t sure. I helped a friend more a few years ago and she threw out personalized frame that she had never used because her name was spelled wrong. The gift giver meant well, but struck out.
When do personalized picture frames make good gifts?
Personal Gifts
- When the recipient is someone who already “has everything”
- Birthdays
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- First Day of School
- Graduation
- Birth of New Baby/Baby Shower
- Holidays
- Memorial Frames
- New Pet, or just honor a pet
- Valentine’s Day
- Bridal Showers
- Showcasing Special Event: sporting event, concert of favorite band, favorite Broadway play
Business Gifts
- Promotion
- Milestone Anniversary with the company: 5 years, 10 years
- Advertising giveaways to get brand out to the public; if you choose to go this way, make sure the frame is still tasteful. People don’t want to put their Christmas photo is a neon green frame that screams “ABC Company”. It’s better to have a holiday or event themed frame that has your logo in the corner. For instance: Welcome to your new home! (for a housewarming frame) then has an “ABC Contracting, Inc.” logo in the corner.
Personalized photo frames make a good gift for just about any occasion, even if not listed above.
The enjoyment of a personalized picture frame is a way to preserve a memory, where the gift itself can also be a memory. Beautiful and unique, a custom frame is a way to say what you may not otherwise be able to express. They are also a small gift that is still personal and great for any occasion.
