Coming up with creative, personal gift ideas for the holidays is easier than you might think.  There's a perfect solution for gift giving that's creative, personal, and one-of-a-kind…custom framing! It's a great gift to receive and it's also fun for you. 

The options are endless as to what you can frame so let your imagination run wild!  Here are a few ideas to get you started as you think about the special people on your holiday gift list.

Family Photos
For grandparents and other close relatives, frame a photo of your family from a recent vacation or outing. Frame one large photo or create a collage with multiple photos. You can get very creative with your matting and custom framing materials to make the framed piece spectacular , choose colors and textures that reflect the theme of the photos.  For example, if you're framing a photo from a camping trip, look for rustic, weathered frame designs and neutral, earth-toned mats. Or, if your photos are from a formal event such as a wedding, look for framing materials with a more sophisticated feel, perhaps a gold or silver ornate custom frame. 

If you're familiar with the decor of the gift recipient's home, consider framing options that will not only highlight your photographs, but will also complement their home. This is an especially nice gift for relatives that live far away , they'll love seeing your smiling faces on their mantel as a reminder that you're only a phone call away.

Children's Artwork
Framing children's artwork is another idea for grandparents.  Not only will they love showing off the masterpieces created by their grandchildren, they'll also have a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art! You can custom frame the artwork with a more neutral design such as a black or white frame. Or, on the other hand, this is great opportunity to have fun with color by choosing a custom frame that reflects a color represented in the art. You won't believe how much you'll make the art pop!

Framing Memories
Looking for a special gift for a spouse or significant other?  What about custom framing ticket stubs and a playbill from a recent date? Or, frame a collection of seashells and a photo taken at the beach from a recent romantic get-away.  The thoughtfulness of a framed memory is sure to be appreciated. This is a great opportunity to step up your frame design a notch , select an upgraded frame and make the piece a jewel.

For a treasured friend, consider creating a scrapbook page and then custom frame your work of art.  Include photos, mementos, and special items that reflect your thoughts about the person.  No matter what the theme, it's sure to be cherished for years to come.

If the person has celebrated a significant event or milestone during the past year, consider framing a birth announcement, wedding invitation or diploma as their special holiday gift.

Creative and Thoughtful
Mirrors are a must in every home. Custom frame a large mirror that can be placed in an entry way or over a sideboard in the dining room , with hundreds of frames to choose from, you can select one that works with the theme of the room and the decor style that is already established.  If you're less sure of the style, consider framing a smaller mirror as an accent piece.  Small framed mirrors can be used as centerpieces on a table when accented with candles or flowers.

For a creative and handy gift, select an interesting fabric and create a framed French tack board or a magnetic board.  Everyone has notes to post, calendars to display and receipts they need to keep handy. These boards will look great at a kitchen desk or in a home office and will undoubtedly get a lot of use.

Needle art is fun to create and always fun to give as a gift. Once you have completed your beautiful piece of needlepoint or cross-stitch, make sure you custom frame your work to preserve it to create a family heirloom.

All this gift giving is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, so deck your halls with framed holiday cards.  You can create a collage with multiple cards in one frame, or for a very dramatic look, frame individual cards and hang in an interesting arrangement on the wall.  This will create a unique display that you can bring out every year, along with your other seasonal decorations.

Whatever you choose to custom frame, your gift is sure to be unique, memorable and treasured for many years to come.  Selecting framing materials is a fun process, but if you've never done it before, look to the experts at the framing counter to help guide you to some exciting design options. You'll have more fun working through your gift list when you give the gift of custom framing , and it's guaranteed to be unique!