More Gift Ideas

Last week I suggested a few hot items for gift giving. Not all electronic gifts are as expensive as flat screen TVs or eReaders. This week I have some ideas for gifts that will delight that special person on your list without breaking your budget.

Let’s start with an item I suggested last year. Based on comments I received it was a big hit. It is a gift that will be appreciated by your grandparents or your favorite aunt or uncle who may live far away. How about giving them an electronic picture frame? These frames come in various sizes from as small as 3” x 5” to as large as 11” x 17”. Essentially they consist of an LCD screen and an internal electronics that can store hundreds of digital pictures. These pictures can be displayed in several ways. You can set the frame to change the display of a different picture each minute or each day. Many will play short videos as well. Most look like traditional frames and can blend in with most any decor.

Rather than just sending the frame, take the time to load some of your family pictures that you shot over the past year. That way when it is plugged in, it will already be a very special gift. After all, your grandparents really don’t want the picture frame; they want to see pictures of your family. Each day, for years to come the frame will continue to keep giving. Most use small SD cards to store the photos. During the year you can mail some inexpensive SD cards already filled with Johnny’s tee ball game and they can enjoy keeping up to date on what’s happening.

These frames are available starting at about $30 for a small frame and can be found in discount stores, electronics stores and online. There are even smaller versions that can be carried in a purse. Won’t Grandma Edyth be a hit at the next bingo game when she shows off pictures of the new granddaughter.

It seems that most everyone has a digital camera. It also seems that whenever the time comes for that family picture there is a mad dash to find a way to set the camera up so the timer can be used allowing everyone to be in the shot. For about $10 you can get that photo buff on your list a mini tripod. They weigh only a few ounces and fold up so they can be carried in a pocket or purse but are sturdy enough to hold a regular size camera.

You don’t have top spend a lot of money to find some items that will be useful all the year long.