Article published in Longmeadow Neighbors
(December 2022)

The holiday season is upon us and if you're struggling with gift giving ideas we've got a few ideas that are not only easy on the wallet this year, but priceless for years to come.

Here at MorningBird Media, we eat, breathe and sleep authenticity, and what better way is there to gift someone you love with something that is just as unique as them? Here are a few ways you can use every-day technology to make memorable digital keepsakes this holiday season. 

This Christmas:

🎄Google Photos: Upload your photos to your Google account and have them automatically turned into unforgettable digital memories. Pics that are similar can be turned into GIFs with one click and with the metadata embedded in them, they will list in chronological order to let you relive your memories up close. Your uploaded images and videos can be given a personal touch with easy-to-use editing, RealTone filters and “styles” where Google incorporates cute graphics into your images for that classic scrapbook feel. It can also take videos and cut it down into smaller snippets to highlight the most meaningful moments. They make awesome digital keepsakes or can be sent right to print through a very simple ordering process.

🎄Canva: Make a free account and showcase a fond memory you have with someone special in your life! For example, where did you meet your spouse? Grab a screenshot from Google Maps of where you met or your special place and a favorite photo and drop it right into the template provided on this QR code. Voila! Personalized gift. Print it out as an 8x10” or use it to customize your lock screen. 

🎄Amazon Echo: Have an Alexa Show hanging around the house? Did you know it can also double down as a digital photo frame? Create a special shared Amazon account with your family or connect existing ones and upload pictures for one another to enjoy on all your devices! Start it as a holiday tradition and add to it throughout the year.

If you are crazy like us and already planning for 2023:

🎄Gmail: Create an account for your loved one and send all the endearing messages and photos you can throughout the year. Give them the password next year or if they are a kid, when they are much older! 

🎄Storyworth: This keepsake gets your life stories out of your head and onto paper even for the busiest of people. You receive an email each week with a writing prompt and at the end of the year they will turn it into a hard cover bound book. Whether it’s family stories or a personal memoir Storyworth makes a unique gift for you to cherish for years to come.

More contributions from Robyn Miller