Did you get a chance to check out our gift wrapping ideas in Merry Magazine? Gift wrapping is one of my all-time favourite things to do. Seriously. Even when I was in high school, my friends would have me over so I could wrap their gifts for them and I loved every minute. There’s like a bazillion gift wrapping ideas out there but I guarantee that this one is totally unique.

No one will have the same gift wrap as you under the tree (how embarrassing!) because each gift is personalized with a photo. It’s like one of those really simple ideas that make you say “duh, why didn’t I think of that?!”. Instead of or along with using a gift tag, why not use a photo of your loved one or with you both together to make it even more special. I know for a fact that personalized gifts go down really well, especially when they have cherished photographs on them.

First dig through your Instagram feed and #tbt archives from the past year, pick your favourites, and get them printed at BLACKS. You can print and order directly from Instagram using the BLACKS free photo app or your computer…hello easy! I think 4″x4″ square with a border works really well. It’s like a 2 for 1 gift!

Check out the BLACKS website for my post full of photo gift decorating ideas including some more memorable photos of mine. I love them all but the #tbt ones are my favourite.

If you want to keep with the photo theme, why not also give a great photo gift? BLACKS has lots of great options to help you turn your photos into something stylish, artistic, practical or just fun. There are plenty of ideas for this too. Personally I feel there is nothing better than receiving a gift that is unique to you and a loved one, or of course, seeing someone’s face light up when they open one from you. To add a DIY touch is even better – for example you can Create your own custom jigsaw puzzles to give to someone. Then you can give them a special personalized gift, as well as something to entertain them and a keepsake they can keep for a very long time. Here are some of my top picks for photo gifts. Don’t forget to get your orders placed in time for the holidays!

1 Collage Photo Blanket, from $119.99 / 2 Acrylic Wall Art, from $64.99 / 3 Personalized Ornaments, from $19.99 / 4 Little BLACKS Book, $14.99 / 5 Snow Globe, $19.99 / 6 iPhone 5/5s case (also available in other sizes), $24.99