A friend asked me recently what was the best way to use my hand-lettered digital prints as a gift, which got me thinking…this was the perfect time to share my top 5 favorite ways! (I even learned about a few options while researching this list that I didn’t already know about!)
The first four options are great for people who you can give a gift to in person and the fifth is a great idea when you want to mail a gift.
#1 Print at home, frame, wrap and give.
This one is probably the one you’d expect. It’s convenient, easy and quick! Depending on the quality of your home printer (or how much ink you want to use), you might want to consider option #2 to save money as well.
#2 Print at a local Photo Center, frame, wrap and give.
I love the look of hand-lettered prints on photo paper, so I’ll often upload the file to a nearby photo lab (CVS, Walgreens, Costco, etc) and have them printed there instead of at home. It’s inexpensive but high quality. I personally prefer matte paper (or lustre if you’re printing at Costco), but if you prefer a more shiny look, glossy paper can look great as well.
If you don’t need your prints right away, you can skip the checkout lines and have them mailed to your home for an even easier gift!
#3 Have a company print on canvas, wrap and give.
I love the look of a photo printed on canvas and these hand-lettered prints are no exception! There are so many good options for places that print on canvas. Walgreens, CVS, Shutterfly, Snapfish and Costco all have great options for printing on canvas and they can really make your prints stand out compared to a typical framed picture. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for deals and coupons to save even more money!!
#4 Use an online printing company to print on mugs, pillows, ornaments, blankets, coasters, and bags (just to name a few!) Oh the possibilities!!
If you’re looking for something beyond a photo print, online stores like Shutterfly, Snapfish and Costco will print on a TON of different kinds of items as well.
*Some of these sites can require special file types for this type of printing so if you ever run into an issue needing a different file type for one of your purchases, please e-mail me and I’ll get you one!
#5 Email the digital file to the recipient (with the included printing tips file), send a frame from Amazon and have them print and frame it. Here are a few of my favorites in case you need suggestions to get you started: Rustic Picture Frame, White Picture Frame, Black Bead Fashion Picture Frame. No need to go stand in the looooong holiday post office line to mail a package!
If you have any other creative ways to share your favorite hand-lettered prints, please let me know in the comments below or shoot me an e-mail. I’d love to hear from you!