Put The Fun Back Into Card Games

In the depths of winter many of gather with friends to play cards, one way to enhance the experience is to personalize the deck of cards you are playing with at the game.

Customized playing cards allow almost anyone to put the fun back into card games. It doesn't matter what game you are playing, Poker, Barbu, Spades or Bridge, playing the game with personalized cards always makes it a lot more fun!

If you look around, you will not only find regular shaped playing cards, you will find round cards, heart shaped cards and who knows what else?

Playing cards can be customized in a number of different ways, so much so in fact that you should be able to find exactly what you are looking for.

Standard customization involves having your photos, logos and other designs printed on the back of each card - this is customization in its basic form - each of the 52 cards plus the 2 jokers has the same photo on the reverse side. Playing cards customized in this way are suitable for serious card games such as bridge or brag.

Taking customization to the next level, you will find there are many photo gift websites where you can put a different photo or design on each of the 54 playing cards. Clearly, making your own playing cards with 54 different images means they are not well suited for serious card games, but they really come into their own when playing fun games with the kids and other family members.

The final option offered on personalized playing cards is to have 54 different photos printed on both the front and the back of each card - this is a firm favorite of children and your kids will probably get a real kick from playing with them.

As I already mentioned, although playing cards with 54 different designs are not much use for a serious game of bridge or poker, they make for great fun when playing with the kids. Try testing your memory to see which of you can remember what picture is on each card? Chances are the kids will be telling you you have the ace of hearts and the 10 of spades in your hand.... and you won't have a clue what they have!

Apart from the obvious fun, personalized cards can also help both children and adults to improve their memories!

If you do decide to make your own playing cards, before you upload your photos and designs to a photo gifts website, it's worth taking the time to find out how the cards are printed. The standard for high quality playing cards is Fuji Xerox Docucolor or the equivalent. By following this advice you will ensure your custom playing cards are finished to the highest quality standard.

There's no mistaking it, customized playing cards really do make great gift ideas for just about anyone, men, women and children will all get a kick out of playing with their own personalized cards!

To sum up, if you are like the majority of us, you love "Do it Yourself" projects and custom photo gifts are almost certainly no exception. You will find making your own personalized playing cards is great fun, especially when you design and create them yourself using your own special pictures, logo's and text.

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The Best Gift Ideas Are Personal

It is often said that it's the thought behind a gift that counts, and it's hard to deny the wisdom behind the expression. The best gifts are usually those that demonstrate thoughtfulness, gifts that show that the recipient's personal tastes, passions and interests were taken into consideration. Gifts that demonstrate the full regard, affection and appreciation of those who give them are always welcome too. The best gift ideas do both, expressing how much a person cares with a gift that seems tailor-made for the individual. 

Most people have a list of goals that they would like to accomplish or events that they would like to experience within their lifetime. Often referred to as a "bucket list," after the movie of the same name, a gift that makes it possible for a friend or family member to cross an item off their wish list is sure to be a memorable gift. An array of gift experiences are available for purchase that can help a loved one fulfill a goal, follow a dream or pursue an interest. 

Whether it's a dream vacation or the opportunity to indulge in a lifelong passion, making it happen needn't be exorbitantly expensive. For someone who has expressed an interest in history or archeology, an historical artifact or fossil can spark an enthusiastic response. A book can become an inspired gift when it's a rare edition of the recipient's favorite author. For a sport's fan, a signed memento from an admired athlete is sure to be well-received. Gifts with provenance, those with documentation that links them to their historical origin, may be more expensive but are sure to elicit a favorable response. 

A unique tour can help fulfill someone's lifelong dream as well. Many sports venues offer private or small-group tours of their facilities. Children will love to take advantage of the opportunity for an after-hours tour of a museum. Some theaters offer backstage tours as well. Making it possible for a baseball fan to stand on the pitcher's mound of their favorite team's field or for a theater buff to stand on the stage where a favorite actor or actress once strutted the boards is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to be treasured for years to come. 

Lessons can make a memorable gift as well. An amateur golfer will surely appreciate the opportunity to enjoy private coaching from an expert. An amateur cook will relish a lesson from a chef from a favorite restaurant. Signing up a would-be musician or a comedian for amateur night at a night club or comedy club is another option with the potential for fun. The gift of lessons also opens up possibilities for friends and family to try activities that they've wanted to explore. From scuba diving lessons and archery lessons to classes on carpentry and cooking, the gift of learning can be a memorable gift. 

When the giver takes the time to think about the recipient's personal tastes, interests and dreams, the gift is more likely to appreciated. The best gift ideas are those that demonstrate the thought behind the gifts, presents that let the recipient know that they are valued for who they are.


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The Best Gift Ideas Are Not Always The Most Expensive

At this time of year we have to watch our budget, so gift giving will be fun and not stressful. Gift giving is an excellent way for loved ones, co-workers, and significant others to express thanks and love for each other. The best gift ideas are those which are not necessarily the most expensive, but rather those which come from the heart. Here are some suggestions to help you in your pursuit to find that perfect gift. 

Fruit and gift baskets are ideal for that hard to shop for person. This "gifts within a gift" contains lotions, creams, colognes, candy, coffee, tea, and many other miniature goodies. Along the same lines, business gift baskets can be given to a fellow co-worker who is celebrating a special occasion or is in need of a pick-me-up. Coffee gift baskets are often exchanged between co-workers and are supplied with some of the best coffee in the world. Known as Koa Coffee, it is homegrown in some of most lush regions of beautiful Hawaii. Whether receiving fruit, gift, or coffee baskets, that coworker or loved one will surely get a lot of use out of their many novelties. 

Another unique gift idea is gift cards! Gift cards can be used at a variety of discount stores and fine dining restaurants. The wonderful quality of gift cards is that they give gift recipients the freedom to buy what they want at their own convenient time. Givers can specify the amount to be spent directly on the card. Gift cards are ideal gifts for couples celebrating an important anniversary or newlyweds who simply need a romantic night out. 

Mugs are another unique gift idea that are practical yet decorative. Gift recipients will enjoy a personalized mug with a unique slogan or message with a spin on life. In addition, your loved ones will have something to drink their freshly brewed coffee out of in the morning before starting their day. A variety of creative mugs are available online, including face mugs that have a special compartment in the bottom for storing refreshments. These mugs are very affordable and most are available at under $25. 

Handmade crafts add sentimentality to any special occasion, from birthdays to Christmas. Birth stone flower necklaces let your loved ones know that you have a special place in your heart for them. Fathers can give their wife and daughter matching mother and daughter necklaces with an inscribed message as a token of his love or appreciation. In addition to necklaces, your significant other will look so much more elegant wearing bracelets and rings that are made with a personal touch straight from a craftsman's hands. 

Lastly, stocking stuffers are small little affordable accessories that are charming and quaint. Inscribed key chains which communicate a special message are affordable novelties that can be placed in Christmas stockings at the last minute. These can be bought at novelty and gift shops at a very affordable price. 

Some of the best gift ideas are not necessarily found in expensive shops or boutiques. These suggestions show that you don't have to dig deep into your wallet to find that perfect gift; you only need to search your heart.

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