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8 Easy Gifts to Make When You're Short
on Time

Last-Minute Made Meaningful

In the midst of full calendars and busy days, even the most diligent Type As are bound to have the occasional birthday, anniversary, and holiday party sneak up on them. (Trust us, we get it!) Just because time is of the essence doesn’t mean thoughtful gifts have to fall to the wayside. We’re here to lend a hand with a list of easy gifts to make, each perfectly short on time, but not on sentiment.

Idea 01

Don't Forget the
Duplicate Button

Did you take the trip in your travel album with someone on your gift list this year? Does Mom flip through your wedding album with dreamlike nostalgia? Sometimes, a personalized gift is as simple as a slight tweak to something you've already put in print. Since every project you've created lives on in your Artifact Uprising account, each can quickly and easily be transformed into a new creation by hitting the "duplicate" button you’ll find under “My Projects” or “Orders.” Just remember, you can only duplicate a project if you plan on using the same photo book. (Some of our photo books take longer to produce, so be sure to check our shipping guidelines page before ordering!)

Pro tip: Take a many birds with one book approach by creating the same album for multiple recipients and giving each a unique dedication page.

Idea 02

Use Your Words

One of the easiest last-minute gifts you can give is a heartfelt card—especially one personalized with your own photograph on the front. Whether sending birthday or get well wishes, words of gratitude, or a simple love note just because, a piece of snail mail is a guaranteed day-maker.

Pro tip: Customize Everyday Photo Prints or Design Your Own Flat Cards, and pen your own lines on the back for a DIY postcard look.

Idea 03

Share Saved Sentimentals

We all hold on to the little sentimentals that symbolize our connections. From ticket stubs to photo booth prints, these return tickets to moments together all deserve a home. The Junk Journal is that home, handcrafted with sturdy, layflat pages to keep mementos of shared joy safe. Gather them while your book is being delivered, glue or tape them inside, and wrap up a gift that only you could make.

Idea 04

No Photo? Frame Art Instead

You don’t even have to search for the perfect piece of art. Look no further than the A|U Art Studio, a collection of prints thoughtfully curated to capture a feeling and elevate any space. They are printed on archival paper that captures true-to-life color and fine detail, making it just the right medium for bringing art or photography to life.

Pro tip: Don’t see a print that’s love at first sight? We've put together a special guide to free art to help you discover the perfect piece and turn it into beautiful decor they'll love.

Idea 05

Make a Magazine
Featuring Them

The Softcover Photo Book is coveted for its luxury magazine feel, and it immediately adds an interesting styling component to any bookshelf or coffee table. Not to mention, the ideas for personalization are endless: gather your favorite selfies together to give to your partner or compile highlights from an adventure together to give to your bestie. You can even keep some pages minimal or blank for the recipient to annotate with memories, affirmations, or sketches, like a journal.

Idea 06

Create a Picture-Perfect Bundle

Give them a well-packaged present that feels like two gifts in one: thick, archival photo prints with a decorative vessel or photo holder to display them. The thoughtful combination will bring them endless joy and make their space more storied—no framing necessary.

Pro tip: Print your photos with our fan-favorite white border to give them a nostalgic feel that sets them apart.

Idea 07

Celebrate the Little

The Story of You Baby Book is unique in our family of products because the customization begins only after it's in the recipient's hands. When it comes to last-minute gift ideas, that makes it an ideal gift for new or soon-to-be parents that still feels made-to-order thoughtful. To give it that extra personal touch, pen a letter to the newborn and slip it inside the book or box when it arrives. Your words will kickstart a habit of marking the moment in that first, most meaningful year.

Pro tip: No matter which of our products you choose, we have plenty of ideas for how to personalize your gift and add an extra layer of just-for-you.

Idea 08

Give Gift Cards
a Personal Touch

If there's a stigma around giving gift cards, it stops right here. After all, there's no shame in giving someone a chance to honor their own stories in their own way. However, if you’d like to elevate the gift card experience, consider using our Design Your Own Flat Cards to create a one-of-a-kind holder for any card to any store.

Pro tip: If designing your own card, you'll need to upload your design as a .png or .jpg (also .jpeg) file. Not a Photoshop guru? No need to be. Simply type it up in a document, style it to your liking, and take a screenshot. We're big fans of Canva, as well. If you have an X-Acto knife, you can use it to cut four little slits into your flat card at each corner of the gift card. Otherwise, a piece of double-sided tape should do just fine.

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