Category: Gifting Guides Page 1 of 12

A Nixplay Frame is always a delight to receive! Here are some perfect occasions to give one to your loved ones.

The Life of a Photo Organizer: Jodi Bondy

On October 2, 2020

In Gifting Guides, Lifestyle, Photo Organization, Photography, Special Moments

Nixplay has partnered with The Photo Managers for the Save Your Photos initiative, a public service outreach campaign that teaches individuals how they can preserve life’s irreplaceable photos, videos, and documents in case of an unforeseen accident or disaster.

As a Certified Professional Photo Organizer, I get to see some pretty cool things. Family memories on print or film, long lost memories buried in a box or trunk, and huge smiles when a project all comes together. I love mystery and, often, that’s exactly what I face when working with a client. This crazy pandemic that we’ve been dealing with for 6 months has caused many folks to start digging through those old boxes and storage bins they have harbored for years.

So just what’s in there?

Many people are finding photos of their immediate family — fun 70’s bell bottoms, 80’s hairstyles, and the like. Others are uncovering the vintage photos they inherited from their parents or grandparents. They were always going to do something with those when they got them.

Role As A Photo Organizer

As a Photo Organizer, I’m able to coach or facilitate the process. Dealing with your own clutter can be overwhelming, so bringing in a neutral party will allow you some clarity to make decisions on what you can do with these newly discovered treasures.

I met with a client once who probably had 6 big plastic storage totes, several cardboard bank boxes, a scattered mix of flash drives and even some old floppy disks! As I started to empty the boxes, I found there was no rhyme or reason as to what’s in the box. There were loose photos, framed photos, VHS tapes, partial scrapbooks and photo albums. You name it. First thing I assured my client was that whatever I found, I would protect her privacy and would not share with the world any items I may find that might be considered “sketchy”. Think HIPAA that you sign at your doctor’s office.

We started making piles of “like stuff”. If we knew which side of the family or which person was the main focus, we even separated out to that level. I had piles all over the floor and chairs! We emptied the boxes and took those out of the room, at least temporarily.

Organizing loose photos, framed photos, VHS tapes, partial scrapbooks and photo albums

The ABC’s of Photo Organizing

Once the tubs and boxes were empty, we started with one pile and proceeded to follow the ABC’s method that most professionals use — “A” stands for photos that would be ALBUM worthy. These are the ones you would want to showcase. “B” stands for BOX. These items may have a very cool story attached to them and there may be no other evidence of the event (remember we basically took photos blindly back in the day and hoped we got some good shots). These will be stored in archival safe boxes in case there is ever a need for these in the future. “C” are the photos that can be put in the CAN. The trash can, that is. Duplicates, blurry, no heads, etc. We all have them. Even some landscape photos – if there are no people in these. I can tell you Google has a much better photo than the one you took! Then finally, we have the “S” which stands for the STORY. You need to have people write down the story that expands on why the photo is so important. Videos and other media take a little more time because you need to figure out what is on them, get them converted to digital and store them on a device that will be usable in the next several years.

In fact, all of this takes time and effort. But the coolest thing is being able to watch a family gather around the table with the photos and memories and start sharing stories. This is a great time to have a paper and pencil handy, so you can write down the memories from everyone’s perspective. It also makes a great holiday activity when the family is all together, whether in person or via video conference. Share the photos and have a game of Guess Who. Look for family resemblances, check Uncle Harry’s cool car and his crazy plaid pants!

Enjoy the stories with a Nixplay Frame

One of the options I typically give my clients is to buy a Nixplay (or two). They can send many of the photos to the frame and give it as a gift for another family member. How fun it can be to have a recent memory pop up followed by someone generations earlier who have the same nose.

I love what I do and I take great pride in my work. So if you have that unopened box hidden away, let a professional photo organizer help you sift through the items and, perhaps, you will find hidden treasure.

Jodi Bondy

Jodi is a certified professional photo manager in Indiana. She is also an educator and volunteer emergency medical technician. She understands the importance of human connection and the telling of stories through image and print. When she is not working on client projects, you can find her playing with grandkids and helping others to document their memories.

https://www.hoosierphotoorganizer.com/

The gift that keeps on giving

By Chantal Imbach

On September 29, 2020

In Gifting Guides, Lifestyle, Photography, Special Moments

More and more of us are becoming independent and moving away from where we grew up, often not just to the next town, but to the other side of the world. We know how this feels – as we moved from Like from Switzerland to Australia with two toddlers in tow!

So, how does one stay in touch with loved ones left behind? There are many ways of course, and thanks to modern technology, it’s a lot easier than it used to be a few decades ago.

For us, photos play a central role in staying connected with family and friends, especially with my mum, who is also the only grandparent left for our kids. There are countless ways to share photos, and it can actually be quite overwhelming to choose just one. However, we stumbled over our absolute favorite way to share pictures with my mum when we decided to give her a wireless Nixplay frame for her birthday a few years ago. It has become a gift that simply keeps on giving – in expected and unexpected ways.

It lets others participate in our life

Sharing photos with others opens a window to our life and gives them the opportunity to become part of it. It gives them a little taste – not only of our exciting adventures – but sometimes simply of everyday moments and snapshots.

Mum enjoys looking at photos on her Nixplay frame every day! It is standing at a prominent place in her living room where she can easily see it. I love how I can simply email a photo to her frame, knowing it will pop up in her living room and brighten her day. It makes it so much easier to stay connected and to forget the huge geographical distance between us.

And I’m not the only one who sends photos. Other family members do, too. Furthermore, mum loves to travel but she only takes very few photos with her. Sometimes, she travels in a small group and people then send her a few photos directly to the frame. So, when she comes home, she already has the best of her holiday memories showing up – how cool is this!?

It can serve as a trigger to share stories and memories

Only just recently, mum had her sister-in-law staying with her for a few days. Later, she told me that they were looking at the photos on the frame, almost like you’d leaf trough a photo album. The result was that they both exchanged stories, reminisced and had great conversations.

Again, it’s all about the power of photos to connect people. With the digital frame, it was so easy to do. Think about other options: looking at photos together on a tiny mobile phone – not a great experience. Or sitting in front of a computer and clicking through tons of photos? Not great either. Looking at photobooks would be good but that requires somebody to actually make a book and have it printed. Maybe streaming the photos to a TV or creating slideshows? This requires a certain knowledge about technology and whereas it is not that hard, it feels like too much fuss and effort. For mum, this frame does all of this one fell swoop, and the ease of use makes it a perfect solution.

It lets us enjoy the temporary result of a digitizing project

A few years ago, I travelled home to help mum sort our entire physical family photo collection and to scan what we wanted to keep. Working together was a wonderful experience and our connection became even deeper and added a different layer to our relationship. Fascinating, funny and sad stories came to light that I’d never heard of before (she is now in the process of writing them all down). I treasure this special time together so much and I recommend to all my clients who call me about physical photos to go through them with a loved one. If you’re interested to read more about how we approached this project, check out this post here.

Of course, the project wasn’t done once the photos were scanned and the prints were stored and archived. The risk with these projects is that the scanned photos will simply be added to the other thousands of digital photos we have and never look at.

I am still finalising the work on the scanned photos. We changed the dates, we added stories and meta data such as names of people etc. At the same time, we’ve been working on our family tree – and the research is far from done.

After a while, it really bugged me that mum couldn’t see the result of all our hard work. I’m not ready to upload these family scans to a cloud service before they’re finalized. This will happen eventually – very soon in fact – so we can share it with the wider family and give them the opportunity to download copies. Until then, Nixplay was – and is – the answer. As I keep ploughing through the digital processing, I keep sending the best ones to her frame so she, can enjoy the result of our work too.

Mum as a baby with her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother

It’s not about living in the past though. It’s about making the connection to our past more visible and more present in our life. After all, without the people that were there before us, we wouldn’t be here. Sharing photos through a digital frame truly brings memories back into our lives in the easiest way possible, at least for our family. It was one of the very best gifts to mum and ourselves ever, and brings joy to our lives every day.

Chantal Imbach

Chantal Imbach from Photos In Order is an Australian based professional photo manager and also the co-host of the popular podcast DIY Photo Organising. She is passionate about safeguarding photos and teaching people how to manage their photos so they can enjoy them and bring them back into their lives.

http://www.photosinorder.com.au

Father’s Day Gifts: The Stay-at-Home Edition

By Susan Doktor

On June 20, 2020

In Gifting Guides

Life’s annual celebrations look a little different this year. But if you give it even a moment’s thought, the reasons to be grateful sure do mount up. And during stressful times, it’s more important than ever—and more beneficial to your health—to focus on them. Are you grateful to have a fab dad in your life? Then celebrate your love for him with a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that’s just right for the moment.

The Gift of Connection

Social distancing has lots of us looking for new and more engaging ways to stay in touch. Many of us have turned to social media, but by their very nature, they’re public places where you may not want to share your most personal thoughts and images. However, a Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame makes having a direct connection to Dad easy. It’s Wifi-enabled and compatible with your smartphone, so you can share images and videos in real-time. Dad can watch his granddaughter take her first steps or blow out her birthday candles along with you.

The Gift of Comfort

When you give a present to someone, do you ever wonder whether the recipient will really use it? Well, there’s one thing all of us do every day and that’s sleep. Upgrade your dad’s mattress and you can be sure your gift will be appreciated on a nightly basis. The best mattresses will give your dad a decade or more of comfort and support—not to mention the rest he deserves after raising you!

Gifts from the Garden

The world has gone greener since the global pandemic hit. More people are turning to home vegetable gardening as a soothing hobby. Gardening is a great, gentle exercise for people of all ages, and it puts food on the table at a time when fears about food shortages are top of mind. The more fresh veggies your dad puts on his plate, the better he’ll look and feel. From seeds and other supplies to trowels and trimmers, there are dozens of affordable gifts you can give to encourage Dad’s green thumb.

The Gift of Companionship

Maybe you can’t be with your dad as often as you’d like, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep him company. One feel-good story that’s come out of the global pandemic is that pet shelters around the globe have seen a delightful dip in occupancy. A lovable mutt can brighten anybody’s day, after all! You can also adopt family-friendly dogs like golden retrievers (or less active breeds like bulldogs and Bichon Frises) from dedicated rescue organizations around the country.

Studies have found that pet owners enjoy better health and, statistically, they even live longer. And you want your dad to be around a long time, don’t you? Think of all the Father’s Day gifts you can buy—and how much fun he can have as he uses his Nixplay Frame to share photos and videos of his pup’s antics to you and the rest of the family!

The Gift of Good Health

New stay-at-home guidelines have us all doing more cooking. Nutritionists recommend grilling as one of the healthiest cooking techniques. Whether your dad’s grill skills are legendary or apprentice-level, a new gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a smoker could really up his game. And it can help him ease into socially-distanced outdoor entertaining.

Is he already armed for battle with grilling gear? You could try sending a box of perfectly-aged, organic steaks, or a subscription to a wine club (red wines have heart-healthy benefits!). If he’s missing his pub fries or Friday fish and chips, an air fryer delivered to his doorstep will give him the fried crispness he craves minus the calories and excess cholesterol.

The Gift of Accomplishment

In homes across America, dads are checking stuff off of their to-do lists at speeds that were previously unheard of. That’s because, strangely, the coronavirus itself has given us one very special gift: the gift of time. And lots of dads are using it to be very productive around the home.

You’ve probably noticed the uptick of home improvement projects on your Instagram or Facebook feeds. Photos of newly painted decks, immaculately organized garages, and shiny refinished floors are popping up everywhere. Mechanical and power tools are a great way to support your DIY dad’s skills and help him tackle the projects he’s been wanting to complete around the house.

The Gift of Getting Away

Summer vacation season has taken a hit, with airline travel restrictions, beach closures, and other health regulations in place. But when you’ve been tethered to home for months, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re getting a break from your routine. Why not plan a boredom-busting weekend for your dad at a nearby bed-and-breakfast? If your dad loves fishing, find one near a lake. If he’s golfer, find one located near the best course he can get to in a day-trip.

Susan Doktor

Susan Doktor is a journalist and business strategist who hails from New York City. She writes, guest- and ghost-blogs on a wide range of topics including health and fitness, parenting, finance, and technology. Follow her on Twitter @branddoktor.

8 Gift Ideas for the Dapper Dad

By Mars Salazar

On June 16, 2020

In Gifting Guides

Still wracking your brain for the best Father’s Day gift for your stylish dad? We’re here to help. Here some handy suggestions:

Noise-canceling headphones

Give the busy executive dad a gadget he’ll be able to use a lot. A pair of noise-canceling headphones can be his perfect companion during conference calls, long-haul flights, and lazy afternoons spent listening to his ebooks and podcasts.

Try: Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II, Apple AirPods Pro

A grooming kit

For the dad who always strives to look his best–or who just needs to replace his ancient razor.

Try: Bevel Shave Kit, Kiehl’s Men’s Grooming Essentials

Stylish sunglasses

A handsome pair of sunglasses will always be appreciated by dad. Get him a classic pair that will stand the test of time and will keep him looking sharp during backyard barbecues, grocery runs, and everything in between.

Try: Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic, Oakley Holbrook

Timeless loafers

The ultimate dad shoe. Comfortable, effortlessly stylish, and a certified classic.

Try: Sperry Plushwave Penny Loafer, Tod’s City Gommino Driving Shoes in Suede-Brown

A Nixplay Frame

Does dad love taking photos? Make sure his snaps are perfectly displayed on the USA’s bestselling digital photo frame. Nixplay’s Father’s Day Sale is ongoing–now’s your chance to get up to 30% off on selected frames!

A bottle of his favorite alcohol

Didn’t manage to buy a gift in time? When all else fails, swing by the liquor store: a bottle of his favorite drink should do the trick.

Try: The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aviation Old Tom Gin

A UV sanitizer case

These days, it’s especially important to keep your surroundings and things squeaky-clean. A UV Sanitizer should properly disinfect for dad’s gadgets, gizmos, and other small items.

Try: https://www.casetify.com/protects/uv-sanitizer

A book he’ll love

Delight dad with this easy but thoughtful gift idea: A tome about the things that interest him most. See our other recommendations here.

Try: The American House by Phaidon, The Loyal Son: The War in Ben Franklin’s House by Daniel Mark Epstein

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

7 Cool Tech Gadgets For Mom

By Alice Murray

On April 30, 2020

In Gifting Guides

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat mom and shower her with gifts to show her just how much you care. Flowers and candy are always a crowd-pleaser, but why not make it a little extra special this year with our selection of Mother’s Day digital gifts? There’s no time like the present to get hunting for that perfect gift!

The Best Tech Gifts For Mother’s Day

Looking for a fun tech gift to give to mom this Mother’s Day? From indoor gardens to jewelry, we’ve pulled together a list of 7 cool tech gadgets for mom that are suitable for even the less tech-savvy parents out there. With a mix of thoughtful, practical, and humorous goodies, you can’t go wrong!

Hydroponic Garden Kit

With hydroponic gardening, your plants grow faster without the need for messy dirt. Minerals and nutrients are added to the water so that the plants begin to produce delicious fruits and vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, herbs, and even strawberries. So you can grow your own food at home without the need for digging and weeding!

It’s a fun and quirky way to harvest your own greens, herbs, and vegetables at home that comes with all the benefits of growing your own mini garden – without all the hard work. Ideal for those looking to add a spot of color to their kitchen décor, or for apartment moms with no access to a backyard.

Smart Jewelry

A fun tech twist on the classic gift for mom. Combine fashion and functionality to create the perfect Mother’s Day tech gift. From watches and bracelets, to necklaces, rings and even sunglasses, there are a range of smart jewelry pieces available on the market. Smart jewelry devices offer several tech uses, from tracking your breathing, sleep, activity and monthly cycles, to smart alarms that gently wake you in the morning. Although not every piece of smart jewelry has the same capabilities, so doing your research and finding something to suit mom is your best bet.

Smart Baby Monitor

Whether she’s a new mom or has a little one on the way, a smart baby monitor is the perfect gift. It connects to an app over WiFi, meaning you can easily monitor your baby from your mobile or tablet and unlike traditional designs, a smart monitor allows you to connect to multiple devices. Some smart baby monitors can also be paired to a home device like Alexa, so you can control the monitor with ease using your own voice.

You can monitor several children on one device by connecting to multiple cameras at the same time, which is ideal for moms who are juggling a busy household. A smart baby monitor is also the perfect gift if you’re working away from home and are missing your little ones – giving you a real-time view of what they’re up to.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you live in a busy household, this gift may also be a great way to give mom a break! Available in a range of sizes and styles, there’s a pair of noise cancelling headphones to suit every activity. As one of the best tech gifts for Mother’s Day, wireless headphones are ideal for night feeds, housework, exercise and much more. They’re also great when working from home, to block out the noise and focus on the task at hand. Choose this Mother’s Day tech gift and allow mom to sit back and relax.

Looking for an extra personal touch? Put together her very own personalized playlist with some of her favorite tunes to get her feeling motivated throughout the day.

Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with household chores, so anything that can help us along the way is a bonus. Although a smart vacuum cleaner won’t take the place of your regular model, it can make your life a little easier throughout the week. A robot vacuum can also get into those niggly places that your upright vacuum can’t – like under the sofa or below the bed! Plus, prices range from $50 dollars to $2,000, so there’s something for every budget.

Virtual Home Assistant

Available at a range of price points, home assistants are perfect Mother’s Day tech gifts. As well as playing music and answering questions, a virtual assistant comes with several uses that are great for the whole family:

Telling your children a bedtime story: Turning bedtime into a slightly more enjoyable activity for the little ones.
Creating a household intercom system: Making shouting the kids down for dinner that little bit easier.
Playing games: A range of games are available to download, including quizzes, mysteries and some of the classics.
Managing finances: From checking your balance to making bank transfers.

Home assistants are also compatible with a range of home appliances and devices, including smart photo frames – the next choice in our selection of cool tech gadgets for mom.

Smart Frame

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a smart digital frame full of her favorite memories? The perfect way to share memories and make your mom feel extra special. Create a playlist full of your best family photos from over the years and get it set up ready for the morning. Better yet, why not pull together a selection of Mother’s Day photos from over the years to reminisce?

Available in a range of classic designs, there’s a Nixplay digital photo frame to suit every home décor and style. This Mother’s Day we’re also offering up to 30% off on selected frames until May 10th – find out more about how to treat your mom to the best tech gifts for Mother’s Day with Nixplay.

And that’s our list of 7 cool tech gadgets for mom! Now you’re all set to pick up the perfect Mother’s Day digital gifts to celebrate with the family. And don’t forget to share and display your Mother’s Day memories on your Nixplay digital photo frame. With the Nixplay app, using your frame has never been easier.