The next time you point to millennials as the masterminds behind a new slang word or a viral online trend, you might want to inspect another group: Gen Z. These are the people born between 1997 and 2012 and thus, have never known life without the internet.
Since their earliest years, Gen Z had been conditioned to polish and prime their online presence in order to become the most presentable version of themselves. Their selfies, for example, go through a painstaking selection and editing process before being posted online.
It’s not just the selfies
This habit of zooming in to every detail to project a picture-perfect life extends beyond selfies. Nearly all photos that make it to their social media accounts, from family pictures to food shots to travel snaps, are subject to the same stringent curation process. And they certainly wouldn’t mind going out of their comfort zones for a jaw-dropping photo.
Unclear but Present Danger
However, maintaining a Pinterest-worthy online presence has its perils. The more we rely on technology to improve our lives, the more accessible our data becomes. The laptops and mobile phones that we can’t live without could easily be used to spy on us. Everything from your location to your passwords and financial details, as well as mundane things, such as what you had for dinner last night, can be uncovered online. Data privacy is—and will always be—an ever-pressing concern, and Gen Z, given the speed at which they adopt the latest apps and trends, are the most vulnerable.
Here at Nixplay, we use the most modern physical, managerial, and technical safeguards that are designed to improve the integrity and security of your photos, videos, and other personally identifiable information. The servers on which personal information is stored are kept in a controlled environment with limited access, and your data is encrypted and protected using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. Nixplay is also GDPR-compliant, and we will let you access and even delete your data that we store, upon your request.
Having trouble looking for gifts for milestone birthdays? Choosing the right present for someone can often be difficult, especially when there is so much to choose from. When a loved one reaches a big birthday, you want to make sure that you’re buying them something as special as the occasion itself. Follow our birthday gift guide for present ideas that will blow the others right out of the water (although it’s not a competition, of course!). From day trips to personal mementos that will spark precious memories, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Arrange A Special Day Out
A once-in-a-lifetime experience is the perfect milestone birthday gift. You can book a tandem skydive for the budding thrillseeker or Broadway tickets for the theater fan. Alternatively, for something a little closer to home, why not book a spa retreat or a delicious meal for two? A night away in a swanky hotel is always a great choice, too. There’s a special experience for everyone, whether they’re turning 18, 40 or 70. Just plan accordingly!
Be sure to savor the memories and take several pictures throughout the day! This way, you can display them at home and remember the day forever. Why not do so on a Nixplay digital photo frame? If you have one set up beforehand, your loved ones can send photos to you and your family at home so you can see what they’re up to!
Organize A Surprise Birthday Party
This is the perfect way to celebrate a loved one’s big birthday with all their friends and family. You could even choose a theme! Maybe everyone can dress up as something that begins with the first letter of their name, or you can put on outfits that reflect the birthday boy or girls’ favorite TV show or decade. You can opt for a luxurious night at the movies with champagne and delicious canapés, or go Viva Las Vegas in a homemade casino with a cocktail bar and roulette table!
Go the extra mile and get your loved one’s family and friends to pre-record birthday messages that you can play on a Nixplay Smart Frame. You can even take a bunch of pictures throughout the night and send them to your Nixplay Frame for live party updates–get creative and pull together some fun photo booth props to jazz them up! Better yet, with a Nixplay Seed Wave, you can link up your Spotify and play a party playlist to accompany your photos.
Personalized Gifts For Milestone Birthdays
Personalized gifts, like a champagne bottle and set of flutes for someone’s 21st birthday, are a popular choice when it comes to milestone birthday present ideas. But we have a few other creative gift ideas that you may not have considered before!
A personalized nursery book or children’s tale is perfect for newborns. Though they may not be able to appreciate it at the beginning, this gift is a keepsake that will come into play later on in life.
Arrange to get a hand-drawn map of their hometown framed. Are they turning 18 and heading off to college, or are a little older and have moved away from home? They may want a memento to remind them of their roots.
You can also get personalized maps where the street names are replaced with songs from a certain decade or genre. Amend this to suit their taste in music or to remind them of an unforgettable time in their college years. This unique birthday gift is sure to send them right down memory lane.
Get a soundwave printed of their favorite song, or even a track that sparks precious memories, and frame it.
There are also websites that will put together a print of a constellation map to celebrate special occasions. All you need to do is select the date and time of their birth to recreate the night (or daytime) sky at that specific moment. This gift also works perfectly for weddings and anniversaries.
Top tip: when framing a print or other piece of artwork, be sure to consider the interior décor of the birthday girl or boy’s home. It’s a small thing but it certainly counts!
Buy a notebook and get all of their family and friends to write and decorate each page with personalized messages. It’s a personal (and portable!) keepsake that they can look back to on their next big birthday.
Do they have a bucket list of places they want to visit before they reach a certain age? Then a scratch map is a perfect way for them to track their progress. You can also order movie scratch posters that allow you to tick off those ‘must-see’ movies as you go along.
Does your loved one have a pet that they adore? Commission someone to paint or take pictures of their furry friend and frame it! Alternatively, get someone to paint a scene of their favorite place/moment or a family portrait that they can hang up at home.
Some websites allow you to order a print of the front page of the newspaper on the day they were born, so they can see the headlines from that very special day. this one’s a great gift idea for communication professionals.
Is your loved one a vinyl fan? Head to your local record store or browse online for the no. 1 single (or album) from the day they were born and get it framed. It’s a beautiful memento and a retro home décor piece that will stand the test of time.
Put together a scrapbook titled “your life in pictures” and leave blank pages for them to fill in–a milestone birthday book, if you will. Filled with precious moments and memories that they never want to forget, this is the perfect gift for someone who is celebrating a big birthday. As a helping hand, there are several companies that will print out as many images as you need–simply download their app and do it all straight from your phone!
Better yet, put together a digital scrapbook with a Nixplay Smart Frame. You can set it up with some of their favorite memories and then send live updates as you go along–with just the click of a button. Keeping memories alive has never been easier! The ideal gift for anyone celebrating a big birthday. Treat your loved one on this very special occasion with a gift that keeps on giving.
‘Tis the season to be jolly–and very, very cold! Unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of the sunnier states, you’d have already noticed the chill in the air and the longer, darker nights drawing in. Winter is well on its way, and now’s the time to start planning the ultimate winter getaway.
Time away in a scenic wintry setting is not only a great way to unwind and de-stress. It’s also the perfect opportunity to capture some high-quality photos–perfect for the holiday card you’re sending to your family and friends or the personalized photo album you’re putting together as a Christmas gift for someone special.
Seeking inspiration for a vacation is tricky, especially during winter. So we’ve done the hard part for you by putting together a guide on where the perfect winter getaway spots are, and how you can make the most of it.
Winter Vacation Spots
Lake Louise Ski Resort, Canada Less than an hour away from the Instagram-worthy town of Banff, Lake Louise is one of Canada’s stand-out ski resorts. Whether you’re an experienced, die-hard skier or just starting out, this 4,200-acre terrain will make the prettiest backdrop for family photos.
USA National Parks Have you ever wanted to explore the natural wonders of Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, but are put off by the massive crowds, elevated prices, and too-hot-to-handle weather? That’s understandable. Visiting in the winter will ease all of those worries, and when it comes to photos, there really is no place better.
TheRiviera Maya, Mexico If embracing the snow on the slopes or hiking up mountains isn’t for you, why not infuse a touch of paradise to your winter getaway? While most beach resorts settle down at the end of the year, the Riviera Maya in Mexico is just getting started – and there’s not a Christmas sweater in sight. From Mayan history and ancient ruins to long stretches of white sandy beaches and yoga retreats, Mexico has something for everyone. Don’t forget to send a holiday card of you sipping cocktails on the beach!
San Juan, Puerto Rico If you’re chasing the sun but still keen to avoid a typical resort-style winter getaway, you should try soaking up the ambiance and culture of Puerto Rico’s largest city, San Juan. With endless rows of colorful colonial buildings and an abundance of cobblestone squares, you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to take your winter holiday photos.
New York City Sometimes, winter vacation spots are easy to choose. If you prefer to keep it classic, New York City is the way to go. There’s always something going on at every corner in The Big Apple, and when it comes to photos, it’s easy to find the perfect setting. Because everywhere you go, you’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into a Hallmark movie.
Winter Family Photo Ideas
Hopefully, our go-to destination guide has provided you with the inspiration you need to plan your ideal winter getaway. If you think you’re covered for winter family photo ideas, but still need some advice on techniques or photography, we’ve got your back.
How to Take a Winter Family Photo
Having a picture-perfect background is only half the battle when it comes to winning photos. You’ve also got to think about lighting, angles, positioning, and quality. So, when you’re getting snap happy on your winter getaway, take a moment to think about the basics.
With family photos, it’s generally best to keep it natural. Even candid shots that no one is ready for can end up coming out on top. Putting everyone at ease is the first step of great photography, whether you’re going for a traditional family photo or a creative, personality-infused picture.
The main problem most people face with group photos is synergy. Someone always blinks or squints at the wrong time, or looks in the wrong direction or forgets to smile. It’s exhausting! Setting some time aside on your vacation for photo taking is crucial to make it as memorable as possible.
Family Photo Display Ideas
Whether you’re creating a holiday card, compiling a photo album, designing a collage, or simply giving away photos as a gift, how can you ensure your pictures are kept and enjoyed for a long time to come?
Digital photo frames are changing the way we view and share photos, and keeping memories alive has never been easier. You can use digital frames to display your pictures anywhere in your home, and you can instantly share your photos at the click of a button. You can even link some frames, like the Nixplay Seed Wave, up to Spotify and create playlists to music. You can even use it to display short videos! When it comes to family photo display ideas, it truly can’t be beaten.
The holidays are fast approaching, which means our to-do lists are getting longer day by day. If you’re feeling the pressure of trying to do it all, it’s important to step back and remember what this season is truly about.
According to Wikipedia, in modern use, the term holiday means “any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school.” If this is the case, then why does the holiday season always seem to end up as one of the craziest and busiest times of year? No matter what activities and celebrations you participate in during this season, with some intentionality, it’s possible to tame the chaos and make this holiday season slower, simpler, and more enjoyable.
Here are 6 ways to simplify your holidays:
Delegate
Don’t think of delegating as giving in or giving up. Instead, think of it from a positive perspective. When you delegate, you give others the opportunity to do what they do best. Let them be the expert and handle the task. In turn, you’ll free yourself up to do more things that you enjoy. Remember that your time is valuable, especially during the holiday season. The weeks will go by quickly and you can only do so much. Think about what your time is worth and invest in help when needed.
Focus on community
Even if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle for the season, preferring to hibernate instead, it wouldn’t hurt to do something for your community’s improvement. Pay attention to what the people in your community need and join them. Whether it’s choosing to give back by serving free hot meals or donating to a local toy drive, giving provides opportunities to connect with others in your community. You might also choose to join the caroling group in town, help decorate at the town hall, or attend a community theater production. Make it a point to smile and say hello to others at the events. Small gestures can go a long way in sharing the joy with others in your community.
If it’s overwhelming to think about volunteering or attending another event, choose to connect with your community at a different time of year when there are fewer demands on your attention. Consider which time of year works best for you, find a group in your community, and plan to participate in a different way in the new year. Connecting with others in your community is important all year!
Practice Teamwork & Communication
If you’re doing anything over the holiday season that requires collaboration, this is critical. Often, the source of our stress and messy holiday issues are a result of someone not asking for help or not communicating clearly. Be proactive by talking to your family and loved ones before the season begins. Discuss traditions, share new ideas and be open to each other’s thoughts. Remind each other that just because something has always been done a certain way, it doesn’t mean it needs to stay that way. Although you may encounter resistance to changing things up a bit, share why you think it’s important and try to agree on a new way of doing things this year. Have another discussion after the holiday season while the memories are fresh in everyone’s minds and use that information to plan for next year.
Choose experiences over things
Do you remember the last “thing” you received from a friend or family member? Now, do you remember the last experience you had with a friend or family member? Which comes to mind faster?
Over time, memories of experiences are more likely to stick with us than the physical items we’ve received over the years. Keep this in mind as you contemplate purchasing another gift for someone. If you’re tempted to just go out and purchase another cookbook for your budding culinary friend, consider instead taking them to a cooking class and enjoying the learning experience and the cooked meal with them after. You can also arrange a vacation with them so you can spend some quality time with each other!
If you’re still tempted to present them with a gift that can be opened, a Nixplay frame is a perfect gift! It will help you relive all of the experiences you’ve enjoyed with that person. Gift it with images already on it or enjoy the experience of sitting with them to set it up and add photos they choose. The experience of giving it can be your gift!
Uphold your boundaries
You’re likely going to get asked to do something this holiday season. Before the season begins, think about or jot down three words you’d like to feel during this holiday season. Think about what’s really important to you during this season. Then, when you get asked to do something, think back to your words and decide if this request will take you closer to or further from what you hold dear to your heart.
Don’t be afraid to say “no” if it doesn’t align with your vision or if the thought of doing it makes you feel overwhelmed or “heavy.” On the other hand, if you’re immediately excited about the request, say “yes” enthusiastically. You might also choose to respond instead with an alternative option that works for everyone. Be confident, speak up, and uphold your boundaries kindly and gracefully. Focus on what’s best for you and your family. Remember, it’s your holiday season, too.
Prioritize sleep and self-care
By upholding your boundaries, you’re creating a holiday season that feels good to you and your family. Though routines, activities, and traditions will change over the years, two things that should remain constant are sleep and self-care. Resist the urge to pack in more to-dos after everyone else is in bed and do your best to stick to a set bedtime so you don’t compromise your health.
Remember that self-care isn’t just about getting massages and having long weekends away (although it certainly can be!). Practicing self-care can be as simple as starting the morning in bed with five quiet minutes of deep breathing. Or maybe it’s incorporating in a 10-minute walk in the middle of the day. The bottom line is, it doesn’t have to be glamorous. Anything that helps you stay focused on your physical and mental health will help. When you prioritize these things, you’ll show up more alert, focused, and energized, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy your holiday season.
With some thoughtful planning and intentional conversations with your loved ones before the activities and commitments begin, you have the power to make this holiday season simple. Do your best with the suggestions here and give yourself the freedom to experiment with what feels right for you and your family.
Life as a military family can be challenging. Staying close to a loved one whilst they’re on deployment can be hard, and it’s not just for the time that they’re away either.
The moments leading up to and following deployment may cause confusion and anxiety. After all, it seems like only yesterday that you were enjoying the warmth of your home, sitting on the couch with your family while watching a movie. Now, your family is separated because of a patriotic commitment, and you pray every night that you will all be together again.
Thanks to technology, there are several ways that you can stay close to your loved ones on deployment. Follow our top tips to make that precious time you have together extra special, and stay close with Nixplay.
Arrange Plenty Of Video Calls
Arranging plenty of video calls while you’re away from your family will allow you to express thoughts and share things that are difficult to convey over the phone. It’s also a great way to stay updated with each other and receive plenty of assurance that they’re okay.
Maybe your kids want to show your loved one their latest art masterpiece, or maybe your dog wants to say hello. Video calls can make all of this possible. You can smile together, laugh together, or even cry together. Just make sure you have a decent internet connection before you start and you’re good to go!
Send A Handwritten Letter Or A Military Care Package
Despite the benefits of technological communication, nothing beats the good old traditional method. Handwritten letters and care packages are wonderful keepsakes for military families. Better yet, they’ll be lovely mementos for when you fast-forward 40 years from now to when your children are old enough to have families of their own. They’ll be showing the letters that they once sent to their family, passing on the memories through the generations.
If you’re struggling with what to write, start with how you’re feeling and what you’re up to. Keep your loved one updated about any big milestones, but also remember to tell them about the small things, too. What did you do today? What did you have for dinner? Anything is relevant and interesting, trust us! The more details you include, the closer to them you will feel—and vice versa.
If your loved one is going to be away for Christmas or their birthday, send over some cards with “open on {date}” on them. These cards are a great way to get them into the festive spirit. Cards labeled “open when you’re feeling sad” or “open when you want a laugh” are also a nice gesture that you can send all year round.
Another way to stay in touch is to send a military care package. Here are some ideas of what to include:
Food and drink: Send them some of their favorite snacks and candy. Small things like this will help them feel closer to home, no matter how far away they are. Gum and mints are also a great addition to your military care package, as well as protein bars and shake mixes.
Toiletries: As well as the basics, like toothpaste and shower gel, consider where your loved one is based. Hand cream may come in handy if they’re spending time in the desert, and sunscreen is always helpful wherever they may be!
Flip flops: gravel and sand can often find itself on the floor of a shared bathroom, so keep it clean and send your loved one some flip flops in their favorite hue.
Sticker books: It’s a nice little something to share out in the local communities.
Christmas and birthday presents: if your loved ones are away for their next birthday or Christmas, send them over some gifts to get them in the festive spirit.
A calendar: Send them a calendar with their return date filled in so they can count down the days until they come home.
Every base is different, so if you’re not sure what you can or can’t send, be sure to check with your loved one first.
Top tip: Rather than sending printed family photos, save valuable space in your care package and send personal photographs via a Nixplay Smart Photo Frame!
Exchange Belongings Before They Leave
It can be nice to exchange personal belongings with your loved ones before they leave so that you have something of each other to help you stay close while you’re apart. Give them a part of you and keep something that belongs to them, whether it’s your favorite necklace or a treasured family heirloom. That way, it will feel like they’re with you every day.
Invest In A Nixplay Digital Frame
One of the most effective ways to stay close as a military family is to send photos to one another via Nixplay Wi-Fi Photo Frames. With our smart frames, you can share photos and videos straight from your phone, computer, or tablet to your loved ones, no matter where they are. You can also share 15-second videos and personal messages, as well as send live updates with photos of your day. From selfies with the kids to pictures of the dog, you can keep your loved one in the loop with a Nixplay Smart Photo Frame.
Struggling to choose which photos to send? Discover some of our military family photo ideas to stay close with your loved ones on deployment.
Pre-deployment Family Photo Ideas
Organizing a mini family photoshoot pre-deployment is a great way to get a collection of photos ready for your Nixplay frame. Whether it’s done professionally or at home with a smartphone, each image will be treasured as it’s really the thought that counts.
Here are some of our pre-deployment family photo ideas:
Get the kids together and take one big family photo. Take this one in the comfort of your own home, and make sure that everyone is smiling brightly and you’re all facing the right direction. You just can’t beat a cheery family photo!
If you’re being deployed or have a child who’s being deployed abroad, you might want to take individual photos with each of your childrenand family members to build up your collection.
Take some fun pictures too! Whether that’s cuddly toys or fancy dress costumes, you can jazz up your military family photos and have some real fun with it.
Get a photo with the family pet (if you have one, of course).
Don’t just take staged photos. Where possible, get some candid snaps of your family enjoying their time together, in real life. Whether these photos are taken while playing video games, running around at the park, or simply sitting down at dinner, they’ll make for nice memories to add to your albums. These photos are the ones that will feel the most authentic and will bring the biggest smile to your face.
You could take photos in seasonal clothing too. If your loved one is stationed overseas for the holidays, it may be comforting to look at snaps of everyone looking festive, especially with the holiday season drawing near!
Set up your Wi-Fi photo frame with these images before you go, or send them across to your loved ones whilst they’re away to remind them of how much you love them.
How To Properly Welcome Them Home
Whilst it’s important to stay close with deployed soldiers when they’re away, welcoming them home in the right way is equally as important. It can be an anxious time, so you need to allow for re-adjustment. Respect that things may be different, and be open and reassuring.
Your loved one may need some space to think, or they might need you to listen while they talk about their experiences. But don’t let that stop you from having fun. Liven things up a bit with a banner and gear up the house in preparation. Get all of their favorite things in—food, drinks, films, the lot. And remember to set up your digital photo frame with all of your favorite family photos.
Our smart frames, Wi-Fi frames, and digital photo frames are the perfect way to stay close to your loved ones on deployment. Get together a collection of military family photos and set up your digital display to stay connected.
