Let’s face it; it’s that time of year when one can go a little crazy trying to find that ONE special gift for a special person that is just… well, just perfect. While most of us, at some point in our lives, have been on the receiving end of what we know was the perfect gift, many of us still fail to deliver on what we thought would be a perfect gift.

Why, do we often fall short when it comes to giving what we’d hope was a perfect gift? Well, to answer that question let’s look at what makes the perfect gift “perfect”. First, not only does the perfect gift need to be both useful and meaningful to the recipient; but let’s be realistic, it also has to fit into your gift giving budget. But more importantly, what truly really makes a gift perfect is the fact that it touches a recipient in a profound way. A perfect gift will take into consideration and honor the lifestyle, interests, and needs of the recipient, yet connect on a deeper level than other gifts.

So with that being said, you might be surprised to read that I believe that the typical digital picture frame is NOT the perfect gift… unless you take the time to personalize it so that it connects on a deeper level. A digital frame is just the means of delivery, not the gift. The gift is, as KODAK once said, “the moments of our lives” that are shared and displayed on the frame.

How do you personalize the gift of a digital frame? Well, that’s easy. When you first give a digital frame have it “loaded” ready to display photos that are meaningful to the recipient. However, be aware that digital frames are not like traditional frames that hold a single print. Most (not all) digital frames, usually end up showing the same pictures over and over again. Digital frames can quickly become stale energy sucking lumps of plastic, glass and metal if not updated. Over time, that gift you wanted to be personal over time just becomes annoying.

However, one type of digital frame, known as a “connected” frame, will remotely access new photos and ultimately deliver the perfect gift of fresh new photos for years to come.

Connected frames, such ones made by CEIVA, receive photos sent directly to them from any computer or standard camera phone. Plus, while CEIVA’s can directly connect to a computer via WiFi, these digital frames do NOT have to receive photos in this way. CEIVA frames also receive photos through a traditional phone land-line or Ethernet connection. (Land-line connectivity makes CEIVA frames ideal for seniors and less tech savvy people that do not have a computer or the Internet.)

Regardless of the type of connection used, these unique frames ultimately access CEIVA’s photo hosting and delivery service, known as Picture Plan. Picture Plan makes photo storing, sharing and editing an easy, safe and secure process. It also provides frame owners a way to invite family and friends in to send and share their pictures to the frame. The fact that CEIVA frames can have fresh new photos delivered right to them from loved ones keeps that personal connection alive and ultimately makes them a perfect gift.