Cyclists should be easy to please when it comes to gift buying, after all a new cycling top, lycra shorts or a new saddle will always be appreciated. New bike gear can, however, be just a bit boring so why not give a unique cycling gift, something that will remind a keen rider of past biking adventures or offer inspiration to try somewhere new?
Photo gifts are an original way to capture memorable moments and two of the most popular items are photo calendars and photo books. Both are easy to create using free software from online printing companies or simply upload some favorite digital images to an appropriate website, choose a design template and make a unique gift in minutes.
Photo Calendars for Cyclists
Available in a variety of designs, from wall or desk to wallet or poster size, calendars are a daily reminder of how great it is to get out on a bike and ride. Most riders with a digital camera will have a wealth of pictures to choose from on their computer; alternatively, source some stock photos from free photo websites or purchase high quality images from a low cost photography site like iStockphoto.
Calendars can be customized to make every gift truly original:
- Use a different cycling shot for each month.
- Change font and background color to suit the mood of the cyclist.
- Add special dates like birthdays, planned biking trips or competitions.
- Use faded backgrounds or frames to enhance individual images.
Simply download some suitable calendar software, follow instructions to add the images and then upload the finished product for printing.
Create a Photo Book with Cycling Images
A photo book is a great way to show-case memorable pictures from biking trips, especially scenic adventures in far flung corners of the earth like New Zealand. Create a professional looking product that looks perfect as a coffee table book using 20 to 30 high quality cycling images.
Free software packages from companies like Digilabs, offer a variety of different layouts and sizes of photo book. Images can be resized or displayed in collage form and special effects such as faded backgrounds, captions or frames can be added for extra customization. It is important to choose good quality pictures, especially if creating an A4 sized photo book; take time to adjust pixel size and sharpness with a graphics editor so that the cycling pictures look their very best.
Print a Photo Book or Photo Calendar
If using free software, it is best to order the final product from the website offering the download; otherwise the software needs to be purchased. Prices for mini 5” x 5” photo books start from around $29.99. Calendars are a great gift to order in multiple quantities, perfect for cycling clubs, as discounts are available for bulk buys.
Original Gifts for Cyclists
Give an original cycling photo gift this holiday season. Create a unique photo book or a photo calendar and, if stuck for choice, order both from the same company to save on delivery costs.
Related Articles
Also of interest may be
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Cyclists
Unusual Gift Ideas for Cyclists
Cool Cycling Gifts for Men that Love to Customize Mountain Bikes
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
Join the Conversation