Annual Family Calendar: Our Favorite Christmas Gift

Every year, my sister and I come together and create a family calendar on Shutterfly. It is easy to use and there is always a great deal on Groupon (usually in November and early December) to get multiple calendars. My parents each get their own copy, my sister, step daughter and I all get one as part of our Christmas gifts. Heidi and I save pictures all year (and ask our parents and kids to send some of their favorite pix as well).

A custom family calendar is a thoughtful, practical, and heartfelt Christmas gift that your loved ones will use all year. Featuring photos of cherished memories and special dates, these calendars are perfect for parents, grandparents, or anyone who enjoys a personal touch in their everyday organization.

Several companies make creating a custom calendar simple, with options for layouts, designs, and themes to fit any family. Let’s explore how to make a family calendar and weigh the pros and cons of popular platforms like Shutterfly, Mixbook, Snapfish, and Vistaprint to help you decide where to create yours.Every year, my sister and I dive into the fun tradition of creating a family calendar on Shutterfly. It’s super easy to use, and we always find great deals on Groupon, especially in November and early December, which is perfect for grabbing multiple copies. My parents each get their own, and of course, my sister, my stepdaughter, and I happily snag one as part of our Christmas gifts.

Steps to Create a Custom Family Calendar

1. Gather Your Photos: Collect high-quality photos of family members, pets, vacations, and important milestones from the past year.

2. Choose a Platform: Select a service like Shutterfly, Mixbook, Snapfish, or Vistaprint.

3. Pick a Theme and Layout: Most sites offer seasonal, modern, or playful templates, along with custom layouts for each month.

4. Add Personalization: Include special dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or family events.

5. Place Your Order: Preview your calendar, make edits if needed, and order in time for Christmas delivery.

Comparing the Top Calendar Creation Platforms

1. Shutterfly

Pros:

• Wide range of themes, from classic to whimsical.

• Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop features.

• Integration with cloud storage for easy photo uploads (Google Photos, Facebook, etc.).

• Frequent discounts and promotions, especially around the holidays.

Cons:

• Base prices can be higher than competitors (though sales often offset this).

• Shipping costs can add up if ordering multiple items.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shutterfly is intuitive and beginner-friendly, with plenty of customization options to make your calendar unique.

2. Mixbook

Pros:

• Highly customizable layouts and themes, allowing for creative freedom.

• Vibrant, professional-quality printing.

• Easy collaboration feature—perfect for group projects or shared family input.

Cons:

• Smaller selection of pre-made templates compared to Shutterfly.

• Prices are mid-range, but fewer promotional discounts.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mixbook is ideal for those who want a polished, personalized calendar with less reliance on pre-set designs.

3. Snapfish

Pros:

• Competitive pricing, often cheaper than Shutterfly or Mixbook.

• Simple and straightforward design tools.

• Integration with major photo storage services for easy uploads.

Cons:

• Limited customization compared to Mixbook.

• Some users report slightly lower-quality prints.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Snapfish is a budget-friendly choice for those looking for a fast, no-frills option.

4. Vistaprint

Pros:

• Known for high-quality printing and durable materials.

• Budget-friendly pricing with frequent promotions.

• Variety of templates that cater to professional and personal needs.

Cons:

• Less focus on personal/family themes; templates can feel business-oriented.

• Fewer photo editing and layout options than Shutterfly or Mixbook.

Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐
Vistaprint is a great choice for simple, high-quality calendars, but it lacks the creative tools of other platforms.

Tips for Making the Best Family Calendar

• Plan Ahead: Order early to avoid shipping delays during the holiday season.

• Choose High-Resolution Photos: This ensures your images print clearly.

• Add Personalized Touches: Include captions, special dates, or funny family quotes to make the calendar truly unique.

• Take Advantage of Discounts: Many sites offer holiday deals, so keep an eye out for coupon codes and promotions.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

• Best for Beginners: Shutterfly offers ease of use, lots of templates, and great holiday deals.

• Most Customizable: Mixbook is perfect for those who want creative control and polished results.

• Best Budget Option: Snapfish provides affordable options with decent quality.

• Best for Professional Quality: Vistaprint delivers durable calendars with sharp, vivid prints.

Conclusion

Creating a family calendar as a Christmas gift is such a heartfelt way to celebrate precious memories and keep everyone organized throughout the year! Imagine flipping through the pages and reliving those beautiful moments with your loved ones. You'll find something perfect for any skill level and budget with fantastic platforms like Shutterfly, Mixbook, Snapfish, and Vistaprint.

Take a moment to explore these services and choose the one that fits your needs best. Don’t wait too long—start crafting today! This gift will surely bring your family smiles and warmth all year.

We’d love to hear which platform you’ve used or plan to try this year. Happy crafting and gifting! 🎄✨ Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!