Party News and Ideas

Digital photo frames have increased hugely in popularity over the last couple of years. They were one of the most popular gift items for Christmas of 2008. During 2008 there were some pretty big price cuts – in the first instance due to reductions in the cost of materials and components and, in the second half of the year, as a result of aggressive price positioning by the major manufacturers. No doubt about it, the lowered pricing was a significant factor in the popularity of these frames, but it doesn’t fully explain their increased popularity.

Likewise, the technical advantages enjoyed are unlikely to account for the growing acceptance of digital photo frames into the mainstream. You can setup slideshows – great. You can have background music – great. You get a remote control – great. It’s all good stuff – but is it a big factor for your mother or your granny? They are most likely to receive these frames as a gift after all.

Now that digital frames are no longer the preserve of early adopters and gadget junkies but have entered the mainstream consumer market they are considerably more presentable. Whereas they were previously black and shiny metal constructions it is now possible to get removable surrounds which can be changed to suit the decor in your home. That certainly goes some way toward increasing their mass market appeal, but it still doesn’t explain their popularity.

The main factor that makes these frames ideal gifts is the fact that they are both customisable and can be easily updated in future – two very important selling points mowadays. Many people will take the time to load up a few snapshots of grand-children, children, family pets, recent social events etc. before passing their gift to Granny or Grandfather. They’re not just giving them some high tech gizmo; it’s a whole collection of memories in that nicely wrapped box isn’t it?

And it doesn’t stop there. For the next holiday, birthday, anniversary or social gathering, they can just hand over a fresh memory stick with a whole load of new photos on it – a kind of photoshot family news bulletin. Many of the newer frames even have Wi-Fi capabilities so you can update photos without even using a new memory card. Back to the technology – but only insofar as it facilitates the really important thing, the sharing of memories.

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