Uniquely Present Your Presents: Self Publish Print On Demand Baby Calendars and Baby's First Year Journals

When a baby is born to a friend or family member, it's fun to look for a special gift which will be special and meaningful. There is a parade of diapers, clothing, and baby toys, but it seems difficult to find a good scrapbook or baby journal these days which will have just the right touch and be perfectly suited to the new Mom's interests and needs. However, print on demand self publishing companies such as Lulu have made it possible to create unique baby calendars, baby's first year journals, and even baby related poetry or photo books from the convenience of your home. Based on the time you have available, you can put in a little effort, using online book design features, or you can entirely design the book to your tastes with a downloaded template in the size you wish to use. Depending on your needs, you can have a particular product stored in your account, easy to order as needed, or you can create a completely different, individualized product each time you have need.

By using a self publishing company such as Lulu, you are able to incorporate your own writing and page design, as well as artwork and photos, without the frustration of printing.  Many years ago, before such print on demand companies were easily available for printing needs, I wanted to make a "Baby's First Year" Calendar for a friend, and I wanted it to be special, as the recipient had wanted a daughter for several years, and had finally received her heart's desire.  I can't begin to recount the hours of printing chaos I encountered in mixing up pages.  Using my trusty Printmaster program, I got the job done, with about twice the printer ink and cardstock I should have used.  The comb binding done at a local print shop worked well enough, but there was a definite homemade sense to it, and it did not have a professional look by any means.  It was received well enough, but looking back, I know I would have loved to use Lulu to create this piece. 

One of my favorite baby and mom gifts to give is my own collection of poetry, based on my experiences as a young mom.  I published it for friends and family, as a Mother's Day project, through Lulu, having originally done the Printmaster/comb binding approach, and later re-doing as a hard back and paper back book.  It's a go to gift for new moms in my life, and having it easily accessible in my Lulu file makes it easy to order.  You can create your own devotional, poetry book, or other special gift through Lulu's self publishing features.

Calendars have pre-configured templates for new baby boys or girls, so it is simple to select the template that is appropriate for your situation.  Further, the range of time on the calendar can be adjusted, so you can create a first year calendar based on baby's birth month.  Images can be loaded from various photo sharing and social networking sites, or uploaded from your computers.  Your first time using these features, you will want to allow yourself plenty of time to experiment, so do plan ahead.  Further, the downside of print on demand publishing is the lead time needed to have your product made, as much as 10-15 days.  Allow yourself time to edit, or have a friend help you to review your work for errors.  Further, allow the time needed for printing and delivery.  If you know the date you need such a gift, plan accordingly.  If time isn't a pressing issue, all the better, so you can check and double check.

Lulu is a great creative publisher, with lots of ideas to get your creative energies going.  There are many other avenues for printing your own calendars, but most simply involve selecting photos, with little control over range of months.  There are many non-baby gift ideas possible, as well, when it comes to self publishing print on demand books and products.  One thing is certain, a book or calendar with a personal, yet professional, touch is a prize for the recipient.