Five frame-worthy ideas for the man in your life
Men are notoriously hard to buy for. Past a certain age, a man's presents seem to consist almost entirely of socks, whisky stones and gadgets that are in a drawer by Boxing Day. Whether it is a partner, a father, a brother or a best friend, finding something meaningful can feel impossible.
One of the most personal and lasting presents is often overlooked: something of his, properly framed.
A made-to-measure frame does more than display an object. It turns a memory into something that hangs in pride of place for decades. It shows that you have thought about his passions, his history and what matters to him. Here are five ideas.
The quick answer: Turn a personal memory into something for the wall. Frame a signed sports shirt, a favourite record with its sleeve, a vintage map of a place that means something, the objects of his hobby such as medals or golf balls, or restored family photos and children's drawings. Proper framing with conservation materials turns everyday things into a display that lasts.
1. The glory days: sports memorabilia
For many men, sport is a lifelong passion. There is a world of difference between a replica shirt in a drawer and a piece of sporting history on the wall.
The idea: Find something with real sentimental value: the programme from his first match, a ticket from a famous win, or, best of all, a signed or vintage shirt from a legendary season.
How we frame it: We frame football and rugby shirts so that the fabric sits naturally without being creased or crushed. UV-protective glazing keeps signatures from fading.
2. The music lover: records and memorabilia
Vinyl is back, and with it an appreciation of album artwork. Those covers were designed to be seen, not kept in a crate.
The idea: Frame the album that changed his life, with the record and sleeve side by side. Or make a collage of tickets, set lists, plectrums and posters from concerts you went to together.
How we frame it: A mount with a circular opening cut exactly for the disc, or a multi-aperture mount that arranges smaller items into one display.
3. The explorer: maps and travel memories
Some places hold a piece of his heart: the town he grew up in, his university city, or the scene of a perfect holiday.
The idea: A vintage Ordnance Survey map of his home town, or a map marked with the route of a marathon, a mountain climb or a road trip you took together.
How we frame it: A frame made to the size of the map, so that nothing needs trimming, in a classic wood that goes with the soft colours of an old map.
4. The hobbyist: objects in a box frame
Every man has a collection gathering dust in a box: fishing flies, medals, golf balls, old coins.
The idea: Bring his passion out into the light in a box frame.
- The golfer. The scorecard from his best round, with the ball he played it with.
- The veteran. Family medals and cap badges, arranged with respect.
- The technology enthusiast. A classic games console, taken apart and laid out.
How we frame it: A deep box frame made to the depth required, which keeps even bulky objects safe and free of dust behind glazing.
5. The family legacy: a gallery for Dad
Nothing moves a father or grandfather more than family history made into something to hang on the wall.
The idea: Have an old black and white photo of his own father or grandfather restored and framed. Or give one of his child's drawings the gallery treatment, with a smart modern frame and a mount.
How we frame it: With conservation or museum-grade glazing to prevent fading, so that what you frame today is still perfect for the next generation.
Ready to make a present he will treasure?
EasyFrame makes frames to measure, with expert advice at every step. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk.