Technological innovation has produced a plethora of benefits that have impacted everything from the global economy to the way we communicate with one another. While the Internet has blown the doors off of constraints imposed by geographic borders, Web 2.0 has ushered in the era of Web-based applications that allow for unprecedented levels of personalization. These kinds of applications have paved the way for everything from social networking to the YouTube phenomena to highly personalized products and services. One of the coolest Web-based applications these days is one that enables you to create and print your own calendars.

Calendars Have Come a Long Way

It wasn't that long ago when the only options for calendars were the themes you could find on Amazon or your local bookstore, and the choice of 12/18 month. Then came the time when you could supply your local photo processor with photos that could be placed into a non-customizable calendar. After that, you could upload digital photos, pay a fairly exorbitant price, and wait for your calendar to arrive in the mail. Today, however, cutting edge technology and Web 2.0 have combined so that you can do it all yourself using a Web-based application. Not only can you upload your photos, but you can also have full control over the borders, captions, events, and every other aspect of your calendar.

But that's only the beginning. The real advantage is that you can create the files, share downloaded print-quality PDF files with friends and family, and print all of the calendars that you want. Instead of paying high fees to have a single calendar delivered to your door, you have control over the files and can print 10, 20, or even 100 calendars - for about 15 dollars a year.

Great Gift Ideas

A calender always makes a wonderful gift, and with the holidays fast approaching it's time to think about your 2009 calendar options. Here are some ideas to make your gift calendars - whether during the holidays or any other time of year - extra special.

1. Family Members: Because it's so simple to create and print your own calendars, you can easily customize a calendar for every member of the family. You can upload photos that are special to that person, and even include family birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions on the calendar.

2. Business Associates: You can keep your company in the minds of your business associates and customers by creating tasteful calendars that reinforce your brand image.

3. Teachers: It's always difficult to find the right gift for your children's teachers. Why not create personalized calendars featuring class and field trip photos?

4. Coaches: There's no better way to say thank you to a favorite coach that by presenting him or her with a personalized calendar featuring photos of the team in action.

5. Clubs: Whether you belong to a book club, a wine tasting group, or a sewing circle, presenting each member with a calender that highlights the club's activities and interests. You can even include notations about upcoming club meetings within the pages of the calendar.

When you're able to print your own calendars, you can unleash your creativity and design one-of-a-kind memories that will bring smiles to the faces of your recipients for the year to come.