Looking for a fun way to send off letters or invitations? Need a great gift for that person who has everything? Photo stamps might be right up your alley! Not only would these stamps be fun for personal use on things like birth announcements or birthday invitations, but they also make great gifts. We gave some to our boys' grandparents for Christmas, and they were a big hit! They would also be a great gift for parents of a new baby.

Through PhotoStamps, you can create your own postage stamps with a photograph that you upload. The stamps are available in many denominations, ranging from the 27-cent postcard stamp on up through the $4.95 priority mail stamp. Prices are higher than traditional photo stamps, but there are volume discounts if you order two or more sheets. You can also find customizable stamps at Zazzle.com.

Has anyone else used these stamps with success? When are you willing to pay extra for the ability to customize the photo on your stamps? - Sara I.

Baby's first Christmas... what a fun time! It is a great opportunity to capture some creative pictures for memories to cherish for a lifetime. Here are a few unique ideas to get you started:

Take pictures of preparations - The actual day of the holiday isn't all there is to capture. Remember that this is the holiday season, stretching for a month or more. Take pictures of your little one getting involved in holiday preparations as well as in the cleanup, no matter how helpful (or not) they may be.

Stocking stuffers - Small infants can make great stocking stuffers! Capture a picture of your child becoming an integral part of your holiday season. It is a great memory of the holiday and of just how small that baby really is!

The gift of the season - Reflect on your true gift this holiday: Your baby! Turn your baby into a present by laying him underneath the tree or sitting him in a box. This picture captures the spirit perfectly.

Looking for more tips and ideas? Check out these links:

• 16 Digital Photography Tips for Christmas from the Digital Photography School


• Christmas Pictures Can Tell Stories for Generations to Come from Best Family Photography Tips

- Sara I.

When my twins' first birthday rolled around, I struggled to find ways to begin building traditions that could last through the years. I wish I had known Edda Pacifico, a photographer based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the idea she has used for five straight years with her girls!

Every year on their birthday, Edda has taken a picture of her twin daughters all dressed up and having tea at their tea table. Now that they are five, Edda has a fantastic series of pictures that will be precious to her entire family for years to come. (You can find all five on Edda’s blog.)

The photography series is something that any family can embrace in order to celebrate a birthday or any special occasion. It could be a pictures in a favorite location, with a special birthday hat, or even with the family over a cake. The options are endless!

Do you have any photographic traditions that are special in your family? - Sara I.

Many new parents are worried about bonding with their new child upon its arrival. But what about the nine months that you have before that new baby gets to make its way into your arms? There are times when new parents want to find a way to make the baby more real, to reach out and find a connection in the here and now. Below are some ideas of places to start.

Watch the baby grow. Although there isn’t a magic window into your belly, there are many great websites out there that will send you weekly updates on how your baby is growing and developing. Look! She just developed fingers! And now she can hear! Two of my favorite email updates come from WebMd and BabyCenter. Even more real are ultrasounds, where you can see your baby moving around, learn about her development, and see her profile before she makes her way into the world. Just don't overdo it - the jury is out on some health effects and doctors recommend getting them only as needed, never to just "take a peek."

Touch your baby. Feeling the baby move or kick can help you connect to him. Gently pat or rub your growing belly. Massage your belly with lotion. Many times, especially in the third trimester, babies will respond to your touch with a kick or other movement of their own.

Sing to him. Try singing a song to your baby! It can be as simple as “Mary Had A Little Lamb” to something more meaningful (for my twins, I loved singing “You’re Just Too Good To Be True”). Your baby doesn’t care if you sing like Mariah Carey or William Hung - he just longs to hear your voice.

Talk to her. One of the easiest ways to connect with your unborn baby is simply to talk to her. It doesn’t have to be a profound conversation about the meaning of life. A simple good morning and good night are a great start. My impending arrival gets lots of comments about how he needs to bulk up to keep up with his older twin brothers.

What have you done to bond with your new baby before he or she arrives? - Sara I.