With a number of computer software programs out there, the sky's the limit when it comes to transforming family photos into cherished gifts.

Many people have the tendency, after taking photos, to stash them in magnetic photo albums where they collect dust on the shelf or tuck them away in a dark closet next to the bread maker.

Why not put your favorite mug on a coffee mug?

That's right, in just a few easy steps prints of little Bobby can be turned into all kinds of neat gifts such as a mouse pad, T-shirt, Rubik's cube, playing cards and even a puzzle, thanks to modern technology.

For a list of Web sites that create such gifts, see this story on HanfordSentinel.com.

As the holidays come and go, gift cards will be spent, sweaters will be worn, and Grandma's fruitcake, well, that's a different story, but personalized gifts keep giving year after year.

So, go ahead take your best shots and turn them into lasting memories.

(Dec. 3, 2006)