(ARA) - We are taking more pictures than ever - from school and sporting events throughout the years, to summer holidays, family vacations, reunions and weddings. Without a doubt, the ubiquitous digital camera has made it easier than ever to capture hundreds, even thousands of pictures of these cherished moments. Hard drives of digital photo folders make the perfect treasure trove for creating meaningful Valentine's Day gifts.

Photos are often a popular choice, and with many beautiful frames to choose from - even digital photo frames - it's easy and economical to create a gift that will truly be cherished.

Take memory-keeping to the next level

Each photo is just one part of the story. Photo books take the gift of memories to the next level by offering a way to take these pictures and tell a complete story that you remember and share forever.

It's easy to create photo books online by adding your own digital images from your computer - similar to a photo album or scrapbook, but printed on archival quality papers and bound in a beautiful hardcover book.

Plus you can greatly enhance your story when you add a few simple words, anecdotes and phrases to your book. With a small bit of text, a photo book transforms into a beautiful gift of memories that enriches and retells the stories collected throughout a lifetime.

Keep it simple

Don't worry about adding words to every single picture in your book. You certainly have the option of telling the whole story in as much detail as you wish. It can be as simple as naming who is in a photo, what is going on, or when and where a photo was taken. A quote from a friend or brief anecdote also make terrific additions.

Another quick and easy option is to add a brief label or one-word reminder to a set of photos. For example, in a travel book, you might add "Bon Voyage" to a page with photos of your family leaving for a trip. For a book of a child's first year, you might add "Milestones in the Making" for a page that shows baby's first steps, first birthday cake, first haircut, and so on.

Focus on the elements that will help you remember those moments behind the scenes and what made them so special. Not every photograph needs a caption. Fill in just enough to make your story come to life. Just have fun and imagine the reaction when your gift is opened.

Jostens Photo Books at www.jostens.com/photobooks are a terrific way for you to share these memorable stories by creating your own hardcover photo books. With more than 150 designs and a myriad of custom covers, you'll find what you need to create the perfect Valentine's Day gift. If you've got pictures, a Jostens Photo Book will help you turn them into a keepsake that will be treasured forever.

Forget the cost of all those new ink jet cartridges and photo paper for your printer, not to mention costly scrapbook materials. Photo books start at just $34.99 for a 22-page book - saving you money and time. Plus, you'll create the timeless gift of memories in a published coffee table book for your family and friends to enjoy and not be forgotten. Visit www.jostens.com/photobooks and enter code TERRIFIC9 at checkout to save $10 off your first book -- now through Jan. 31.

Courtesy of ARAcontent