By Linda Zukauskas, Ballooning Nest Eggs

Say “Hello” to 2014. But first, say “Goodbye” to 2013 by celebrating your favorite memories with photo cards.

The countdown to the New Year is on. But along with plotting your list of resolutions for 2014, spend time with your nieces and nephews to capture—and share—all the wisdom they’ve collected and memories they’ve created from the year that’s past. And while we tend to think grown-ups are the ones who “pass on the wealth” of knowledge to the next generation, the kids likely have a thing or two to teach us in return: the simple joys of creative play and perhaps a good romp in the snow.

And believe it or not, there’s an app to do just that.

InstaCards will turn your favorite Instagram pictures into postcards to send to their grandparents and other relatives. The app itself is free and the kids can choose photos from a smartphone or from their Instagram account. “This is such a great project for children as they get to choose their favorite moments they’ve shared with you or with their friends,” says Rachael Smith, a crafting blogger and proprietor of PenelopeAndPip.com, an online paper goods vendor. “It’s surprising sometimes to see what they value and how often it’s not the computer games and treats, but the simple things like playing on the swings in your local park, seeing the ducks in the river or a visit from a favorite aunt,” she says.

Going through the Instagram photos involves a stroll down memory lane that helps kids commemorate all the special moments from the past year. Plus, the lucky family members who receive those cards will know your nieces and nephews were really thinking of them as they wish them well in 2014. You can send the postcards via email, or have the actual postcard mailed to a recipient.

For a more personal touch, you can print Instagram photos yourself and create your own designs. “A cute idea for embellishments would be to add other people you wish had been there with you,” says Smith. “You could cut them out from another photo and stick them on. Otherwise, adding borders with sequins, glitter or colored pens is an easy way for all children to embellish the cards.”

Each photo can capture a favorite memory to send to a loved one. Or, make a set of cards, using different photos, to box and give as a holiday or New Year’s gift. Here Smith shares some other clever ideas for making cards:

DIY Canvas Photo Cards

If you print your photos onto white canvas paper instead of photo paper, you can play around with the border as you trim the image to size. Leave a wider margin at the bottom to mimic a Polaroid photo or use fancy scissors to make squiggly or wavy edges.

Using a glue stick, adhere the photo to card stock cut to the size of the finished card. Cut a second piece of card stock the same size as the first. Sandwich the pieces of card stock together and sew the top using embroidery thread and needle or your sewing machine.

Make a love heart stamp by carving a heart shape out of a potato and then stamp that on and write “Made with Love by…” on the back. Cute!

You can also make these as gift tags for holiday presents.

It might take more time to make these personalized cards than it does to just buy some. But be sure to take pictures as you work and post them to Instagram. Who knows, they might make the “favorite memories” list when you and your nieces and nephews make next year’s cards.

The Ballooning Nest Eggs website seeks to disrupt the notion that building youngsters’ nest eggs is strictly a close family affair and connecting kids to their money—and broader economic and global world—is more akin to homework than play time. Our site is full of practical yet “out of the nest” ideas to grow youngsters’ wealth and encourage them to dive into investing, entrepreneurship, charitable giving and their broader economic world. It brings much-needed fun and imagination to these topics, making them relevant to kids' lives (as well as yours).

Published: December 5, 2013