Finding the perfect gift can be challenging. You want something meaningful, personal, and beautiful - not just another generic present. Custom city map prints tick all these boxes, creating memorable gifts for almost any occasion.
Why Maps Make Great Gifts
Personal and Meaningful
Unlike mass-produced items, a city map represents a specific place that holds meaning for the recipient - where they grew up, where they live now, where they went to university, or where they got engaged.
Timeless Design
Map prints work with any decor style and won't go out of fashion. They're something the recipient can treasure for years.
Conversation Starters
Maps invite stories. Every guest will ask about the location, creating opportunities for the recipient to share memories and experiences.
Customizable
You can choose colors to match the recipient's home, making it both personal and practical.
Suitable for Anyone
Maps work for all ages and genders - from grandparents to young professionals, travelers to homebodies.
Occasions Perfect for Map Gifts
Weddings and Anniversaries
Create a map of:
- Where they got married
- Where they met
- Where they live together
- Honeymoon destination
- Where they got engaged
Add a personalized label: "Where We Said I Do - London, 15th June 2024"
Housewarming
Perfect for celebrating a new home:
- Map of their new neighborhood
- Custom colors to match their new decor
- Shows they belong in their new community
- Helps them feel settled and at home
Graduation
Commemorate their university years:
- Map of the university city
- Where they studied and lived
- Memories of student days
- Perfect for their first apartment
Retirement
Celebrate a career well spent:
- City where they worked their whole career
- Multiple maps showing different cities they worked in
- Hometown they're returning to
- Place they're relocating for retirement
Birthdays
Thoughtful for milestone birthdays:
- Their hometown (great for 18th, 21st, 30th birthdays)
- Where they currently live
- Their favorite city
- Somewhere they dream of visiting
Moving Away
When someone relocates:
- Map of their old home before they leave
- Help them remember where they came from
- Ease the transition to a new place
- Nostalgic reminder of good times
New Baby
Welcome a new arrival:
- Map of where baby was born
- Parents' hometown
- Soft, gentle colors for nursery
- Meaningful and lasting
Creative Presentation Ideas
Professional Framing
Invest in quality framing for a gift-ready presentation:
- Choose a frame style matching the recipient's taste
- Add a mat in their favorite color
- Use UV-protected glass for longevity
- Already hung and ready to display
Add a Plaque
Include an engraved plaque with:
- The city name and date
- A meaningful quote
- Coordinates of a special location
- A personal message
Create a Set
Multiple maps tell a bigger story:
- Where they met, got engaged, and married
- All the cities they've lived in
- Favorite vacation destinations
- Their journey through life
Combine with Other Items
Create a themed gift basket:
- Map + guidebook of the city
- Map + local specialty foods/drinks
- Map + photos from that location
- Map + tickets to visit that city
Choosing the Right City
For People You Know Well
- Where they grew up (nostalgia)
- Where they live now (personal connection)
- Where significant life events happened
- Their favorite city to visit
For Acquaintances
If you're less certain about their history:
- Their current city is usually safe
- Ask mutual friends for suggestions
- Capital cities are generally appreciated
- Major tourist destinations they've mentioned
For Travelers
- Cities they've lived in abroad
- Where they studied abroad
- Favorite travel destinations
- Places on their bucket list
Color Selection for Gifts
When You Know Their Style
- Match their home decor if you've visited
- Check their social media for interior photos
- Ask mutual friends about their color scheme
- Consider their clothing colors as a guide
When You're Uncertain
Safe, universally appealing options:
- Classic black on white
- Navy on cream
- Gray tones
- Neutral earth tones
These work with virtually any decor style.
Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas
Print at Home
- High-quality photo paper
- Simple frame from affordable retailers
- Still personal and meaningful
- Under £30 total
Digital Gift
- Create and email the high-res file
- Include printing recommendations
- Let them choose their own frame
- Perfect for long-distance gifting
DIY Frame Decoration
- Buy basic frame and paint it yourself
- Add decorative elements
- Include handwritten note
- Personal touch adds value
Adding Personal Touches
Include a Handwritten Note
Explain why you chose that particular city. Share a memory or express what you hope it means to them.
Mark Special Locations
Before framing, you can add subtle marks or stars to indicate:
- Where they lived
- Important landmarks
- Favorite spots
- Significant addresses
Create a Coordinate Gift Tag
Include a gift tag with the coordinates of a meaningful location in that city.
"A map gift says 'I know you, I remember your stories, and I want to celebrate the places that matter to you.'"
Corporate and Professional Gifts
Client Gifts
- Map of where their business is located
- Where you first met or did business
- Their company headquarters city
- Sophisticated and memorable
Employee Recognition
- Office location map for long-serving staff
- Hometown maps for remote workers
- Conference or event locations
- Shows appreciation and thought
Event Giveaways
- Conference city maps as attendee gifts
- Memorable and useful
- Higher perceived value than typical swag
- Attendees actually keep and display them
Last-Minute Gift Solution
City map prints are perfect when you need a gift quickly:
- Create and download instantly
- Print at home or local shop same day
- Simple frame from high street
- Still looks thoughtful and personalized
- No shipping wait times
Gift Wrapping Ideas
- Wrap in brown paper and tie with twine for rustic charm
- Use maps or atlas pages as wrapping paper
- Add a compass or miniature globe as decoration
- Include postcards from that city
- Attach a luggage tag with the city name
Ready to Create the Perfect Gift?
Whether you're celebrating a wedding, welcoming a new baby, or just want to give something meaningful, a custom city map print creates a gift that will be treasured for years to come. Start creating yours now!