I love taking pictures of the kids. It used to be hard because they wouldn’t sit still; now it’s hard because they are teenagers, and if they do allow you to take their photo, it has to be sanctioned and approved before you are permitted to show anyone! And the list of people you are going to show must be pre-approved!
Recently my eldest has been having his photos printed and making a collage in his bedroom. I love how old-school it is and brings back so many memories of waiting to get your holiday snaps back.
Whilst digital is easy, it’s a big bugbear of mine that the pictures just sit on your phone. I love flipping through a photo album, and I don’t really share many pictures online of my kids. But I still want my family to see them. When Famileo contacted me, I was intrigued to find out about their product.
What is Famileo
Famileo started in 2015 as a result of a grandson trying to keep in contact with his grandmother who was unable to use the internet. The idea behind it is connecting the older and younger generation, and keeping the older generation in touch with what is going on in family members’ lives. Quite simply, it’s keeping grandparents connected.
How it Works
In a nutshell, family members upload photos, and once a month a gazette is printed featuring the photos and delivered to your relative.
You can add messages and emojis, create photo collages and full-page spreads.
The printed gazette can be delivered anywhere in the world.
Pictures of the furry members of the family are essential!
How Much Is It?
Prices start from £5.99 per month, which gives you one gazette with up to 20 messages once a month.
For £49 you can buy a 6-month subscription and receive a holder for your gazettes.
Pros
- It’s really easy and intuitive to use
- You can upload on the website or using the Famelio app
- You can add family members so they can add photos too.
- The printed gazette is good quality, and images are crisp
- Your deadline is displayed when you log in, and you get an email reminder.
- There is a kitty, so all family members can chip in for payment.
- All of your gazettes are accessible on your account, and you can download past copies.
Cons
Adding family members can be a bit tricky, as the email invite often ended up in their junk folders. Just let them know you are sending a link so they can look out for it.
Sending to both sets of grandparents is double the cost. It would be nice to have a discounted option to send the same gazette to two different addresses, rather than having to pay double the subscription price.
My Thoughts
I really love the idea behind this. I had mine sent to my mum, and she loved it. Although I joke that I am IT support for my parents, they are capable with phones and apps. But I know if my Grandad were still with us, he would not be using technology, and he would have been thrilled to receive a monthly gazette featuring all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It really is a lovely way to connect people. My mum has been showing off her gazettes to all of her friends.
We also have close family members who live in Australia, and getting them added as family members to add photos too has been lovely. Makes the miles seem not quite as far. We also have a new baby in the family, so it’s great to see pictures of him as he hits his milestones.
You can upload whatever photos you want. As well as adventures and our day-to-day activities, I included some throwback photos which gave everyone a laugh.
Obviously it requires some input. The gazette can only be as good as the effort you put into uploading pictures and adding messages. But it is really easy to do and doesn’t take long. And the more family members you have doing it, the better.
It really is a beautiful way of keeping grandparents connected with the family.
Conclusion
Nostalgic, fun, and really thoughtful. I think Famelio makes a wonderful gift for grandparents.
We were gifted a three-month subscription to Famileo in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
