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Psychologist and Nobel Prize winner Professor Daniel Kerhman suggests that as the ‘Instagram generation’ we already experience the present as an anticipated memory – we feel that every moment needs to be recorded so that it can be remembered. Social media platforms have made this incredibly easy for us and have even encouraged it; we’re now already nostalgic for a past we have not yet lived. We document our lives at any opportunity so that we will always have a photograph or a video to verify our memories and we take it upon ourselves to consciously design what that memory will feel like. Music, films and television constantly tell the stories of characters living with their regrets and wishing to re-live and remember the moments that made their life. We are bombarded with messages of ‘live in the moment’ and ‘remember your youth’, it’s no wonder we are living in two realities at the same time; the experiencing self and the remembering self.
So this Christmas, if you find yourself stuck about what to buy the people that you love, give them the gift of being able to capture their memories; in this age of technology we often get lazy and keep our photographs and home videos online and on our smart phones, the problem with this is that they can easily be lost. I remember the days of my mother having our family photos printed and putting them into our countless photo albums, but over the years we have relied on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to record our precious memories and although this is a nice way to share moments with our family and friends it’s all too impersonal and being lost in the numerous other posts and information being shared.
There’s a gift for every budget, from your office Secret Santa to a present for your other half – giving someone a present that they will actually use is the best feeling and knowing it will allow them to create and cherish their memories is priceless. So here are some brilliant gift ideas that are sure to be well received!
Selfie Stick – £6.95
Perfect for a Secret Santa and found in all of the Christmas pop-up gadget shops such as Red5. The Selfie Stick is a genius invention for the posers, world travellers and concert-goers.
Photo Album – £18.00
A funky photo album like this one from Urban Outfitters is a great way to get someone to start cherishing their photos.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 bundle – £69.99
A great gift for the budding photographer, available in a collection of pastel colours as well as black and white, there’s one for every personality and can be bought from outlets such as Curry’s.
Fujifilm Instax Share SP-1 Printer – £139.00
Perfect for people who rely on their smart phones for photo-taking, easy to use and sits proudly on the desk of someone of any age. Can be found on Amazon with free UK shipping!
GoPro HERO 4 – £279.99
The GoPro is rapidly becoming the go-to video camera; being waterproof and compact it’s perfect for every occasion! Giving you HD quality videos AND photos you’re sure to cherish the moments you capture with this.
By Talia Maguire
