How to Design a Unique Personalized Calendar

At the start of the New Year, many often find themselves losing track of time. But with all the holiday celebrations, new goals, and other important events, losing track of time can mean missing out on special dates. Shutterfly is here to help. We want to help you manage your time and schedule with a unique and personalized calendar. If you prefer something you can take with you on the go, you might want to design your own planner. Not only are these photo calendars helpful and decorative, they also double as keepsakes that store your favorite photos and memories. So when you’re ready to start creating, simply jump to a section below.

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What is a Personalized Calendar?

A photo calendar from Shutterfly can be custom designed to feature your favorite pictures and important dates on each page. From wall calendars to easel and desk options, you have a variety of options that are perfect for your space. The calendar traditionally starts with the New Year and ends with New Year’s Eve, but Shutterfly’s calendars are specially made where yours can start on any month of the year. Whether you need it to start on January 1st, August or September for the beginning of the school year or any other month of the year, you can create a calendar just for your personal needs. Our calendars are also able to be customized with your own photos, layouts and embellishments; each detail you choose, you will be able to create a one of a kind design that will shine brightly in your home. These high-quality photos can include snapshots of the previous year, important events, and pictures of loved ones.

Types of Personalized Calendars

Whether you’re intending these calendars as photo gifts, for personal use, or even for your home office, it’s important to find the right style template for you. The following styles for personalized calendars will help you do just that. Pick your favorite calendar type from those below, or design them all.

1. Custom Wall Calendars

This is the most traditional of all calendar designs. A 2024 wall calendar, as can be guessed by its name, is typically hung directly on a wall or door. The calendar usually measures at 8×11 or 12×12 inches and contains at least twelve pages, one for each month. With each new month, a new and unique photo layout is showcased. Traditional calendars typically start on January 1 of each year, but Shutterfly gives you the opportunity to let your personal calendar to start on any month you choose.

2. Tabletop or Desk Calendars

A 2024 desk calendar is a great option for those who have a dedicated office or working space. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a great gift for a co-worker this idea will do the trick. Utilizing a triangular design to stand freely on a flat surface, this photo calendar looks great on almost and desk style. Add a variety of images that best match each month and incorporate different embellishments to each page.

3. Cardstock Easel Calendars

Adding 2024 easel calendars to your home decor will create an elegant look to your space. With each month displayed on fine 5×7 cardstock, an easel calendar is a great choice for those who want professional, modern, or minimalistic decor. Adding this appealing easel calendar to your home decor will create a modern and elegant touch to your space.

easel calendars

4. Poster Calendars

Custom poster calendars for 2024 come in two sizes: 16×20 or 20×30 inches in either glossy or matte photo paper. This wall art addition matches great with a decor layout including framed art, canvas prints, and more. Just make sure to measure everything out beforehand to make sure the design is balanced. Poster calendars allow you to see the year in one glance, with all the months listed on this large poster, you’ll be able to schedule your next events months in advanced.

5. Magnetic Calendars

Looking for a calendar design with a smaller and more convenient size? If so, a 2024 magnetic calendar might be the best option for you. Magnet calendars for places like the kitchen refrigerator, metal file cabinets, or any magnetic surface, these calendars can also give you a years view within a smaller surface space. Customize a magnet with your favorite family photo or a picture from a special event in the last year. Then keep track of next year’s events on your fridge all year long.

calendar magnet

How to Create Custom Calendars in 6 Steps

Ready to start designing your 2024 custom calendar? Once you’ve picked your calendar type from those above it’s time to get started. Just follow the simple steps below:

  1. Pick a design template. Choose from dozens of calendar templates until you find one that matches your personal style or home decor. Once selected, move onto the next step.
  2. Pick a size and starting month. What fits best with your wall layout and timeline? Typically, most people like to start in January and end in December. However, if you’re creating a calendar for a school year or similar, you may want to start with a different month. Additionally, make sure your calendar isn’t too big or too small by measuring your wall space ahead of time.
  3. Upload your photos. Plan ahead and make sure all the photos you want to use are uploaded and high quality. This step will help save you headaches later down the road. Look through your smartphone library, Instagram or Facebook feed, or any online storage libraries where you may have saved important photos. Once you find all your favorite, simply upload them to your Shutterfly account. Once uploaded to your Shutterfly library, make sure to add them to your calendar project.
  4. Give it a personal touch. Time to start designing! Choose from a selection of layouts for each month’s design that fits your photos and style best. Additional customization options include photo editing, text formatting, and style selection. Make sure to add any captions, embellishments, or colors you want during this time.
  5. Preview. Once you’re done designing, preview your calendar to make sure everything looks just right. Now is also the time to choose any add-ons, such as stickers or a gift sleeve, to your order.
  6. Order away!

a selection of different photo calendars

Tips for Designing a Personalized Calendar

Looking for a few last-minute tips before creating your one-of-a-kind 2024 calendar? If so, make sure to check out our advice and hints below:

  • Have you recently created a photo book? If so, consider utilizing some of your favorite photos from your photo book project in your new personalized calendar. This also goes for Christmas cardsphoto prints, and your social media posts. Remember to search all your past projects for memorable photos that you might have missed.
  • Double-check your calendar before ordering. You don’t want your new calendar printing with any typos or low-quality photos that you might have easily caught through a review.
  • If you’re planning on sending personalized calendars to loved ones for the holidays, make sure to include your holiday card and matching address labels. The complete holiday package is guaranteed to “wow” friends and family.
  • Consider ordering customized removable stickers to match your calendar. You can then use these to mark important events like weddings, baby showers, and birthdays as they popup.

Final Thoughts on Creating Your Own Calendar

If you liked this resource on how to create a personalized 2024 calendar and you’re looking for more inspiration, we have you covered. Make sure to check out our resources on family calendar ideas and custom calendars.