Picture frames aren't just for photographs or artwork. When you take the time to have other keepsakes mounted and framed, you create unique gifts that your loved ones will cherish. By having an item preserved with acid-free, archival quality framing materials, you ensure the memento will not yellow or age, but will stay as crisp and clean as the day it was framed.

Here are 7 items that make wonderful framed gifts:

1) Tickets and admission stubs

Hockey tickets, concert tickets and movie admission stubs make memorable framed gifts. They remind the recipient of good times. At many of today's festivals, concertgoers are issued cloth bracelets. These are beloved keepsakes that also look great when framed.

2) Invitations to milestone events

Wedding, anniversary and birthday invitations look timeless when framed. Married couples and other honorees appreciate having a copy of the announcement of their special day.

3) Locks of hair

You don't have to get as fancy as the Victorian hair artists did, but a simple lock of hair from a child's first haircut, or from another beloved family member's tresses, can be tied with a simple ribbon and beautifully framed.

4) Sheet music

One page or several from the score of a favorite movie theme or popular song can add character to a room. Any music lover will appreciate framed sheet music. You can find modern sheet music at any instrument store. Look for older musical scores at thrift and antique stores.

5) Collectibles

Stamps, coins and arrowheads look wonderful in frames and are a great way to show off hobbies and other relic-hunting pastimes. Old keys, fasteners, watches and guitar picks can be framed in sets to create interesting wall arrangements.

6) Ribbons and medals

Horse show, 4H and dog show ribbons look wonderful when framed. Service medals and other military awards are protected from aging when they are professionally framed. They can be passed down to younger family members with no worries about the mementos tarnishing or being forgotten in a dusty box somewhere.

7) Menus

Some people adore their fine dining experiences. Gifts of framed menus from favorite eateries are perfect for the foodies you know. Wine lists, gourmet recipes and other restaurant-related paraphernalia can also be framed, and will add a touch of class to any kitchen or dining room.

When thinking up items to frame and present as gifts, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. If you're having trouble deciding what to give a friend or loved one on a special occasion, think of all the activities the person enjoys doing and experiencing. Find a symbol or a souvenir of that person's favorite interest and have it framed with help from a custom framing shop like Instaframe Galleries. You will be giving a one-of-a-kind gift that will be appreciated and enjoyed for years to come.