Review: Kinzin (AKA my new favorite thing)

When I first got my digital camera and used it my daughters were just born. I've been overwhelmed ever since about how to manage all of the pictures I take, how to choose which ones to send along and, most importantly, how to print the images and send them off to various relatives around the country.

Welcome, Kinzin.

If you are at all a procrastinator about printing photos and mailing them to the inlaws or the outlaws or to the millions of cousins in your life, you might find Kinzin, a free family Web site, a relief.

Each month, I upload my favorite photos to Kinzin of each of my girls (or both). I love that each child gets their own page. Think Facebook, but for your kids, basically. I can upload her photos as well as her likes and dislikes and favorite things as well as a wish list, which will soon come in handy, I"m sure.

Then, at the top of each month, Kinzin will print copies of the 10 most recent photos and mail them to the recipients I have requested. Now, normally this service is $2.99 per mailing address, but as a reviewer I get a free subscription for the year. I know, lucky me, right? Kinzin also gives you one free mailing address for every two that you pay for, which isn't too bad.

After just a month I can tell that this service would be money well spent. First, less printer ink and photo paper to buy (Can I get an Amen?). Second, we scored big points having the first round of photos show up in all of the 'rents mailboxes the weekend of Mother's Day. Third, I no longer have to feel guilty for not printing and mailing the latest and greatest photos. It's done. Finally, no more having to wait to buy another color cartridge to print for those birthday cards and special holidays.

My mom reported that her photos were beautiful and looked great, though I haven't seen copies of those myself. Next time I plan to add titles to the photos, a special feature that is new to Kinzin.

With my mom in Georgia, my grandmother in Maryland and my in-laws just around the corner but hardly heard from, Kinzin has created a special connection after just one month. I could hear the happiness in their voices. So what if I didn't get around to making this many photos in all of the first two years?

I'll make up for it now.

Check out Kinzin reviews at The Parent Bloggers Network.

You should, too.