We used to make calendars for family and friends, at a cost of about $25 each when you count paper, ink, and the combs for binding. This without considering the cost of our time in selecting the photos, processing them, making the calendar part (with all the family birthdays, deaths, and anniversaries, or the work-related special events, holidays, etc.), printing, punching, binding, and wrapping, etc.
It got carried away. A few years ago we wound up making over 50 calendars. And you can guess what we got in return: either crap or nothing at all.
I put a stop to it. Yeah, I know. I'm a blend of old Ebenezer and the Grinch.
Last year, we sent them CDs with a PDF file for the calendar and instructions on how to print their own (what paper to use, etc.). Nothing but complaints.
This year, they mostly get squat. Enough is enough. We are making a total of four calendars: my wife's children (two), her best friend, and ourselves. That's it.
----------
As for making the calendars, I set up universal templates using Corel Draw. This allowed me to make the calendar part quickly and easily for any given year. Our "assembly line" is as follows:
I would create and print the calendar pages on one side of double-sided matte photo paper.
My wife would select and print the desired photos.
I would punch and bind the finished calendars.
She would wrap and package them.
I would take those being mailed to the post office.
It took a three-day weekend to make 50 calendars, working together and with both printers chugging away.