I print all the time, and not just because I test printers, but because I like paper. It doesn't matter if they're documents, photos, posters, or banners; I like artifacts—everything is better in physical form. And it's not just dinosaurs like me; while eschewing digital media, Gen Z is embracing printed matter, too (see, the kids are alright).

With the holiday season kicking off, it seems apropos to point out that photo books make great gifts, as do mugs, prints, and my personal favorite for kids: photo puzzles. I've tested dozens of printing services over the years, and one of my favorites for holiday gifts is Staples.

You can order Staples prints online through the company's website, which features a variety of tools to help you design your photo gift, be it a mug, print, or puzzle. The print quality is great, and the online tools are well done and easy to use. But while ordering online is convenient, it's not why I like Staples for printing. It's because I can go to my local store and talk to actual human beings about my printing needs.

Printing can be tricky, and preparing your digital files exactly how the printer wants them isn't always easy. Best practice is to provide a high-res, flattened PDF file in CMYK color, but if you don't know what that means or how to get your file into the right format, fear not. The best way to print, even if you do know how to format it accurately, is to bring the file to your local Staples and talk to the print and marketing specialists there. They can catch potential issues before you print, and in most cases they can print a proof (sometimes at a reduced size, but still a proof) so you can see what you're getting beforehand. This is one advantage over online-only services.

Another big advantage is that you can get your gifts the same day if you pick up in-store. If you're in a rush this holiday season, remember that tip. You can even order online and pick up in-store to save yourself a trip.