Photographs provide a more concrete way of recording recollections than outdated methods of sketching portraits in sand or dictating memoirs to an empty jam jar. Preserve precious memories with today's Groupon: for $15, you get $40 worth of custom photo books from SmileBooks, an online photo-finishing-and-design service.

SmileBooks provides a paper-cut-free way to package photos in professionally bound books. Creative mavericks can craft their own album with downloadable software, mixing and matching cover designs, seven book styles, and text options into a customized celluloid curry. Accessorize photos with helpful captions or let striking images speak for themselves; SmileBooks' 1,000-plus combinations help to avoid embarrassing album copycatting. Those hesitant to dip toes into the photo pool can opt for the professional design service for favored frames, with the option of reviewing the completed book before ordering. Whether built by digital digits or designer-assembled from afar, all sturdily bound tomes display high-quality images to ensure lasting preservation and maximum displayability. Prices vary with each book, with soft-cover classic albums starting at $28.95 and hard-cover panorama styles starting at $39.95.