I was looking for a cool gift that was creative, cost effective and had a personal touch. This what I came up with. I've gotten many compliments on it, per the owner. So decided to do an instructable on it.
The cool thing is you can make it for birthdays, anniversaries, and special milestones. Also contents can have significant meaning that only recipient understands and appreciates.

Step 1: Materials

Shadowbox (I used a 14 x 17 size)
A pair of decorative handles with screws
Pictures
Sentimental or Souvenier type items (Tourist maps, coins, booklets, keychains, cassettes, tickets, a tooth, anything and everything that can provoke a memory and fit in the shadowbox.)
velcro or double stick tape
Self stick felt pads (1/2 inch or so)
Drill
Screwdriver
A sheet of paper
A Marker
A Ruler
Paper towels and glass cleaner

Step 2: Setting Up the Contents

Take the back of the shadowbox, lay it flat. Put pictures and sentimental or souvenier type items (Tourist maps, coins, booklets, keychains, cassettes, tickets, a tooth, anything and everything that can provoke a memory and fit in the shadowbox.) Once you have it as you like it, use velcro or double stick tape to secure the items down. Lift the finished back and turn it parallel to you to make sure the items will not budge.

Step 3: Measuring and Attaching the Handles

Using a one of the handles, create a template on a piece of paper of the holes on the handle using a marker. Using a ruler and the paper, set up where you need to drill. Drill the holes on the shorter sides of the shadowbox and using the screwdriver attach the handles to it.
Use paper towels and glass cleaner (if needed) to get rid of any debris from drilling or any fingerprints.

Step 4: Putting It All Together

Place the back on to the shadowbox. Secure the back on. Using the screwdriver, remove any attached hardware for hanging that may scratch the surface you place the tray on. Next, peel and stick the felt pads on the corners of the shadowbox. This is so that it can sit on any surface without damaging it. Now set it down and enjoy your creation. You can also set drinks or snacks on it to serve your guests and stimulate conversation topics.