Instagram is about to announce something new, and the event invites point to something in the physical realm.

Members of the tech press recently received a mysterious invite for a December 12th press event. It simply says “you are invited to share a moment with Kevin Systrom and the Instagram team. CNET describes it as a “package, wrapped with brown paper and a white ribbon, contained a wooden block, 4 inches long and wide and 1.75 inches thick, covered with a printed Instagram shot and a slot in the back so it can be hung on the wall.”

So, what’s Instagram about to announce?

The odd snail-mail invite seems to suggest that Instagram could be looking toward some sort of physical manifestation of its purely digital service. Some speculate that this could be a printing service, maybe the ability to order real-life prints of your favorite Instagram captures. Maybe on wood? Would that be so crazy with the holiday season approaching?

When you think about it, this doesn’t seem at all out of the realm of possibility. There are already plenty of services out there that allow you to attach Instagram photos to physical items. Remember than Instagram marshmallow business we told you about last week? Maybe Instagram wants to get in on that before it really has a chance to take off (if it ever actually takes off).

Of course, Instagram could simply be getting a little extra artsy with their press invites. The big rumor floating around right now is that Instagram is on the verge of unveiling a private messaging feature. Could that be what this event is all about?

Of course, we’re going to have to wait a week to find out exactly what Instagram has up their sleeve.

Here’s what the invite looks like, courtesy Complex Mag’s Jason Duaine Hahn:

Any thoughts?

Image via Jason Duaine, Vine