Unique Photo Gifts
This will be the most unique holiday season that most of us will ever see (hopefully) so here are some ideas for unique photo gifts for your family and friends! I wrote this thinking about gift ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah but most of these will work for any occasion.
A few reasons to start planning in advance:
- If it is truly a custom piece, the maker needs time to create the gift.
- If you need more than 1-3 photos, it may take time to decide on your favorites. (for example last year I wanted to do a picture of the day calendar but never found the time to pick the pictures)
- If you have something ready to print, it is much easier to take advantage of the sales that will be coming up
- If you order early, you don’t have to worry about paying for expedited shipping or shipping delays
The unique photo gifts will be broken into three categories: Heirloom, Fun, and Practical.
Heirloom Unique Photo Gifts
These are gifts that will hopefully be handed down for generations to come. These gifts are meant to be displayed and most likely not used on a regular basis.
Personalized Family and Home Portraits
from
Kelsey Badenhop
Handpainted Art based on your photo
from
Helli Hawk Art
Custom Silhouette Christmas Ornaments
from
The Shop at La Peche
Hand-stitched Custom Embroidery
from
Thistle & Leaves
Custom Home and Pet Paintings
from
Watercolor Baby Prints
Custom Wood and Map Art
from
Soul Paper Art
Custom Family Portraits and
Wooden Home Decor
from
Gulf Coast Creative
Custom Travel Watercolor
from
Kacy Beck Design
Wood Burned Portrait Ornament
from
Cahaburn
Personalized Custom Family Illustrations
from
Vera Ann Illustration
Hand-painted Custom Watercolor Illustrations
from
Jenny’s Noodle Shop
Fun Unique Photo Gifts
These are gifts that are meant to be used and enjoyed. These items you may not worry about the quality because they will be handled (and maybe washed) on a regular basis. There are SO MANY options and I am just sharing some that I have personally purchased.
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Masks
Let’s hope this is the only year we consider giving masks as gifts! Remember your face is not a flat surface so think carefully about what image you choose, what size, and where you leave empty space.
Selfie Stick
A selfie stick has been my essential for me for years but even more important with social distancing. I got this new one before a recent trip that has a removable remote and it can turn into a small tripod. It is always in my purse.
Puzzles
Puzzles have been very popular with people of all ages this year. I’ve seen them with as little as 12 pieces up to over 1000. One gift that I remember from my own childhood is a photo puzzle when I was about 8-years-old.
Deck of Cards
My son started playing war when he was three so this is another fun gift for almost any age. Pick just one photo or create a collage.
Blankets
So many options for fun blanket to keep warm during the cold winter days and nights. You can think beyond pictures of your family and friends. Last year, I took Anderson’s artwork and made a collage.
Calendars
Instead of the typical wall calendar, I love this daily desk calendar that rewards you with a new photo every day.
Practical Unique Photo Gifts
These are gifts that can help you organize, preserve, share or celebrate your photos and videos.
Forever
Create a personal family photo archive. Learn more about everything that Forever.com offers in my HOPE recommends blog.
SmugMug
Another option for creating your own personal photo website.
Nixplay
Learn more about Nixplay in the recent HOPE recommends blog.
Conquer Your Camera
Want to take your photos to the next level? Do you have a nice camera that you only use in automatic mode? Check out my friend Val’s course.
Need help creating unique photo gifts, HOPE is here to help.
As always, a gift certificate to HOPE organizing is always an option.
Published: October 20, 2020
So many great ideas here, and now is the time to order them so you get them by the holidays! We got the Nixplay for my husband’s mother. It is such a great gift for grandparents:)
I got mugs last year for the family with family pictures on them. I also had pictures put on Tim Horton Gift cards ( coffee place in Canada) on Christmas. These are great ideas. I am also going to share it on my business Facebook pages.
Thanks for sharing! How fun to put photos on gift cards!
We love our Nixplay! It sits next to our dining room table and we discuss memories over dinner.
What a great roundup of photo-related gift ideas. I remember that as time went on the two things my mom appreciated most as gifts were time (as in time spent together,) and framed photos because she loved her family so much. When I look up from my desk, I see my family smiling back at me (including our new son-in-law,) and it makes me so happy.
There will always be something special about seeing photos of loved ones around your home or office!
Great gift options! Thanks for sharing. I love the Custom Home and Pet Paintings from Watercolor Baby Prints. What a beautiful gift.
Thanks for being the expert on all things digital! You have my brain thinking on some new gift ideas.