Family photos get handed down generation after generation. Which is what makes them the best gift year after year. And as a professional photographer, I have curated some of my favorite and meaningful photo gift ideas for your family. They will be heartfelt, personalized and raved about for years to come.
You’ve done the hard work, picked the photographer, the location, the outfits. Showed up and been present with your kids and made great pictures! Now you get to share them with your family and friends with creative photo gift ideas.
There is nothing better than a tangible memory as a gift. And with digital images it’s even more important to make sure your favorite images are shared and saved in a concrete way so these memories don’t get lost in the coming years. If you are ready to make Grandma cry, take a look at these family photo gift ideas available through your photographer and online below.
Table of Contents
The Best Creative Photo Gift Ideas
For the Coffee Table – Custom Photo Album
- Why it’s great: A photo book can capture the story of your family like nothing else, all those little details of hands being held, your family pet and those sweet close-ups of your baby’s face. Everyone loves piling on the couch and reminiscing through old photo albums. They are truly archival; protecting your favorite images to view for years to come and one of the most unique gifts with photos.
- Tips: Select a fabric or leather cover in a neutral color that compliments the recipient’s home, finishing it with a simple title on the cover that includes the year. Organizing your photos is key when you are ready to create a photo album. Have your favorites folder ready to upload or lean into letting your favorite photographer design your beautiful keepsake for you to save time.
- A Few Favorite Online Publishers:
For the Wall – Classic Framed Prints
- Why it’s great: A high-quality, framed photo is timeless. The beauty and elegance of a matted print in color or black and white adds personality to any space no matter how big. It’s a great gift to add to a gallery wall or a bed-side table.
- Tips: Choose frames that match the recipient’s decor style and opt for high-quality paper in luster finish (it’s the perfect combo of not too glossy or too dull) to ensure the print lasts for years. Acrylic is a great substitute for glass if ordering online, it’s lighter and you won’t notice the difference.
- A Few Favorite Framers:
Small Keepsakes – Photo Calendar, Ornaments and Acrylic Blocks
- Why it’s great: A photo calendar is both practical and sentimental. Each month features a different image, creating a year-round reminder of special moments. Grandparents love these! Add in a photo ornament for the tree or a modern acrylic block, both beautiful gifts.
- Tips: You can customize calendars with specific dates, highlighting birthdays, anniversaries, or even including brief messages on special days.
- A Few Favorite Consumer Photo Labs:
- Pinhole Press – Photo Ornaments
- Mpix – Acrylic Blocks
- Artifact Uprising – Photo Calendars
The Unexpected Gift – Notepads, Memory Games and Photo Magnets
- Why it’s great: These are perfect smaller keepsakes that can be enjoyed everyday. Memory games such as these from Pinhole Press are great for kids as is their photo notepads, perfect for moms.
- Tips: Small can be mighty with these gifts, but make sure to choose pictures where the subject is close-up so they are easy to see.
- A Few Favorite Consumer Photo Labs:
- Pinhole Press – Cutest Scribble Pads for Kids
- Mpix – Photo magnets
- Minted – Photo journals
A Bicoastal Frame – Digital Frames
- Why it’s great: I’ve photographed families in their homes for years, and over the last few years I have noticed a lot more digital frames on kitchen counter or office bookshelf with a heartwarming slideshow playing. Although the tech can be challenging for some, a frame can share your latest photos across country instantaneously. A great way to make even your furthest family member seem like they are right next door.
- A Few Favorite Digital Frames:
- Skylight – Love the frame options
- Aura – Tech is easiest to learn
- Check out this NYT review for more options
There are so many online choices for creating photo gifts out of your family photos, so why did I highlight these consumer photo labs for personalized family photo gifts? These are select online and local to New Orleans companies that I have personally used before to create unique gifts with photos. I know the quality, costumer service and care they put into printing your photo will be high-quality and match the vibrant colors and detail of your photos. They also have great resources online to help you navigate choosing a photo finish, album type and frame option which can be overwhelming. Plus, they deliver your personalized family photo gifts to your doorstep in a timely matter.
When is it right to order your family photo gifts through your photographer?
As a professional photographer, I have access to some of the most incredible professional photo labs in the world, and nothing can compare to having your photographer create albums, framed prints and keepsakes as meaningful photo gift ideas for your family. And as the head of your family, I know it’s always hard to find time to create the right luxury product for yourself or family members. That’s why creating these stunning products for my clients is such a joy.
I know you don’t have to worry about the process; I’m here to make sure your photo is reproduced beautiful on a quality product that has been vetted by me. I only work with the highest quality print labs that are exclusive to professional photographers and I edit your photos on a large calibrated screen that has been color corrected to match my lab’s printing press to insure the vibrancy of your photo. I know the all the work that goes into post session processing your photos is what makes them look their best and should show on your final print.
When you order prints and products from your photographer, you are getting quality, service and experience with a white-glove delivery. These reasons are also why I include prints with every digital collection so you walk away with a tangible memory. You can read more about it Digital and Prints | A Love Story
Meaningful Photo Gift Ideas for Your Family
However you decide to share your family photos with your loved ones, I hope it brings them joy. Not only in this moment in time but for the years of enjoyment they will get in looking at your happy family and knowing the care you took in creating something personalized just for them.
Reach out to talk about your next family photo session, I would love to catch up on the latest family adventures and hear about what creative photo gift ideas you gifted to loved ones with your fabulous family photos!
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