Okay, let’s talk about the photos you just paid good money for. As a Family Photographer in Golden I can relate!
You booked the session, wrangled your family into matching outfits, and somehow convinced everyone to smile at the same time (miracle).
But now those gorgeous images are living on your phone [and maybe on this year’s Christmas card].
The moms who know how to stretch their investment are turning those photos into gifts!
More than just an 8×10 in the entryway… we’re talking real, thoughtful, “nailed it” kind of gifts.
Let’s get creative with photo gifts you can use for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!
There’s someone in your life who really needs a photo gift, and it’s probably not who you think!
Sure, gifting photos to grandparents and your spouse is a no-brainer.
But have you thought about gifting photos to your children?
Kids benefit in such a deep way when they see their own photos hanging up. It’s not just about cute decor, it’s about identity. When kids see themselves on the wall, they feel important. It says, “You belong here. You matter. You are loved.”
A 5×7 on their nightstand or a few 8x10s above their bed can quietly reinforce who they are! My favorite portrait to gift my kids is a photo of them and our dog Teddy.
Those silly candid shots, posed or selfies with friends are all powerful!
These Are the Most Underrated Photo Gift:
Let’s talk about the gift many forget about but always makes people cry (including me):
Albums!
Photo albums are the sneaky hero of photo gifting because they tell a story.
While a framed print captures a single moment, an album walks someone through the whole day or the whole season.
Grandparents love them because it’s a full collection, not just one photo.
Partners adore them because they feel thought-out and intentional.
What makes albums so great is that most people want them but never get around to creating them. Designing it took effort and shows how much you love the recipient!
They’re also the easiest way to preserve a session without having to choose just one favorite image (which let’s be real, is so hard)
Bonus tip: get two copies!! One to keep, one to gift. You’ll thank me later (I totally did this and am so thankful).
Bonus tip 2: Gift an album to your children! An album of THEIR moments (even a tiny 5×5 softcover one) might just become a bedtime favorite!
Photo Gift Ideas other than prints or albums:
Ok, maybe you’ve already gifted an album or framed print.
But what else can you print that won’t just sit in a drawer?
Here are more specialty photo gifts that actually get used:
Calendar
Similar to the photo album but gets noticed everyday!
Photo Puzzles
These are especially fun if you have an announcement to make and want to use a photo puzzle to build the suspense! We are puzzled obsessed in our house so this is a favorite gift to give. I plan on getting some for my son and his friends this Christmas.
Photo Keychains
It’s a tiny gift, but every time they grab their keys, they’re reminded of someone they love.
Mouse pad
If the goal is to see the photos everyday, you’re sure to see it on a mouse pad!
When you use your photos as gifts, you realize that you didn’t spend all that time planning a session just to post a few photos on Instagram and call it good.Now you can get the most out of these photos! Not just a Christmas card or some “likes” but gifts that actually mean something.
I hope reading Unique & Thoughtful Photo Gift Ideas Family has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Golden Family Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of Family images.
Looking for a Family Photographer in Golden? Click here to see some of my favorite work!
