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The Best Photo Gift Ideas to Delight Every Relative, Near or Far

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Okay, so you don’t want to get your dad another pair of socks this year. We’ve got a quick fix: Gift him a sweet and customized picture present instead. Not only will he love it, but it’s also the perfect excuse for you to edit your phone’s overflowing camera roll. From personalized pillows and puzzles to custom notebooks and wall art, these photo gift ideas will surprise and delight even the pickiest member of your family.

60 CHEAP GIFTS (THAT ACTUALLY LOOK EXPENSIVE) FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST


1. Skylight Digital Photo Frame

This clever device allows you to email photos straight from your phone to the digital frame...no matter where you are. The set-up is easy (it will take less than one minute for even nana to get started) and everyone in the fam can send photos to the email address; the pics will appear in the frame in seconds. The touch screen display is straightforward to use and allows the recipient to swipe through, browse the gallery, delete photos or pause the slideshow on the cutest (or funniest) snap.

2. Photo Clip Remote String Lights

Teenagers can be nearly impossible to shop for. But these twinkling string lights are guaranteed to delight (just check their IG stories or TikTok feed for proof). Your teen will love putting up pics of all her friends, especially if she can’t see them in person right now because of the pandemic, and you’ll love that her bedroom is slightly more organized. Note, we said slightly.

3. Customized Board Book

Looking for a gift for your tiny tot (or nephew)? Order one of these adorable books that documents your kid’s favorite people or places. Thanks to the thick pages and durable construction, it won’t fall apart when your kid thumbs through the pages (unlike that copy of Goodnight Moon that has definitely seen better days).

4. Shutterfly Charm Bracelet

This 12K gold-plated bracelet can be personalized with mom’s favorite photo (which is the adorable one of little Stevie on the swing, obviously). You can also add on charms featuring her initials, the birthstones of all her kids and grandkids and more. If she’s not into the look of yellow gold, it’s also available in silver and rose gold.

5. A Custom Yankee Candle

Everyone loves a festive votive during the holidays (especially the spiced pumpkin fragrance) so you already know that this gift is going to be a winner. But take things up a notch by adding a personal message and a sweet picture to Aunt Beth’s favorite Yankee Candle scent. The process is easy—simply pick your candle size and choose a fragrance, then upload a photo and add whatever message you’d like.

6. Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer

We love the convenience of snapping a picture on our phone whenever we want, but we sometimes miss the days of getting physical pictures that could be thumbed through or tucked into an album. Enter this pocket-sized gadget that lets you print photos straight from any smart device—no ink, toners or cartridges required. There are also tons of editing features (you know, in case you want to nix that ketchup stain on your kid’s shirt before printing off a picture to give to Uncle John).

7. Custom Sequin Pillow Personalized Pillowcase

So, your teen is heading to college next year and you want to give her something to remind her of her younger siblings. Especially something that she won’t be embarrassed by. Enter this sparkling pillow that is covered in sequins. When the material is brushed in one direction, the pillow is a solid color (we like the rose gold) but when the sequins are brushed in the other, they reveal a personalized photo. So cute, right?

8. A Google Nest Hub Max

Your sister will think it’s so cool how the Google Nest Hub creates and shows off photo slideshows. But just wait until she programs it to read out your family’s go-to gingerbread recipe, play holiday tunes and even automate the Christmas lights. Oh, and let’s not forget, it can even stream her favorite holiday movie.

gallery wall best photo gift idea
Framebridge

This charming design trend may look haphazard but creating a gallery wall isn’t exactly easy. Which is why your cousin Charlie could use a little help getting started. The experts at Framebridge have got you (and him) covered—simply choose a design and upload photos. Framebridge will then print and custom frame each before shipping them straight to Charlie’s door. And thanks to the life-size hanging guide, they’ll sit exactly where they should.

Buy It (from $249)

phone case best photo gift idea
Shutterfly

10. Personalized Iphone Case

Maybe if you gift your partner a custom iPhone case complete with a picture of your last family vacation then he won’t misplace his phone all the time. (Maybe.) Choose from a range of designs and layouts, and add photos, names or monograms.

Buy It ($27)

11. A Personalized Puzzle

Puzzles are one of grandma and grandpa’s favorite pastimes, so of course they’re going to love this thoughtful gift. With different sizes available (from 60 pieces to 1,014 pieces), this present is one that the whole family can enjoy.

12. Just Me Notebook

Customize the front and interior of this notebook with different designs and colors, plus your son’s favorite pic of himself. It’s also available as an address book or weekly/monthly planner, so he’ll finally have a way to keep tabs on all his homework assignments and projects for school. Staying organized has never looked so cool.



Alexia Dellner profile shot v2

Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor focusing primarily on family, wellness and travel
  • Has more than 10 years experience writing and editing
  • Studied journalism at the University of Westminster in London, UK