As a Seattle area photographer, I am obsessed with sharing photo gift ideas.
Finding the perfect gifts for your family can feel daunting. Grandparents usually have everything they need, making shopping for them nearly impossible. Do you really want to get your dad another “pullover” this year? (That’s what my dad asks for every year).
There is no better gift than a photo gift. It will be enjoyed all year round and last for years to come. When your gift can feature images from your family session, even better. These gift ideas range in size and price, providing inspiration for everyone on your list this year.
The first of my photo gift ideas is framed prints.
One of the easiest photo gift ideas is to give prints from your session. By including a few frames (and even setting up the frames with photos inside) you’re elevating the gift even more. I typically include a few extra prints just in case grandma wants to pick her favorite to feature in her home.
This idea can be rather simple by keeping the frame size to a 5×7 or 8×10, or you can go bigger by getting a larger frame for their walls. Use Thanksgiving dinner as a time to scope out bare spots that could use a nice 16×20 or 11×14 framed print!
Another gift idea is a family photo album.
What grandparent doesn’t love showing off photos of their kids and grandkids? Whether you decide to create an album that shows off favorite photos from adventures throughout the year or includes photos from your family photo session that year, your parents (or in-laws) will love it.
If you had a session with me this year, ordering a Grandparent Album could not be easier. Choose from a to add a “Grandparent Album” or two to your session and you’ll receive a duplicate copy of your album just for you to give. I told you these photo gift ideas would be simple and yet well loved!
The next idea is a custom metal photo ornament.
The metal photo ornaments are one of my favorite little photo gifts to give. They are small enough they could be used as a gift tag, or stuck in a stocking. (My family may receive one or two every year).
The metal ornaments are printed on each side, allowing you to featuring two of your favorite photos. They are also durable, and the only ornament I do not worry about when my kids help to decorate the tree. There are also quite a few shape options, from traditional Christmas tree, star, or bell, to more ornate shapes like Monterey and Windsome.
Again, if you’ve had a family (newborn, or fine art children’s portrait) session with me this year, you are able to order custom metal photo ornaments directly through me.
A larger photo gift idea is a professional photo canvas.
If you’ve been following me for a while now, you probably know I LOVE canvases. They are an easy way to make a big statement in your home, with minimal work (no frames to buy, they are ready to hang, easy!). That’s part of the reason canvases are one of my favorite photo gift ideas for grandparents.
Whether you’re shopping for your parents, your spouse, or yourself, a canvas is a beautiful gift they will love. Consider a set of (3) 10×10 or 12×12 canvases for an easy wall display in one gift. You could also select a single 16×20 canvas as most people have room somewhere in their homes for this size.
In case you’re looking for inspiration for wall displays, make sure you read Five Tips for Creating Stunning Photo Displays.
Consider giving a family photo session this year.
Feature grandma and grandpa in this year’s family photo session, or give them a gift card promising a family session in the spring. This option can work as a 2-for-1 gift, for yourself and your parents.
Contact me about gift cards and/or having an extended family photo session.
Finally, a simple gift idea for everyone is to send custom photo cards
Who doesn’t love opening mail featuring the beautiful families of our friends and family members? Use photos from your family photo session to show off how much the kids have grown this past year. This may feel a little like cheating being included as one of my photo gift ideas. However, I love that you can spread your family’s joy with photo cards.
Families who have had a session with me this each year receive access to my Holiday Card Catalog where they can pick from numerous templates. I put together the card design, customize it to fit their needs (need a “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays”? Or maybe you like to include your kids’ ages too? I can help) and even coordinate colors to match the wardrobe in your photos. Plus, your cards are printed on high quality paper – with several choices, from 100% recycled, to linen, to a smooth fine art .
Bonus tip: I always order a few extra cards each year so I have easily accessible photos of our family for all of those school projects.
There are so many great gift ideas using your family photos. Check two things off your list year this year when you have your family photographed – document your family while having gifts for family and friends. It’s a win-win. Which is your favorite of these photo gift ideas? Which do you love to receive from your family? Do you order any photo gifts for yourself, too? (I’m completely guilty of this).
Looking for more inspiration on ways to use your family photos? Head to my library of resources on the blog.
Comments +