Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you’re shopping for the sentimentalist on your list, we have a few photo gift ideas that will, at the very least, bring a smile to their face. These days, a photo gift doesn’t necessarily mean a leather-bound album filled with pages and pages of sweet moments over the years. We live in the digital age, meaning there are so many new and easy ways to access our most heartfelt memories that don’t involve paper cuts. Luckily for you, we’ve included all such options on our carefully curated list below. Customized Defense Keychain
From a sleek frame with a capacity for thousands of photos that play on a slideshow to a printer that delivers the tangible version of the pictures on your smartphone in a matter of seconds, there are a lot of solid picks ahead. No matter what you end up snagging for the friend or family member who enjoys a good tug on the heartstrings from time to time, rest assured that they’ll instantly fall in love with their gift.
Here’s the catch, though: Because so many of the photo gift ideas on our list are custom or personalized, they don’t ship out immediately after purchasing. So, if you’re planning on getting a gift worth a thousand words, perhaps consider not waiting until the last minute to place your order.
Shop more of our favorite gift guides below!
Remember Sawyer's View-Master from the early 1960s? Well, these may be made by a more contemporary manufacturer, but the concept is the same. First, make your own reel using images you love then pop it into the slot and click the tiny lever to see them on a reel. There's nothing sweeter than a little nostalgia.
We love the minimal and pared-down aesthetic of this elegant gallery. From the black and white photos to the wide mat within the frame, there's a lot to appreciate. Here's how it works: Simply pick your favorite photo from each month of the last year. Minted will take care of the rest.
This gift is picture-perfect for any occasion. From Christmas to wedding anniversaries, your favorite photos can come to life with a customized lamp.
If your crew is more into game time than screen time, you can't go wrong with a set of traditional playing cards outfitted with family photos. Just don't let the sweet picks distract you from winning the game.
A step up from a traditional photo album, this custom hardcover album turns their favorite memories into a beautiful coffee table book. And if you're looking for a more affordable option, the brand's custom soft cover photo books start at $20.
Turn your favorite song into something more personal with this custom album cover art on a glass screen.
Make their go-to morning coffee even better with a mug that looks plain—until they fill it up and the heat reveals a personalized photo design.
We'll take these adorable fridge magnets, please. Available in an array of sizes, these make for a sweet start (and end) to the day, especially for those who make the fridge their first and last stop of the day.
Calling all voracious readers. This durable book mark, which is complete with a tassel, is a simple and thoughtful gift that will make their favorite page-turners even more enjoyable.
There's nothing more old school when it comes to photo gift ideas than the classic gold locket. This one from Mark & Graham comes in several styles, all of which can be monogrammed. Just make sure you fit the picture to the pendant before you print!
These may not be the socks they'll wear to a black tie event, but they're definitely perfect for work from home days or family brunches. Rest assured, they're as cozy as they are cheeky.
If you consider yourself a non-traditional, skip the classic photo frames and opt for something a bit more unique, like photo tiles. Unlike typical photos, these ones don't bend, which helps them stay upright in their wooden stands. They also won't smudge, so feel free to touch them whenever you're rearranging your collection.
It's never been easier to keep your loved ones with you at all times. These adorable metal keychains are completely customizable with whatever photo tickles your fancy.
A typical air freshener you'd pick up at a convenience store doesn't make for a very thoughtful gift, if you ask us. On the other hand, one that you have decorated with a sweet photo and a custom scent is a totally different story.
Though this custom photo book is for everyone, we think kids would appreciate it the most. It's designed to look like a classic children's book, but instead of displaying typical illustrations you'd expect to find, it features a selection of photos you've chosen.
If you're looking to think outside of the box, this mini printer will make a copy of your favorite memories from your phone. Now you're able to edit each photo and place it in a custom frame.
Sometimes you are so wrapped up in other things that you totally forget what day it is. Enter this charming desk calendar that features 12 photos you picked out.
If your loved one is a doodler, journaler, or list-maker, they'll be thrilled to unwrap this colorblock journal featuring your (or their) favorite photo.
Make any gift more personal with this custom photo-wrapping paper that's almost too cute to open.
A custom calendar is a gift that keeps on giving, with new family photos to enjoy every month. Whether they pin it to the fridge or the wall in their office, turning the page each month will be an even sweeter surprise than what's to come.
Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.
Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.
40 Hostess Gifts She'll Use Well Past Christmas
54 Under-$50 Unique Amazon Stocking Stuffers
White Elephant Gifts Under $50 Everyone Will Want
82 Christmas Gifts for Mom She'll Actually Love
59 Kitchen Gifts for Everyone on Your List
Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends Under $100
54 Gifts Under $25 That Everyone Low-Key Wants
56 Unique & Fun Gifts for Your Coworkers
51 Family Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones
44 Gifts for Plant Lovers You Can Buy Online
The Advent Calendars Worth Buying This Year
The Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas, Courtesy of Oprah
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
3D Keychain ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.