how to become the person you want to be

What Are Some Unique Personalized Photo Gifts?

Photo Courtesy: @photoaffections/Twitter

When choosing the right gift for a beloved family member or lifelong friend, you want your final choice to be something special. DIY and handmade gifts add a personal touch that almost anyone appreciates, especially when nostalgic photographs are involved. These days, photo-centric gift options go way beyond simple framed prints and photo calendars.

Coffee mugs, throw pillows and magnets all seem far too boring and unimaginative — unless, of course, you find a way to boost their appeal in a whole new way. Let's take a look at a few options for combining your favorite photos with simple items to create treasured keepsakes.

Photo Mugs

Whether your gift recipient likes tea, coffee or hot chocolate, you can make their drink of the day much brighter with a personalized mug. Numerous websites are available to help you add a treasured photo and an optional caption to mugs of different sizes and colors for all your favorite people. You want your loved ones to be able to use the mugs you give them, so make sure they are both microwave and dishwasher safe. Use only mild detergents and avoid cleaners with bleach to ensure the photo(s) remain bright. Additionally, you can add a recipe for your famous hot beverage or a gift card to a nearby coffee shop to round out the gift.

Photo Courtesy: @Shutterfly/Twitter

Photo Magnets

Do you have a friend or family member who loves cooking and spends a lot of time in the kitchen? Gift your favorite chef with a set of personalized photo magnets. You could choose photos of a recent or memorable foodie event you both attended or stick to classic choices like pics of their kids or grandkids. Personalized photo magnets stick to most types of refrigerator doors as well as other metal surfaces. They capture attention in any space and are also ideal for showing off new baby photos and recent birthday or holiday moments.

Photo Courtesy: @Shutterfly/Twitter

Smartphone Cases

According to Pew Research Center, 81% of Americans own smartphones, and Statista estimates more than 3.5 billion people (about 45% of the world's population) use smartphones as well. With these facts in mind, you can safely assume that your loved ones are similarly attached to their smartphones. So, why not make them a tech-friendly gift they are sure to love?

Photo Courtesy: @annie_parker/Twitter

Put their favorite selfie photo — if they have one, you can bet it's all over social media — their family pet, their grandchildren or their favorite getaway on their smartphone case to remind them of everything they have to smile about every time they pick up their phones. Not only does a custom phone case serve as a portable photo frame, but it also safeguards their phone against damage. If their own face is on the phone, it also makes it easier for someone nearby to return it to them if they misplace it.

Table Decorations

Get creative and add a touch of fun to every table setting with personalized table decorations. You could choose acrylic photo prints, photo placemats, photo coasters, photo candles and plenty of other possibilities as ideal gifts to welcome someone to a new home or even bid farewell to departing friends. If you don't want to include people on these items, you could choose photos of favorite spots in the neighborhood like a picturesque park or a coffee shop to customize the items. Every time they sit down at their table for a bite to eat, they will be reminded of your long-lasting relationship.

Photo Courtesy: @Shutterfly/Twitter

Photo Books

Make an unforgettable statement with a personalized photo book gift, featuring all the greatest hits moments of their lives. These books are completely customizable from cover to cover and come in many sizes and formats. Numerous websites offer flexible options with templates to help you create your book as well as complete DIY options that start with blank pages. You could build a baby photo book full of loving family memories for new parents or a graduation book for that new high school graduate. If the book is for a friend, be sure to check their social media accounts for remarkable photos that are sure to leave them smiling.

Photo Courtesy: @Shutterfly/Twitter

Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles might be oldies, but they're still goodies. That's truer than ever, thanks to all the stay-at-home time people recently needed to fill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Showcase your sense of creativity by converting one of their most cherished photos into an intricate jigsaw puzzle that should keep them occupied for much longer than just a few hours. After completion, the jigsaw puzzles can be glued, framed and hung to show off their skills.

Photo Courtesy: @yvanka_elena/Twitter

Luggage Tags

If your loved one is a jet-setter — or will be again eventually — a customized luggage tag is part fashion and part function. Choosing a bright color can even help them spot their luggage on the carousel easily after a long flight. Moreover, customizing luggage tags with thoughtful photos of their kids or a memorable event will help them feel closer to home when they are miles away.

Photo Courtesy: @Shutterfly/Twitter

Customized Pillows

People love throw pillows to enhance the look of their sofas and loveseats. Now, imagine having pillows that prompt a smile every time you look at them. A personalized pillow makes a thoughtful accent gift that you certainly can't find in the store. Customize pillows with various vibrant patterns, a motivational quote or a personal photo to turn them into gifts your loved ones will cherish. Plus, they always brighten up a room in addition to serving as an ideal keepsake.