Now that most (all?) of us have foregone physical film in favor of digital photography and the seemingly unlimited amount of cloud space to store our random snapshots, it’s safe to say we’re holding onto way more photos than we know what to do with.
Many of those pics aren’t worth a second glance (do you really plan to look back fondly at that glamor shot of your brunch order from last weekend?), but others should absolutely be preserved for posterity.
I say all this because it’s giving season, and photos, especially of loved ones, make excellent presents. You could go the traditional framed route, but there are actually myriad other ways to gift a prized pic, so why not mix it up?
Below, we’ve put together a list of items that will transform your photographs into unique gifts that are way more fun than a plain ol’ print. If you want some unique ways to give something truly meaningful, keep reading.
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Most people don’t need another sweatshirt — but then again, they probably don’t have one that’s been emblazoned with a custom photo illustration. There are also hoodie and t-shirt options, and you can choose from several layout options, add original text, and/or have your image transformed into an artful line drawing.
If you’re considering a custom photo as a Christmas gift, then one of these crystal ornaments is a great way to go. Your photo will be transformed into an intricate black-and-white etching on the shape of your choice — including a heart, a bell, and even a dog bone if you’re considering a pet pic. The company also offers plenty of other custom crystal options.
Snow globes are one of my favorite bits of vacation memorabilia, but I’d much rather look at one with some cute pics of my puppy than a stock photo of the Hollywood sign. This one has space for two photos (one on each side); and the pics are DIY so you can change them up whenever you like.
This quality decoration looks great on a tree, but we also like the idea of zhuzhing up a Christmas stocking display by adding a few of these to the mix. This acrylic globe measure 4 inches in diameter and your photo will stand about inches tall, and you can choose either green or white trees for the background.
It’s like a locket, but cooler: The “stone” at the center of this pendant necklace houses the photo of your choice, and you can view it three ways: with the naked eye, with a phone camera, or by using a flashlight to project it onto a wall. And if a necklace isn’t quite right, you can also find this same feature in bracelet and ornament versions.
This faux film roll is a very fun alternative to carrying around a wallet sleeve full of photos (if anyone even does that anymore). Choose from 5-, 10-, 15-, or 20-pic options, all of which are small enough to stuff inside pretty much any stocking.
While standard socks rank pretty low on the Great Gifts list, I’d be pretty jazzed to get a pair with a goofy all-over print of my kiddo’s (or husband’s, or grandma’s, etc.) head. There are multiple colors, layouts, and backgrounds to pick from, and they also have some Christmas-themed versions.
These pillows are trimmed to the shape of your photo, printed either single- or double-sided, and come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 28. They work great for pet pics, but that’s a bit too obvious for me: I plan to use my very awkward high school graduation pic (face only) for a two-sided version and in the biggest size possible.
If you’re afraid Stanley tumblers are becoming basic, this one is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind. It holds 40 ounches, features a double-walled insulation, has a BPA-free, splash-proof plastic lid and straw, and can be printed with up to 24 different photos.
A guaranteed holiday statement-maker, this one has your preferred pic knitted onto the front. Comes in red, green, and navy colorways, and sizes S through XXL.
It may not be picnic season, but this 50-by-60 fleece-topped, water-resistant picnic blanket is worth the wait for warmer weather. It has a fleece top, water-resistant underside, and a harness for easy transport. Choose from 77 different background colors, 40 different design options, and layouts for up to 18 photos. There are also text-only options.
I’ve gifted a few of these, and they’ve all been big hits. They’re also a great choice for a huge variety of images: landscapes, family pics, even the occasional bit of food porn. The photos are printed in vibrant, glossy Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper, and come in 252-, 520-, 676-, and 1,014-piece layouts.
Fun for a party or just every day, these almost 4-inch coasters can be printed with one or four different images. And, like the puzzle above, they’re also a great choice for a variety of photo subjects. The top is made of waterproof, high-gloss plastic, and the underside has an anti-slip cork backing.
