5 Photo Gift Ideas That Will Have Them Swooning With Gratitude
Precious photos are truly the gift that keeps on giving. Beautifully designed photographs of the people we love tell stories, and for that reason, photo gifts are cherished, moved from place to place, and passed down in families for generations.
Replace "5 Gold Rings" With 5 Priceless Photo Gift Ideas
So, cross the celebrated "5 gold rings" made famous by one of the holiday season's iconic carols off your list. Long after other fixtures and furnishings have been donated or replaced with the changing trends, these priceless photograph-oriented gifts will bring joy and peace to your loved ones for decades to come.
A maternity or newborn session with professional photographers
If you know someone who is expecting, this gift will make them (and their future baby) swoon with gratitude for sure. One of the unique things about scheduling a maternity or newborn session with a professional photographer is that they get to know you and your essence, which becomes part of the photos in their visual form.
Most photographers also offer gift card options, which means you can get the whole family on board, splitting the cost of a session between households. Even a small amount on a gift card goes a long way toward making a full photo session possible for the expectant mother in your life. Plus, unlike many baby gifts that never get used or are outgrown within months, the photos resulting from the session will last for the child's lifetime and beyond and will only increase in sentimental value with each passing day.
Convert favorite photos onto other media forms
If you know someone on your holiday wish list who has a favorite photo of their newborn baby or child, consider turning that print into canvas form. If you go this route, speak to a local photographer or professional framer to get a list of reputable local options, as online options are often cheap quality and don't have the same lasting impact. Depending on the recipient's taste and style, you can also have this photo gift option reproduced on materials other than canvas, such as metal, wood, or acrylic.
There is something extra special about a professional-quality photo that is translated onto canvas or other relevant media. Some people feel that photos-turned-canvas appear more like a "work of art," and they can yield a softer and more surreal impact than a framed photo behind glass.
A hard-cover photo book
Hard-cover photo books have surpassed homemade photo albums for all but the most dedicated scrapbook enthusiasts. However, if you're better at selecting your favorite photos and having someone else turn them into a gift, this is the option for you. In addition to housing a treasure trove of beautifully curated photos, you're also creating a personalized piece of art that can grace any coffee or end table.
These books can be made for any budget. If you're looking for something as high quality as you would get from a wedding photographer, I'd go to the photo source first, asking the maternity or newborn photographer if they offer photo books as an option. If they do, that's the highest-quality photo book you'll find. Again, a photographer's gift card may be an equally good option, allowing the parent(s) to select their favorite photos for the book.
You can also have beautiful photo book options created for you online, but vet the sources before committing, since some of them can have poor quality standards. I recommend doing a google search and visiting some of the listed sites and playing around for a few minutes. Odds are you'll like one of the formats, layouts, or general aesthetic options better than the others, providing your optimal choice.
Digital photo gifts are also an option
In the beginning, I have to admit I was a little wary of digital photo gifts. However, even photographers who use digital cameras still love the allure of film, photo development processes, and the final developed prints.
That said, there is something very sweet about gifting long-distance relatives digital photo gifts they can update through the years. Plus, so many of us have downsized and have smaller places to display photos, a single digital photo gift option - like a digital frame or a video book - allows family and friends to display dozens of pictures (or home videos) that take up just a small footprint of visible space in the home.
And, of course, you don't have to be a camera pro - or hire one - to make this gift a reality. Just learn a few tips and tricks on taking professional-esque photos of your favorite subjects and then use those for your own personalized gifts.
Practical photo gift ideas for everyday use
Now we're veering a bit away from the higher-end photo gift options and getting into the practical realm. This keeps personal photo gifts at the forefront of daily life. Examples on this end include converting digital prints into just about anything you can think of, including:
Refrigerator magnets
Jewelry
Decorative throw pillows
Quilts and blankets
Holiday tree ornaments
Mugs
Dishware
And the list goes on.
In addition to being more affordable than some of the other options, practical photo gifts are ideal for those who aren't as keen on hanging framed photos or canvases on their walls.
Interested In Creative Photo Gifts From A Maternity & Newborn Photographer?
If you live in the Bay Area and have a pregnant family member or friend, I'd love to help you purchase the perfect creative photo gift. In addition to putting together maternity or newborn photo session options, Lemonshoots offers gift cards for any generously comfortable amount. Contact me, and let's see what we can do to give your loved one a holiday gift they will be truly grateful to receive.