Five Unique Photo Gift Ideas for Any Occasion
Introduction
In 2023 most people will have access to a camera. In addition, some people have multiple cameras on their phones, tablets and computers.
According to the Guardian newspaper, in 2014, Americans took more photographs every two minutes than worldwide in the 19th century. Furthermore, in 2022 humans took 1.5 trillion photos across the globe. That equates to 188 pictures per year per person.
Before the advent of digital photography and smartphones, most of us took far fewer photos, if any. Moreover, rolls of film came in 24 or 36, and cameras were heavy, and thus one would not carry one everywhere.
While it is fantastic that we have a camera in our pocket that allows us to take endless photos, this also has pitfalls.
Many of us have hundreds if not thousands of photos on our phones and never do anything with them. We might share the odd one on social media or send it to our friends, but that is not good for long-term preservation. People view the photo once, click like and then forget about it.
Below, I want to give you five unique photo gift ideas that allow you to share your best photos with family and friends.
Five Unique Photo Gift Ideas
1. Photo book
Photo books are an excellent way of sharing photos. They work a bit like an old-fashioned photo album where you group photos that relate to one event or topic together. So, you could create a photo book for a holiday, wedding, or pet.
Photo books come in different sizes and shapes, so you can create one that is right for your budget or project.
You can create photo books online via an app and use templates so that you won’t need design skills. For example, I use a service called Blurb that allows you to design your books using Photoshop and InDesign.
2. Wall Calendars
Wall Calendars make great Christmas gifts and allow you to chose not just one but twelve different photos to display. For example, suppose Nature photography is your thing. Why not select pictures that are in line with the seasons? Or perhaps you want to show photos of family and friends.
3. Mugs
Mugs make fabulous and valuable gifts. Most people drink tea or coffee daily, and what could be nicer than to do so out of a cup with your kids or loved ones on it?
4. Framed Prints
Prints are another great way to show off your photography skills. Why not frame your best photo and give it to someone to put on their wall? Perhaps a scene from a joint holiday or a street scene from your neighbourhood.
5. Mouse mats
Mouse mats are an excellent way of displaying a well-composed photo. Of course, who doesn’t have a computer with a mouse?
Links to Photo Gift sites
Blurb Photo Books
I have used Blurb Photo Books for many years. Blurb has excellent software and templates that allow you to create photo books easily, but also allow full customisation via Adobe. Their books cost from £12 for a small soft cover book of twenty pages to £50 for a large hard cover photo book (33x28cm).
Bonus Prints
Bonus Print is a company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They, too, produce Photobooks at slightly lower prices than Blurb. Their prices range from £50 for a 28x21cm book to £7 for a 10x10cm book.
Bonus Prints also offer wall art of various sizes and types: poster, canvas, and acrylic, to name a few.
Cards for different occasions, as well as gift vouchers, are also something they do.
Snapfish
Snapfish offers an extensive range of photo book options. Some of their offerings include keyrings, magnetic strips, buttons and phone covers.
Photo Box
Photo Box is another popular website that offers personalised photo gifts for various occasions such as weddings, christenings and more.
Conclusion
I hope the above has given you some idea of what you can do with your photos—still confused? Need help? As an experienced photo organiser, I am here to help.
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,