What kinds of photos are best for a photo gift?

"My biggest advice is for couples to ensure they are using the “hi-res” images whenever they are printing their photos via any medium," says wedding photographer Amy Anaiz. "They should be at least 3mb and 300 dpi, and keep in mind that the larger the photo is printed it may get pixilated."

What are some wedding photo ideas?

"Abandon the traditional, obvious portrait, and opt for the evocative, unexpected image instead," say wedding photographers Gina Esposito and Sheena Meekins of Anée Atelier. "Aim for an atmospheric, panoramic view of a dance floor packed with all of the recipient’s favorite people, the sunset view from an incredibly memorable evening, or perhaps a close, micro detail of an heirloom , that holds special meaning to the recipient," they suggest.

The 20 Best Custom Photo Gifts of 2021

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From engagements to weddings and anniversaries, photo gifts are a thoughtful and sentimental way to preserve favorite moments. Long after the first date and proposal, when the cake is gone, the music has faded, and the honeymoon ends, it’s the pictures that will bring back cherished memories. And it's not just weddings—photos are an essential way to capture moments both big and small throughout our lives. Telling a visual story of every adventure and special event, they'll become treasured keepsakes that will be preserved and revisited for generations to come.

These days, photos don’t have to just live on a shelf or on a page in an album. Our favorite memories can also adorn everyday objects, giving us a constant reminder of the people we hold nearest and dearest.

Read on for the best photo gifts that will keep memories fresh and alive!

Your Photographics Personalized Retro Style Photo Coasters

Etsy Personalized Retro Style Photo Coasters — Courtesy of Etsy

These ultra-cool, Polaroid-style coasters can be customized with favorite photos and words. They make such a striking visual, you’ll be wondering if you really want to cover it up with a drink!

Arcoalbum Instax Album

A perfect companion for the photo-obsessed couple or a wedding with an Instax camera at every table, this album will be filled with tiny prints that capture big memories!

Inkifi Moments Frame

Life is made of memorable moments, and this custom photo collage captures them all in a graphic piece of artwork. Since it's laid out in a square-crop photo grid, Instagram photos are an easy fit!

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

minted heart photo print — Courtesy of Minted

This unique print is all about love. It features a custom collage of favorite images and memories held closest to the heart.

Mpix Statuettes

Bring favorite photos to life! These statuettes freeze a moment in time, creating distinctly standalone images. Bring your favorite memories alive with a menagerie of friends, family, or bridal party.

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Registries

Shutterfly All In Love Playing Cards

For a couple who loves games, these playing cards are the perfect gift. Available in a variety of designs, these custom cards are a win-win!

Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book

Create a collection of colorful memories with this customizable photo book series. Whether they’re organized by season, trip, or year, these visual stories will be revisited time and again.

Frequency of Love Custom Family Portrait by Frequency of Love

Etsy Custom Family Portrait by Frequency of Love — Courtesy of Etsy

A custom collage is an instant artwork worthy of any wall. This one-of-a-kind portrait made by artist Zoe Sinclair is created from a photograph. Choose the fabric and color palette for a completely personalized piece!

Shutterfly Gallery of Three Ceramic Candle

Love and joy burn brightly! Customized with favorite photos and available in three delightful scents, this is a candle that will keep the glow of love alive.

Ravensburger Custom Puzzles

This custom gift says it all— the happy couple fits together like the pieces of a puzzle! They'll be sure to bring out this whimsical gift during their next cozy date night or laid-back Saturday.

Minted Carolina Carezis Hugs and Kisses Art Print

Minted Hugs and Kisses Art Print — Courtesy of Minted

Give your walls a little XOXO! Graphic and modern, this custom print features photos of the happy couple. This piece spells it out big.

Zink Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

Amazon Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera — Courtesy of Amazon

A modern take on the classic Polaroid, this camera allows you to snap and print in an instant! Photos are all about capturing memories, which makes this gift a perfect memory-maker.

Olivehouse Photo Hanger

A fresh way to display favorite images, this photo hanger makes a thoughtful gift. Adorned with cherished memories, it’s sure to become the centerpiece for featuring the moments held closest to our hearts.

Artifact Uprising Instagram Friendly Book

Let’s be real— most of our best images are on the ‘gram. And honestly, who doesn’t want to keep them forever?! These books make it easy to bring them from the virtual world to the tangible in the form of an album. It's a perfect gift for an Instagram lover.

Lalalab Canvas Square XL Print

Turn that standout image from Instagram into a wall-worthy piece of artwork. Whether it’s a photo of the couple, a party pic from their wedding, or simply a sweet memory, photos printed on canvas are sure to make a splendid gift!

Journi Retro Polaroid Prints Box

Nothing beats old-school Polaroid photos. Gifting the couple some choice images from their courtship and wedding printed as vintage keepsakes is a trip back in time that they’ll want to revisit time and again.

Melanie Marie Photo Memory Necklace

A portrait of love is at the center of this heart shaped necklace. With custom words engraved on the back, this gift is seriously sentimental.

Mpix Thumbrint Photo Box

Cherished memories are as unique as a thumbprint. This maple wood box comes filled with favorite photos, keeping these one-of-a-kind moments near and dear forever.

Social Print Studio Daily Calendar

If you have three hundred and sixty-five days of memories captured— well, congratulations! This daily calendar features an image for every day of the year. It's a sweet gift that will also keep you up to date.

Pinhole Press Hardcover Portrait Layflat Photo Book

Photo albums are a timeless way to share the memories and stories closest to our hearts. With custom design options, this elegant photo book is a classic that you can make your own.

What to look for in a photo gift

When it comes to custom photo gifts, finding a service that offers high-quality prints is an important piece of the picture. Companies like Shutterfly, Artifact Uprising, and Minted are tried-and-true, expert-approved favorites. If you’re considering a lesser-known service, we suggest taking a peek at the reviews before spending too much time or money.

Looking to get your custom photo gift printed and delivered ASAP? Although certain companies offer speedy turnaround times and rush delivery services, not everyone is able to meet quickly approaching deadlines. We recommend double-checking the estimated arrival date before you place your order.

FAQ

What kinds of photos are best for a photo gift?

"My biggest advice is for couples to ensure they are using the “hi-res” images whenever they are printing their photos via any medium," says wedding photographer Amy Anaiz. "They should be at least 3mb and 300 dpi, and keep in mind that the larger the photo is printed it may get pixilated."
What are some wedding photo ideas?

"Abandon the traditional, obvious portrait, and opt for the evocative, unexpected image instead," say wedding photographers Gina Esposito and Sheena Meekins of Anée Atelier. "Aim for an atmospheric, panoramic view of a dance floor packed with all of the recipient’s favorite people, the sunset view from an incredibly memorable evening, or perhaps a close, micro detail of an heirloom, that holds special meaning to the recipient," they suggest.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Elizabeth MacLennan has been scouring marketplaces around the world— and web— hunting down that just right object for over 15 years as a prop stylist. With a discerning eye and astute mind, she considers quality, function, and design when she’s vetting products.

Meet the Expert

Amy Anaiz is a New York City based wedding and portrait photographer. She loves to travel and lives her life by Paolo Coelho’s words: "It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting".