You know those hundreds (okay, thousands) of photos sitting in your phone? Well, it's time to set them free! Those photos are like little time machines that can bring us back to moments that had almost been forgotten, moments we look at and make us melt. So why not turn them into something more then just a screen saver?
I'm talking about photo gifts of course. Your photos already hold memories, why not let them shine as a personalized gift? From birthdays, to anniversaries, and holidays, or just because, these DIY projects (or websites that make it for you) will make sure your memories aren't just stuck on a screen and bring all the feels too. Are you ready to get creative.
Why Make A DIY Photo Gift
You could absolutely order the latest tech thingy off Amazon and call it a day (I would actually probably love that). But a personalized gift just hits different. And handmade gifts (digitally handmade counts, even if through an app) have a special ability to give people all the warm fuzzies. Add in photos and you'll have the favourite gift for sure.
Now, let's dive into some ideas that will turn your photos into gift-worthy masterpieces!
1. Custom Photo Calendar
Relive special moments every month! Create a custom calendar where each month features a new picture. Once you have it printed you can even add important dates like birthdays or anniversaries to make it extra personal.
DIY Photo Calendar Tutorial by She's Crafty
Custom Photo Wall Calendar From Visaprint
2. Photo Coasters
This one's super fun and functional. Take small, square photos, print them, and glue them onto blank coasters. Add a protective seal, and you've got yourself a set of custom coasters that'll definitely be a conversation starter.
DIY Photo Coaster Tutorial by The Frugal Girls
3. Photo Magnets
Transform your fridge into a mini photo gallery. Print your pics, cut them to size, and glue them onto magnet sheets. Feell free to add a protective seal since it will probably be around sticky fingers.
DIY Photo Magnets Tutorial by Where the Smiles Have Been
4. Photo Puzzle
Turn your favourite family picture or special moment into a puzzle! You can print the photo and follow a tutorial ( or just do it online) and give someone the joy of piecing together the memories, literally.
DIY Photo Puzzle Tutorial by Mod Podge Rocks
5. Photo Book
Gather your favourite moments and create a DIY photo book. Whether it's themed around a trip, a year in review, or a collection or random memories, it makes the perfect keepsake. Plus there are so many apps that will help you create the photo book digitally then print it for you.
6. Photo Keychain
Tiny but mighty! A DIY photo keychain is an adorable way to keep a special memory close. You can get keychain blanks that let you insert small photos and give them a new home that travels with you (or anyone) everywhere.
DIY Photo Keychain Tutorial by Rhythms of Play
Personalized Photo Keychain by Mortal Frog Gifts
7. Photo Memory Game
If you've got little ones, a DIY photo memory game can be a great gift! Print duplicates of each picture, cut them into matching cards, and voila - a personalized game that's both fun and full of memories.
DIY Photo Memory Game Tutorial by Oriental Trading
Custom Photo Memory Game from Shutterfly
8. Photo Ornaments
Perfect for the holidays! There are so many ways to do this one. But my fave is probably a rustic wood slice photo transfer. Tie a little ribbon, and you've got yourself a custom ornament that'll add a personal touch to any tree (or window, or whatever!).
DIY Wood Photo Ornament Tutorial by Down Redbud Drive
Custom Photo Ornament from Nido Moments
9. Photo Pillows
Okay, there is the next level version of this and then the easy version. Next level, you have the photos printed onto fabric, then make a custom pillowcase. Easy version (for anyone who doesn't want to sew), find an app or store online that create photo pillows with your photos. Upload your photo, then wait for it to come to you.
DIY Photo Pillow Tutorial by It's Always Autumn
Custom Photo Pillow from Pretty Perfect Studio
10. Photo Collage Poster
Take your favourite photos and arrange them into a big, beautiful collage. You can do this the old fashioned way with glue and scissors or take a modern approach and do it on the computer (even using a template) to keep things simple. Print it out, slap it in a frame, and boom - instant wall art that tells a story.
Personalized Photo Collage Templates from Playful Pixie Studio
Personalized gifts made with photos are more than just a present, they're a little piece of you. And the best part? You don't need a ton of fancy supplies or hours of crafting. With a little creativity, and some pretty photos (and maybe a good WiFi signal), you can make a photo gift that will be cherished for years.
So grab those photos and let's get crafty, because your gift-giving game is about to be levelled-up.
Happy gifting!
