Unusual Photo Gifts You Never Would Have Thought Of!

Picture this: It’s a classic winter evening, and you’re curled up by the fire with a hot cocoa to sip and a puzzle to work on, surrounded by heartwarming memories. Your mom’s happy face smiles up at you from your cocoa mug, family photos adorn the socks keeping your feet cozy, and your custom photo puzzle is just a few pieces away from the finished product: a picture of you and all your siblings gathered for the holidays! 

“How can I bring this wonderful scene to life?” you ask. There’s a simple answer:, Through an assortment of imaginative photo gifts!

Personalized photo gifts are thoughtful, personal, and truly unique – in short, they’re the perfect present! Here at Zazzle, we know a thing or two about creating the perfect gifts. With our carefully-curated list of unique photo gift ideas, you’ll have the perfect present for everyone in the family.

Photo Gifts for the Holidays

With everyone swapping gifts and spending quality time together, lots of amazing memories are made around the holidays. These holiday photo gifts are the perfect way to make that merriment last!

1. Photo Socks

A pair of holiday-themed photo socks makes for a festive surprise that your friends and family won’t see coming. 

Christmas Crew Six Photo Family or Friends L Gift Socks
Cute Blue Snowflake Personalized Photo For Dad Socks

2. Photo Christmas Stockings

Speaking of socks, try hanging a set of photo stockings by the fire this year.

Red Flannel Small Christmas Stocking
Cat Photo Watercolor Holiday Lights Small Christmas Stocking

3. Photo Christmas Ornaments

Magical moments often occur around Christmas, and Christmas ornaments are the perfect way to relive them in years to come.

Cute n’ Cozy Photo Gifts

Your comforting fireside scene wouldn’t be complete without some cozy photo gifts to give everyone warm fuzzy feelings.

4. Photo Blankets

Cover yourself in your favorite memories with a blanket or throw.

Personalized Fleece Blankets Add Photo And Name
Personalized 11 Photo Collage Fleece Blanket

5. Photo Pillows

Embrace your loved ones no matter where they are with these custom throw pillows. You can be sure no one will have the same one!

Trendy BFF 3 Photo Best Friends Forever Names Chic Throw Pillow
4 Photo Collage Family Personalized Throw Pillow
LOVE Writing Custom Photo Throw Pillow

6. Photo Pet Beds

No cuddly winter evening would be complete without a cuddle buddy! A photo pet bed is the purrr-fect gift for that friend who never stops sending you pet pictures. 

Custom Name Photo Cat Pet Bed
Cute Dogs own photo collage name Pet Bed
Personalized Photo Dog Bed Green Paw Prints

Photo Gifts for the Kitchen 

The kitchen is the heart of the home for many families, so it’s no surprise so many unforgettable moments happen there. Convert your kitchen into a cornucopia of your cutest family snaps with these kitchen-themed photo gifts!

7. Photo Apron

Whether they’re a grill master, a head chef, or a baking wizard, your favorite cook will love a fun photo apron.

8. Photo Kitchen Towels

Life is messy sometimes, but the family that cleans together, stays together!

9. Photo Cutting Boards

This essential kitchen tool makes a great home for family photographs and collages! 

Photo Jewelry

Let your friends and family take their favorite photos everywhere they go with unique jewelry and keychains.

10. Photo Necklace

Keep your loved ones close with a photo locket or necklace. These are great gifts for marking relationship milestones and special occasions. 

11. Photo Watch

With a photo watch, your loved ones will see their favorite photos whenever they check the time.

12. Photo Keychains

Help your scatterbrained spouse, sibling, or child keep track of their keys by attaching a precious family memory to them.

Photo Electronic Accessories

If you’ve got a practical family member who looks at devices more than photo books, help them remember what really matters with a photo of you on their most-used gadgets.

13. Photo USB Flash Drive

Store AND display your finest moments with a customizable USB flash drive

14. Digital Photo Frame 

A digital photo frame is the perfect gift to pair with your USB flash drive. Check out the options available on Amazon and enjoy seeing all your favorite photos on a loop!

15. Photo Phone Cases and Laptop Sleeves

Cases are essential for keeping technology safe and sound – and your loved ones look at them every day. Get a custom photo laptop case or phone protector  for the tech lover in your life (or for the klutz of the family).

Photo Deco

We’ve got nothing against the classic picture frame, but it’s nice to change things up with a novel way to display photos.

16. Canvas Prints and Wood Wall Art

Light and versatile, canvas prints and wood wall hangings are a great medium for almost any image. Their matte finishes prevent glare, making them perfect for brightly-lit rooms. Many wood hangings can also stand free on a shelf or table, much like a photo block.

17. String Light Clips

String light clips are a simple but effective way to brighten up a blank wall and display lots of pictures in one place. You can find these handy decorations in lots of different stores, but Amazon is always a good place to start. 

Treat the Photographer

Let’s not forget how all these wonderful photos are created! Every family or friend group has that one person who can always capture everyone’s best angle. Treat your designated photographer to some of these helpful photography tools. 

18. Selfie Ring Light

A selfie ring light is a handy apparatus that creates flattering lighting for filming videos, taking pictures, or even looking good on conference calls!

19. Editing Software 

A light edit can take a photo from acceptable to awesome, and your photographer friend will no doubt appreciate a subscription to their favorite software provider. Check out packages on Adobe.com, and see our article on Editing Apps to Improve Your Pics for inspiration!

And behold, a work of art!

With this list of unusual photo gifts up your sleeve, your friends and family will be caroling your praises as you all admire your unique wall art, pillows, blankets, and holiday decorations! For more photography tips, check out these our other articles on Essential Photography Accessories and Tips & Tricks for Taking Photos on Your Phone.  

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.