(This is a picture of my brother and me about 40 years ago.  My mom gave this to me about 10 years ago, and it is so precious to me.  This is what it would look liked matted and framed with some words of sentiment added.  Think what a wonderful gift this would have been to give to someone.)

I confess.  I am a sentimental gal.  You will find very few material things that mean more to me than my pictures.  As a matter of fact my “most valuable” material things are worth very little monetarily.  For this reason, I think meaningful picture gifts are perfect for so many occasions.  Now before you go grabbing any old picture of yourself and slapping it in a frame to give to someone, you might want to think that one through a little more.  I do believe there are certain picture etiquette rules that apply here for giving things like this for a special occasion. It’s one thing to give grandma a framed picture of yourself because you just got the prints back and wanted to share one with her, but it’s another thing to wrap that up and think it is the birthday gift of her dreams.

Keep this one rule of thumb in mind when giving pictures as gifts:  It makes the picture more special if it is a picture you either took of the other person or if it is a picture of you and the other person.

Always surround yourself with things that mean something, things that move your spirit.  What meaningful and thoughtful gifts these would be for that someone special.  You will never have to worry if they have one like it already, it will not be re-gifted or thrown out.  Give those who are special to you something that will warm their heart and move their soul when they see it.  These gift ideas also make great gifts for yourself, too.

Occasions for Photo Gifts

• Christmas
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Birthday
• Valentine’s Day
• Anniversary
• Graduation
• Going Away
• Coming Home
• Wedding Gift
• Baby Gift
• And always remember that gifts are great any day.  They do not have to be for a special occasion.  As a matter of fact, sometimes a gift for no reason at all even means a little more because it was not expected or required.

There are so many meaningful ways to share pictures as a gift.  Remember, too, the importance of handwritten words when making your gift.  There is something about seeing someone’s handwriting that makes the words even more special, so if your photo gift calls for any writing, make some of it your own handwriting.

• Recipe Book – This is a great gift idea for a mom to give her children!
• Fine Art Coffee Table Book – This could include family history, pictures with inspirational words, journal, favorite memories with a particular person.
• Calendar with same type of pictures as above.
• DVD Slideshow
• Put old family pictures on DVD – Be sure to scan at a high resolution for printing. Also make sure none of the images are copyrighted.  Any professional image will be copyrighted.
• Have an old favorite image restored, printed, and framed.
• Create your own art prints – These can be used for note cards or framed prints.  Subject ideas for art prints:  flowers, landscapes, nostalgic family heirloom or place (i.e., lake house, favorite vacations spot, great grandparents home, church – could be church where parents or grandparents were married or family church, childhood home, etc.)
• Create a room with a view – Take the picture from your special place that you want to remember and frame it in an old window frame.
• Calling Cards – These go by many names: mommy and me cards, contact cards, business cards, calling cards, etc.  They are perfect for sharing contact information with everyone and would be a fun gift to do with a very social person.  Click here to learn more and download a free templage to use to make your own.
• Special Times/Special People - Take pictures of your family and/or friends throughout the year at get-togethers and such and print them for them and put in an album for a special day.
• Create an album/scrapbook for each child – Include cards, drawings, certificates, and pictures from their life.  Include family pictures, too.
• Keep a photo journal for your child from birth.  Just think how precious this would be for him/her to have one day.
• Photo book of favorite things – This would be great for a child to have of all the things he holds dear.
• A child’s favorite toy book – Take pictures of your child’s favorite stuffed animal or doll as you would a day in the life photo session (i.e., Mr. Bongo loves to play the piano, plays hide and seek with [insert child's name here], favorite food for lunch, etc.) This way not only will you capture a special part of your child’s life by using their favorite toy but will also capture what they love to do at this age.  Think of the things your child loves to do, especially things they love to do with their stuffed animal or doll (i.e., tea party, soldiers, sport, instrument, food, games, how the favorite animal or doll looks forward to seeing them in the morning, loves sleeping with them, etc.)  Include all of these special moments in your book.  Be sure to include cute little words to go with it.  This will be so priceless for them to have while they are young and when they are older.  What a great way to start teaching a non-reading child to read.  This can be made into a book and/or a DVD slideshow with words and music for watching on the television, too.
• A day in the life session – Take the same concept from above and use for a day in the life session (i.e., “Mommy & Me”, “Daddy & Me”, “My Brother/Sister/Grandmother/Grandfather/Best Friend/Cousin & Me”, etc.)
• Art Book – Take pictures of your child’s artwork and have it printed for them!  How awesome for them to be “published”.
• Give the gift of a photo session – And I don’t mean the boring traditional photo session.  Find a photographer who specializes in capturing connections and the real person. This would be a great thing to do for mom and dad or your grandparents.  Imagine hiring a photographer who really knows how to capture grandma and grandpa and the 50+ years of history they have together.  What a treasure that would be for everyone…forever.
• Boudoir Session – This is fun to do just for yourself.  Every woman needs to be in touch with their inner sexy love goddess.  But, if you are married, your dear hubby will think he has died and gone to heaven.
• Close-up Art Photography – Make art from your photography. It’s a beautiful way to express yourself creatively while making art for your home, Christmas or note cards, or a gift for someone special.

Who would not love any of these photo gift ideas!