Gift Ideas Using Portraits (Perfect for Holidays & Birthdays)
When it comes to gift-giving, nothing beats something personal, heartfelt, and timeless—and portrait photography checks all the boxes. Whether it’s a family session, a senior portrait, a professional headshot, or even a pet photo, portraits make meaningful gifts for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and beyond.
To make things even easier, there are several online services where you can turn your portraits into beautiful, custom gifts. Below are creative portrait gift ideas and the best websites to order them from.
🖼️ 1. Framed Prints & Wall Art
A professionally framed portrait is a classic gift that fits any occasion—perfect for parents, grandparents, or your partner.
Where to Order:
Shutterfly: Offers custom framed prints, canvas wraps, and metal wall art.
Artifact Uprising: Known for premium-quality frames and minimalist style.
Mpix: Offers high-end printing and framing options with fast shipping.
Gift Idea: A framed family portrait for the grandparents with a special inscription.
📚 2. Photo Books
Turn a series of portraits into a storybook-style gift. Photo books are ideal for recapping a special year or celebrating a life milestone like graduation or a new pet.
Where to Order:
Mixbook: Great for fully customizable designs and themes.
Shutterfly: Easy-to-use templates and affordable options.
Blurb: Ideal for more advanced, high-quality photo books.
Gift Idea: A senior photo album as a graduation gift, or a year-in-review family book.
🛋️ 3. Home Decor Gifts
Portraits aren’t just for walls—they can be part of your daily life too! From custom pillows to photo blankets and more, these fun options make great conversation starters and cozy gifts.
Where to Order:
Zazzle: Offers everything from mugs to pillows to canvas prints.
Snapfish: Known for affordable photo gifts like puzzles, ornaments, and blankets.
Shutterfly: A huge selection of personalized home decor items.
Gift Idea: A blanket with a favorite pet portrait for a cozy, heartwarming surprise.
📅 4. Custom Photo Calendars
Portrait calendars are a great way to keep loved ones smiling all year round. Choose 12 of your favorite images and create a custom calendar with personalized dates and captions.
Where to Order:
Shutterfly: Easy drag-and-drop tools for quick customization.
Mixbook: Stylish templates and lots of design flexibility.
Gift Idea: A “12 Months of [Pet’s Name]” calendar for the pet parent in your life.
💌 5. Greeting Cards & Stationery
Why buy generic cards when you can make your own? Use your portraits to create holiday cards, birthday invitations, or thank-you notes.
Where to Order:
Minted: Beautiful designer templates and luxurious paper options.
Shutterfly: Affordable and easy to personalize.
Zazzle: Tons of customization options.
Gift Idea: Send holiday cards featuring your latest family or headshot portraits.
🎥 6. Digital & Multimedia Gifts
For tech-savvy friends or long-distance relatives, digital gifts can be just as meaningful.
Ideas:
A digital slideshow of portraits set to music
A video montage of a senior’s yearbook photos and school highlights
A digital portrait gallery sent via USB drive or email
Where to Create:
Canva: Create custom slideshows and video montages.
Animoto: Great for turning portraits into polished video gifts.
🐾 7. Pet Portrait Gifts
Pet lovers adore anything featuring their furry friends! From mugs to tote bags to ornaments, pet portraits are the gift that keeps wagging.
Where to Order:
Shutterfly Pet Gifts: A full section dedicated to pet lovers.
Personalization Mall: Cute and customizable pet-themed gifts.
Zazzle: Tons of fun and quirky pet gift ideas.
Gift Idea: A mug or mousepad featuring their dog’s goofy grin or cat’s majestic stare.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan Ahead!
Portrait gifts take a little time—between the session, editing, and ordering—so be sure to book your photo session early, especially before the holidays. I offer print-ready, high-resolution files that are perfect for any of the sites listed above.
Ready to Turn Your Portraits Into Perfect Gifts?
Let’s capture something meaningful together. Whether it’s a family portrait, headshot, senior session, or pet photo, I’ll help you create lasting images that make unforgettable gifts.
