Best photo gifts of 2020 (Photo: Uncommon Goods, Shutterfly, Fujifilm)
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An old adage says a picture is worth a thousand words. We say they’re worth even more when given to a cherished someone. Photos can commemorate a special experience or person, and they can serve as a fun visual reminder of past good times. It’s the holiday season, so spread these remembered joys with those you love.
In that vein, here at Reviewed, we spend all year researching and testing the latest products, making sure we can confidently recommend our favorites just in time for the holiday season. Here are 23 photo gifts that we are really excited about—from the best vlogging camera we’ve ever tested to the photo album from our favorite photo printing service.
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1. For the friend who’s celebrating a milestone moment: Make My Book Photo Service
Best photo gifts of 2020: Make My Book Photo Book Service (Photo: Shutterfly)
After putting several photo printing services to the test, we ranked Shutterfly as the best overall printing service of 2020. With the highest quality photo prints among competitors like Snapfish and Amazon Print, Shutterfly’s impressive collection of photo gifts is worth checking out. The Make My Book service stands out among photo books, carefully created by a Shutterfly designer, and ready to ship in just three days.
Get the Make My Photo Book at Shutterfly starting at $29.98
2. For the design-forward friend with a large family: Gallery Picture Frame Set
Best photo gifts of 2020: Gallery Picture Frame Set (Photo: Three Posts Teen)
The friend who has been looking to build their own gallery wall will appreciate this coordinating, 10-piece set of frames in nine different color collections. It is a stylish home accent and a fun decorating project made easy.
Get the 10-Piece Sturminster Gallery Picture Frame Set at Wayfair starting at $125.99
3. For the Gen Z-er with an old soul: Mini Photo Album
Best photo gifts of 2020: Mini Photo Album (Photo: Ablus)
Organize quick, of-the-moment snaps all in one place with this vintage-looking album that can safely store up to 120 photos from an instant camera. The album comes in seven different colors and textures, and there is also a notes section to write down a date and location.
Get the Mini Photo Album at Amazon starting at $11.99
4. For the coffee or tea aficionado: Custom Photo Mug
Best photo gifts of 2020: Custom Photo Mug (Photo: Tervis)
Can a coffee or tea drinker ever have too many mugs? Remind your favorite java fan of the fun times you’ve had together by gifting them this Tervis mug that can be customized with a personal photo. This quality, highly rated insulated mug is designed to keep your drink cooler or hotter than it would be in a regular cup (as do all Tervis products). With every soul-warming sip, they’ll be reminded of good memories.
Get the Custom Photo Mug from Tervis for $17.99
5. For the new homeowners: Pallet Photo Art Gift
Best photo gifts of 2020: Pallet Photo Art Gift (Photo: Rawkrft)
Get the Pallet Photo Art Gift at Etsy starting at $12.99
6. For the nostalgic family member: Layflat Photo Album
Best photo gifts of 2020: Layflat Photo Album (Photo: Artifact Uprising)
Artifact Uprising may not have the same level of name recognition as Shutterfly or Snapfish, but as a photo service, its quality is top-notch. If you’ve got someone who loves to reminisce with all manner of house guests, a Layflat photo album makes a sentimental yet chic addition—complete with customized foil colors and paper finishes—to a coffee or an end table. Plus, the gift-receiver can leave the book open to specific pages when they please, inspiring conversation when you come for a visit.
Get the Layflat Photo Album from Artifact Uprising starting at $149
7. For the quirky teacher or healthcare worker: Custom Picture Face Mask
Best photo gifts of 2020: Custom Picture Face Mask (Photo: LostCoastSigns)
Since coronavirus protective gear has become the new normal, an abundance of creative and fashionable face masks have risen to the top of holiday wish lists. We’ve tested the best face masks on the market, but this highly rated, customizable one is a favorite for its endless options. These can be personalized with photos of pets, celebrities, a family adventure, and more.
Get the Custom Picture Face Mask at Etsy for $11.99
8. For the one who values the art of family portraiture: Custom Photo Painting
Best photo gifts of 2020: Custom Photo Painting (Photo: PaintYourLife)
Know anyone with an art collection? A painted version of a cherished photo may be their perfect gift. PaintYourLife features a team of professional portrait artists who recreate the photo using varied mediums, including oils, acrylic, charcoal, pencil, or watercolor. These artists are committed to creating the best painting possible, allowing unlimited revisions and free online proofing.
9. For the busy parent: Google Nest Hub Max
Best photo gifts of 2020: Google Nest Hub Max (Photo: Google)
If you know someone who’s busy juggling work, school pick-ups, and dinner plans, you’ll be doing them a huge favor by gifting them a Google Nest Hub Max. This smart tablet features built-in Google Assistant for hands-free task management, compatibility with smart TVs and speakers, and more, but it’s on this list because it can also function as a digital photo frame, showcasing your collection of photos stored in Google Photos. We tested this exact model earlier this year, and we loved just how user-friendly and helpful it is.
Get the Google Nest Hub Max at Best Buy for $229
10. For the sentimental collector: Linen Photo Box
Best photo gifts of 2020: Linen Photo Box (Photo: ShoopDeko)
This bestselling photo box pairs a standard-size photo with a soft linen fabric and satin ribbon to keep your momentos safe and sound. We love how the box includes a special storage space for a USB stick, making it easy to share meaningful photos and videos along with the box. This gift is perfect for anyone who likes to show and tell their favorite memories and keepsakes.
Get the Linen Photo Box at Etsy for $44.32
11. For the pet-obsessed person who loves to cuddle: Custom Pet Pillow
Best photo gifts of 2020: Custom Pet Pillow (Photo: Uncommon Goods)
We all know someone who treats their fur baby like their child—and this is the gift for them. These custom pet pillows are handmade in the U.S., with the submitted photo printed on cotton sateen. They’re cute and cozy pieces for the couch or bed, especially for former pet parents who want to keep snuggling with their cherished Rex.
Get the Custom Pet Pillow from Uncommon Goods for $145
12. For the one who likes to add personality to business casual: Custom Photo Socks
Best photo gifts of 2020: Custom Photo Socks (Photo: LetsEngraveIt)
Get the Custom Photo Socks at Etsy starting at $25.99
13. For the design minimalist: Dipped Place Card Holders
Best photo gifts of 2020: Dipped Place Card Holders (Photo: TheHeartDepartmentCo)
What’s the best gift for someone who doesn’t like clutter but appreciates good design? Go for something small, sophisticated, and most importantly, functional. These handmade dipped card holders can hold many items (not at once), including note cards, place cards and photos. Not to mention they are absolutely loved by reviewers for their high quality.
Get the Dipped Place Card Holders starting at $4.95
14. For the one who loves a quirky way to decorate: Custom Photo Gallery Magnets
Best photo gifts of 2020: Custom Photo Gallery Magnets (Photo: Shutterfly)
Get the Custom Photo Gallery Magnets starting at $7.25
15. For the friend who works from a home office: Brass Easel & Calendar
Best photo gifts of 2020: Brass Easel & Calendar (Photo: Artifact Uprising)
Get the Brass Easel & Calendar at Artifact Uprising for $49
16. For retired family members or grandparents: Custom Photo Puzzle
Best photo gifts of 2020: Custom Photo Puzzle (Photo: Collage.com)
Nothing fills a grandparent’s heart with joy like little ones in the family. This holiday season, you can make them happy by filling their downtime, too, with a custom photo puzzle designed with one or more personal photos. This puzzle from Collage.com can be created in five different sizes, from 110 pieces to just over 1,000, so even the most amateur or professional puzzle hobbyist will be satisfied. If you haven’t heard of Collage.com yet, this online retailer is a reputable go-to for a vast collection of customizable photo gifts including phone cases, tote bags, and more.
Get the Custom Photo Puzzle from Collage.com for $13.49
17. For the proud parent of an adorable kid: Photo and Engraved Keychain
Best photo gifts of 2020: Photo and Engraved Keychain (Photo: Cowhidea)
A custom keychain is a creative way for a parent to show off their child’s most recent school photo. And because in their eyes, their kid is obviously the best, any old keychain won’t do. We love this top-quality key fob made from cowhide leather and stainless steel—and it’s no surprise it is a bestseller on Etsy. Reviewers rave over its soft leather material and its beautifully embossed initials that take the quality of the keyring to the next level.
Get the Photo and Engraved Keychain at Etsy starting at $24.50
18. For the road-tripping family: 50 States Map Photo Collage
Best photo gifts of 2020: 50 States Map Photo Collage (Photo: USAPM)
Get the 50 States Map Photo Collage at Etsy starting at $48.99
19. For the amateur vlogger: Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera
Best photo gifts of 2020: Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera (Photo: Panasonic)
While capturing amazing experiences while traveling abroad may not be in the cards any time soon, there’s still plenty of buzz around capturing what’s happened during this unprecedented year—and what lies ahead in 2021. Out of all the vlog cameras we’ve tested here at Reviewed, the Panasonic Lumix is our pick for best overall. It’s easy to use, extremely durable, and shoots stunning 4K video, making it a fitting camera for most vlogging needs.
Get the Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera at Best Buy for $1,999.99
20. For the one looking for photos to double as décor: LED Photo String Lights
Best photo gifts of 2020: LED Photo String Lights (Photo: Magnoloran)
Twinkling lights with a personal twist can complete a cozy space like a man cave or a she shed, and these highly rated LED battery-powered ones are Amazon’s Choice for string lights. The recipient can get interactive, clipping favorite photos or ephemera (postcards, notes, etc.). Bonus points for gifting this with a few of their favorite photos already included.
Get the LED Photo String Lights at Amazon starting at $12.99
21. For the smartphone photog who wants tangible mementos: Prynt Pocket Instant Photo Printer
Best photo gifts of 2020: Prynt Pocket Instant Photo Printer for iPhone (Photo: Prynt)
While online and in-person printing services are readily available, having a mini photo printer at home means a lot less hassle—and unlimited printing of small, vibrant photos within minutes. We tested a collection of portable photo printers, and liked the Prynt Pocket, rating it the best overall printer for its speed and portability. What’s also cool: The Prynt Pocket attaches right to your iPhone.
Get the Prynt Pocket Instant Photo Printer for iPhone at Amazon for $100
22. For the teen with the trendiest style and gadgets: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera
Best photo gifts of 2020: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera (Photo: Fujifilm)
Instant cameras are becoming must-haves for photo-obsessed teens who love vintage filters. Of all the instant cameras we’ve put to the test, our top three camera choices were all Fujifilm Instax Minis. This latest version, the Mini 11, features a fun selfie mode that shoots exceptional close-up photos.
Get the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera at Amazon starting at $66.26
23. For the one who likes to get cozy: Woven Image Throw Blanket
Best photo gifts of 2020: Woven Image Throw Blanket (Photo: Collage.com)
We all know someone who’s always cold and cuddled up in the nearest blanket or oversized sweater. Certainly, there’s always use for a Snuggie or a slanket, but for a more personal gift for a get-cozy Netflix binger, try this woven throw blanket. This 100% cotton blanket from Collage.com can feature anywhere from one large image to eight smaller images woven right into it. With an average rating of 4.8, the blanket is loved by customers for its ability to produce such clear, quality photos on a woven surface.
Get the Woven Image Throw Blanket from Collage.com for $54.98
24. For the one who appreciates a sustainable gift: Fracture Glass Print
Best photo gifts of 2020: Fracture Glass Print (Photo: Fracture)
For a modern take on the classic photo print, look no further. Fracture creates ultra-sleek glass prints while maintaining carbon-neutral sustainability throughout the manufacturing process. The durable yet lightweight piece makes a perfect addition to any home. Pair it with Fracture’s Storyboard shelf, crafted from beautiful solid hardwood with ridges to securely hold your glossy photos.
Get the Fracture Print from Fracture starting at $17
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