That old adage about a picture being worth a thousand words carries new meaning. It's 2019 and our social spheres are flooded by virtual visuals that leave little space for the more classic photo moments. But, just because the fleeting likes of Instagram Stories and TikTok are monopolizing our sights doesn't mean the lasting power of a physical snapshot is lost on us. To prove it, we found the best giftable examples.
Going the old-school photo route is a savvy holiday-gift choice for three reasons: it's easy, affordable, and still uniquely personal. If you're yawning at the thought of lackluster calendar books and mousepads, don't worry — we're only featuring the trendiest of picture presents that money can buy. From instant-digital hybrid cameras to mug-shot picture pillows and unexpected frames, each of the tangible memory-keepers ahead is worth way more than a thousand words.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
While this may look like an aforementioned "lackluster calendar book," it's actually much more — Artifact Uprising gives the classic wall calendar an artful twist with a reimagined modern design that uses perforated edges for snapshots that can be repurposed and used once the dates expire.
Artifact Uprising Modern Wall Calendar, $, available at Artifact Uprising
Like a personal cloud, this smart photo manager is an easy, go-to gift for anyone with more photos and videos saved on their phone than they know what to do with. ibi will help any budding photographer/influencer/travel enthusiast collect, organize and privately share their photos and videos.
Western Digital ibi Smart Photo Manager, $, available at Western Digital
Give the gift of their face (or their pets') on a literal cushion. This funky British photo-personalization site ships worldwide and will print your mug on, well, just about anything.
Gift them a blank canvas to color in with their favorite memories. This stylish coffee-table book is covered in linen and filled with 30 paper pages just waiting to be personalized with photos, postcards, and notes.
Printworks Photo Album, $, available at Anthropologie
When in doubt, go to the classic route. Framebridge makes printing, packaging, and gifting your most cherished moments an elevated breeze with its elegant pair of matching frames — that will ship within 4-6 days post order.
Framebridge The Holiday Duo, $, available at Framebridge
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
