6 fun and creative ways to gift instant photos
Gift-giving just got a whole lot more exciting with instant photos. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a wedding celebration, or a just-because moment, instant photos pack a whole lot of personality into a small frame.
Snap and print with an instax camera for an extra touch of spontaneity or use your Link photo printer to curate your gift.
Whichever format you go for — mini, SQUARE, or WIDE — check out our instant photo gift ideas and give more.
1. A surprise snap
Sometimes the simplest ideas can be some of the most effective. So why not surprise your loved one by tucking an instax print somewhere unexpected?
See their delight when they open a birthday card to find a mini snapshot of a shared adventure. Or slip a fun photo into a book they’re reading for a mid-chapter surprise.
Alternatively, go for a fun twist on a traditional post and pop an instax print through your friend’s letterbox. Just tuck it inside one of our instax Greetings Cards and it’ll be enveloped and ready to go. Quick and easy to whip up, this kind of photo gift makes everyday moments a bit more magical.
Plus, it’s super easy with your instax camera or Link printer — just snap, print, and hide! You could also personalise the photo with a doodle or short message. Whether it's a reminder of an epic trip or a silly selfie, these little surprises are sure to brighten their day.
2. Frame it
Another lowkey yet impactful way to gift instant photos is to add a frame. Choose a photo that represents your relationship and put it in the spotlight by adding one of our Acrylic Blocks or Magnet Frames. Take a look at the different print sizes we have available to make your framed photos pop.
Mini
Our mini prints are perfect for cute, candid moments. These wallet-sized gems are great for displaying multiple shots in a collage frame or adding a personal touch to a desk or bedside table. Plus, they fit perfectly in our instax mini 12 Magnet Frames, making them easy to stick on the fridge and switch out whenever you want to show off a new memory.
SQUARE
SQUARE prints bring that classic Instagram vibe to life and are perfect for highlighting your favourite photos. The larger size gives you more space to show off all the little details, making them ideal for standout shots you want to frame and display.
Whether it’s a stunning sunset from your holiday or a candid moment at a party, SQUARE prints look amazing in our Acrylic Blocks, adding a modern and stylish touch to your instant photo gifts. They’re perfect for those special photos that deserve a bit more attention.
WIDE
For those big, bold memories, WIDE prints are the way to go. These prints provide plenty of space for group shots, landscapes, or any photo where you want to capture more of the scene. WIDE prints are great for creating a dramatic display and can be the centrepiece of a gallery wall.
3. A memory wall collage
Too many favourite photos to stick in a single frame? We hear you. It’s time to go big with a collage.
Gather your top snapshots, whether they’re from a road trip, a gig, or just a day out with the giftee in question, and create a collage that captures the essence of your adventures.
Start by picking a base for your collage. You can go classic with a large piece of colourful cardstock or think outside the box with a cork board or canvas. Arrange your instax prints in a way that feels right — random and artsy or neat and grid-like, it’s up to you.
Why stop at photos? Add in ticket stubs from that epic show, stick on some pressed flowers from a nature walk you shared, or decorate with doodles. Washi tape, stickers, and colourful markers can help make each element pop while fairy lights around the edge can bring your photo gift some 3D sparkle.
Dynamic and visual, a collage is a great way to gift a bundle of memories that will brighten up any space.
4. The story of you
Create a fun scrapbook packed with instant photos that tell the story of your favourite memories. It’s perfect for your bestie, your parents, or your partner. Print out your fave moments with that person using your instax Link printer, and arrange them chronologically or by event in a scrapbook or photo album.
You could also choose a theme to tie it all together — maybe your travels together or a set of selfies you were sure had been deleted…
5. Memories + adventure = a photo scavenger hunt
For a playful twist, organise a photo scavenger hunt. Print out photos of meaningful locations or inside jokes, and hide them around a space — at home, in the park, or even across town.
Create clues leading the recipient from one photo to the next. Each clue should be a hint about the location of the next photo, turning the hunt into an exciting adventure. Finish with a special surprise — maybe their favourite treat, a heartfelt letter, or another instax photo.
This interactive and engaging idea uses the fun and innovative features of instax instant photos to create a memorable experience. It’s a brilliant way to gift instant photos while also giving an unforgettable adventure.
6. Ace it with a deck of playing cards
Got a game-lover in your friendship group? Make those camping trip card games personal with instant pics. That’s right, you can transform your instax prints into a deck of playing cards — ideal for a romantic anniversary gift. It offers just the right balance of silliness and sentimentality.
Begin by collecting 52 of your favourite shots. It sounds like a lot but start scrolling and you’ll soon realise you have a full deck’s worth just chilling on your phone memory card. So put them to good use! These could be snaps from your adventures, your first selfie together, or photos from special occasions. Don’t forget to add some prints of your fur baby!
Our mini prints are the perfect, compact size for this gift but you could also print some SQUARE pictures if you prefer.
Next, grab some colourful markers and write the suit and number on the bottom of each pic.
- Hearts for romantic moments and date nights.
- Diamonds for shining achievements, like your graduation or engagement.
- Clubs for fun times — see if you can dig up some fun snaps from festivals or nights out together.
- Spades for new beginnings and milestones, like your first home together or the old banger you had to get rid of but brought you joy on road trips.
This personal touch turns a regular deck of cards into a one-of-a-kind gift that’s totally you. Poker, gin rummy, or cheat — every game will be a trip down memory lane. Plus, it’s an awesome way to preserve and share your memories, turning them into something you can enjoy together again and again.
Check it out below!
Don’t just take — give with instax photo gifts
Why keep all those epic moments to yourself when you can share them with your faves? With instax prints, photo gifts are all about spreading the love and turning memories into tangible, fun surprises.
Get creative, use your instax camera or Link photo printer, and craft something that's truly personal and unforgettable. Start celebrating those shared adventures with instax.
