Photo Gifts You Can Make: Memory Jars, Photo Blocks and Mini Albums

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-22

Personalized photo gifts offer a tactile way to preserve digital memories and celebrate specific milestones. These projects utilize durable materials like wood, glass, and heavy cardstock to transform standard prints into heirloom-quality keepsakes for the home.

Dimensional Photo Blocks

Adults · 45 min · about $12

  1. Sand the wood cubes thoroughly to remove splinters and smooth the edges for a professional finish.
  2. Measure and cut your photos into 1.85-inch squares. This creates a slight wooden border around each image.
  3. Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to one side of the block using the foam brush.
  4. Press the photo firmly onto the adhesive, smoothing from the center outward to remove air bubbles.
  5. Repeat for all six sides, allowing each side to set for 10 minutes before rotating to the next.
  6. Once the block is fully dry, apply a final thin top coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface to seal the images.
  7. Lightly sand the corners of the dried photos if you prefer a slightly distressed, integrated look.

Narrative Memory Jar

Adults · 30 min · about $6

  1. Clean the interior and exterior of the glass jar with rubbing alcohol to ensure it is free of fingerprints and oils.
  2. Cut the bond paper into 1-inch by 5-inch strips and write specific memories or dates on each.
  3. Roll the paper strips tightly around a pencil to create curls, then drop them into the jar.
  4. Slide the 2x3 photos into the jar, positioning them so the images face outward against the glass.
  5. Layer the remaining paper curls in the center to hold the photos in place against the walls of the jar.
  6. Cut a small rectangle of kraft cardstock, punch a hole in one end, and write the recipient's name or the year.
  7. Thread the silk ribbon through the tag and tie it securely around the neck of the jar in a simple knot.

Accordion Mini Album

Adults · 40 min · about $8

  1. Cut two pieces of black cardstock to 4.5 x 3.5 inches to serve as the front and back covers.
  2. Cut a long strip of black cardstock to 4 inches tall and 18 inches long.
  3. Use a bone folder to score the long strip every 3 inches, then fold it back and forth in an accordion style.
  4. Apply adhesive tape to the first panel of the accordion and center it onto the inside of the front cover.
  5. Cut a 20-inch piece of ribbon and tape the center of it to the outside of the back cover.
  6. Adhere the decorative scrapbooking paper over the ribbon on the back cover to hide the attachment point.
  7. Mount one photo to each interior panel of the accordion using double-sided tape, then tie the ribbon in a bow to close.

Project Safety and Finishing