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Child gardening, framed plant art, and a smiling girl in a floral dress on a bright interior wall.
CVS//Hearst Owned

5 Photo Gifts That Look Like You Planned Way Ahead

Down-to-the-wire gift buyers, rejoice.

By Jenny Tzeses

For anyone who has to work, take care of family, their pets, a home—in other words, stay on top of all the moving parts of an ordinary week—getting to-dos done can often feel like a triathlon you never trained for. So when regular plans leave you out of breath and lagging behind, gift-buying, naturally, can become an 11th-hour endeavor too. No one ever wants to be the grab-a-generic-gift-card-and-go type, but when you’re short on time, thoughtful can feel out of reach.

This is where CVS Photo swoops in to save the day, with meaningful, customizable gifts that look like they were weeks in the making—but can be designed, ordered online and picked up the same day at one of the over 7,500 CVS stores near you. Think: a photo book filled with family snaps for your spouse’s birthday or a stack of printed photo cards that can be handed in an envelope memorable moment for grandparents. And thanks to a range of price points and weekly deals, gift-giving from CVS is as affordable as it is practically effortless.

Here, five favorite picks.


A photo book elevates everyday images into an occasion to remember—and then keep on display on your coffee table. Assembling is a snap: from the CVS Photo website or app, choose your book type (e.g., double-sided, hardcover) and design template, then upload your photos from your computer or phone. The online builder helps you personalize each page with text and/or embellishments.

A canvas print turns a favorite photo into instant artwork. Choose from a variety of backgrounds, themes, hanging styles, frame or no frame, and then upload your favorite photo, select your canvas size—from 5x7 in. up to 16x20 in.—and in hours you have a ready-to-hang centerpiece.

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A stainless steel tumbler is the gift equivalent of the little black dress: it’s always appropriate. CVS Photo lets you add personality with photos, custom designs, and text. Like adding your teen’s monogram so they’’ll never lose it among the masses at soccer practice.

A custom-made magnet is a small way to make a big impact—and you don’t need a special occasion to gift it. Turn an image of you and your family into a surprise treat for grandparents or a cute couple photo into a bridal shower keepsake. Or offer up a heartfelt message for Teacher Appreciation Day.

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Give a box of custom thank-you cards to a friend using images of their beloved pet, or a set of postcards with a series of meaningful quotes they’d love. With a personalized message and photo, a card becomes a keepsake. There are 141 design templates to choose from, or CVS Photo allows you to dream up something entirely your own.


Frequently Asked Questions

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