Every year the tree fills up with shapes, stars and snowmen, but the ornaments people look for first are the ones with faces on them. Personalized photo ornaments turn a favourite picture into something you can hold, hang and hand down. A grandchild's grin, last summer at the lake, the dog who still thinks the tree is a toy: all of it fits on a small ornament.
Here are the styles we offer, ideas for what to put on them, and plain-language tips on choosing a photo that prints well.
In this guide
- Double-sided photo ornaments
- Ceramic photo ornaments
- Pet and memorial ornaments
- Family and couple ideas
- Photo tips
- FAQ
Double-Sided Photo Ornaments
A double-sided ornament gives you two chances to tell the story: a photo on one side and another photo or message on the other. They are our most affordable photo option, starting at $9.99.
- Personalized Double-Sided Wood Photo Ornament – from $9.99, a round wood ornament for a custom Christmas keepsake.
- Double-Sided Wood Photo Ornament with Polka Dot Design – from $9.99, a playful pattern that suits kids and baby photos.
- Personalized Double-Sided Round Christmas Ornament – from $14.99, for custom photos and text.
- Personalized Double-Sided Heart Shaped Christmas Ornament – from $14.99, a natural pick for couples.
- Personalized Double-Sided Star Shaped Christmas Ornament – from $14.99, for custom photos and text.
- Personalized Double-Sided Oval Christmas Ornament – from $14.99, a gentle shape for portraits.
Good double-sided pairings: this year on one side and last year on the other, the two kids, the couple and the wedding day, or a photo on the front with the year and a message on the back.
Ceramic Photo Ornaments
Our ceramic ornaments start at $14.99 and come in a wide range of designs, from round and oval to hearts, stars and trees. The photo sits inside a themed Christmas frame, which makes them feel finished even if the picture is simple.
Photo-frame styles
- Photo Wreath Custom Ceramic Round Ornament – from $14.99, a wreath frame around your picture.
- Christmas Wreath Custom Photo Ceramic Round Ornament – from $14.99, another wreath style.
- Christmas Wallpaper Framed Photo Round Ceramic Ornament – from $14.99, patterned like festive wallpaper.
- Naughty or Nice Custom Photo Ceramic Round Ornament – from $14.99, funny and best for kids and siblings.
- Custom Photo on Christmas Tree Oval Shaped Ceramic Ornament – from $14.99, a tree-shaped design.
- Personalized Photo Christmas Tree Ornament – from $16.99, with a custom name, photo and date.
Also worth a look: the Add Your Own Photo Insert Snowflake Ornament (from $16.99), for a different shape.
Browse everything in the Christmas photo ornaments collection or the wider photo ornaments collection.
Pet and Memorial Photo Ornaments
For many families, the dog or cat is part of every photo, and an ornament is a gentle way to include them. Photo ornaments also give people a quiet way to remember someone who is no longer with them.
Pets
- My First Christmas Pet Star Ornament – from $14.99, for a new puppy, kitten or rescue.
- Home Is Where Someone Runs to Greet You – from $14.99, an oval design for dog lovers.
- Humane Canada Ceramic Ornament – from $14.99, part of our Humane Canada range.
Memorial
- Pet Memorial Oval Shaped Ceramic Ornament – from $14.99, a quiet tribute to a pet who has passed.
- Custom Memorial Always in Our Hearts Ceramic Round Ornament – from $14.99, for a family member or friend.
When you write the message, keep it gentle and short: a name, the years, and a line such as "Always in our hearts." Explore more in the pet memorial gifts collection and gifts for pet lovers.
Family and Couple Photo Ornament Ideas
The most requested use is simply the family. A family photo ornament can mark the year, the move, the new house or the whole group in matching pyjamas.
- Family Name Custom Round Ceramic Ornament (from $14.99) – the family name and photo together.
- Personalized Family Christmas Star Ornament (from $14.99) – a custom name and photo on a star.
- We Are Family Star Ornament (from $14.99) – name, date and photo.
- Our First Christmas as Mr. and Mrs. Heart Shaped Ornament (from $14.99) – a wedding photo and message for newlyweds.
- Love Between Us Knows No Distance (from $14.99) – for long-distance couples and families.
- Super Mom Heart Shaped Ornament and Best Dad Ever Heart Shaped Ornament (each from $14.99) – gifts for parents.
For a first Christmas photo ornament, a baby's photo works beautifully with our engraved options too. See our guide to Baby's First Christmas ornament ideas, wording and keepsake tips, and if you are shopping for teachers, coworkers or neighbours, our engraved ornament gift ideas cover those as well.
Photo Tips: What Works, Resolution and Cropping
A good ornament starts with a good photo. A few simple rules make a big difference on a small surface.
What photos work best
- Close and clear. One to three faces fill the space well. Large groups turn into tiny faces.
- Good light. Daylight or a bright room beats a dim restaurant or a heavy filter.
- Simple backgrounds. A plain wall or a blurred background keeps attention on the faces.
- Looking at the camera. Eye contact makes the ornament feel warm.
- Pets at eye level. Get down on the floor, and use a treat for attention.
Resolution
- Use the original file from your phone or camera when you can, not a screenshot or a photo that was sent through a messaging app, which often shrinks the file.
- Larger and sharper is better. A blurry photo on your screen will look blurry on the ornament.
Cropping
- Leave space around the faces, because the shape may trim the edges. Rounds, hearts and stars cut corners.
- Keep heads away from the very edge, especially on heart and star shapes.
- Portrait photos usually suit ovals; wide photos suit rounds if the group is centred.
Black and white or colour? Both work. Black and white can rescue a photo with uneven lighting and feels timeless on a tree.
Comparison: Which Photo Ornament Should You Choose?
| Style | Price (CAD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Double-sided wood | from $9.99 | Two photos, kids, gifting in numbers |
| Double-sided shaped (heart, star, oval) | from $14.99 | Couples, families, two memories |
| Ceramic photo-frame | from $14.99 | Themed Christmas looks, grandparents |
| Photo tree or snowflake | from $16.99 | Something a little different |
FAQ
What is the best photo for a personalized photo ornament?
A clear, well-lit close-up with one to three faces works best. Choose a simple background and look for a photo where everyone is looking toward the camera. Group photos can work, but faces become small on an ornament, so crop in where you can.
Can I put photos on both sides of an ornament?
Yes, with our double-sided ornaments, which start at $9.99. You can use two photos, or a photo on one side and a message or year on the other. Shaped double-sided ornaments in heart, star and oval start at $14.99.
What resolution does my photo need to be?
Use the original, largest file you have, rather than a screenshot or a photo that was shrunk by a messaging app. Sharper photos print better.
Can I make a pet or memorial photo ornament?
Yes. We have ceramic pet and memorial ornaments from $14.99, including a pet memorial oval and an "Always in Our Hearts" round ornament. Keep the message short and gentle, such as a name, the years and a simple line.
How long do photo ornaments take to make and arrive?
Because each one is personalized, order early.
Can I give a photo ornament as a gift?
Absolutely. Photo ornaments are popular for grandparents, newlyweds and new parents. Choose a photo you already have of the person or family. Pair it with a card explaining the memory.
Start Your Keepsake
The best photo ornament is the one you will smile at every December. Browse the Christmas photo ornaments collection, or see more photo gifts beyond the tree.