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An Interior Designer’s Guide To Holiday Shopping On Shutterfly

Design expert and influencer Steffy takes us through her favorite holiday offerings.

by BDG Studios

Who doesn’t love pictures that evoke warm and fuzzy memories decorating their home? In a time when we have spent more time indoors than ever before, making sure your walls are clad with family, friends, and priceless memories is essential in making the most out of these upcoming winter months.

With the holidays fast approaching, customizable photo objects have become our go-to gift choice for nearly everyone on our list, from family and friends to coworkers and significant others. Luckily for readers of Bustle, our partners at Shutterfly are fully stocked with picture-forward gifts that turn treasured moments into chic pieces of decor that will stand the test of time.

To help inspire and guide you through the gift selecting process, Bustle tapped Interior Design expert and social media influencer Steffy of steffys pros + cons to give us a few of her best recommendations from the site, matching sentimental memories with artful panache.

For the person who is always ready for the next adventure.

Globetrotters and thrill-seekers alike will appreciate a photo book that highlights photos from some of their most exciting journeys. Fully customizable, this bespoke photo book can include inspiring quotes, unique adornments, and other personal touches that bring any adventure to life. As a traveler herself, Steffy suggests that it's best to organize photos, whittle down the choices, and select the ones that best capture the spirit of the trek.

For family members you cherish but don’t see too often.

This wintertime photo book marries the look and feel of an adorned picture frame with the customization of a photo book, taking the traditional family portrait up a notch. “I love to create these for each of the grandparents every year,” says Steffy. “It’s something they can look back on to see photos with the grandkids.”

I think a well-placed picture is something you can look at that brings you comfort as you're falling asleep at night

For the decorator who is always changing their mind.

This poly-cotton hanging canvas can liven up any space in your home. This is a beautiful way to showcase either a single statement photo or several pictures together with a matte finish. “I think a well-placed picture is something you can look at that brings you comfort as you're falling asleep at night,” says Steffy. “I love to have family photos close to my kids' beds so they can feel loved as they fall asleep.”

For the person in your life that pays close attention to the details.

This wrapped canvas features an easel and comes either horizontally or vertically. Not only can you customize the photo, caption, and embellishments, but you can also customize the borders and frames, or even design it without one. “I personally enjoy frames that mesh with their surroundings,” says Steffy. “Oftentimes, it is as important as the photo itself.”

For the person who loves to entertain at home.

Painting walls or mounting pictures isn’t always an option, especially for most renters. Pillows have always been a great (and inexpensive) way to add pops of color and warmth into a home. Photo or well-designed holiday-centric pillows – like the above example from the independent designers at Spoonflower – can take the place of these two painstaking tasks, eliminating the potentially exorbitant fees and time-consuming labor involved. “For blankets and pillows, I always opt for more scenic or landscape photos for a more elevated feel,” says Steffy. “Always make sure the images are high resolution as well.”

For the person who wants a little extra warmth, but with style and flair.

Another great way to add more personal touches to your space is this woven photo blanket, which is both super stylish and convenient (and machine washable). It’s perfect for a picnic in the park, thrown over your sofa, or hung as a beautiful wall tapestry.

For the person who loves their peace and quiet.

This all-natural jar candle is a blend of soy and other essential oils and comes in four fragrances: Unscented, Grapefruit Blossom, Ocean Breeze, and Fireside Spice. You can personalize the jar candle with a unique photo and quote, which becomes incandescent when lit, bringing warmth to any room. “What rooms do you typically devote to pictures and mementos?” asks Steffy. “It is hard to pick a favorite room because I love them all for different reasons. I tend to have the most pictures in my kids' bedrooms and our main bedroom.”