One of the best gifts you can give yourself — or a loved one — is a digital picture frame. Digital picture frames display thousands of photos (and sometimes videos) in an ongoing slideshow that saves camera roll storage as well as wall or tabletop space if you don’t have much to spare for multiple static frames. They can allow people to surprise their loved ones by adding new photos, and can resurface past happy memories that might otherwise be buried on an old SD card.
Digital picture frames are an especially great gift for grandparents or others who might not be as tech- or social media-savvy. The collaborative nature of them means that people who are generally offline can still get access to the pictures they want to see, just without the overwhelming scrolling and distractions.
Digital picture frames come in many sizes and designs, with different borders, display capabilities, and photo upload methods. Whether you want a no-frills, easy-to-use frame that doesn’t require an internet connection or a sleek option with all the bells and whistles, there’s a frame perfect for you or your gift recipient. Below, check out some frames that match the specifications you may be looking for, and see how a digital frame can turn old memories into new ones.
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The Aura Carver was named the best digital photo frame by Wirecutter in 2023 for its stylish look and ease of setup. The frame has free, unlimited storage and family and friends can send new photos in any time through the Aura app. This one is also a smart frame, which has features like auto-shutoff at night, automatic brightness adjustment and smart photo cropping (it'll show two vertical photos side by side so there's no ugly black bars on the sides of the screen). It even has a built-in speaker for videos. With an average 4.8 stars across over 12,000 ratings on Amazon, this frame is worth the money.
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Promising review: "I absolutely love this digital picture frame! I have purchased other digital picture frames before and been disappointed with several aspects of it. However, not this one! This is so easy to set up and start using right away. I love the plug-in feature, so I don't have to worry about batteries dying. I love the fact that the number of pictures you can put on it for display is unlimited!! And it's so easy to share photos from your phone to the digital frame! This digital frame has been the easiest frame to set up and load pictures I have ever come across. I am also appreciative that when the lights go out and it gets dark it automatically powers down, I don't need to do anything. When I wake up and turn on lights, it automatically comes back on. All I have to do is start enjoying seeing my pictures again. I love this so much I have purchased a few more as Christmas gifts. I would definitely recommend and would definitely purchase again!" — B. Smith
Most digital photo frames are free-standing, smaller options that fit on a nightstand or table, but there are also larger frames you can mount to the wall if you want to take up some wall space (and reduce tabletop clutter). This 21.5-inch walnut frame has 32 GB of memory and can accept 50 photos at once with WiFi through the Vphoto app. It also comes with a remote control that you can use to rotate the photos between landscape or portrait orientation, as well as adjust the brightness.
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Promising review: "I absolutely love this digital photo frame. The setup was incredibly easy, and I had it running within minutes. The picture quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details. The sleek, modern design fits perfectly with my decor, and the frame feels sturdy. The user interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate through photos and settings. Uploading photos from my phone or computer is super convenient, and the slideshow options are great. This frame is a fantastic way to display my favorite memories. Highly recommended!" — Samir Raj
More bells and whistles aren't always better, especially if you or the person you're gifting this to aren't tech-savvy. This no-WiFi frame comes in four sizes and supports a USB flash drive or SD card (not included in the purchase) to add photos. The photos automatically play in a slideshow, no setup or software required. The frame, which has a distressed wood border, can be easily operated using button controls on the back.
Promising review: "Simple to use and beautiful quality. I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my grandmother who is always asking us to print photos for her to frame. This was the best way to get a ton of photos of the entire family for her. She loves it and watches it forever. One recommendation, this product doesn’t include the USB for storing the photos. I recommend getting a small size usb as the first USB is purchased was too large. Otherwise this is great! Hoping to get one myself :)
ADDED BONUS you can include videos!!!" — Tatiana
Some digital photo frames can get pricey, which makes these Frameo-powered frames that are available in sets of two, three and four such a good deal. (For example, the four-pack is roughly $42.50 per frame). Each device has features like automatic orientation adjustment, brightness adjustment, the ability to hide images, sleep mode, video playback mode and even customizable captions. (Note that you'll find a variety of Frameo-branded devices from different sellers on sites like Amazon, as the brand licenses its software to manufacturers.)
Promising review: "This was so easy to set up and immediately we started exchanging pictures on each frame. I have had zero problems with it. I can’t think of anything that it needs. I bought five of them as a big family Christmas gift. I gave three to my son‘s family. 1 just for their family pictures and then 2 to my two grandchildren. They Look at their picture frame every night before they go to bed. My grandson has a hard time sleeping and it helps him fall asleep. They know that when it dings that a new picture is being added. It plays sounds from the videos, you can crop any of the pictures, you can even blur out the outsides of the pictures if you want. I have over 35,000 pictures and over 5000 videos on my phone and the picture frames holds 80,000 pictures/videos. Needless to say I am totally in love with this product." — Grandma Bear
If you're planning on gifting a frame to someone else, the Skylight digital picture frame has a feature that may come in handy. Ordinarily, after opening their gift, the frame owner would have to manually set it up and add their photos themselves. The Skylight has a Gift Mode you can activate to preload the frame with pictures before it's even unboxed, so they can just open it and display it immediately. The Skylight has a 10-inch color touch screen display, cloud storage so you can upload photos through an app or email and an offline mode to see existing pictures without WiFi.
Promising review: "The perfect way to keep great Grammy included in the life of her great grandson when COVID prevents us from visiting. I set a reminder on my phone to update photos through the app once a week. She’s told me that it was the best gift she’s ever gotten. I preloaded it with pics from the 1st few years of his life. The software of the app is easy to use. I like the option to email directly as well. I set it up while loading the photos and then when she opened it on Christmas morning she was able to just plug it in and go. I recommend this as a gift for all grandparents and great grandparents who don’t get to see their littles enough. Buy this for them." — Chrissy
Many digital photo frames end up either kind of cheap-looking, with fake wood borders, so an unobtrusive and sleek thin black frame like this one by Dragon Touch is a good find. The thin frame looks deceptively simple, but it has some bells and whistles, including the ability to add captions, see the weather, auto-rotate, turn on sleep mode and more with the touch screen display. It also offers more uploading options, from an app to email to a USB drive, so you only have to use the method you want to.
Promising review: "This is my second digital frame purchased and what I like about this model is that I had it plugged in and was downloading photos in about 5 minutes. There is a cover on the screen (that comes off) which shows how to set up the frame in a few easy steps. There are a few ways to download the images, via an app, or even by email. So, I am able to upload pictures from a trip while I am still on the trip and see them when I return. There is a timer to turn off the screen at night, which I like, and it is not overpoweringly bright at night. The color pixels are excellent and match my phone's quality. I also like the slideshow options, especially random mode, and the touchscreen sensitivity level (not too sensitive or hard to tap)." — Phillip M
This digital frame is set apart by its ability to connect to Alexa, so you can turn it on and off using voice control. It's available in three sizes, has an HD touch screen display that can show photo slideshows, videos, the weather and time. The frame auto-rotates, has a 16 GB memory and photos can easily be added through the app.
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Promising review: "I purchased this frame for a gift for Fathers Day. My dad lives in another state and I loved the idea of being able to share life with him, especially since he has grandsons he rarely gets to see. Let me just say, he absolutely loves it! He’s been adding photos and videos (it plays up to 5 seconds!) and my brothers and I have now started adding to the frame through the app as well. The app is pretty easy once you know what you’re doing. Just add the device and start adding memories! He loves the notification when a new photo gets added. He gets so excited lol The photo quality is pretty good too. I highly recommend this frame. I might have to get one for myself now lol" — Amer616
This digital frame comes HuffPost-recommended for its comparatively affordable price, large storage capacity (32 GB) and clear display. One more thing that stands out about this frame is the ability to send digitized postcards and well wishes for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Friends and family can upload photos to the frame through the app using WiFi.
Don't forget to check the $10 off coupon box to get an additional discount at checkout.
Promising review: "I purchased this for my husband and loaded this with pictures of him as a baby until now. He absolutely loved this gift. It's so easy to transfer pictures from your phone to the frame. Easy!!! Works great. We love watching the pictures switch every few seconds." — Dawn Shortell
Want even more photo-related gift ideas? Check out these previously recommended portable photo printers:
Scrapbooker Adriana Penberthy recommends the Canon Selphy CP1500, calling it a "powerful" printer. "The colors are spot on, the quality is crisp, and the printer adds on a layer of protection when printing to ensure your photos will last a lifetime — it’s the best!" she said.
This same model has been recommended by shopping managing editor Emily Ruane, who used it years ago while assisting a casting director. Per Ruane, the small but mighty machine printed large quantities of crisp, sharp headshots almost instantly. "The printing method ensures that pictures come out totally dry and water-resistant and you can easily print from your phone or computer using Wi-Fi, AirPrint, USB connection or just by sticking your camera’s memory card right into a port on the printer," she said.
There's been a major resurgence of instant-print photos, largely led by the ever-popular Fujifilm Instax camera, which prints adorable mini photos (measuring about 2 inches by 2.5 inches) in that classic film look. (We're using "Polaroid" as shorthand here, as these aren't Polaroid-branded products — those are coming further down our list.)
If you love the film of old-school photos but don't have a film camera or want to turn any iPhone photo into a cute print, Ear Kit founder and TikTok user Amanda Harper Fink and scrapbooker Angelica Manchau both recommended the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link, which prints digital photos on Instax film.
"The Mini Link printer is great if you love that vintage aesthetic," Harper Fink told HuffPost. "And you can reverse-engineer your favorite iPhone photos onto Instax film."
Harper Fink, who makes remarkable scrapbook-like "junk journals" owns a few mini printers and said this one is a favorite.
"It’s such a fun way to bring memories to life!" Manchau added.
Fujifilm Instax also makes a compact portable square printer that connects instantly to your phone with Bluetooth. Use the Instax app to edit and adapt your pictures before they print and enjoy the old-school style of the square frames. Enjoy the rechargeable battery and easy carrying compact size and watch your photos print in around 90 seconds.
Looking to print a photo that's going to go into a frame? We got you. lifestyle content creator Lesly Gonzalez suggests this everything-included option from HPRT. "Love it because the photo comes out so clear!" she told HuffPost. She also loves that it is portable, adding: "So easy and lightweight to pack! Perfect for on the go!"
That option prints traditional 4-inch-by-6-inch photos but also can print multiple smaller photos in that space in a grid. This option does need a ribbon and comes with one included. (You can buy a set with extra film and two ribbons.) This printer coats photos with a protective layer that keeps them from scratching, fading or getting water damage. Snag the $20 coupon for some additional savings.
If you're happy with HP functionality but want a traditional 4-inch-by-6-inch photo, try the brand's “Sprocket Studio” printer that uses dye sublimation technology for a longer-lasting print. It offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and reviewers say it's perfect for small spaces. It's compatible with the same app as the Sprocket above that enables you to design and edit photos before printing. This printer does require a separate ink cartridge, which you can buy in a bundle with the brand's photo paper here.
Another option for 4-inch-by-6-inch prints, this Liene printer come with 100 film sheets and three color cartridges. It uses a thermal dye for vibrant colors in your photos, finishing each print with a laminated surface that's resistant to water, scratches, fingerprints and fading. This option has a built-in hot spot to easily connect with your devices, and it can print from up to five devices at the same time.
If you prefer a slightly bigger photo, the Fujifilm Instax Link printer functions much like the classic Mini Link, only it prints 3-inch-by-5-inch photos on Instax Wide film. Like the other version, it connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone and lets you turn any digital photo into a vintage-feeling instant print. Target reviewer Monty wrote: "Would make a great birthday, anniversary, graduation, religious/cultural/federal holiday, basically any occasion to need a gift, gift. Especially if they love photos or mention wanting great memories. Photos don’t have very crisp lines but still great for capturing the moments in life. Would be cool to include a pack of film."
Another Harper Fink and Manchau favorite (that's also pretty beloved by TikTok) is the HP Sprocket. It's a super slim, inkless printer that prints 2.3-inch-by-3.4-inch photos onto "stick-backed" paper, making it ideal for scrapbookers, journal enthusiasts and anyone who otherwise would need a glue stick. The machine works with “Zink” photo paper, which doesn't require ink, making your photos less likely to smudge. It's compatible with an app that lets you design your images before printing and add enhancements like filters, borders and graphics.
"I like the HP Sprocket because it’s inkless and also prints as a photo sticker," Manchau said. "This is super convenient for scrapbooking, so it’s definitely my go-to."
Harper Fink shared a similar sentiment. "I also love the HP Sprocket because it prints on sticker paper making it so easy to add photos into my journal," she said.
HuffPost shopping writer Haley Zovickian has and loves this Kodak mini photo printer. It prints (roughly) 2-inch-by-3-inch photos with a lamination coating that makes them fingerprint-proof and water-resistant. This bundle comes with 68 film sheets, meaning you can start printing photos the day you get it. Amazon reviewer Jquillen says it's "perfect for parties," as it charges fast and is easy to use in a group setting. The Kodak app allows you to add frames to your printed images.
Like Kleenex or Chapstick, Polaroid is a brand name — and it refers to a specific type of instant-print camera, not the instant print itself. Of course, no photo-printer list would be complete without a few options from the original Polaroid brand — like this super handy portable option. The Hi-Print gives you 2-inch-by-3-inch photos (which they call business-card-sized) on sticky-backed paper. It uses an internal dye sublimation cartridge to give you bright photos, which you can edit on the Polaroid app to look more vintage, or to add frames, filters and text. Grab some extra sticker paper here.
Another great option from Polaroid, this futuristic-looking device is also a portable printer that converts digital photos to Polaroid prints in the classic square Polaroid shape you know and love. Use the Polaroid app to add personal touches to your photos before the print. This option uses a three-part system where you put your phone face down on the lens, and the “camera” reads the image directly from the screen.
Reviewer Jared wrote: "AMAZING! Who wants to carry around a Polaroid camera to a hike, bar, or a concert? No one! Get the images of a Polaroid camera without the responsibility of one. Super easy to use and you get a big kick out of it. Make sure you have night shift off when you use it because it is super sensitive to colors. You can purchase two different types of film, Color or Black and White. Amazing product and also decoration for your room"
Another option from a big name in the photography world, this Ivy mini printer from Canon is designed to be incredibly portable and easy to use. It uses zero-ink (also known as “zink”) paper embedded with dye-based crystals that are intended to reduce mess and smudges. This option also lets you print onto sticky-back paper, and the Canon Mini Print App lets you make collages and choose filters for your pics.
Reviewer Josephine Cheung says, "I love this printer! I can use it to print out photos and different diagrams for school studying. It's the perfect size to put in my backpack or purse so I can print out anything I need wherever I am."
This comes in pink and white. The paper is sold separately here.