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.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
A digital picture frame for displaying family photos
The Aura Carver was named the best digital picture 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, so your mom can have an endless rotation of memories to display. This 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 4.7 stars across over 15,000 ratings on Amazon, this frame is worth the money.
Promising review: "I got this for my 84 year old mother. She loves it to keep up with all the things the grandkids are doing. She even occasionally adds photos to her frame via her phone, as it's very easy to do. But most of the photos on her frame either me or my kids have added to it. I love my own that I've had for a couple years. I keep it next to my computer and I find myself glancing over at it many times every day, and fondly reminiscing the events in the pictures. It's so easy to use either the app or the website to add photos. The only negative would be I wish the website interface would show all of the pictures on the frame, but it only shows a couple dozen of the most recently added ones. The mobile app shows all of the photos, however, so that works fine." — Jeff Beckley
A large-scale option that will look stunning on a wall
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.
Don't forget to check the coupon box to get an additional discount at checkout.
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
An economical option for anyone looking to buy frames in multiples
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. (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
For the gift-giver that wants to make unboxing as easy as possible
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
For the person who wants a frame that matches any decor aesthetic
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
The best option for an Alexa-connected household
This digital frame is set apart by its ability to connect to Alexa. It's available in two sizes, has an HD touch screen display that can show photo slideshows. The frame auto-rotates, comes with free cloud storage and photos can easily be added through the app.
Promising review: "Honestly I love this thing!!! My husband surprised me with it for an early Christmas present and it’s my new favorite thing! It’s well made, easy to use, easy to set up and easy to upload pictures! I am also able to have my friends email me photos to show on there and that means so much to me because a lot of them are out of state! The picture quality is gorgeous as well!" — Michael & Charlene
Want even more photo-related gift ideas? Check out these previously recommended portable photo printers:
A prosumer printer that offers long-lasting prints for posterity
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.
A compact option that prints iPhone photos in petite Polaroid-style prints
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.
A Fujifilm printer for retro inspired square pics
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.
Another 4-by-6 printer that comes with ink and paper
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.
Another HP-compatible option for standard 4-by-6 prints
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 highly rated option that offers 4-by-6 prints
Another option for 4-inch-by-6-inch prints, this Liene printer come with 20 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.
A TikTok-popular printer that makes 3-inch photo stickers
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.
Another mini printer from a trusted brand that one HuffPoster swears by
Former 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.
An actual Polaroid-brand printer that creates business-card-sized sticker prints
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.
A device that will print a full-size Polaroid right from your phone
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"
A printer from Canon that creates mini sticker photos
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.