A Birthday Calendar Gift with One Photo Per Month? Yes, Please.
A Photo Gift You Can Make in an Afternoon (That They’ll Use All Year Long) Photos
There’s a moment every year — usually around someone’s birthday, or when I remember a thank-you I forgot to send — when I realize I want to give something more personal.
Something thoughtful. Something with photos.
So I created a gift that’s fast, meaningful, and actually useful — whether it’s January, June, or the night before your mother-in-law’s birthday.
And now it’s a free download for you (scroll down this page to download it).
The Birthday Calendar Gift: What It Is
This isn’t your typical calendar.
It’s undated — which means it never expires. No years, just months and days. Like a little visual reminder system for birthdays, anniversaries, and "don’t-forget-it" dates.
But the best part? It’s made entirely with your photos.
You just pick 12 favorite images — one for each month — and drop them into my free Canva template (there’s a vertical version and a horizontal version, so your photos will fit either way).
The calendar part is simple: it’s a clean, printable design with a numbered list of days and blank lines for writing in birthdays.
So when you give it as a gift, you’re handing someone:
12 favorite photos of your family (cue the happy tears)
A reusable calendar they can use year after year
A super practical way to never forget a birthday again
Made for Iconic Photo Monthly Subscribers (And Everyone Who Loves Simplicity)
If you’re an Iconic Photo Monthly subscriber — this is exactly what to do with those 12 iconic photos you’re taking all year long.
One prompt. One meaningful image. One simple project to turn them into a thoughtful, tangible gift.
(And if you’re not subscribed yet? It’s $9/month and designed specifically for parents of 1–2 year olds. One photo prompt per month — built around real moments, not Pinterest perfection. You can learn more here.)
How to Make One in Under an Hour
Here’s what you do:
Download the free Canva template I made for you (linked below)
Choose 12 favorite photos from your phone or camera roll
Drop each one into the matching month layout (vertical or horizontal, I made you both kinds!)
Download your designs as 5x7 JPGs
Print them at your favorite photo printer (CVS, Walgreens, Mpix — whatever you love)
Pop them into a 5x7 frame (I love this one on Amazon, and yes I'm an affiliate so if you use that link I earn a commission)
Wrap it up, gift it, and be hailed as the thoughtful genius you are
Each month, the recipient can swap out the photo print in the frame — so the calendar display updates with the season, and they always know who to wish a happy birthday.
Who It's Perfect For:
Grandparents who don’t need more stuff, but love your kids’ faces
Aunties, uncles, and godparents - it's hard to keep track of everyone's birthday, so anyone will love this.
Teachers, neighbors, caregivers — anyone you want to thank with something meaningful. The photos you use on the calendar can be anything... maybe a series of neighborhood wildlife photos for the wonderful woman who lives three doors down... the sky's the limit on options!
Get the Free Canva Template:
🎁 Download the Birthday Calendar Freebie Here:
There’s something so satisfying about giving a photo gift that’s both beautiful and useful.
And once you’ve made one, I promise: you’ll want to make five more.
If you end up creating one, tag me on Instagram @phonephotoswithjess — I’d love to see the photos you choose.
xx Jess
Want Your Photos To Look Their Best Before You Print?
Try my Iconic Editing Kit — a friendly, beginner-friendly course that helps you edit right on your phone.
Like the vibe here?
Come hang out with me. I’m Jess, a longtime family photographer who writes like we’re chatting in the preschool pickup line.
Each week (ish), I send a quick, thoughtful email — usually with a photo tip, a funny story, or a moment that made me pause.
Sometimes there’s a gentle nudge to take a picture of your own. Sometimes there’s a reminder that you’re doing a great job.
If that sounds like your kind of inbox moment, you can sign up for emails here:
