Original Christmas gift ideas: 12 gifts that create memories

Every year it's the same story: we hunt for original Christmas gift ideas, wander round the shops, and end up with one more thing that disappears into a cupboard. I'm not saying objects don't matter. But the gifts people truly remember, the ones they still talk about years later, are almost always moments. Here are my 12 ideas for gifts that create memories, from the simplest to the most meaningful, with who each one is perfect for. Whether you live in Provence or are spending the holidays here, most of them work wherever you are.

Why a memory beats an object

You unwrap an object, say thank you, and often forget it. An experience gift is something you look forward to, live, and then talk about. It creates a shared memory between the giver and the person receiving it.

It also takes up no space. For people who "have everything", for exhausted parents or for grandparents who insist they want nothing, it's often the only truly good idea. That's what makes a Christmas gift original: not that it's surprising, but that it was chosen with the person in mind.

Experiences for two: 3 ideas for a couple

• 1. A workshop for two: cooking, pottery, a tasting, whatever the theme. You learn together, laugh at your mistakes, and go home with something you made. Perfect for a couple who love trying new things, or who need a break from routine.
• 2. A night away, not necessarily far: a guesthouse in the countryside around Aix, a small Provençal village. Perfect for new parents who haven't had an evening to themselves in months (throw in the babysitting too, that's the real gift).
• 3. A couple photo session: an hour at sunset in Malmousque or the Vallon des Auffes, and finally some real photos of the two of you. Perfect for a couple who only have selfies, for an anniversary or an upcoming engagement. A couple session is €200, with 10 edited photos.

For the whole family: gifts that bring people together

• 4. A day planned from start to finish: a walk in the calanques, a wrapped-up winter picnic, hot chocolate back home. You give the plan and take care of everything. Perfect for a family that's busy all year round.
• 5. A booklet of "vouchers": an afternoon of games, grandma's recipe learned together, a film night under the duvet. It costs almost nothing, and children love making it. Perfect for grandparents or godparents.
• 6. A family photo session: everyone together, and for once in the same photo. At home around the tree, or facing the sea in Marseille. Perfect for grandparents who dream of a real photo with all the grandchildren. A family session is €230, with 15 edited photos.

For her, for him: gifts that feel good

• 7. A portrait session: for someone who doubts themselves, who dislikes photos of themselves, or who's launching a business. Perfect for a best friend, a sister, or a mum who's never in the pictures. A portrait session is €180, with 8 edited photos.
• 8. A handwritten letter: what you never quite say out loud, a shared memory, a thank you. Perfect for a parent or a lifelong friend. It's free, and it's often the gift that brings tears.
• 9. A maternity or baby session: for a mum-to-be (ideally between 30 and 34 weeks) or for new parents, at their home, from 7 days old. €230 with 15 edited photos, or €450 for maternity then baby (two sessions, 30 photos).

Photo keepsakes that really matter

I promised to be honest: some objects do deserve their place under the tree. They're the ones that hold memories.

• 10. An album of the year: go through the photos on your phone, pick the best ones and have them printed. Perfect for grandparents who don't see the grandchildren often, or family back home.
• 11. A framed print: just one photo, but the right one, printed large and ready to hang. Perfect for someone who has everything except that picture on the wall.

A printed photo doesn't get lost in a phone: you see it every day as you walk past, without even thinking about it.

Idea 12: a photo session gift card, my favourite Christmas gift idea

If I could only keep one idea, it would be this one, because it brings everything else together: a moment to live, and images to keep. For an hour, the person slows down, is guided, and usually laughs far more than expected. Afterwards, they have photos they'll still be looking at in twenty years.

In practice, you create the gift card online in a few minutes:

• Choose the card: 15 ready-made cards sorted by occasion (including Christmas ones), or a custom card.
• Delivery: you receive it by email to print as a PDF and hand over yourself, or it's sent straight to the person on the day you choose, with an envelope to open.
• What happens next: the card is valid for 6 months. The person then chooses the date, place and mood of their session with me, in English or French.

Payment is online, and the card can be ready the same day. All sessions are on the prices and booking page, and I go into detail in my article on gifting a photo session.

How to choose the right idea

Ask yourself one question: what is this person missing? Not a thing, a moment.

• They're short on time together: a workshop, a night away, a couple session.
• They're never in the photos: a portrait or a family session.
• They're living something unique: a pregnancy, a first baby. That moment won't come back.
• They already have everything: a letter, an album, or a memory to create together.

The best gift is often the one that says "I really thought about you". If you're torn between two sessions, write to me: I reply personally, and together we'll find the one that will light up their face on Christmas morning.