How to Give a Custom Pet Portrait for Christmas

Christmas is one of the most popular times of year to commission a custom pet portrait — and it's easy to see why. A portrait is personal, meaningful, and completely unlike anything else under the tree. Here's how to plan it so everything goes smoothly, from ordering in time to presenting it beautifully on the day.

Why a Pet Portrait Is a Perfect Christmas Gift

Christmas gifts can be hard to get right. A custom pet portrait takes the guesswork out of it entirely — if the recipient has a pet they love, this gift will mean more to them than almost anything else. It's thoughtful, unique, and something they'll display in their home for years to come.

Order Early — Don't Leave It to the Last Minute

This is the most important piece of advice for Christmas portrait gifts. December is our busiest time of year, and turnaround times can be longer than usual. To be safe:

• Order by early December to allow plenty of time for the portrait to be completed, any revisions to be made, and a professional print to be ordered and delivered.
• If you're printing and framing yourself, factor in time to source a frame and have everything ready before Christmas Eve.
• If you're cutting it close, a digital gift — presenting the portrait file with a note that a framed print is on its way — is a perfectly lovely way to give it on the day.

Getting the Photo Secretly

If the portrait is a surprise, you'll need to get a photo of the recipient's pet without them knowing. Some approaches that work well at Christmas:

• Ask another family member who sees the pet regularly to send you a photo.
• Browse the recipient's social media for a clear, well-lit image.
• If you'll be seeing them before Christmas, take a photo of the pet yourself during a visit.

How to Present It on Christmas Day

A few ideas for making the reveal special:

• Framed and wrapped — the classic approach. A beautifully framed portrait, wrapped and under the tree, is a wonderful moment to unwrap.
• In a card — print a small version of the portrait to include in a Christmas card, with a note that the full-size framed version is coming.
• Digital reveal — show the portrait on a tablet or laptop for an immediate reaction, then arrange the print afterwards.

A Christmas Gift That Lasts All Year

Most Christmas gifts are enjoyed and then forgotten. A custom pet portrait is different — it goes on the wall and stays there, a daily reminder of a Christmas that was truly special.

Visit our Gift a Print page for more ideas, or head to our Custom Pet Digital Portrait page to place your order. Don't forget to order early!