When a baby is born, they receive so many gifts: onesies, toys, blankets, and even more onesies. Most of these items are too small or forgotten after a year. A hand-painted picture for the nursery, on the other hand, lasts—it accompanies the child through childhood and often well beyond. Here, you can read how this idea can be turned into a truly beautiful gift.
Why choose a painted picture for a birth announcement?
Baby gifts are almost always practical—and almost always temporary. A picture is the opposite: it isn’t useful in the everyday sense—and that’s precisely what makes it special. It doesn’t wear out, it doesn’t get too small, and it doesn’t get played with to pieces. It hangs on the wall and becomes part of a person’s earliest surroundings.
For parents, it’s also a gift to mark a special moment in life—the beginning of everything. Many families say that, years later, when their child grows up, it’s often that very painting from the nursery that moves with them. It’s a gift that travels with them.
What goes into the picture — three ways
1. The Baby as a Portrait
A painted portrait of a newborn—alone or asleep—has a very serene and touching quality. It captures just how small this person once was. The choice of photo is particularly important here; more on that below.
2. The baby with the parents
A small family portrait to start with: the young parents with their child. It captures the moment when a couple became a family—and is therefore a gift for both the parents and the child.
3. A design for the kids' room as a custom print
It doesn't have to be a portrait. A friendly animal, a serene landscape, a design featuring the child's name—as Custom Painting The result is a hand-painted work of art that’s perfect for a child’s room. This option is especially great if you want to have the gift ready before the baby is born, since you don’t need a photo of the baby.
The most important tip: wait for good photos of your baby
If you’re planning to give a portrait of the baby as a gift, there’s one simple rule: don’t rush it. Photos taken right after birth rarely make for ideal subjects—the lighting in the hospital is often poor, and a newborn’s face changes significantly in the first few weeks.
After about two to three months, the photos are usually much better: the baby looks alert and well-rested, and the photo is taken in natural light, ideally by a window. A photo like this makes for a much nicer picture. If you still want to give the gift early—for example, right after the birth—a Gift Certificate The solution: You give it to them right away, and the parents can redeem it later with the perfect photo.
Baptism as the perfect occasion
The christening usually takes place a few months after the birth—making it the perfect time. By then, you’ll have some great photos, and the portrait can be ready just in time for the celebration. A painted portrait or a nursery-themed piece is a christening gift that really stands out from the usual array of piggy banks, jewelry, and cash—and is often chosen by godparents or grandparents as their “big” gift.
Format, motif, and an image that grows with you
Medium-sized pieces are best suited for a child's room—large enough to make an impact without overwhelming the space. A single portrait starts at CHF 306 (30×40 cm); the configurator displays the exact price based on the size and frame.
An important tip regarding the design: Choose something that won’t be outgrown once the baby is older. A very playful, childish design will quickly seem outdated by the time the child is eight—a calm, beautifully painted picture, on the other hand, will stay with the child much longer and can even be moved to their teenage bedroom later on. When it comes to the frame, a sturdy, simple wooden frame is a good choice; for inspiration, check out the Frame Style Guide.
Here's how the ordering process works
Der Ablauf in Kurzform: Du lädst das Foto hoch oder beschreibst dein Wunschmotiv. Dein Bild wird gemalt — in der Regel zwei bis fünf Wochen. Noch vor dem Trocknen senden wir dir ein Foto zur Freigabe, das du prüfst — Korrekturen sind dann noch möglich. Plane bei einem festen Termin wie der Taufe einige Wochen Puffer ein. Auf das fertige Bild gibt es eine lebenslange Garantie.
Who is the gift for—a child, a parent, or a sibling?
"A baby gift" doesn't always mean the same thing. It's worth taking a moment to think about who you're actually buying the gift for:
- For the child: A picture for the child's room that will be there throughout their childhood—a portrait or a design of their choice.
- For new parents: A small family portrait capturing the moment when a couple became a family. A truly touching gift, especially for the mother.
- From a sibling's perspective: A photo showing the older sibling with the newborn—this visibly includes the older child in the family portrait.
Whether it’s a boy or a girl hardly matters when it comes to the design—what’s important is a good photo and a design that works not just for infancy, but for the entire childhood.
A gift from godparents and godchild
Godparents often deliberately look for a gift that is more than just a toy or a savings contribution—something that symbolizes their special role. A hand-painted picture is perfect for this: it’s personal, lasts a lifetime, and serves as a reminder later on of who has been there for this child from the very beginning. Popular choices include a portrait of the godchild or a design for the nursery, presented at the baptism. A gift certificate allows you to separate the timing—presented at the baptism, redeemed with the most beautiful photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I place my order if I want the picture to be ready for the baptism?
Plane mit Puffer. Das Malen dauert zwei bis fünf Wochen, danach folgt das Freigabe-Foto vor dem Trocknen — bestelle also mehrere Wochen vor dem Tauftermin.
Is an ultrasound image suitable as a template?
Not for a portrait. In that case, a custom illustration for a child's room or a gift certificate is a better choice.
Can the siblings be in the picture too?
Yes. A photo of the newborn with his or her older siblings makes for a lovely picture—even if it’s created by combining several photos.
Is a cell phone photo good enough to use as a template?
Generally, yes. It’s important to have natural light, a clear image, and an alert facial expression. If you’re unsure, we’ll review your photo in advance at no cost.
Ready to create a gift that will last a lifetime?
Create a portrait in Configurator or a children's room design as Custom Painting. If you'd like the gift to be ready by the time the baby is born, please contact us via Contact Form a gift certificate—the parents can redeem it later with their favorite photo.
