For many people, Christmas has become a time of consumer fatigue: long lists, repetitive gifts, and the stress of December. A hand-painted family portrait is the serene opposite—a gift that won’t get lost in the pile. There’s just one thing you really need to keep in mind: timing. Let’s start there.
First things first: when is the deadline for ordering?
A hand-painted picture isn't a stock item—it's created just for you. That's why it takes some time to prepare:
- First, your picture is painted by hand — usually two to five weeks.
- Before it dries, you receive a photo for approval — corrections are still possible at that point.
- This is followed by drying and shipping.
If you want to make sure this gift ends up under the Christmas tree, it's best to order it by mid-November, about six weeks before Christmas. Running late? Order anyway: we'll send you a card to give as a present that shows the current progress of your painting — the finished painting follows afterwards. If you don't have the right photo yet, the Gift Certificate is a good alternative (more on that below).
Why a painted picture makes the perfect Christmas gift
Christmas is all about warmth, memories, and togetherness—and that’s exactly what a hand-painted picture conveys, whereas most store-bought gifts are nothing more than consumer goods. A hand-painted family portrait is:
- personal — it shows the people who Christmas is really all about;
- calm — it is a deliberate contrast to the hustle and bustle of the season;
- lasting — It’ll still be there next December, and the December after that, too.
It’s also a gift that makes the day itself special: a photo of the whole family is unwrapped on Christmas Eve and immediately looked at, commented on, and passed around. It becomes a topic of conversation—unlike the tenth gift certificate.
A family portrait as a shared gift under the tree
A particularly lovely Christmas moment: the whole family unwraps a gift together—a picture that shows all of them. Instead of everyone receiving an individual gift, there’s a piece that belongs to everyone and takes pride of place in the living room.
This works even when you're apart: If your family lives in different places and rarely gets together, a shared photo brings everyone back together on a wall. Our artists compile a cohesive family portrait from several individual photos—no one has to travel to be in the picture.
Christmas Design Ideas
- The family today: A recent photo of everyone who belongs together—a classic.
- A gift for the grandparents: Grandchildren and great-grandchildren in one photo — see also Gifts for grandparents.
- The family pet: For many people, it’s just a given.
- A favorite place we both love: The vacation home, the setting for many Christmases — as custom painting.
- An old photo, repainted: An old Christmas photo from back when the kids were still little.
How much does a painted Christmas gift cost?
A single portrait begins with CHF 306, a family picture with two people at CHF 356. You can see the exact price based on the size and frame in the configurator. For a joint family gift, a larger size is worth considering—the configurator can help you choose Family Portrait Guide. If several people chip in for the gift, the cost per person stays low.
The gift certificate as a backup plan
Missing the right photo, or should the recipient choose for themselves? Then a gift certificate is the perfect solution. Just place it under the tree at Christmas, and the recipient can redeem it at their leisure and choose the photo, format, and frame themselves. This way, the gift remains personal—even without the December rush. This is often especially beneficial when it comes to family photos, because it allows everyone to choose the photo together without feeling rushed.
Frequently asked questions
I didn't even think of it until December—can you believe it?
Yes. Just order as usual — we'll send you a card to give as a present that shows the current progress of your painting. The finished painting follows as soon as it is painted and dry.
We don't have a photo of everyone together.
That's the usual procedure. Send us several photos—our artists will use them to create a family portrait.
Can I order multiple pictures as Christmas gifts?
Yes. It's best to sign up early via the Contact Form, then we'll schedule production so that all the images are ready on time.
How is the picture delivered—can I give it as a gift right away?
The picture arrives carefully packaged and protected against shocks. For very large formats, it’s best to unpack them in a quiet place rather than in front of a crowd.
Ready for a Christmas gift that will last?
Create your family photo in the Configurator or check out the website Have a family portrait painted. Ideally, order by mid-November; if you're later than that, you'll get a card showing the current progress to give as a present. We're happy to answer questions via Contact Form.
