I rely on my iPhone for capturing memories—it's always in my pocket. Whether I'm out camping, spending a day at the beach, or even on a canoe, my iPhone is my go-to tool for those spontaneous moments. I don’t always need a professional camera, especially when I'm simply enjoying the moment. But that doesn’t mean I want to let those memories fade away.

After a great adventure, I always find a way to bring those digital snapshots to life. I started using Social Print Studio years ago, and it’s been my go to ever since. The app is so intuitive and easy to use that I never go back. Plus, they offer a fantastic range of print products—magnets (I’m a magnet lover), photo strips (great for those fun, retro-style prints), and even framed prints that add a touch of elegance to any space.

Below, I’ve outlined some tips and ideas to help you transform your everyday phone photos into tangible memories you can cherish and display. Remember, photos not printed will one day never be seen. Print what you love. Print what you want your kids to remember. 

My Print Lab Recommendations

Social Print Studio: Choose from an array of print products that fit your style. I adore their magnets and photo strips, which addplayful touch to my everyday environment—just look at my fridge!

Artifact Uprising: Known for their minimalist, high-end prints and products, ideal for creating modern keepsakes.

Mpix: Great for printing and framing, professional quality at consumer prices..

Tips for Choosing the Right Print Lab

Quality vs. Cost: Look for a balance between high-quality prints and reasonable pricing. Sometimes paying a little extra is worth it for prints that truly do justice to your memories. If your kids are doing a craft with the photos or taking for a school project, Walgreens photos might suffice. 

Product Variety: Ensure the lab offers a range of options—from magnets and photo strips to framed prints and albums. This way, you can try different print items to best showcase your photos and you can combine items to save on shipping. 

Turnaround Time: Consider how quickly you need your prints. Some labs offer expedited services if you’re in a hurry, which can be especially useful after a big event or trip.

Ease of Use: A lab with an intuitive online platform or app makes the process less stressful, most of these you can do from your phone when you are waiting in the car for practice or on the couch at the end of the day. 

Creative Ways to Display Your Printed Photos

Printing your photos is just the beginning—now it’s time to display them!

Fridge Gallery: Use magnets to create a rotating gallery on your fridge. Every time you open the door, you’re reminded of your latest adventure. This is an easy place for kids to see their photos as well. I always put photos of little guests closer to the bottom of the fridge so they can see their own faces. 

Photo Strips: Arrange photo strips on a wall or bulletin board for a playful, retro vibe that brings a smile to anyone who sees it.

Albums: Create photo books that chronicle your adventures. These become cherished items that you and your family can look back on together. I make albums after vacations and trips to showcase our time together and remember our favorite parts of the trip. 

Home Decor: Incorporate framed prints into your home decor. A well-chosen photo can add a personal touch to any room and spark conversations about the memories behind it.

The Joy of Seeing Memories Every Day

Printed photos aren’t just decoration—they’re a powerful tool for connection and memory-building, especially for kids. When children see images of their adventures displayed at home, it sparks vivid recollections of the fun times they shared with family. These visual cues help them remember the excitement of a camping trip, the laughter during a day at the beach, or the thrill of a spontaneous canoe ride. Moreover, having these memories on display encourages storytelling, making it easier for kids to share their experiences with relatives they might not see often. This shared visual history fosters a stronger sense of belonging and helps bridge the gap between family members, ensuring that every cherished moment remains a part of their ongoing family narrative.

If you run out of room for places to display photos, change them out. I change my photos every season in order to enjoy more of them. Kids love to notice the new photos popping up as the year goes by.

Get Your Kids their Own Photo Magnetic Boards

My kids each have their own magnetic board in their room for holding photos. I would print special moments for them to put on their own photo boards. They loved adding the photos to the board themselves and choosing where to put them.

(If you are wondering why there is a collage of Easter Bunny photos with different kids, my son has also played the role of Easter Bunny for the studio for a couple of years. That collage made the cut for the board in his room because it was a good day to remember!)