5 creative ways to use custom photo magnets (beyond the fridge)

Most people order a set of custom photo magnets, put them on the fridge, and that's that. Which is great. But after years of making these things, we've seen customers use them in ways we never anticipated. Here are five that surprised us.

1. A magnetic memory board

A sheet of thin steel (available at hardware stores for under $20) hung on a wall becomes a magnetic canvas. No frames, no nails for each photo, no commitment. You can rearrange whenever you want. Customers do this in nurseries, home offices, and entryways. Pair it with our puzzle magnets for a centerpiece effect.

2. Place cards at events

Instead of paper place cards that go straight in the bin, use a small photo magnet of each guest (or a group shot) as both the place card and the party favor. Guests love finding their face at the table. It's also an icebreaker. We've made these for weddings, milestone birthdays, and retirement parties.

3. An advent calendar

Number 25 small photo magnets (one per day of December leading to Christmas) with a childhood or family photo on each. Stick them to a metal tray or magnetic board face-down. Each morning, flip one. It's the kind of thing grandparents keep on their fridge year-round after the calendar is done.

4. Luggage and locker identification

A custom magnet on the inside of a gym locker, a school locker, or the metal panel of a suitcase makes it immediately yours. More personal than a luggage tag and harder to lose. Parents love doing this for kids starting middle school.

5. Gift wrapping as the gift

Instead of a bow, attach a custom photo magnet to the top of a wrapped gift. The magnet is part of the present, and the recipient gets the gift inside plus a keepsake on the outside. Works especially well for Christmas gifts and baby shower presents.

Not sure how many to order for any of these? Our magnet calculator handles both event and gifting scenarios.