(And Why I’m So Excited About My Husband’s Small Business)
There are very few gifts that manage to feel personal, nostalgic, creative, and comforting all at once — but that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this with you.
Evan (yes, my husband!) launched a small business called Memories to Color, where he transforms your real photos into custom coloring pages and coloring books. And I know I’m biased… but it is truly one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Be sure to give him a follow on Instagram @memories2color
These books turn your own life moments into something creative and cozy — a relaxing activity that feels meaningful instead of mindless. Whether it’s for a loved one, a kid, a parent, or someone who could use a little extra comfort, this gift hits every emotion.
And because I believe in transparency:
I’m sharing this because I’m genuinely excited for him, and because I know how special these are. Not sponsored… just proud-wife energy.
Table of Contents
Why Custom Coloring Books Make Such a Heartfelt Gift
Anyone can buy a gift — but very few gifts feel like they were truly made for someone.
A custom coloring book takes the photos you love most — the ones sitting in your camera roll or tucked away in old folders — and turns them into something that can be colored, displayed, scrapbooked, or kept forever.
What makes it special?
✓ They’re cozy and stress-reducing
Coloring is scientifically shown to reduce anxiety, lower the heart rate, and create calm. Pair that with familiar, sentimental images, and it becomes the ultimate comfort activity.
✓ They’re deeply personal
Every book is built from the photos you choose — your people, your memories, your moments.
✓ They work for every age, every personality, and every type of gift-giver
Kids, adults, grandparents, newlyweds — everyone connects with art in their own way.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas Using Custom Coloring Books
Here are some of my favorite ways to turn coloring books into specific, meaningful gifts:
1. For Grandparents — Especially Those With Dementia or Alzheimer’s
This is one of the most powerful uses for these books.
Coloring familiar faces, places, pets, and moments can:
- Stimulate memory recall
- Encourage gentle focus
- Provide comforting sensory engagement
- Help them feel connected to their loved ones
- Spark conversations and recognition
You can include:
- Photos from their childhood or early adult years
- Family members they love
- Holidays and traditions
- Their old home or favorite places
- Beloved pets
It becomes more than a coloring book — it becomes memory therapy wrapped in love.
2. For Newlyweds
This might be my favorite idea ever.
Create a custom book featuring:
- Their wedding florals
- Venue details
- Their first home together
- Their honeymoon
- Quiet moments captured by guests
- Their favorite decor or room setups
It’s sentimental, unique, and something they will actually keep forever.
3. A “Year in Review” Memory Book
Such a cute idea for families, couples, best friends, or even for yourself.
Choose one favorite photo from each month and turn it into a coloring page — little snapshots of your year:
- Snowy January day
- Summer vacation
- Your child’s first day of school
- Fall foliage
- Holiday moments
It becomes a time capsule you can literally color your way through.
4. For Kids — Their Favorite Things Turned Into Art
Instead of buying another toy they’ll forget about, make a book inspired by:
- Their favorite stuffed animals
- Their bedroom setup
- Their LEGO creations
- Their drawings
- Their pets
- Their favorite hobbies
It’s adorable, personal, and something they’ll treasure.
5. A Family Trip or Travel Memory Book
Perfect for:
- Disney trips
- National parks
- Beach vacations
- Road trips
- Cruises
Turn all those photos into a cozy activity they can enjoy long after the trip is over.
6. For Restaurants or Small Businesses
This is such a fun and creative idea:
- Create custom coloring pages featuring the restaurant’s best dishes
- Turn the exterior of the building into a cute line drawing
- Add fun elements from the menu or decor
Not only does it keep kids busy at the table — it becomes an adorable branded moment for the business.
How to Order in 3 Easy Steps
- Upload your photo
Choose the image you want to turn into a coloring page. On the site you can select between plain black and white coloring pages only or coloring papers photos Memories2Color
2. We create the art
His team transforms your photo into custom, hand-drawn coloring pages Memories2Color
3. Receive & enjoy
Choose your format (digital download, prints, or bound book) and use the unique, personalized coloring book however you like: gift it, color it, display it, share it. Memories2Color
Why Coloring Is the Coziest Gift
If you’re someone who loves slow living, cozy nights, nostalgic moments, and thoughtful details, this gift checks every box.
Coloring:
- Helps you unwind without screens
- Makes daily life feel slower and calmer
- Encourages creativity
- Feels like a warm hug for your brain
- Can be done with a hot cocoa, a candle, or a quiet evening soundtrack
And when the pages are your memories?
It becomes even more special.
A Gift That Truly Means Something
Whether you want to comfort a loved one, celebrate a milestone, capture a year of memories, or simply give someone something soothing and beautiful — a custom coloring book is one of the most meaningful ways to do it.
I love Evan, I believe in him, and I know how much heart he’s put into making these something people can cherish. If you want a cozy, sentimental, unexpected gift… this is it.
