A 70th, 80th or 90th birthday gift from old photos
For the 70th, the 80th, the 90th, and the party where someone always asks for the old albums.
For a 70th, 80th or 90th birthday gift, turn old photos from across their life into something they can watch: each face gently animated, and the photos combined into a short film with music and a dedication from the family. It makes a lovely moment at the party and something to keep afterwards. At zazsi, the first photo is $19, each extra photo is $9, and the film with music is +$49.
Why it suits a milestone birthday
A big birthday is about the whole story, not just the day. The person has decades of photos, most of them sitting in albums nobody opens. Bringing a handful of them to life, from a baby photo to a wedding to a first grandchild, turns those albums into a few minutes the whole family watches together.
How to choose the photos
Aim for one photo per chapter, roughly in order:
- Childhood: a baby photo or school portrait
- Young adult: a first job, military service, travel
- Wedding or partner
- Young family: with their children
- Later years: with grandchildren, or a favourite recent photo
Eight to twelve photos is a good length for a party. Choose photos where the face is clear and roughly facing the camera. A phone photo of each print is enough.
Make it a family project
Ask siblings and cousins to send their favourite photo of the birthday person. It’s a nice way to involve relatives who live far away, and you’ll find photos you never knew existed. Because you pay first and upload afterwards, you can place the order now and add the photos through your private upload link as they come in.
What it costs
| Order | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 photo | $19 |
| 8 photos + film with music | $131 |
| 12 photos + film with music | $167 |
The film comes in landscape for a TV or projector and vertical for phones, with an opening title and a dedication in your words. Read how it comes together in old photo to video.
How ordering works
- Choose how many photos you want, add the film if you’d like one, and pay securely through Stripe.
- Upload the photos through the private link we email you after payment.
- Your videos arrive through a private link, usually in 2 to 4 business days (often sooner) once all the photos are in.
Upload at least a week before the party so there’s room for the one round of changes that’s included. If you need it by a certain date, add it in the order form.
Showing it at the party
- Test it on the TV or laptop before guests arrive
- Play it after the cake, when everyone is in one room
- Have tissues nearby, honestly
- Share the private link with family afterwards so everyone can keep it
For a couple’s celebration rather than a birthday, see our anniversary gift for parents. For the basics, read the main guide to animating old photos.
Frequently asked questions
Can old, faded photos be used?
Yes. Fading, scratches and creases are restored before animation.
Can we include people who have passed?
Yes, and many families do. Think about how the birthday person might feel watching in front of guests.
Can you deliver it to the birthday person directly?
No. It always comes to you first, so you choose the moment.
Can I change something after I see it?
Yes. One round of changes is included.