Best Photo Books Reviews

  • Reviews
  • Coupons
  • Photo Book Apps
  • Photo Books for Canada
  • Comparison
  • Articles
    • FAQ
  • More
    • Dating Sites
    • Language Learning Apps
    • Photo Editing Software
    • More Reviews
Best Reviews > Best Photo Books Reviews > Articles > Mini Photo Books, The Pocket-Sized Memorabilia

Best Reviews may receive compensation for its content through paid collaborations and/or affiliate links. Learn more about how we sustain our work and review products.

Mini Photo Books, The Pocket-Sized Memorabilia

By Zoltan G. Verified by Mary P.
Last updated: March 9, 2018

Mini Photo BooksOne of the biggest advantages of modern photo books is that they can be customized in any way the customer would like, whether it’s the material of the cover, the number and layout of the pages or even the book’s size. As a matter of fact, this wide variety of customization has gave birth to a particular a new, very specific type of photo book. Mini photo books are the perfect and cheap way of surprising your loved ones with a very personal gift.

What Makes a Mini Photo Book Mini?

Although there is no general consensus on where the line separating mini photo books and regular ones is, photo printing services usually deem a photo book mini if it’s smaller than 7×7 inches when closed. But books can be even smaller than this, which is in fact the pocket photo book category that comprises of books the sizes of which never exceed six inches in both height and width.

Size Difference Between Regular and Mini Photo Books

Due to their diminished size these photo books don’t possess the same variety as their bigger counterparts, at least when it comes to physical attributes like cover type, binding, the number of pages and the like. However, the advantages of creating a mini photo book outweigh all their disadvantages: not only are they printed and shipped faster and for more affordable prices – even as part of a bulk order – but they can possess unusual attributes as well, such as opening like an accordion, featuring an insanely high number of pages or even having a layflat binding by default.

Mini Photo Book Examples

Seeing how easily and cheaply they can be created, it’s not surprising that many photo printing services offer mini photo books.

In that regard there are certain services that focus more on speed rather than a wide variety of customization options, such Chatbooks and its flagship product, Photo Book Series. But if you’d prefer something more traditional, then there’s Picaboo, where the 5×5 or 4×5 Premium Mini Book comes with thick, satin-finished, tear-resistant pages and an UV-coated softcover – features that not even the company’s most basic photo books can be upgraded with. These attributes are pretty much the same when choosing Mixbook’s 6×6 mini photo book, too, but the company adds two unique twists to the mix as well: default layflat pages and unlimited customization options.

ChatbooksPicabooBlurb

The 6×6 Chatbooks Photo Books Series

The Photo Book Series of Chatbooks

Picaboo's Mini Photo Book

A Blurb Mini Photo Book

Blurb Mini Photo Books

Last, but not least it’s worth mentioning Blurb, which has two unique offers. The first is its 5×5 Mini book that, despite being exclusive to Blurb’s iPhone/iPad app, comes with a matte cover and premium pages by default. The other is a 7×7 small book that can be built with six paper types – including layflat – and soft, hard or linen covers.

Creating a Petite Photo Book

The ability to put together any kind of photo book and customize it to your own taste is the undeniable beauty of a modern photo printing service. Although most of the same customization options are available for mini photo books as well, many people tend to forget that a photo book printed in a regular size may not look as good if it’s recreated in a smaller size.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to avoid disappointment and receive an astonishing final result.

Pages and Layout

While there are often no restrictions regarding the number of pages to be included in the would-be book – aside from the minimum and maximum amount required by the photo book service – the appearance of the pages has to be designed in such a way it doesn’t look too crowded. In that regard a simple background with one or two photos per page is enough.

As a matter of fact, the mini photo book gives the perfect opportunity to recreate the look and feel of Instagram, especially if actual Instagram photos are used.

Blurb's photo book for Instagram photos

Text and Embellishments

Again, remember that long and illegible text on pages littered with too many things could easily distract the reader from the stars of the photo book, the pictures themselves.

So, it’s best to stick to short, effective text written in a large font, while stickers should only be added to those pages where they seem appropriate.

Themes

The good thing about mini photo books is that unlike once in a lifetime occasions that demand something even more spectacular – such as a wedding – they are perfect for almost any situation, whether that is Valentine’s Day, Christmas, graduation or just a collection of the kiddies for the grandparents. Speaking of the family, petite photo books make perfect gifts for virtually anyone, including more distant relatives, friends, colleagues or anyone close to you.

Simply put, there is no limit when it comes to choosing a theme.

A Wedding Theme for Mini Photo Books

Additional Extras

Pocket-sized photo books can be built in more or less the same way as their bigger counterparts. This means that there are occasions when you have no choice but to accept the book with the default (and only) attributes.

At first this may seem frustrating, but even the cheapest looking photo books are printed in a professional manner, not to mention that ditching some of the popular extras – like a hard cover or special photo paper with a layflat binding – keeps the book light and more portable.

However, if you want to have the book created with the special extras and there is the option to upgrade the product to provide the feeling of a regular photo book that has simply been shrunken down, don’t hesitate to grab the opportunity.

Best Photo Books of 2023

Rank Company Info Visit
1
Mixbook 4/5
  • Superb, foolproof photo book editor
  • Various customization options
  • Hundreds of photo book themes
  • Fast printing and shipping
  • Full review…
Visit MixbookUp to 50% Off
2
Shutterfly 4/5
  • Various editing methods
  • Custom creations
  • Mobile-friendly website
  • Timely production and shipping
  • Full review…
Visit
3
Printique 3.5/5
  • Countless customization options
  • Photo storing in your account
  • iPad app
  • Quick printing with expedite service
  • Full review…
Visit

Get the Best Photo Books Deals

Save big and keep up with the latest photo books trends when you sign up to our monthly newsletter.

Thank you for subscribing please check your email account for confirmation email!
By subscribing to our newsletter you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.
Tab title

Category: Articles

Share Your Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Articles

  • 4 Timeless Party Theme Ideas for a Summer Photo Book
  • 11 Beautiful Valentine’s Gifts for Her Under $25
  • 10 Best Valentines Gifts for Him Under $25
  • 5 Wedding Anniversary Photo Gift Ideas for Your Partner
  • 6 Awesome Christmas Gifts for Dads Under $25

Recent Articles

  • 4 Timeless Party Theme Ideas for a Summer Photo Book
  • 11 Beautiful Valentine’s Gifts for Her Under $25
  • 10 Best Valentines Gifts for Him Under $25
  • 5 Wedding Anniversary Photo Gift Ideas for Your Partner
  • 6 Awesome Christmas Gifts for Dads Under $25

More Info

  • Best Automatic Photo Book Makers
  • Best Instagram Photo Books
  • Best Facebook Photo Books
  • Best Photo Books for Professional Photographers
  • Best Wedding Photo Books

Best Reviews

Best Reviews may receive compensation for its content through paid collaborations and/or affiliate links. Learn more about how we sustain our work and review products.

Best Reviews © 2023 · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Contact Us