Once Upon Us
A Christmas gift made from your story
Another sweater, another candle, or the story of the two of you. Once Upon Us turns your photos together into a short animated film, opened with your names and closed on a line you write, like "Merry Christmas, my love". Print the QR card for under the tree, or send the link on Christmas morning.
Example frames in three of the six styles. Your film is drawn from your own photos.
Under the tree
Print a card with a QR code that opens the film and tuck it into a real envelope, or send the private gift link on Christmas morning.
Last-minute, still personal
We start drawing the moment you order: your scenes are usually drawn within 30 minutes and your film is ready soon after, so it still works on Christmas Eve.
This year, or all of them
12 photos make a 1-minute film of your year together; 36 or 60 photos tell the whole story in 3 or 5 minutes.
Looking for more than a film? See first Christmas together gifts for him or her, sorted by how long you've been together.
How it works
Add your photos
Add 3 to 60 photos of the two of you, from the first date to today. Once Upon Us reads the date each photo was taken and puts your memories in order.
Pick a style and your characters
3D animated, hand-drawn, anime, cartoon, claymation or comic book. We draw the two of you in that style three ways; you pick the pair that looks most like you, and we draw your first scene with them free, before you pay. They star in every scene of your film.
Make it yours
Your names open the film in the look you pick. Add words on screen, choose one of four songs and write your closing line. Then look over your storyboard, pick your film's length and pay once.
Pay once, by length
One-time payment, no subscription. Every scene can be redrawn 3 times.
Made with you, scene by scene. Add your photos, pick your characters and see your first scene free before you pay, then check each scene before it comes to life.
Start our filmQuestions
What's a personalized Christmas gift for a boyfriend or girlfriend?
Something only the two of you could have: a short animated film of your story, made from your photos, with your names in the opening and your own closing line.
Can the film say Merry Christmas?
Yes. You write the closing line yourself and can add words on screen to any scene.
Will it be ready in time?
Drawing starts once you add your photos and order. Your scenes are usually drawn within 30 minutes, your film is ready soon after, and we email you a private link.
How does Once Upon Us work?
Add 3 to 60 photos of the two of you and pick a style. We draw the two of you as characters in that style, redraw each photo with them and bring it to life as a 5-second moving scene, put in order by date, with an opening that carries your names, words on screen where you want them, the music you pick and your closing line.
What styles can I pick?
3D animated, hand-drawn, anime, cartoon, claymation and comic book. The whole film is drawn in the style you pick.
Will it look like us?
After you pick a style, we draw the two of you as characters three ways and you choose the one that looks most like you. That pair stars in every scene, so you look the same from start to finish. You check every scene before it comes to life, and if one misses, you redraw it for free.
More ideas
Gift guides
Styles
Updated November 6, 2026