How to make a gift video for your mum or dad from family photos

Updated October 21, 2026 · Reviewed by The Rift team

Short answer

Gather a few photos: one of your mum or dad when they were young, one of you, a family photo. Add them in Rift and tell Spark, Rift's video agent, the moment, like 'Dad at 25 on his motorbike, riding toward the camera' or 'me as a kid running into Mum's arms'. Tap Make for a video up to 15 seconds and send it on the day.

Add old and new family photos of your mum or dad and tell Spark the scene. You get a short video gift in your Library.

Ideas that land

Their younger self: a photo from before you were born, brought to life.
Then and now: you as a toddler running to them, from an old photo.
Their dream: Dad finally on that boat, Mum in Paris.
The whole family: everyone together, even if you live apart.

Step by step

Find the photos. Ask a sibling for the old albums.
Add them in Rift and say the moment in one line.
Check the Draft and tap Make.
Send it with your message.

Lines to try with Spark

“Mum at 20 on this beach, laughing and turning to the camera.”
“Dad at 25 riding his old motorbike toward the camera, sunny road.”
“Me at 4 running into Mum’s arms in this garden.”
“Mum and Dad dancing in their kitchen, warm evening light.”
“Dad on a fishing boat at sunrise, holding up a big fish.”

Tips

Pick their favourite photo, not the sharpest.
Keep it gentle: slow camera, warm light.

Questions people ask

Can I use an old print?

Yes. Photograph it flat in daylight, and ask Spark to restore it first if it's faded.

What if my parent lives far away?

Use separate photos of each of you and say "the two of us on a bench in the park".

Can I make one for a step-parent or grandparent?

Of course. The same steps work for anyone who raised you.

Can I add a message?

Write it in the message you send with the video.