How to Preserve Your Child's Artwork with a Custom Art Book Gift Box

Quick Answer

To preserve your child's artwork, collect pieces in a designated box, keep them flat and dry, and send them to Plum Print to be professionally photographed and designed into a custom art book. This protects children's art from fading and damage while turning it into a keepsake you'll treasure.

Every drawing, painting, and school project your child brings home is a tiny piece of their childhood. But without a plan, these treasures end up crumpled in drawers or lost in the recycling bin. The good news is that preserving kids' artwork doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

A custom art book gift box offers a simple, all-in-one solution. You collect the pieces, send them off, and Plum Print handles the digitizing and book design. The result is a beautiful hardcover book that protects children's art for years to come—and frees up your storage space.

Why Kids' Artwork Needs Special Care

Children's art is often created on thin paper with markers, paint, or crayons—materials that can smudge, fade, or tear easily. Sunlight, humidity, and rough handling can all cause damage. Without proper storage, a cherished drawing can become unrecognizable within a few months.

That's why kids art storage solutions matter. Keeping artwork flat in a box protects it from bending and creasing. Storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight prevents fading. And digitizing the art—either by photographing it yourself or using a professional service—ensures a backup copy even if the original is lost.

• Store artwork flat, not rolled, to avoid creases.
• Keep pieces in a dry, cool area away from windows.
• Label each piece with the date and your child's age before storing.

How a Custom Art Book Gift Box Works

The Plum Print Art Book Gift Box arrives with a gift certificate inside, making it a perfect present for grandparents or other loved ones. The recipient fills the box with artwork, school work, awards, or even sculptures. Once full, they send it back to Plum Print, and the team professionally photographs and edits each piece.

Then, Plum Print designs a beautiful hardcover book for your approval. You can review the layout and make changes before it goes to print. Every book order includes a complimentary virtual gallery and high-resolution image downloads, so you'll have digital copies of the art even after the originals are returned or stored away.

• The box holds more than just paper—include small 3D pieces like sculptures or awards.
• You can order a gift box for yourself or as a gift to someone else.
• The virtual gallery makes it easy to share your child's art with family and friends.

Preparing Artwork for Your Custom Book

Before sending your child's art to Plum Print, take a few minutes to organize it. Sort pieces by date or theme, and remove any that are damaged beyond repair. If you have a large collection, consider choosing your favorite pieces to keep the book focused and meaningful.

For the best results, handle artwork with clean, dry hands. Avoid folding or stapling pieces, and use acid-free folders or plastic sleeves if you're storing them for a while. If you're sending a box, pack items securely to prevent shifting during transit. Plum Print's team is experienced in handling children's art, but a little care on your end goes a long way.

• Use acid-free materials to prevent yellowing over time.
• Photograph or scan each piece before sending it off as a backup.
• Include a note with your child's name and age for each piece if you want them in the book.

Caring for Your Custom Art Book

Once your custom art book arrives, it's time to enjoy it—and protect it. Store the book on a shelf away from direct sunlight to prevent the cover from fading. If you have young children, keep it on a higher shelf or in a display case to avoid spills and rough handling.

To clean the book, use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, which can damage the pages. If you want to display a favorite page, consider purchasing a separate poster print or framed piece rather than leaving the book open, which can stress the spine.

• Keep the book in a cool, dry place.
• Use a book stand for display instead of leaving it open flat.
• Handle pages with clean hands to avoid transferring oils.

Diagnosing Your Artwork Preservation Problem

• Symptom: Your child's artwork is piling up, getting damaged, or you're unsure how to keep it without clutter. Recognize that you need a dedicated preservation plan.
• Likely Cause: Without a consistent storage system, artwork gets crumpled, faded, or lost. Many parents also feel guilty about throwing pieces away. A custom art book solves both the storage and the keepsake problem.
• Corrective Action: Collect pieces in a box like the Art Book Gift Box or Back to School Box, keep them flat and dry, then send them to Plum Print for digitizing and book creation. You'll receive a beautiful hardcover book that preserves the art without taking up much space.
• When to Stop or Choose Another Option: If you only have a few favorite pieces and want to display them, consider a poster print or framed canvas instead. If you want a digital-only archive, photograph the art yourself and skip the book. Choose the option that fits your space, budget, and how you want to enjoy the art.

Plum Print Products for Preserving Kids' Art

• Art Book Gift Box: Art Book Gift Boxes arrive with a beautifully wrapped gift certificate tucked inside. Recipients fill the box with their child's artwork, school work, awards, sculptures—you name it! Plum Print professionally digitizes the materials and designs a book for their approval. This is the all-in-one solution for preserving kids' artwork. The box makes it easy to collect pieces, and the included gift certificate means you can give it as a present while still getting the finished book.
• Back to School Box: Celebrate your children's creativity with tailor-made keepsake art books! Enjoy 50% OFF your prepaid collection box and stay organized throughout the school year. Send it back to us whenever you're ready! We carefully photograph and edit each piece and design beautiful hardcover books for your approval. If you want to preserve a year's worth of school art, this box helps you stay organized. The prepaid option makes it easy to collect pieces throughout the year and send them when you're ready.
• Graduation Card Book: Commemorate your graduate's achievements with a high-quality keepsake that's bound to last a lifetime. Each book is priced per card, and your deposit is credited back on your final invoice. For older kids, this is a great way to preserve graduation announcements and cards. The flexible per-card pricing lets you create a book that fits your budget.

Preserving your child's artwork doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. With a custom art book gift box, you can collect, digitize, and display their creations in a way that protects them for years to come. Whether you choose a gift box for a loved one or a school-year box for your own family, you'll be turning everyday creations into a lasting keepsake.